I went into the final days of my 42-week pregnancy armed with hopes and plans of what my experience as a new mom would be like. I arrived at the hospital on my induction date with a nervous smile and the naive expectations only first-time moms possess.

I remember the days of holding friends’ babies, while longing for children of my own. The one thing that didn’t cross my mind at the time, while smelling those sweet newborns and kissing those squishy cheeks, was how short a time period a baby is actually a baby.

To make things a bit more complicated, I travel for my job.  This often includes multiple flights, airports, car rentals, and late nights.  I realized very quickly that pumping is not a traveler’s sport, and here are some of the valuable lessons I have learned.

When I toured her daycare facility, I grilled the director, I brainstormed with her teachers, and vigorously highlighted the menu showing them exactly what she can eat. I know they are prepared for her.

Confession. On more than one occasion, I’ve been unsure if I’ve secured my daughter in her car seat properly. I’ve tightened and pulled and shrugged, all the while praying nothing bad happens as I drive from point A to point B.

Baby number 2 is a chance to right all of your wrongs; to look back at the silly mistakes and expectations and do it the ‘right’ way this time around!

I used to live in this magical land where babies drank from bottles with little persuasion. They latched on and cuddled into your arms just as if it were the real deal.

The below post was submitted by guest contributor, Ashlee Rahmlow.  Thank you, Ashlee, for writing about your experience with Postpartum Anxiety, and, for offering support for so many others. 

Weaving through the produce section, shopping list in hand, I'm hastily looking over vegetables as I throw them into bags and carefully place them in the small spaces unoccupied by [...]