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Yes, I Am a Real Mother
Parentinghome insemination syringeDaggers come in many forms. Sharp edges cut deep, leaving behind pain and bleeding hearts. I’ve heard the hurtful words. I’ve faced the dismissive glances. I’ve been overlooked and undervalued.“Oh, you only have one. You’re not a real…
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Free Childcare from Family: The Hidden Costs
Get Pregnant FastIn a recent exchange on parenting advice, a situation was highlighted that many parents can relate to when it comes to family members providing childcare “for free.” While this arrangement seems like a blessing, it often comes with…
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A Mother’s Gratitude to Her Childfree Friends: ‘Thank You for Caring About My Kids’
Get Pregnant FastIn the realm of parenting honesty, mom and writer Julia Brooks has a knack for cutting through the noise. From sharing the struggles of being a stay-at-home mom to embracing our post-baby bodies, Brooks consistently delivers real talk…
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This Mom’s Hilarious Rant About School Theme Days Resonates with All Parents
home insemination syringeParenting can feel like a chaotic race against the clock, especially during school mornings. You’re trying to get your kids ready for school or daycare while also managing your own schedule (or maybe just indulging in a little…
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5 Reasons Why I’m Speeding
low cost IUII consider myself a generally law-abiding citizen—mostly. Sure, I might have once removed that pesky “DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW” tag from a mattress I bought (but that’s totally fine if you own it, right?). You…
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I’m a Stay-at-Home Mom with Kids in School, but I’m Not Just Sitting Around All Day
Get Pregnant FastBefore I became a parent, I had a plethora of notions about what raising children would entail. Now, after nearly a decade of navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, many of those ideas now seem downright amusing.…
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The Bittersweet Journey of Transitioning from Babyhood to Toddlerhood
Get Pregnant FastBy: Emily CarterWe find ourselves in that poignant space between baby and toddler, a delicate balance akin to a roller coaster holding its breath right before the thrilling descent. The early days were a bit shaky, climbing that…
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5 Creative Ways to Keep Your Toddler Entertained When You’d Rather Be Snoozing
low cost IUIWe’ve all had those days—perhaps you stayed out a little too late on Saturday night, or you woke up feeling under the weather and just want to curl up in bed for a few hours. As a mom…
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I’m Over the Excuses for My Toddler
Get Pregnant FastWe all have that one friend who constantly needs justification. “He’s usually not like this,” or “You’ll get to know his quirks eventually,” or “He has a unique sense of humor.” Eventually, it becomes clear that, despite your…
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Making Mom Friends: The Journey of Connection
low cost IUIUpdated: August 16, 2015Originally Published: June 16, 2010Throughout my life, I’ve forged many close friendships. Some blossomed from workplaces I’ve been in over the past decade, others from high school, and a few from college. Each friend has…
I write about fertility, conception, and reproductive health. My latest resource, “Paths to Parenthood,” is now available to support your family-building journey.
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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
- 5 Ways to Impress Your Partner! (Or, Not)
- Navigating the Conversation About Legal Marijuana with Your Kids
- How to Serve Dinner to Your Toddler in 18 Simple Steps
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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…
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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…
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5 Ways to Impress Your Partner! (Or, Not)
low cost IUI I recently stumbled across several articles titled “5 Ways to Impress Your Partner,” and honestly, they made me chuckle more than inspire me. Here’s how those suggestions might play out in my home: Suggestion #1: Welcome him at the door in an apron and stilettos when he gets home from work. Reality…
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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…
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How to Serve Dinner to Your Toddler in 18 Simple Steps
low cost IUI If you adore your little one, you naturally want to see them thrive. But let’s face it, dinner can be a battleground for many toddlers. My friend Sarah’s daughter starts her refusal to eat right around 3 PM and won’t touch food until the next morning. In a moment of desperation, Sarah’s…
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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…
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5 Widespread Myths About Habit Formation
low cost IUI When it comes to changing habits, understanding how they function is crucial. From my perspective, people often fall into certain traps about habits, which can impede their progress. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths: 1. Just Repeating is Sufficient to Form a Habit Many believe that consistently repeating an action…
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Delicious Finger Foods for Your Baby’s First Meals
low cost IUI Is your little one tired of the same old spoon-fed mush? Let’s be honest—you’re probably fed up with the mess too! It might be time to dive into the world of finger foods. Now, before you get too excited, just know that it may be just as messy (if not messier!) than…
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I Thought We Had More Time
low cost IUI Updated: Oct. 28, 2019 – Originally Published: November 5, 2014 “I’m sad because my legs don’t work so good. I can’t run fast like Jake. My legs don’t work.” The car fell into a heavy silence, the kind that follows a bombshell announcement, where all you can hear is your own heartbeat…
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11 Lessons from My Mother That I Now Share with My Daughter
low cost IUI As I embrace the quirks and charms of my own personality, I can’t help but feel my mother’s spirit blossoming within me, much like a vibrant tree taking root. It’s a delightful twist, reminiscent of a quirky, theatrical pregnancy where the lessons learned are both profound and amusing. While my mother didn’t…