I earned a PhD in English Literature, where I wrote my doctoral dissertation on Victorian motherhood, and I’m endlessly fascinated by the societal (and often unfair) expectations of a “good” mother. As I progressed through life and experienced pregnancy loss and birth, I realized that the world needed a forum where we could learn from each other, shake off external (and internal) expectations, and create our own personal definitions of motherhood. Learn more about my journey here.
At Undefining Motherhood, you’re part of an open-minded community that celebrates the ups, downs, heartbreaks, and joys of being a human being and mother. I’m so glad you’re here.
Interested in exploring living or mothering in your own way? So are we! Sign up for our newsletter below to become part of our thriving community.
When I experienced my first miscarriage, a blighted ovum, I had no idea you could lose a pregnancy without any symptoms whatsoever (a situation called a “missed miscarriage.”) I was nauseous, had food aversions, experienced cravings, had no cramping or bleeding, yet still, and ultrasound confirmed that I had lost a very wanted pregnancy. I was devastated. But after that
The simplest of tasks can require a monumental effort when you’re caring for a newborn and recovering postpartum. As a new mom, a trip to the pediatrician’s office can seem like a full day event when you’ve never changed a diaper in a public bathroom; you’re not experienced using the car seat or stroller; and you don’t know how your
When I was recovering from having a baby, there were so many things I was unprepared for. One of the worst of them: postpartum night sweats. The hormonal fluctuations kept me so hot, and I quickly discovered that of all the postpartum pajamas I’d purchased, the most important were nursing nighties. Don’t get me wrong. Nursing pajamas of all types
When I experienced my first miscarriage, a blighted ovum, I had no idea you could lose a pregnancy without any symptoms whatsoever (a situation called a “missed miscarriage.”) I was nauseous, had food aversions, experienced cravings, had no cramping or bleeding, yet still, and ultrasound confirmed that I had lost a very wanted pregnancy. I was devastated. But after that
The simplest of tasks can require a monumental effort when you’re caring for a newborn and recovering postpartum. As a new mom, a trip to the pediatrician’s office can seem like a full day event when you’ve never changed a diaper in a public bathroom; you’re not experienced using the car seat or stroller; and you don’t know how your
When I was recovering from having a baby, there were so many things I was unprepared for. One of the worst of them: postpartum night sweats. The hormonal fluctuations kept me so hot, and I quickly discovered that of all the postpartum pajamas I’d purchased, the most important were nursing nighties. Don’t get me wrong. Nursing pajamas of all types
A new mom you love is about to give birth, and you’re trying to decide what to give her as a gift. You might have a bunch of questions like: How special should it be?
If you’re longing to give the kids in your life a “normal” Halloween but are totally confused about how to enjoy the holiday safely, you are not alone! Halloween safety is on every family’s mind
These unique gift ideas will help you build the most thoughtful new mom care packages. Don’t miss a single item creating your new mom survival kit!
It was no surprise to me that my friend Christina, a gynecologic oncologist, waited until she was nearly 20 weeks pregnant to tell me she was pregnant. But I let the excitement get to me–even
Having a child after pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death can be both exciting and terrifying. A child born after these traumatic events is usually called a rainbow baby. But while this rainbow baby definition
Let’s be real here. Miscarriage gifts don’t take the pain away. But when I was in the depths of recurrent miscarriage, my friend Mary Katherine showed up with a miscarriage care package that really perked
Get exclusive community updates in your inbox by joining our newsletter:
This website contains medical information. Every effort has been made to ensure that the content provided herein is accurate, up-to-date, and helpful to the reader at the time of publishing.
However, this website is not intended to replace medical care or treat any conditions. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary.
No liability is assumed. The reader is considered responsible for your choices, actions, and results undertaken after reading work on Undefining Motherhood.
Visit our disclaimer page for more information.
For information on privacy, view our full privacy policy.
Disclaimer / Privacy / Undefining Motherhood © 2020 All Rights Reserved
