ML Interest Tag: push

To Push Present or Not? Here’s the Low Down

by Kate Cartia

We have a few thoughts on push presents.

If you haven’t heard of the idea of a “push present”, get this: the concept might actually be centuries old. The Indian ritual of godh bharai is similar to a baby shower, although in this case, instead of the typical bottles and baby swing, the expecting mom is lavished with gifts and cash (um, yes please). To absolutely no one’s surprise, celebrity culture has increased the push present’s popularity. Kristin Cavallari was treated to a Birkin Bag in 2012, courtesy of now-hubby Jay Cutler. Jay-Z gifted Beyoncé a blue diamond worth $35K (apparently, Jays give solid presents).

On the flip side, some people aren’t big fans of the concept. We’ve heard that the baby is (obviously) the best gift already, so if you’re in the “nope” camp, we get it. That said, many believe that new moms should have whatever they want. We can’t really argue that, either.

Our take? If you or your partner is Team Push Present, we have some excellent ideas (though we skipped the Birkin Bag thing because…wow). Not into the idea? Consider just making sure your favorite new mom is as supported as possible—cooking, cleaning, watching the little one while she gets a much-needed shower. Actually, we have a little experience in  New Mom Territory and would highly suggest doing that, regardless of gift-giving. New mom yourself? You have all the permission in the world to pick yourself up something from our (awesome) list below. Or link your partner for a little hint-dropping.

The Louise Dress from Marea

Marea

It's totally possible you don't feel like dressing up in the days and weeks after delivering your little one, and we so get it. That's why we love The Louise. It's a lounge dress. It's a swim cover-up. It's your go-to to feel more polished—add a belt, wear it off or on your shoulders. 100% cotton means you'll be temperature-regulated and comfortable. One size fits dress sizes 0-16. The Louise Dress from Marea ($198.00)—Buy Here!

Mini Love Letters "Mama" Necklace

Easter Ahn Design

This dainty necklace in 14k solid gold is a quintessential push present. If you're not really a "mama" person, it also comes in a "mom" option. Mini Love Letters "Mama" Necklace ($315.00)—Buy Here!

Everyday Nap Earrings Trio

Maison Miru

Okay, so you're probably not thinking a lot about jewelry, but that's why we love the Nap Earrings from Maison Miru! They're the set-it-and-forget-it of the accessory world and can be worn all the time, thanks to the flat backs that even make it easy to sleep on. Maison Miru Nap Earrings ($230.00)—Buy Now!

Virgin Experiences

Virgin Experiences

There's no reason to limit your gifts to stuff. Virgin Experiences has everything from massages, spa days, yoga experiences, art classes, city tours, and more. Or, give a Virgin Experiences gift card and let mom pick for herself. Virgin Experiences (Price Varies)—Buy Here!

Pearl Apple Watch Band by Goldenerre

Goldenerre

You're already keeping track of...everything. Your smartwatch is a lifesaver, so keep it on a pretty band that makes it feel a little more like jewelry and less like a tool. It's available in both gold and silver, and may we suggest adding the matching pearl tennis bracelet? Pearl Apple Watch Band by Goldenerre ($158.00)—Buy Here!

Sterling Silver Birth Flower Earrings

Sterling Forever

Dainty earrings are always welcome with grabby baby hands about, and these birth flower earrings are perfect for commemorating your baby's birthday month. They're available in sterling silver or 14k gold plating. Sterling Silver Birth Flower Earrings ($52.00)—Buy Here!

Chagaccino

Renude

A super healthy & delicious mushroom-based adaptogenic coffee boost? The Chagaccino is the health & wellness version of the mocha latte, and spiked with an effective dose of the planet’s greatest adaptogens. It also tastes amazing. (If you're nursing, you'll want to speak to your healthcare provider before starting a supplement, just to be safe.). Chagaccino 30-Serving Starter Kit ($74.99)—Buy Here!

A Powerful Force Necklace Set by Air & Anchor

Air & Anchor

While the description of this lovely necklace set mentions Cupid, we're seriously firm believers that holding your babe for the very first time is even more powerful. A Powerful Force Necklace Set by Air & Anchor ($318.00)—Buy Here!

Sculpting Square Neck Swimsuit

Stylest

We know. We have the nerve to add a swimsuit to this list. Trust us, though. After having a baby, few things feel as good as feeling supported—mentally, obviously, but physically, some compression helps with postpartum recovery. The Stylest swimsuit is ultra-supportive, extremely flattering, and perfect for dipping your toes back in the water. It also comes in several colors, so you can find the perfect suit for your style. Stylest Sculpting Square Neck Swimsuit ($198.00)—Buy Here!

Initial Diamond Pendant by Keyzar

Keyzar

Settling on a baby name can be a challenge in itself, so celebrating your little one and their perfect name is a must. The initial diamond pendant comes in yellow, white, or rose gold, and these stunning lab-grown diamonds let you feel good about an ethical purchase. Initial Diamond Pendant by Keyzar ($780.00)—Buy Here!

Delia Dress in Multicolor Floral

Ivy City Co.

Something about having a go-to dress makes all the difference. It can be challenging to find clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good, and this stunning dress checks both boxes. It's an all-occasion piece that you can wear to weddings, brunch, and running errands (while staying cool and unrestricted). It's also maternity-friendly, so it'll easily be a favorite for years to come. Ivy City Co. Delia Dress in Multicolor Floral ($118.00)—Buy Here!

Leather Jewelry Pouch

Lucrin

It's so easy to misplace your most treasured jewelry, especially when you're focused on more important things. This beautiful jewelry pouch from Lucrin holds all of your sparkles securely, will last an incredibly long time, and comes in a ton of colors. Keeping your special pieces in a special place is definitely a gift. Lucrin Leather Jewelry Pouch ($265.00)—Buy Here!

The Elena Woven Handbag

Milaner

Made from handwoven premium Vachetta leather, this stunning handbag is perfect for a seriously stylish diaper bag, travel bag, or everyday tote. It's handwoven in L3 Marche, Italy, comes in two hues, and is lined with 100% cotton. This is truly an heirloom. The Elena Woven Handbag by Milaner ($765.00)—Buy Here!

Primal Life Face Sculptor Ultrasonic Wand

Primal Life

This beauty does it all—from cleansing, moisturizing, and sculpting, it's an all-in-one tool that clears pores, lifts, and refines. It's ideal for sensitive postpartum skin and increases circulation. A spa treatment in the bathroom? Find us a mom who doesn't deserve that. We'll wait. Primal Life Face Sculptor Ultrasonic Wand ($141.75)—Buy Here!

Cadis Line Bracelet

Cadis

Jaw-dropping? Absolutely. This multi-shape line bracelet from Cadis is designed with ethically-created lab diamonds and 925 silver. It's the true definition of "bling" and we can't stop staring. Cadis Line Bracelet ($580.00)—Buy Here!

Butter & Me Renew Essential Selfcare Kit

Butter & Me

This is serious luxury. A lotion melt bar, moisturizing bar soap, body scrub, skin mask, and lip balm round out this beautiful collection from Butter & Me. Butter & Me Renew Essential Selfcare Kit ($70.00)—Buy Here!

Halo 42 Oil Over Me Face & Body Elixir

Halo 42

This isn't just body oil. It's moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-inflammatory. After applying this golden serum to your whole face and body don't forget to enjoy the relaxing aroma that comes from the au natural geranium, rosehip, chamomile and rosemary oils. Use it anywhere you need some extra love. Halo 42 Oil Over Me Face & Body Elixir ($96.00)—Buy Here!

Google Pixel Pro 7

Google

The new Google Pixel Pro 7 offers a seriously state-of-the-art camera with easy-to-use features that’ll capture every family moment perfectly—whether that’s using Photo Unblur to resurrect shaky photos taken while wrangling the kids or an ultrawide front-facing camera to fit the whole crew in a selfie. Google Pixel Pro 7 ($699.00)—Buy Here!

Baby Keepsake Library

Uncommon Goods

Store cherished keepsakes like hospital name bracelets, lost teeth, and favorite binkies safely and all in one place with this library-style organizer using its illustrated labels, acid-free drawers, vertical files, and tiny envelopes. This library-style display keeps everything together where you can reach for it anytime. Baby Keepsake Library ($95.00)—Buy Here!

Manta Sleep Mask

Manta Sleep/Amazon

We know that this isn't the time where many new parents are getting a ton of sleep, and that's why making the most out of the sleep you do get is so important. Adjustable eye cups mold perfectly to your face to block 100% of light, and true blackout unlocks maximum deep sleep in any environment & any position. Manta Sleep Mask ($39.00)—Buy Here!

Labor & Delivery Essentials Bundle

Kindred Bravely

Create the perfect comfort kit with a full nine pieces in total, featuring Kindred Bravely's best-selling hospital and postpartum styles. Kindred Bravely Labor & Delivery Essentials Bundle ($133.95)—Buy Here!

Big Blanket Co Premiere Plush Blanket

Big Blanket Co

One big fluffy blanket. The Premier Plush blanket is a 10’ x 10’ ultra-plush, breathable, all season microfiber blanket that wraps you in cozy, cloud-like comfort. For sleeping, nursing, couch cuddles, and generally keeping new moms feeling cozy. Big Blanket Co Premiere Plush Blanket ($279.00)—Buy Here!

Rainbow Moonstone Point

Victory Crystals

These beautiful crystals are created with rainbow moonstone—a stone linked to the divine feminine, and is a symbol of love. It can be helpful in alleviating emotional tension and enhancing creativity, intuition, and self-expression. It's said to promote ease and help balance the hormones during the menstrual cycle, puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Whether they're into the whole crystal thing or not, it's such a pretty gesture. Rainbow Moonstone Point ($19.00)—Buy Here!

Bouqs Flower Subscription

Bouqs

Whether it's every week or every month, gift them farm-fresh flowers from one of our favorite florists. Starting at just $44/month, you can pick your frequency and give them something to look forward to over and over again. Bouqs Flower Subscription ($44.00/month+)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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Christmas through My Autistic Son’s Eyes

By Jaime Ramos

Christmas is so much. It’s busy, it’s loud, it’s joyful, it’s frustrating, it’s a lot. I love it though. I love it for religious reasons, I love being with family, I love yummy treats, and I love presents. I get so caught up in it.

I have so many deep-seated memories when it comes to Christmas that I want to recreate them for my kids. I want them to have it all and sometimes I forget to slow down.

My five-year-old son Johnny is on the autism spectrum and is a sensory seeker. This often slows us down. He wants to stop and touch everything. He touches the walls, grass, everything on the shelves at the store, he’s been known to lay on the ground in public and rub his hand over whatever is below him. He appreciates the little things, he feels and sees the world through the smallest details.

I often get sad he doesn’t get excited about Christmas in the traditional ways. He likes it. He likes to say “Santa” and sing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” but when it comes to the actual day he’s not a big fan.

Johnny doesn’t love hustle and bustle. He’s not big on people coming and going. It’s a loud day with too many expectations. He’s not big on Christmas morning, because he knows he’ll have to sit through opening presents, one of his least favorite things.

This year though instead of pushing the things children usually enjoy on him I’ve been celebrating through him. Watching how he enjoys all the small things.

Johnny examines every branch on the tree. He touches and feels each ornament. He lays under the tree and takes it all in. His favorite thing to do is watch the toy train go around and around the tree.

He loves decorations. Especially the big tacky ones I can’t stand, he knows where all the inflatables are in the neighborhood. He stares out the window and looks at all the beautiful lights on people’s houses. He loves his grandmother’s little nativity set and listing all the major players.

He loves snow. When we get that first heavy snow with the big flakes he and I go stand outside and watch them fall. We stare up and watch as each one of them hits our faces. Johnny will jump for joy and then become completely relaxed. I have to limit him so we don’t freeze but he would stand there forever. It is his heaven on earth.

He may not like us loud but he loves his family being together. You can see he loves everyone else’s excitement. He’ll come to me to point out who’s there whether or not he dare ever greet them. He feels the spirit of family and friends.

So this year I am loving seeing the Christmas season through his eyes. Slowing down to take in every detail. I am finding a new way to celebrate and a new way to create memories. I can’t make him enjoy it the way I did and do, but I can join him in enjoying it in the way he does.

 

This post originally appeared on Johnny’s Spirit. Photo via Jaime Ramos.

Jaime Ramos, is a mom from Colorado. She's married to Isaac and has two kids, Amelie and Jesse. Jesse, her Johnny, is on the Autism Spectrum. She went to school to be a filmmaker, but now spends her days mainly as a stay at home mom.

 

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America’s Favorite Veggie? It’s a Little Tree, According to Green Giant Survey

by Sarah Shebek

National Eat Your Vegetable Day is June 17 and broccoli is the most popular veggie in the U.S., according to a new survey from Green Giant. Believe it or not, every person who picked it said the taste was the top factor!

Regionally there are some disagreements. The East Coast prefers broccoli, but the West Coast leans in favor of carrots. Unsurprisingly, corn is the king of many Midwest states. But every state picked one of those three vegetables as the best, pushing aside past favorites that included tomatoes and cucumber.

Also unsurprisingly, small children were not included in this survey. Green Giant collected data from more than 5,000 Americans over the age of 18. There would likely be even more disagreement among kids and we predict that green smoothies would be a top contender.

Thankfully Green Giant has an array of options for the veggie-averse members of your family. Cauliflower pizza crust, riced veggies, veggie tots and spirals, all frozen for easy side options! Feel free to conduct your own informal survey with your family—with a side of broccoli of course—to mark this week’s holiday.

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Green Giant

 

RELATED STORIES

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Mama, I See You

By Chrystal Venator

I see you doing it all.

I see you down on the floor helping your child get through a meltdown.

I see you exhausted in the night, as you wake up hourly to settle your child but then get up with them at 4 a.m. to start your day.

I see you longing for the diaper-free days as you continue to change your 7-year-old.

I see you feeding your child whatever they will willingly eat and be worried sick about their growth.

I see you at the pharmacy buying the stool softeners and probiotics because you’re desperate for your child to get relief.

I see you checking the emails late at night and trying to construct a response to the teacher about your child’s behaviors from the day.

I see you on the phone advocating and fighting for the supports and services that your child needs.

I see you covering the scratches on your arm because people will judge your child instead of offering to understand.

I see you worrying about your other children. I see you feeling guilty as you try to meet all the needs of every member of your family.

I see you desperate for a word, a sound….anything that will keep perpetuating hope.

I see you skipping meals because you’re so busy with appointments, cleaning and daily care that you forget to eat.

I see you trying to keep up with the dishes and laundry, homework and suppers.

I see you tired deep in your soul but still pushing forward, still showing up every single day.

I see you sitting through the therapies and appointments always doing what needs to be done for your child.

I see you praying hard for peace, comfort, progress and sleep.

I see you constantly completing paperwork for insurance wondering if it will ever end.

I see you dealing with family and friends who just don’t understand.

I see you crying silently in the shower because you’re stretched so thin trying to do it all.

I see you as the beautiful Mama that you are.

I see you showing up every day for your family.

I see your worries and fears for the future.

But most importantly:

I see your strength.

I see your dedication.

I see that you’re amazing.

I see that you’re doing a great job.

No one else can fill your shoes.

I see how much you love and how loved you are.

I see the difference that you’re making for your family.

You are everything.

You are enough.

I will always see you.

This post originally appeared on Stalen’s Way Blog.
Feature image via iStock.

I am a proud wife, ASD Mom, Step-Mom. At 21 months, my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is 5 years old and non-verbal. I have become a full-time stay-at-home mom. I am 1000% focused on raising autism awareness and helping my son live a full and fun life. 

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Tiny Birth Stories: 5 Different Experiences of Being Induced

by Danielle Rizzo

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

Don’t be a superhero, get the epidural by Cheri M. 

I had envisioned a spontaneous labor, where my water broke, unexpectedly, on the subway during my commute and my husband frantically drove us to the hospital. Instead, I was induced and given the date and time to go to the hospital. My OB broke my water, eight hours after I was given Cytotec. I had a lot of water, a lot. My OB kindly said “the anesthesiologist is available. Listen, every mom is a superhero, get the epidural.” I followed his advice. Eight hours later, 55 minutes of pushing, an episiotomy, my daughter was born. It happened perfectly.

The “fry guy” held my leg by Dawn T.

Eight years ago, I was 36 and he was 40. Old parents by many opinions. When her due date rolled around, it left just as quickly. A week overdue, I spent 4 days in the hospital hooked to a heart monitor, permitted to only drink apple juice. My husband threw a fry to me once. I was induced overnight, crapped on the delivery table with my mom holding one leg, and fry-guy holding the other. She arrived at 9:46 am and we’ve been on her clock ever since.

The patient with the longest labor time by Natalie H.

For my first birth, this past August, I was induced for 4 days before delivering my handsome son! It took me two days just to get to 3 cm dilated. The doctors and nurses tried every medicine and option that one could ever think of. Then, overnight, I was able to dilate from 3cm to 7cm and it took off from there. My doctor said that, in all of her years of practice, I became her patient with the longest labor time.

Induced with twins at 37 weeks by Amanda

When the doctor said to start calling at 6 am to check for available beds, you are showered and awake by 5 am ready to go! I was being induced with twins at 37 weeks, and little did I know they wouldn’t have a bed ready for me until later that evening. When I arrived I was not dilated at all, so I received cervadil and anxiously walked the halls with my also eager husband. The next day, still no progress, another round of cervadil was attempted. Sleeping with leg compressions was pretty difficult, as well as the limited food and drinks due to a possibility of a c-section. Finally on day 3, with the help of pitocin and many hour of pushing, I delivered our son. Thirty-six minutes later came our daughter. Along with their little brother, the twins continue to keep us on our toes ten years later!

Induction that ended in an emergency C-section by Courtney M. 

I was induced at thirty-three weeks. I labored for three days before finally having an emergency c-section due to fever. I had an infection. I gave birth to my handsome son. We spent five weeks in the NICU then got to go home.

What I Did Not Expect In & Out of the Hospital

By Carolyn Erickson

I’d like to start out by saying that giving birth was not what I expected. I expected a lot of screaming (by me) and a lot of nurses running around. What I got was the opposite. The staff was calm and surprisingly so was I and my fiance. I was in labor was six hours. The worst part? The contractions. Which I was also surprised by. I had invisioned pushing to be the worst part. Pushing was the easy part and actually was a relief! I did not notice the stitches that my doctor was doing or anything else for that matter once my baby was on my chest.

Boy was I exhausted but I was running on pure adrenaline. My body had just pushed out an actual human being! My fiance and I were in awe of the beauty of our little girl and the giving birth process. Once our little girl was here, the nurses asked if I wanted to breastfeed. I said yes and was shocked (still am) at how hard breastfeeding is! Everyone says it’s a natural process. In my only experience, ladies, I am sorry it is not. It is a lot of work! After the breastfeeding training, I was able to take a nap and enjoy my baby. Thankfully, we were able to leave the very next day and so excited.

We were home and totally excited! We were now a little family of three! What I didn’t know was that this was about to turn into the hardest month of my life. Once we got home, my body finally came to the reality of what it had done. I was exhausted, in pain, and wanting to feel like myself. I wanted to be a super mom! Instead, I felt weak and scared. The pain of using the bathroom was terrifying and intense. I cried every time. I would like to say I found relief but I never did. It took a whole month for my pain and blood to go away. My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride and I was exhausted at trying to understand myself and wanted a quick fix. Within a week, I realized that I was supermom and eventually I would return to being myself. I would be a stronger and better verion of myself.

During the first month after birth, you have to be patient with yourself. You are a superwoman who just did an amazing thing. For me, the hospital was easy, however, once we were outside the hospital, for a month was awful. Whether it is all awful or all awesome, it is so worth it! I cannot wait to do it all over again.

Hi! I'm Carolyn Erickson! I am from Wisconsin and mother of a beautiful baby girl. I'm a new stay at home mom and I am loving it. I also am beginning my career as a freelance writer and blogger!

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Tiny Birth Stories: We Delivered More Than Just Christmas Cookies

by Danielle Rizzo

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

The night we delivered cookies and more by Elise

It was the week before Christmas, and I had some friends over to bake Christmas cookies. By early evening my stomach was really hurting and I assumed it was from eating too many cookies. Snow started falling and the pain got worse – it was time to go to the hospital! An intern checked to see how far along I was and she yelled, “that’s his head!” Still in my sweater I wore to the hospital the intern delivered her first baby. The cookies we brought the nurses were still warm.

When everything you think you know goes out the window by Jennifer C. 

Nothing went as planned! Thankfully, I had planned for that. I thought when my water broke, I’d KNOW! When it did, I assumed I had been peeing my pants all day. I thought I could labor without pain meds! I only lasted an hour in the hospital before I requested an epidural. I thought I would deliver in record time. I labored for 26 hours. I thought my baby would come home with us. Instead, she was in the NICU for 10 days. Nothing went as planned, but I guess plans are meant to change. I was okay with that.

How hypnobirthing techniques prepared me for labor by Rebekah

I currently have 6 children, but this is the story of the birth of my 3rd, a beautiful baby boy. I practiced hypnobirthing techniques throughout my pregnancy, so I was well prepared for labor. My labor started in the middle of the night just two days before my due date, and I labored calmly at home, in and out of the shower, for hours. At 6 am my good friend (and mom of 7) started encouraging me to go to the hospital. I kept saying no, I wasn’t far enough alone, but eventually acquiesced. Once they got me in a room the nurse checked me and I was 9.5 centimeters! I begged for an epidural but the doctor said there was no time. I was SO scared of pushing without one, but in just a few pushes my 7lb 15oz baby was born, and my recovery was so easy. It was an amazing experience.

When the hardest part was picking a name by Fatima C. 

Aside from the regular aches and pains from growing a human, I rarely lost sleep, still traveled like a mad-woman for work and never got sick – everything was so smooth and I loved being pregnant! The only wildcard was that we didn’t know the gender. Just over 3 weeks before my due date we finally decided on a boy name – Weston. After timing out contractions and calling the hospital, hubby and I were on the road by 6.30AM and checked in an hour later. Labor progressed quickly afterwards – I wanted to start pushing shortly after noon but had to wait for the doctor to make her way back. She actually left the hospital because she thought I wouldn’t deliver until that evening! I was finally able to push around 1.30PM and the kid popped out barely 10 minutes later! Our little boy was born with a hot set of lungs and completely healthy. It felt like all he was waiting for before making his way into the world was just his name. :)

Medical inductions times three by Laura S. 

I had severe hyperemesis with all my pregnancies, so I should have known none of my births would be easy. All three of my labors had to be induced for medical reasons, and all three seemed to last longer than 2020. The shortest was 30 hours, the longest was 48. I fully believe they all would have stayed in forever if I’d allowed them. I did find out I have one relatively useless super-talent: I can push babies out in record time! My longest delivery was 45 minutes and the shortest was 6. So I’ve got that going for me.

Tiny Birth Stories

by Danielle Rizzo

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here. 

 

How Giving Birth Gave Me Fulfillment by Tracy M.

They say motherhood changes you in ways you couldn’t have imagined. We had our first son at 33 weeks and spent 5 long weeks in the NICU. That experience solidified what was most important and challenged my career choice as consultant that travelled for work. It gave me the courage to grow my family and business in a way that was right for me. If you can relate and have felt that same pull, to do things differently, explore it. Fulfillment comes when we connect with what truly matters. Motherhood changed me. It kept me honest when I was brave enough to listen.

 

I Delivered In A COVID Isolation Room by Alyssa M. 

Nothing can quite prepare you for giving birth during a pandemic. I already had a ton of anxiety going into the hospital, then to find out all the L&D rooms were full. Because labor progressed quickly, nurses began telling me to prepare to give birth in triage. Instead, I was moved to a COVID isolation room. They rushed me down an empty hall, through plastic barriers, and into an empty room. Nurses built the delivery room around me as I began pushing (with a mask on, of course). A few minutes later, I was holding my perfectly healthy baby boy.

 

Add An Injured Pelvis On-Top Of Labor by Elizabeth C. 

Baby 2: Fell while 8 months pregnant. Unable to walk, or stand (or move really) without excruciating pain. Baby was fine, my pelvis was just messed up. Wheelchair bound for the final month. Scheduled an induction once my due date came and went. Showed up for the doctors to tell me I was technically already in labor and all their plans to induce no longer needed since my cervix was already so wide. Proved it when their balloon fell right through. I guess I couldn’t tell from all the other pain I was in. 10 hours later and, I do not lie, 5 minutes of pushing later, baby.

 

Unexpectedly Getting The Birth I Wanted by Kat C. 

I wanted a home birth with a drum circle of strong mamas in active labor. I got a rooftop BBQ with friends. When I gingerly squatted to play with toddlers my friend (a doula) gently suggested I head home and call my midwife en route – I did, pausing every 1/2 block for contractions. Baby was born two hours later with me crouching over our hope chest. Life has a way of giving you what you want, in unexpected ways.

 

The Emotions Of Becoming A Mother by Courtney C.

Excited. Anxious. Scared. Words to describe emotions of this first time mom going into labor. The night before I was scheduled to be induced, 41 weeks pregnant, I started feeling contractions close enough together. When my husband and I got to the hospital, we waited thirteen hours until it was time to push. The epidural was only somewhat successful, but the pain was minimal compared to the amount of joy experienced when that 8 pound 12 ounce boy was born. Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. An experience that was beautiful, precious, and unforgettable.

Your Newborn Looks like a Potato: A True Story

By Jamie Johnson

After ten long months of being pregnant with my first child Henry, I literally could not wait to meet him.

Actually, I don’t know if it was that I couldn’t wait to meet him or that I couldn’t wait for him to evacuate the premises.

I am not a good pregnant person. I gain a ton of weight, swell up kind of like the Hulk and complain ALL.DAY.LONG about the fact that I am angry, hot, sweaty and have somehow busted out four pairs of flip flops in one week.

This is a “sort of” apology to my husband for having to endure my pregnancy madness twice. But am I really THAT sorry? No. I grew a human in my uterus. I CREATED LIFE! I have C-section scars and stretch marks. I will never be able to wear a bathing suit from Target ever again.

Anyway, my labor with Henry was pretty much a disaster. I was induced because of my crazy swollenness. I was checked into the hospital at 1 a.m. and started pushing around 2:30 p.m. After three hours of pushing, it was decided that I would need a C-section because the baby was too big.

I remember it being three hours of pushing because the TV over the nurse’s head had the show Friends on. I watched six episodes, including the one where Joey wore the maternity pants to Thanksgiving.

I was wheeled into the OR and had my sweet boy surgically removed from my body. Luckily, I had skipped the C-section part of my birthing class and still to this day don’t know exactly what they do to get the baby out. I know it has something to do with removing organs and scissors and other gross things I don’t want to think about.

Fifteen minutes later, they showed me my screaming baby boy and carried him over to the warmer. I remember thinking, holy sh*t, that kid was living inside of me and he is massive. A whopping nine pounds, two ounces.

I fell in love with that face. I thought he was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen in my entire life. I sent pictures of him to practically every contact in my phone. They all replied back with an, “Awww congratulations, he’s beautiful. He looks just like you and/or Logan.”

But here’s the deal. Looking back at pictures, Henry looked like a potato. He was SUPER yellow because of his jaundice and his head was shaped like a cone from three hours of pushing. He didn’t look like me or Logan. He just looked like a tiny little newborn alien.

Disclaimer: I love my children with all my heart. They are adorable and precious and I would step in front of a train for them. But looking back, they were not cute newborns. Judge me all you want.

When Simon was born, I had the expectation that he would come out looking like a tiny yellow potato. Instead, he came out looking like a fat little pissed-off potato. I remember the intense frown on his face when they held him up for me to see him. It was adorable. And I was in love all over again.

But once again, this fat little pissed-off potato looked nothing like me or my husband. Looking back at pictures, I realize that he looked a lot like his older brother. Which led me to the fact that all newborns look like potatoes.

The next time you visit a nursery in the hospital, see if you can pick out which baby is yours just by looking at the faces of all the newborns. I bet you money that you can’t because THEY ALL LOOK LIKE POTATOES!

I know we are supposed to have some sort of crazy bond with our child and I did feel that in my heart. I also felt it in my lungs because I could breathe again. But you could give me a lineup of newborn babies and as long as they weren’t an oddball with a crazy amount of hair, I honestly don’t know if I’d be able to pick Henry or Simon out.

Does this make me a bad mom? I don’t think so. My little potatoes have grown in the most adorable, handsome little boys ever.

So the next time some tells you that your newborn is beautiful, soak it all in, because in a few years you will look back and realize they looked just like every other kid in the hospital.

Sorry, kind of.

Until next time,

Jamie

This post originally appeared on HashtagMomFail.

I am a full time working mom with two little boys, Henry and Simon. I write about real life and real life gets messy. Contributor for Motherly, HuffPost Parents, Scary Mommy, Today Parents, Love What Matters and Her View From Home. 

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A Letter to Our Kids about COVID-19

By Marissa Goldstein

Dear Kids,

You won’t remember these days the same way as we, adults, do.

You won’t remember being cooped up in the house.

You won’t remember not being able to have playdates.

You won’t remember Mom and Dad scrambling to come up with activities to do besides watching TV.

You won’t remember how stressed Mom and Dad were as they tried to balance work and taking care of you.

You won’t remember your Mom being worried about what will happen if she runs out of milk and eggs for you.

You won’t remember all of the financial stress your parents felt as they saw the economy on its way to collapse.

You won’t remember how scared your Mom and Dad were that they may get and spread the virus to the most vulnerable, including your favorite grandparents.

No, you won’t remember any of this…

You will remember how much time you got to spend with Mom, Dad and siblings in the house and all of the family fun, snuggle parties and love.

You will remember all of the creative games and shows you came up with and how you utilized all of your toys.

You will remember learning new skills.

You will remember spending time in nature.

You will remember finding new ways to connect with people. You will remember being kind and the kindness of others.

You will remember staying in your PJs till noon and eating all of your favorite foods.

You will remember FaceTiming with your grandparents and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, on a daily basis, seeing more of them than you usually do and taking turns “pushing the red button”.

You will remember how much love you felt when no one from the outside world was allowed into your home.

Remember: this too shall pass. We need to keep a positive attitude and appreciate the silver lining that comes from this time of social isolation.

Marissa Goldstein is a mama to two sets of twins, blogger behind @TwinsonthegoX2, & Founder of Rafi Nova (www.rafinova.com), a sustainable fashion brand that unites parents through thoughtful and ethically made bags and accessories. Marissa, her husband, and their 4 kids under 4, split their time between Boston and Vietnam.
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