Sarah Bregel

Margot had struggled long and hard, she admitted, and I instantly let her know that I could relate. I didn’t want her to feel vulnerable or alone, but more than that, it was true.

In the final weeks of pregnancy with my second child, I went to a group appointment alongside other mothers-to-be and their partner

I don’t remember what it feels like to have a first date, a first kiss, or even to be interested in someone. I don’t know how to start dating again.

We are taught to fear birth from early on in our lives, and the way it’s portrayed for entertainment’s sake plays a huge, disturbing role in that.

[CN: pregnancy, birth] I’ve always considered myself pretty open-minded, but honestly, before I had my first baby, I probably would’ve scoffed at a lot of the so-called “crunchier” parenting tactics that I now consider quite normal.

The jig was officially up. My daughter knew Santa isn't real. Had I ruined Christmas? Destroyed her sense of childlike wonder? Killed her holiday spirit?

Even though we are no longer living together as a married couple, it’s not the end of our relationship — it just means carrying on in a new way.

No matter what parents decide, what should NOT be up for debate is the importance of the decision and who gets to weigh in on it.

CN: mention of postpartum depression/suicidality. Generally, in my experience, people often get so excited about a new baby, that they forget that postpartum women need doting on, too.