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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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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…
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A Guide for New Autism Parents
home insemination syringeDear New Autism Parent,Welcome to the unique and often challenging journey of navigating life with autism. While you may not have chosen this path, it’s important to remember that knowledge is your ally. Here are some strategies to…
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 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
- 4 Surprising Upsides to Gestational Diabetes
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The 10 Characters You’ll Encounter During Your Baby Journey
low cost IUIHaving 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 cast…
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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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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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How ’80s Films Can Guide Us in Parenting Tweens and Teens
low cost IUI As my children have grown and we’ve finally bid farewell to those endless Caillou reruns, my husband and I are thrilled to introduce our two tweens to the wonderfully nostalgic world of ‘80s movies—the greatest cinematic era, if I do say so myself! Watching these films takes me back to a time…
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Teaching Our Sons About Respect and Consent
low cost IUI Hey there, fellow parents! When I say, “We need to teach our sons not to engage in harmful behaviors,” here’s what I’m getting at. Let’s kick things off early—like, really early—when they’re too young to even think about it. Instilling Respect for Their Bodies Start by instilling respect for their own bodies.…