When puberty came, I kept Body slim and hungry When the male gaze found me, I covered Body with baggy clothes Scars form valleys and roads across Body, such as I raged against it Fingers down my throat, punishing. Young adulthood brought new understandings, Body grew and I allowed it to expand, to get full [...]
Category: gentle parenting
So Far, Five Kids is Manageable Chaos
On New Years Day 2019, I gave birth to my fifth baby (and fourth girl!). The immediate postpartum period was difficult for me, because my aunt died of an accidental overdose the same week. I would definitely seek out more support caring for my older children if I could do it over again. Thankfully my [...]
Momma, When You Feel “Touched Out”
This is a picture my 6yr old daughter snapped of me breastfeeding my 2yr old son, while heavily pregnant. I love what this picture captures, his smile at me and my joy in him. I also love that my daughter decided to take the photo. But breastfeeding through my 5th pregnancy has been challenging in [...]
Parenting an Angry Child
Let me start at the beginning. I was so excited to have another baby. Soon, I would have two baby girls! My second child was my first natural birth. She was tiny! She opened her eyes and looked right into mine, and I fell in love right away. At six months old, she would close [...]
My Unassisted Baby Turns 1 Years Old Today!
One year ago today, at exactly this time, I was in intense labor. I held my husbands hands, as he sat in front of me. I leaned my sweaty head into his chest and moaned "oooooOOOOOOOooooo". I breathed, I swayed, I moved around. I cried. I was brave. And then, he was here. I can [...]
Can Moms of Small Children Still Follow Their Dreams?
Can moms of small children still follow their dreams? I often hear from fellow mothers of small children that they are overwhelmed and stressed out. I nod my head in agreement, I feel ya. We are doing a lot, every day, and without much time to ourselves. Many days, we are lucky to be able [...]
I Want to be Gentle, but I Get Angry
She’s 4 years old and she doesn’t want to listen. Or, maybe she can’t listen? The second of four children, always striving to be heard. You were always the angry one, temper flaring. At 6 months old you furrowed your brow and your face turned red when I upset you. You’re also the one who [...]
recovering motherhood 