When kids are small, they look to their parents for help in virtually every aspect of their life. But they become far more independent during their teen years as they continue to learn about themselves and the world around them. As a parent, you will have to let them grow and learn things for themselves. Nonetheless, you will want to maintain a strong bond, not least because they will inevitably fly the nest at some stage. Here are four great ways to achieve a connection with your teenager.
Pregnancy can be one of the most wonderful processes you will ever go through, after all, even those who may be non-religious admit that there’s something truly miraculous in having a child. That said, it’s hardly the easiest adventure you could go through, and is quite taxing on your body and mind to put it lightly. This is especially the case for first-time mothers, who have to go through this process with care and diligence in order to retain their health and the health of their baby. Of course, no advice you could read online will ever counter the personalized care and attention from your medical professional aid and midwife support. That said, sometimes it can be that you feel the need for finding more security and comfort in your pregnancy, especially during those times when your mood is being affected by the intense demands on your body. Anyone could and should forgive you for needing a little care at this time.
When you find out your pregnant for the first time, planned or not, it’s flipping scary. You begin to picture yourself with your little babe, holding him or her for the first time and picturing if they’ll have daddy’s eyes or mummy’s lips. It’s an exciting time and there are plenty of lovely thoughts to go with it. However, there are a lot of things that some may worry about at some point down the line. Those hormones like to make us panic a little bit and wonder what the hell are we doing. Even if this is everything we have ever wanted!
For some unknown reason, there are those split moments when you realise how much life will have to change and it’s actually kind of scary and pretty darn overwhelming! Life before kids is quite nice isn’t it. You can sleep when you like, go on holiday whenever, stay up until god knows what hour and you generally don’t really have to think about anyone but yourself!
“Ok I’ve never done this before, what if I’m terrible at it? What if he doesn’t like me? What if I forget to feed/bath/wind/change him?!”.
I’m pretty sure every first time expectant mum goes through this little stage. The fact you are even questioning if you’re going to be a good mummy or not, already makes you a good mum. You got this!
A woman’s body is bloody amazing thing, we are made to be able to do this. Try and get in tune with your body, deep breaths and try not to panic!
Following on from that… Will My Lady Parts Ever Look The Same Again?
Does it go back to normal? Will I be able to pee like normal? Is sex ever going to be the same? Can I even do that again?
Stop panicking. It takes time… but you’ll get there. It’s different for every woman, but like we said above, your body can do this!
This is something we’ve all had nightmares about at some point. What if you’re pushing and pushing your precious little bean out and all of a sudden, a little pre-birth present arrives for everyone to see?
In reality, when it happens, if it happens (it probably will), you won’t even notice. The midwives whip it away that quickly, that no one tends to really notice anyway. If someone does notice, are they really going to tease a hormonal woman who’s in the middle of pushing a person out their vagina? I don’t think so!
Pushchairs, cots, bedding, bottles, toys, clothes, changing mats, burp cloths… jeeez these kids need a lot of things don’t they! One thing we will say – you don’t need it all, there are clever marketing tricks that make us first time mums panic if we don’t have it all. That gorgeous changing basket you’ve been seeing all over Instagram IS gorgeous, but you’ll most likely be changing baby on the floor most of the time!
Obviously all these thoughts are very natural, your body is going through a huge change and an increase in hormones are playing a huge part in how you feel. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or nervous, it’s a scary process, especially if it’s your first baby.
All we can say, is that IT’S GOING TO BE OK, YOU GOT THIS MAMA!
There are many factors that lead to depression after pregnancy. I am mentioning a few factors below:
Postpartum depression, or peripartum depression occurs after a woman gives birth. Within a few hours of giving birth the amount of the two female hormones, estragon and progesterone, return to their pre pregnancy levels. Many researchers feel that this drop in hormone levels,
much like the smaller changes in hormone levels can affect a woman’s mood just before her menstrual cycle, is one of the causes of postpartum depression. It is more like an unexplained sadness & depression. It is a feeling where you feel bad, guilty, helpless & in pain just to explain it in words.
1. Genetics – One factor that can lead to postpartum depression is genetics. This type of depression can be passed down from mother to daughter. There is also a correlation between postpartum depression and women who suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome.
2. Hormone levels – As I have mentioned earlier changes in the hormone level also plays an important role in postpartum depression
3. Baby Demands – In the initial days babies can be very demanding, making the new moms so busy that they don’t get time for themselves which leads to depression.
4. Labour – Going through labour is in itself very stressful which after the birth of baby takes its toll on the health of new moms. This in return turns into depression.
5. Self-doubt – Many new moms go through the self doubt process where they doubt the ability to be a good mom & be able to do the right things for their babies.
6. Family disconnect – With all the time taken by the baby new moms can have a disconnect with the family. They can go through the feeling of loneliness even when whole family is present as they are completely busy taking care of the newborn.
This also can lead to depression To be honest after my first baby was born when I was 30, I didn’t experience any kind of postpartum depression. But when I gave birth to my second baby, when I was 40, I underwent postpartum depression. So after my Pregnancy at 40 I understood what Post Partum Depression actually is.
When postpartum depression kicked in I felt sluggish, unconnected to reality, and often underwent several other symptoms that include depression. During my postpartum depression (PPD) at 40, I would often go through bouts of crying uncontrollably and very seldom with any particular cause. I would feel emotionally charged all the time & my emotions would often play tricks on me. My postpartum depression at 40 also lead to some sleepless & troubled nights. Once a baby is born the family, friends, mother and so forth are suppose to join in a joyful expedition. But in my case I went through postpartum depression and the birth seemed more like a painful expedition than a joyous moment.
Instead of sharing a happy moment I often felt a sense of guilt because I felt a kind of resentment in me. The whole giving birth process seemed like an inflicted pain than joy. Then all of a sudden, I would begin the feeling of sadness, despair, worthlessness, and insomnia kick in. Most professionals will treat postpartum depression with antidepressants combining it with therapy. In my case, I did not undergo any kind of therapy because, luckily for me, my postpartum depression didn’t last for too long a period. But it is important for mothers with postpartum depression to seek help immediately, since the depression does not only affect the patient, it affects everyone around you, including your baby. Babies need their mother, and when the mother is unable to provide emotional nourishment and loving care, then the baby will suffer as it grows into adulthood.
Just like any diagnose there are triggers that may interrupt the mother, including difficult births, isolating one self, death, changes in living arrangements, hereditary, financial difficulties and so forth. Unfortunately, some of these triggers are going to happen. Most therapists have found treating women with postpartum depression, treating them with antidepressants and therapy has worked wonders. Recently studies are finding that depression may also be treated with Electroconvulsive therapy. Scientists are constantly searching for a solution to treat depression so the end of the world hasn’t arrived.
REF: The Best Ways To Treat Postpartum Depression – HealthPrep.com
There is hope. Studies have also shown that writing down your episodes, feelings and so forth is a great therapeutic relief. Talking is also a great source for eliminating stress, which is often linked to depression. It is important to get regular check-ups after your baby is born to
eliminate biological reasoning for the postpartum depression. In most cases, doctors may prescribe different medications. It depends on the person, but for some mothers one or the other medications work, while others have no results. If you are suffering postpartum depression, it is also important for the family to offer support and understanding.
Since, you may have suicidal thoughts the last thing anyone needs to do is push you over the edge. It is also important that the resentment you feel is not necessary toward your baby. It could be that you resent an area of your life, or an occurrence and the baby seems to be the target. You might want to try listening to easy music when you feel a sense of loss, or episodes of the depression erupt. Music has proven to heal the soul. In addition, you might want to start exercising since this too has proven to do wonders with people that suffer mental or physical illnesses. Exercise relieves the mind often because you are doing something to better yourself and improve your health. To sum it all, the biggest difference that I felt between Postpartum at 30 & Postpartum at 40 is the depression & physical pain that I went through. With the passage of time, the recovery path has also been fine.
I had good family support during both my deliveries which helped me overcome my pain & depression. Therefore, if you are in postpartum depression especially after 40, there are answers and you should never give up hope! So let’s leave the Post Partum depression behind us as a bad dream & let’s give our motherhood foremost significance in the whole journey of Parenthood.
I am Rupali Paul, a Mom of two kids, one teen & another a toddler and I blog in the Parenting niche.
I write blogs on various Parenting & Motherhood topics primarily. I also blog on topics pertaining to Travel with Kids & review various products relating to Mom or Kids. All in all a Blog which caters to family topics surrounding Mom, Dad & Kids and their Life.
You can find my blog at https://momkidlife.com
Instagram handle @momkidlife
Twitter handle @momkidlife
Pinterest handle @momkidlife
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/momkidlife
SEAMS is a London founded company, launched by Karen J after many years of working in the fashion & beauty industry. Karen was looking for a hand cream that could be used quickly throughout the day and wouldn’t transfer any grease onto fabrics, she struggled to find one so set out to create SEAMS Hand Cream. A special Biomimetic Lipid Complex ensures the formula instantly melts in the skin and locks in moisture! Karen’s strong sense of smell lead her to create our signature Amber Cocoon scent, a clean fresh cotton fragrance that doesn’t linger on the skin.
Please give this banana bread recipe a go & tag us if you do! Don’t forget to check out the wonderful Claire’s website where she shares so many delicious recipes that are perfect for the whole family.
Welcome to the final book club review of 2021! How did we get here already? It’s been an amazing first year; we have a fantastic club full of beautiful, intelligent women and a huge year with even more bookish fun lies ahead. Our first ever book club pick back in January this year was This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens, so when we heard that her second novel, Just Haven’t Met You Yet, was being published in November, fate had decided on our final book club pick of 2021.
While everyone loves to support you with what you’ll need (and potentially don’t need) when you’re pregnant, quite often us poor old mums get left by the wayside once we’ve popped out our cute little nugget. We’re left to fend for ourselves amongst leaking boobs, saggy skin and stinging bumholes and quite frankly, the postnatal fuss that we deserve is lacking! Here is our guide of Top 10 Postpartum Essentials that you need to make that time after birth just a little bit easier.
One thing they do not tell you after childbirth is the fear that comes with going to the toilet, especially after an episiotome. The peri bottle (or any bottle of lukewarm water) is a lifesaver; simply spray or pour it on you urethral opening to dilute your urine and take away the sting!
Whether or not you choose to breastfeed your child; once your milk has come in you’re going to leak – 
it’s science! Getting caught unawares while you’re chatting to the postman is a nightmare. You need
something to back you up and soak up that colostrom if your boobs start to gush like the Trafalgar Square fountains.
You can choose to get re-usable breast pads (bonus points for eco-friendly options mama!) like these ones from Simply Gentle, or you can go for the disposable option like these Lil-Lets on Amazon!
Did you know it’s possible to wear a nursing bra and still feel sexy? In a time when we probably feel a bit like a slovenly blob, having that little sneaky pick-me-up while remaining comfortable and practical is amazing! These HOFISH Seamless bras from Amazon are comfortable, wash well and look great on! *Tried and tested by our own TMC admin!*
Soaking in a warm bath full of Epsom salts. as often as you can, can lessen swelling and promote healing in the most delicate of areas. Epsom salts are gentle so while they’re doing all the good stuff, you can be sure that they won’t sting or ache while you’re having a soak!
Postpartum mamas have a special place in their heart for the donut pillow and we can’t blame them! When you’re resting as much as possible at home, sitting can become painful (tenfold if you’ve got stitches to contend with). Donut pillows give an added reprieve for your toosh that you won’t know you need until you do!
Stinging bums, sleepless nights and cracked nipples – it just gets better and better doesn’t it! Having a nice, soothing cream will do wonders for when your nursing and your nipples start to become tender. Use it after each nursing session to reduce pain and keep your nipples moisturised. If you treat yourself to this Burts Bees cream your nipples will smell great too!
That first poo after having a baby can be pretty horrifying. The last thing you want is to work to push out your poos if you’ve had to push a baby out less than 24 hours before! Dulco Soft is amazing with helping your body while it readjusts and preventing haemorrhoids too.
Do I need to say anymore? You’ve just given birth mama, you deserve a pair of clean, soft pyjamas and some nice warm socks! These pjs from Marks & Spencers are stylish and made using the M&S Better Cotton Initiative, so you’re doing your bit for the environment whilst treating yourself too!
With the blood loss, sleep deprivation and trauma that your body has been through; you need to make sure you’re getting everything you (and your baby) needs! Pregnacare are an amazing brand with postpartum vitamins that are jam-packed with all the good stuff that your body needs to get back on the road to recovery. If you’re breast-feeding, Pregnacare also have their breastfeeding postpartum range of vitamins that means you can ensure your babies safety while taking them too.
One of the the hardest things to do as a mummy, especially a new mummy, is rest. Our brains go into overdrive with all the things we need to be doing for our little one (and hopefully for ourselves too). While you’re feeling tender, save yourself some trips by setting up a little breakfast tray – or ask your partner to realllyyyy nicely – just so you can at least create the illusion that you’re taking it easy!
ASH: “Having a beside cot is a must! Working in a kids store I never really thought they were a necessity but they were a dream with Laila. A boppy pillow was amazing for my son’s silent reflux too.”
CHARLIE: “I had an episiotomy with my first son and lavender essential oil baths were a god send for healing!”
CHARLOTTE: “Cloth breast pads. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, there’s a good chance your body will produce milk! With cloth breast-pads, they are super soft and absorbent, and you can pop them in the wash so you’ll never run out! Well.. those and a HUGE backlog of bingeworthy TV!”
JADE: “Adult nappies were my best friend for the week after Grayson was born. Nobody tells you just how much you bleed after giving birth, so having a failsafe giant hug wrapped around my vagina was a huge welcome. Plus, they were nice and stretchy, which is always a bonus!”
JOSIE: “For anyone that has had an emergency c-section I would strongly recommend peppermint tea as part of your recovery! No one tells you about the excruciating pain you can be in from built up air inside you, and it was only when my sister-in-law told me about it three days in my pain started going away. Who knew built up gas could be so painful!”
“I keep having sex dreams about a colleague. Every time I look at him I find myself blushing. I’m married. What should I do?”
One of our lovely TMC followers needs some advice. If you’ve ever had this experience, what advice can you share?
It’s January, it’s 2022 and it’s time to make some time for YOU! We’re all run ragged after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period, so what better time to slow down and take care of yourself. Here’s a few self care ideas to make time for just you, whether you take a day to yourself of just ten minutes of your day, there’s something you can do that is solely to make you feel good.
As you have probably gathered by now, we are huge fans of streaming services & Netflix is constantly providing us with brand new content – including firm favourites we know & love and brand new exclusive content. We have put together a selection of all the best things coming to Netflix in January 2022.
We are SO glad this is back! The FAB 5 are back on our screens doing what they do best and we all know it’s going to be emotional. If you haven’t watched Queer Eye before, you need to rectify that right now. It is so wholesome, hilarious & fun!
Another reality show but this one is BRUTAL. Think Dance Moms but cheerleaders. We never gave much thought into how hardcore cheerleading is as it’s not really a thing in the UK but for America – it’s a huge deal and this series really shows that!
This film is a Netflix exclusive following a mystery writer who needs help when it comes to solving her sister’s murder. We love an easy watch & this sounds like just that!
The show is a dark comedy drama which follows the life of a man named Tony (played by Ricky Gervais) in the immediate aftermath of losing his wife to cancer. It’s equal parts hilarious & oh so heart breaking. Definitely one to watch.
Ahhhh reality tv at it’s finest and this is one of our favourites. It’s super fun, cringe & binge worthy! It’s also hell-a sexy, think of it as Love Island back when it was fun & also a much more interesting concept.
If you are a horror film all year round kinda’ person – Netflix has some great ones! Being added this month is a favourite from the Annabelle/Conjuring series. The Annabelle films are about a haunted doll that scares the shit out of everybody. ENJOY.
An American single mum must juggle family life and unique shape shifting skills when she is exposed as a ex-Russian spy. This show is said to be exciting & suspenseful.
Happy New Year! We hope you had a lovely festive season and Christmas. We are ready and raring for 2022 – it is the ultimate fresh start and we are ready to kick arse on all our goals! A brand new month means brand new advertisers and we have some amazing bloggers to share with you!
First up we have Chloe, more widely known as Nyxie online. She is a twenty-something cat mum with a passion for writing, illustrating & video games. Her writing is predominantly focused on mental health, general wellness & eating disorder recovery. This list has evolved over time & she’s been known to take on book reviews, interior advice (in regards to mental wellness) & even articles on pet care. She even goes as far as discussing more controversial topics such as feminism, feminine health & inequality in Northern Ireland.
Next up we have the lovely Vourneen! Welcome to The Plain Simple Life! I’m Vourneen: Minimalist, professional de-clutterer & organiser, Christmas fanatic and certified coach. I help overwhelmed women to regain control of their homes by switching their mindset, decluttering and organising and introducing simple and sustainable living practices into their daily routines.
Jenny is a blogger who creates content on blogging, well-being and self growth, aimed to guide bloggers to grow and gain confidence in the industry. But you might also find a bit of beauty, travel and Disney from time to time too.
She has been blogging for over 6 years, having started out just reviewing books and have been a full-time blogger for around 2 and a half years. Despite having started as a very niche hobby over time, she grew to enjoy expanding her topics more and more and she firmly found her feet within the “lifestyle” sector.
6 Ways To Show Forgiveness (& Why It’s Important That You Do)
Sarah, An established content creator trying to make her way in life. You can expect to find posts about lifestyle, eco swaps, veganism and Netflix recommendations. Sarah create content that’s designed to make you feel better about things. She has been living in Harrogate, North Yorkshire for 5 years now and have grown to love its many charms. Sarah enjoys walking in the Yorkshire Dales and documenting her travels.
BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:
Last but certainly not least, we have Jamie! Jamie shares all things book – whether it is short stories or reviews. He also has his debut book; The Fathers, The Sons & The Anxious Ghost that is out NOW in paperback & kindle.
BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:
Happy New Year! We can’t quite believe we are now in the year 2022, it sounds crazy! We know lots of people are sick of the whole “new year, new me” campaigns that are thrown around at this time of year and frankly, we are too – We are fucking awesome as we are! So instead we are bringing you a New Year To Do List full of lots of different new year’s resolution ideas!
What are you hoping to do more (or less) of this year? Let us know!
