One of my closest mom friends shared an article that talked about the residents of northern Norway, who, one would assume, would have high rates of seasonal depression. Despite not seeing the sun from late November through January, the residents of these northern communities embrace winter and view it as a celebration, not a drudgery.

‘Tis the season for germs. No matter how much one tries to avoid it, this time of year, there are sick people all around–especially true right now in Wisconsin with flu season in full swing and influenza activity unpredictably high.

I am a Mom Guilt procrastinator of the highest order. I always have the best intentions to get things done and keep up with my To-Do list, but it never happens.

Many of us experience “winter blues,” which is a temporary, “Tell me again, why do we live in this climate?” kind of thing. Beyond that, though, is seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, which is absolutely no joke.

I have decided to take a dose of my own medicine.  Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I worked in a Preventive Cardiology clinic where, day in and day out, I helped patients set goals to better their own health.  The typical method I used when helping people set goals was to make a S.M.A.R.T goal.  

Most people picture doulas in the delivery room — rubbing a mother’s back, holding her hand, whispering encouragement. And yes, we do that. But the truth is, birth is only the starting line.

Over the past year, I have been grieving the loss of a broken friendship. I have been through this before, as I am sure many of you have also, but my kids, especially my daughter, were watching me in the aftermath.

Saying goodbye to breastfeeding and pumping doesn’t have to be overwhelming – it can be a rewarding and positive experience for you and your family to start the next stage.

Life is hard. Parenting is hard. Kindness matters. There have been so many moments since becoming a mom where other people’s words and actions really impacted me.

Mommy Brain is a real thing.  The absentmindedness started while I was pregnant. I would forget to buy milk at the grocery store.