‘I had a panic attack before I posted it. My body has fat, it has rolls, it’s got stretch marks from before my pregnancy. But that doesn’t make it any less postpartum.’

There comes a point in our postpartum journeys where we have a choice to make. Will you choose to embrace your wounds and love your body for the miracle it did to bring life into this world OR will you be your biggest critic constantly feeding yourself lies about your new body? The reality is, in order for us to fully embrace our postpartum bodies, we must change our perspective and how we see ourselves.

Yes, my body has changed. Yes, it has taken time for me to feel beautiful, strong, sexy, and confident in this new body. But I prayed for these wounds. I longed for these tiger stripes. There was a time during my infertility where I would desire to have had C-sections over and over just to have a baby in my arms. When I look at my hope wounds, I will remember the other women out there waiting, hoping, wishing for the same kind of hope wounds. I will choose to embrace them for what they are because they are apart of my story and brought me my miracles.

Whoever you are and wherever you are in your postpartum journey, always remember you’re beautiful, your body is amazing, and you’re a great mama. This is postpartum. I hope other women are encouraged and inspired through this project to celebrate their bodies and be kinder to themselves.

@moderndaywonderland

This is such an important project because it reminds us that we all have our own experiences when it comes to this postpartum journey. We need to remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and absolutely beautiful. Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, and because of this we are able to see so many different stories and inspiring messages. I think that this movement gives mothers a stronger sense of community, and reminds us that it is ok to have wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, and every other beautiful marking that comes with a well lived life. Talking about and embracing our bodies and journeys reminds us that we are all together on this crazy adventure.

@thegarciadiaries

This project means so much to me for so many reasons. The narrative on postpartum women HAS to change, it just has to. There are so many unreasonable expectations and I hope this movement helps all of us realize that we are in this TOGETHER. There is no “right” way to look or feel postpartum. This is my reality: cellulite, stretch marks, rolls on rolls, a messy toddler, a newborn who doesn’t sleep unless I’m holding her, matted hair, and so much love.

@katiemcrenshaw

I was passionate about joining this project, as a blogger who maintains a tone of authenticity and is known for her “straight-talk.” I’m an advocate for self-love and positive body image, especially after becoming a mother. Social media and media in general have set a dangerous precedent for what “normal” looks like for new moms. We are here to change the narrative. 

Shared from the original post on Ellennation (Sept. 11, 2018).

It's less about "what" than it is about "who". We're all doing the best we can, and at the end of the day, that's enough.

Breast or bottle. Co-sleeping or sleep-training. Some screen time or none at all. How to discipline your kids. Can I just confess that sometimes I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing?

Before having kids, it never really occurred to me how many different ways there might be to raise a child. I remember leaving the hospital after the birth of our firstborn, wondering "where's the manual?" And when I naively asked for advice as a brand-new mom, it took me aback how many different (and strong) opinions I received.

With all the information out there, not to mention how different the environment and culture we operate in is today, it can be so hard to navigate through each challenge or new experience that comes our way as parents. Most of the time, even in the midst of a teaching moment, there's a little voice in my head that's asking, "Is this really the right way to do this?"

Now that I'm almost four years into the parenting thing, I'm starting to let go a bit more. Especially after having my second and understanding just how different every child can be, I'm starting to realize there really isn't just one right way out there. That what's right for one child may not be for another. And that what's right for one mom also may not be right for another.

As an individual, I remember it took some time to really get to know myself. To understand my own heart and dreams, to know who I was and what mattered to me. I'm realizing that as moms, we all must go through this journey again - to get to know our hearts, dreams, and what matters again - but in the context of this new integral part of ourselves that was birthed at the same time as our first child. And part of that comes with accepting ourselves for who we are and resting in the fact that we are all on a journey, we are all a work-in-progress, and we are all growing - and that's OK.

At the end of the day, I take comfort in the fact that somehow, the universe has chosen me to be "mommy" to these specific children - that no one else but I am meant to be their mama. That no one knows my children better than I do. No one loves my kids as much as I do. No one knows myself better than I do. And no one has the role to dream for, advocate for, and help our children into their own potential quite like I do.

When my kids wake up, no matter the hour, the first word they call out is always "Mommy." When they discover something new, they're excited to show mommy. When they fall, they want a hug from mommy. That's just it. They aren't looking for the perfect parent out there. They just want me - their mommy. That's who we are to them. And they just simply want to be with me. And that's really significant.

All this to say, it's OK mamas. It's OK to seek all the guidance and advice all we want - but trust that after all's been said and done, doing our best is indeed the best that we can do. Beyond all the right developmental toys, the right methods, the right activities, what our kids need more than anything else is just our love, our presence, just us - and that alone will lead us to doing it "right". Take comfort in that. Take ownership of that. And rest in the knowledge that we are enough.

-Christina P. (@onbeingmommy)

Pictured below: Christina in our Own Your Motherhood tee

I'm always on the hunt for new products especially ones that offer better options or more natural solutions for my family's needs. Recently, I started thinking about the next phase of my motherhood journey PUBERTY. Yes, I'm scared are you?

When I was a first-time mom, I read everything I could get my hands on from magazines to the latest books. I did lots of insane FBI-like mama research; which led me to join the world of cloth diapering. I had been such a crunchy nut about the best diapering choice for my daughter that it recently made me think about the best possible feminine hygiene choices for when her first period rolls into town.

Why would I not be just as insane with this delicate choice as I was when she was little?

This thought had been rolling around my busy mama brain for weeks when lo and behold I was listening to my beloved XM radio, and a commercial for LOLA came on. Instantly, I was glued to the advertisement and mission behind the brand that I had to check it out for myself... And guess what guys?

They have a FIRST PERIOD KIT!!!!! Talk about winning the mama jackpot and taking the guesswork out of how to help your not-so-little lady be prepared for her own journey into womanhood. This fun kit comes in an excellent keepsake box outfitted with a canvas pouch and sweet collection of stickers for her to customize the bag for her backpack. It's packed with an assortment of hygiene products for her to try out from panty liners to tampons this box will give her the tools, knowledge, and know-how. With its instructional cards for each product, she can have confidence in knowing how to use them.

I honestly love everything about this brand. Their desire to make products for women and their reproductive health, from the packaging to the customization; mylola.com is winning it with options like monthly subscriptions to your door and these amazing first-period kits. This company passes the test and totally makes the "Mom Culture Loves" list.

 If you need more information on Lola products and talking about first periods check out The LOLA's personal, honest and real-life guide to your first period by the LOLA team and Dr. Lauren Stern found here.

Here's to raising strong and confident young women!!!

XO,

Sarah 

Photo credit: Krystal Feserly 

First of all, why are we still succumbed to changing our clocks every 6 months? There are several states that do not change their clocks for Daylight Savings. Anywho, that's beside the point! I'm here to give you a few pointers on how best to prepare yourself and your home for daylight savings. 

This one is a bit easier since we "fall" back an hour. My favorite ways to adjust are:

1. Change your clocks (oven, microwave, watches) on Saturday night before bed

I can't tell you how many times I've woken up to my alarm clock and get downstairs to see the time on the microwave is an hour different...and I question all of my life decisions until that point. 

2. Remember that since some other states don't participate in the time change, double check your meeting and conference call times

If you live in California and have a scheduled conference call with someone in Arizona at 11am, double check which time zone it is scheduled for. 

3. Hint for Springtime DST: go to bed early and meal prep

Since you "spring forward" in March, this can be the hardest transition, even for those of us who have lived in California their whole lives! My suggestions is to plan to go to bed that Friday night a half hour earlier, and then on Saturday a full hour earlier. Taking 3 days to transition will be so much easier than waiting to change your internal clock on Sunday night. Also, preparing meals a day ahead is so helpful. Your future self will thank you.

How do you combat the jetlag of daylight savings??

XO,

Julie

I don't know about you, but I do NOT like to watch scary movies. So it is very fitting that I am writing this list of family Halloween movies. 

Here is a list I've come up with of some family-friendly Halloween movies:

1. Disney's Haunted Mansion
2. Hocus Pocus
3. It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown
4. Casper
5. Addams Family
6. Beetlejuice
7. Hotel Transylvania
8. Ghostbusters
9. Scared Shrekless
10. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey's Trick 

What are your favorite Halloween movies?

XO,

Julie

At age 16 I was diagnosed with PCOS. My GYN informed me that because of the diagnosis and my weight I had a 10% chance of ever conceiving. At that moment I didn't care. I was young and wanted to focus on getting out of my abusive home and go away to college.

Fast forward a couple years. I married my husband at the age of 21. I never told him about my diagnosis of PCOS. When he wanted a family I just thought it would happen. We tried for 2 years and nothing. I was devastated as I knew it was my fault. Yet, for some reason he thought it was him. I figured I would let him think that. But I was dying inside. I decided to return to school and apply for his residency (he was brought into the country illegally by his parents). I started therapy as well. I decided I wanted to lose weight. In November of 2017 I underwent a gastric surgery to lose weight. Two months prior to my surgery, my childhood best friend informed me she was pregnant with baby #3 and didn't feel capable of loving it. She offered her baby to us. I was terrified. I had gotten used to the idea of never becoming a parent. My blessing was born February 21st, 2018. I was present in the delivery room. I was terrified. My husband had been called to his interview and was out of the country. Baby had complications due to substance abuse. The stress and the joy and pride I felt was overwhelming. I did not tell anyone I was adopting. I was afraid of being judged. My husband's visa was approved that same week. He returned to the USA when baby turned 4 weeks. On July 6th I found out I am expecting. God is great. My 10% chance of never having children is growing inside of me. My husband is in love with our adopted baby girl but extremely happy and excited for the arrival of our new bundle. 

-Anonymous

Tonight I want to talk about miscarriage. It’s a tough topic, but I feel like I need to talk about it tonight. I had one. One in four women will or have had one. More people have had a miscarriage then have not had one. It’s proven by science, you can check my facts. What still haunts me to this day is the fact that I wanted and prayed for this baby we lost so bad. My husband and I were so excited. I had an appointment the day before I started bleeding and everything was fine. That day after that appointment changed me and scarred me forever. I called my husband at work and told him what was happening, he rushed home and got me, and we went to the hospital. The thing that killed me that day was the doctor wouldn’t straight up tell me I lost my baby. He wouldn’t say it and I just wanted him to be honest with me and tell me I lost him or her. That broke me in a million pieces. That day was the first day I ever saw my husband really cry. Having a miscarriage and losing a child is hard not only on you as the mother, but also your significant other who also was looking forward to that baby. I think for me it’s still hard for me to put into words how I feel and felt about it and it’s been 3.5 years already. Our baby, our first baby, would have had the due date of January 3rd. Every year on January 3rd I feel some sort of peace I never thought I would feel. I feel like even though our baby isn’t with us physically, the day that is supposed to be hard on us never is. I can only say that I think it’s a God thing. The weird thing for me is after I had my youngest daughter and all of the trials and tribulations we went through, my Mom asked me something I never even thought about-she asked me if I thought Ember was the baby I had lost the first time, and she wasn’t ready and Hadlee had to be born first to teach me a thing or two, and then Ember and God decided Ember would come back to me. Me being me, I asked my 7 week old baby girl if she was the baby I lost and if she came back to me-y’all, she smiled at me this perfect newborn baby smile, cooed, and reached for me. I got goosebumps all over and it’s like I knew then that Ember was the one who we lost, God just needed her back for awhile and then she came back to us. I don’t know if that that sounds crazy, but I do know that’s how I truly feel. I do know that every May 8th, which is the day I had my miscarriage, is tough for me. Every single year is rough. Maybe it’ll get better in time, but that day is terrible for me no matter what. Maybe I like to believe that Ember is the baby we lost and God gave me my baby back because in my heart it makes me feel better, but I guess I’ll truly never know till I get to Heaven. If there’s a baby waiting for me, I’ll know then for certain. Either way, miscarriage is hard. It’s gut wrenching. It changes your life forever. It gives you major anxiety about future pregnancies or if you’ll ever get pregnant again. It makes you emotional when you have friends that go through it, because I honestly wouldn’t wish a miscarriage on anyone. And it makes you think about that baby almost every day. I mean, times heals right? Things aren’t as raw as they were that May 8th. But time doesn’t take away all the pain. If you’ve ever gone through a miscarriage, my heart goes out to you. I know what you’re going through. I know the pain. I know the hurt. I know the what if’s and the why’s. I know you’ve questioned God and the plan. But trust me when I say that God’s plan is so much greater then you could ever imagine. Losing a child is terrible, but trusting in God always gets you through. Talk about your miscarriage to anyone who will listen. Don’t be silent because it makes things worse ultimately. Be open and honest and just know you’re not the first and you’re definitely not the last woman to go through something like this. I know it sucks, but just find a friend and talk through it. Even if it happened years ago or yesterday, someone out there that you know can relate and understand and help you through. You’re never alone when it comes to this. And I’m always around for anyone looking for support-I completely understand and am here to help in anyway I can. Love and blessings to everyone.

-Codi B.

In 2011, we were blessed with an amazing little boy. We found out, he was 5 months old, that we were expecting again! We were going to have 2 under 1! The crazy thing is that I was told, when I was 25, that it was unlikely I'd ever have children as I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). One morning, when I was 18 weeks pregnant with #2, I woke up not feeling well. I pushed the feeling aside and did all the mom things, at usual. Within a couple hours, I was bleeding profusely. My husband and parents rush to our apartment to take me to the ER. My dad stayed home with our #1. At the hospital they rush me into an ultrasound and we hear the baby's heartbeat! We were so happy. Our joy was short-lived when the doctor came in to say that the baby was already in the birth canal. I would have to deliver him. Malcolm Alexander was born October 4, 2011 at 2:15pm. He was 8 inches, 8 oz. Fast forward: 2 months. Guess what? We're expecting, again. This time we had only the best result- a beautiful teeny tiny baby girl. She came 4 weeks early but was a little fighter and only spent a week in the NICU. 2 years later, another little teeny tiny boy would complete our family. On days when I'm screaming my head off and having a hard day, I have to consciously stop and remember. They're the rainbow after the storm.

-Shanthi G.

Raising good humans has always been my #1 mom goal.

Simply put - I want my kids to be GOOD kids.

Kids people can count on.

Kids people can rely on.

Kids that are truly just GOOD kids.

I'll never forget the feeling I felt when my oldest son William was placed on my chest seconds after he was born on September 25th, 2004. In a flash...in a true instant...my world was complete. All of a sudden I wanted to do everything I could to make the world a better place for him. I wanted to be a better person for him. I wanted to do whatever I could to give him the best life possible. That feeling of motherhood...of feeling needed and wanted by this beautiful little boy was incredibly overwhelming in a very (very, very!) good way.

The best part about it? I went on to feel that exact same feeling again and again and again and again with the birth of my next 4 children.

But beyond me - beyond the feeling I felt with each and every birth - I've just wanted to RAISE GOOD HUMANS. And as I've gotten older and raised my children for the last 14 years, the moms and dads that I'm the closest to and really have bonded with are raising good humans. That's the best thing we can do as parents and caregivers and grandparents and aunties and uncles.

What do I mean by raising good humans?

I want my kids to stand up for what they believe in.

I want my kids to be described as kind and fair and good.

I want my kids to be sympathetic and wise.

I want my kids to be good listeners.

I want my kids to be compassionate.

I want my kids to be the ones to help someone when they're down.

I want my kids to be thoughtful and understanding.

I want my kids to love the world around them.

I want my kids to know the difference between right and wrong.

I want my kids to live with the belief that the glass 1/2 full.

I want my kids to have big hearts and wear that love on their sleeves.

I just want my kids to be GOOD HUMANS. I'm doing everything in my power to make sure they're raised this way. I pray and I hope and I wish for them to be GOOD HUMANS. I'm a big believer in leading and living by example, and I try to live my life as a GOOD HUMAN for them. In all honesty - it's not hard to be a good human. It's something that everyone should strive to be for our future... for the ones watching, for the ones listening, for the ones to come.

There's so many ways to RAISE GOOD HUMANS...here's to hoping we all do.

RAISE GOOD HUMANS.

This article was originally posted on The Today Show by one of our loyal customers, Audrey McClelland. Click here to see the original post.

After having my son, I didn’t want another child for a few years, so I got an IUD. About a week after my son turned 1 I had what I thought was a period. I thought it was weird since I had just had a period 2 weeks prior. I called my doctor because suddenly my cramps intensified and I was hurled over in pain. She said to come in that day so we could check out what was going on. When I went in they had my go to the lab to give a urine sample and I thought nothing of it. When I got in the doctor’s office they said “you’re pregnant.” I immediately started bawling my eyes out. I had a baby inside of me that I wasn’t expecting, but so desperately didn’t want to lose. I knew losing the baby was a huge possibility because I had the IUD in and my cramps were horrible. I had to take blood and then come back 48 hours later to draw blood again and see if numbers were rising or dropping. These were the longest 2 days of my life. I remember checking my lab numbers online every 10 minutes with anxiousness. I was having a girl’s night with a friend, trying to take my mind off of things when I finally got the results. My hormone levels dropped. I was sick to my stomach, ashamed, embarrassed, sad and so confused. 

I decided after that experience that I didn’t want to wait to have another child, but my partner did want to wait. It was so hard. Before getting unexpectedly pregnant I had wanted to wait a few years. Now I was depressed and felt lonely over a baby that in reality, I was actually trying to prevent in the first place. 

Another year and a half passed and my partner finally got on board with me and decided it was time for another one. Luckily, I got pregnant in our first month trying and had my rainbow baby girl in October of 2016. It’s hard to think of the baby I lost, but it’s also hard to think that if I had that baby I might not have my perfect girl that I have now. 

-Brittney L.