-
I Dry-Nurse My Granddaughter, And I’m Not Ashamed of It
Get Pregnant FastParenting can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences, but nothing could prepare me for the chaos that unfolded when my granddaughter, Lily, came into the world. With my background in raising four children and step-parenting…
-
Navigating Motherhood with Endometriosis
home insemination syringe“Can you come watch a movie with Mommy upstairs this morning?” I ask, trying to infuse as much cheer as I can muster into my voice.“Yes! Can we watch The Grinch? No school today, Mama?” my 4-year-old son,…
-
9 Essential Playground Guidelines for Parents
Get Pregnant FastWhen you become a parent, a world of unexpected challenges opens up—many of which aren’t covered in typical parenting classes. Some dilemmas, like figuring out how to shower while caring for a newborn, surface quickly. Others arise and…
-
Even The Pope Urges Us to Rethink Helicopter Parenting
Get Pregnant FastIn a world where parenting often resembles a military operation, Pope Francis has stepped in to remind us that hovering over our children may not be the best approach. Gone are the days when kids could roam freely…
-
The Real Meanings Behind 10 Parenting Terms
Get Pregnant FastAs soon as I wrapped my head around the life-altering news of my pregnancy, my next instinct was to dive deep into the world of parenting jargon. I felt like I’d entered a whole new universe filled with…
-
Heartwarming Farewell: Community Comes Together for 18-Year-Old Dog’s Last Walk
home insemination syringeWhen the time came for a beloved canine companion to take his final stroll, hundreds of supporters gathered to pay their respects. An 18-year-old whippet named Biscuit took one last walk on his favorite beach in Cornwall, southwest…
-
A Few More Augusts: Reflections on Growth and Change
Get Pregnant FastShopping for shoes with my two young boys has always been a daunting challenge. I usually postpone it until the last minute, just a week before school begins. Convincing them to try on shoes often feels like pulling…
-
From One Cleaning Enthusiast to Another: You Feel Refreshed, Don’t You?
home insemination syringeMenu ParentingFrom One Cleaning Enthusiast to Another: You Feel Refreshed, Don’t You?by Jessica Harper Updated: April 5, 2018 Originally Published: Dec. 11, 2015The phenomenon of “rage cleaning” can be described as a moment when an otherwise ordinary day…
-
How I Know My Husband Truly Loves Me
low cost IUIOnce upon a time, I was quite the catch. Now, before you roll your eyes and click away thinking this is just another tale of a mom lamenting her lost beauty, hold on. My past allure is essential…
-
Chrissy Teigen Claps Back at Parenting Critics Over Baby Holding
home insemination syringeWhen it comes to being a mom, Chrissy Teigen doesn’t shy away from the real talk. From sharing the not-so-glamorous realities of postpartum to her humorous takes on breastfeeding, her tweets resonate with mothers everywhere who nod along…
I write about fertility, conception, and reproductive health. My latest resource, “Paths to Parenthood,” is now available to support your family-building journey.
"home insemination kit" "home insemination syringe" "self insemination" at-home insemination baby care body positivity breastfeeding child development childhood child safety communication community support education emotional journey emotional support empathy empowerment family family dynamics family life family planning family support fertility home insemination humor Kindness life lessons love marriage mental health motherhood nostalgia parenting parenting advice parenting challenges Parenting Humor parenting tips personal growth pregnancy pregnancy resources relationships resilience self-acceptance self-care social media support women’s health

At-home intracervical insemination (ICI) has become a popular choice for women and couples hoping to conceive in a comfortable, private setting. Whether you’re starting your fertility journey as a single parent, part of an LGBTQ+ family, or just seeking more control and intimacy in the process, at-home ICI gives you options.
- The 5 Most Awkward Aspects of Your Gynecological Exam
- The 10 Characters You’ll Encounter During Your Baby Journey
- Navigating the Conversation About Legal Marijuana with Your Kids
- 39 Reasons Why My Son Refuses to Eat Dinner
- A Message to the Disruptors at Kids’ Sports Events
-
The 5 Most Awkward Aspects of Your Gynecological Exam
low cost IUIIf you’re not in the delightful state of pregnancy (lucky you!), chances are you’ll find yourself at your annual gynecological exam – an experience as enjoyable as convincing a toddler to eat a plate of Brussels sprouts. I’m no medical expert (unless you count being an expert in wine tasting), but I’m here…
-
The 10 Characters You’ll Encounter During Your Baby Journey
low cost IUI Having experienced the removal of one gallbladder and the arrival of two babies (thankfully, not at the same time), I’ve spent quite a bit of time in hospital settings. Each visit was unique—goodbye to major organs and hello to cute little bundles! But regardless of the occasion, I’ve bumped into the same…
-
Navigating the Conversation About Legal Marijuana with Your Kids
low cost IUI “Are those pot brownies?” my child blurted out during a casual snack time. I thought about correcting them, “You mean ‘pot brownies,’ right?” She just shrugged and asked, “What’s the difference?” Cue the awkward silence—time for a serious chat about drugs. I wasn’t even sure if people really made crack brownies—do they?—but…
-
39 Reasons Why My Son Refuses to Eat Dinner
low cost IUI Every parent knows the struggle of dealing with picky eaters, and I can certainly relate. While my daughter is adventurous with food, my 4-year-old son seems to have a fresh excuse every night when it comes to dinner. To borrow a line from a classic film, “My son crafts reasons for not…
-
A Message to the Disruptors at Kids’ Sports Events
home insemination syringe Hey there! Yes, I’m addressing you — the lone individual at this children’s sports event who’s out there berating the referees and players, flailing your arms, and exhaling in frustration, essentially behaving like a petulant child. It’s time for you to take a step back. In fact, take multiple seats. Maybe even…
-
The Unwritten Rules of Traveling With Kids
low cost IUI Ah, parenthood—a delightful journey filled with unexpected turns and a few detours that make you question your sanity. I’ve come to find that managing expectations is the name of the game. The monumental events I thought would be life-changing—like childbirth, holidays, and those epic birthday parties—usually left me feeling deflated. Meanwhile, the…
-
4 Surprising Upsides to Gestational Diabetes
low cost IUI When I first received my gestational diabetes diagnosis, I was a bundle of nerves. I sobbed to my husband and family, convinced I was to blame for this predicament. I panicked over the thought of needles, hefty babies, and a restricted diet. Fast forward to my second pregnancy, and I was much…
-
10 Reasons to Slice a Blueberry into Quarters: A Totally Rational Approach from a Well-Educated Mom
low cost IUI As a parent, I’ve done some pretty quirky things, but slicing a single blueberry into quarters might just take the cake. The other day, while preparing a snack for my 17-month-old daughter, I pulled out some organic blueberries from the fridge. Remembering a random tidbit about how blueberries are roughly the size…
-
The Best of Intentions: Navigating Parenting Conversations
low cost IUI At a lively brunch gathering, a family friend turns to me, a warm smile lighting up her face. “Your kids are absolutely precious!” she exclaims. “Thank you! We think they’re pretty great,” I reply, trying to keep the humility in check. But then comes the dreaded question: “So, which one is the…
-
How to Gently Rouse a Sleeping Teen (Without Causing a Family Crisis)
low cost IUI When I hear parents of little ones lamenting how their kids rise with the sun and dream of the day when they can sneak in a few extra hours of sleep, I can totally relate. But I always caution them not to rush that time, because the sweet giggles of toddlers at…