[motherhoodrising]

Photo by: @photoartbyjessica Doula in training. Athena: Roughly 1021200 minutes old Elara: 35 minutes old

[motherhoodrising]

The incredible @monetnicolebirths shares | Nothing better than watching a mama pull her baby out of the water and then seeing this family all snuggled together in bed. (at Denver, Colorado)

[motherhoodrising]

Can you feel that oxytocin? ✨💫✨💫 📷 @losangelesbirthphotographer | @weareaustinborn

[motherhoodrising]

My good friend @ihadamiscarriage says... _ Ladies: Who of you has felt ANGRY in the aftermath of your miscarriage/pregnancy loss/stillbirth/infant loss? _ Yet another under-discussed aspect of loss, anger is a normative experience in grief. Try not to judge your feelings. Lean in, instead. _ The list is long, but here are some frequently talked about points of anger I hear everyday (some of which I felt too): _ • Angry you are no longer pregnant • Angry that everyone around you seems to be pregnant (and glowing, of course) • Angry that you have to start all over again • Angry that you are living in a postpartum body without a baby to show for it • Angry at your body, your partner, the world • Angry that you are angry • Angry that __________ (fill in the blank). _ Angry women will change the world. Don’t stuff it. Let it flow, ladies. Let it flow. _ #IHadAMiscarriage #miscarriage #stillbirth #infantloss #lossmom #pregnancyafterloss #grief #loss #losscommunity #1in4 #fuckloss // Photo by @awelltraveledwoman on tumblr.

[motherhoodrising]

Eu e Pedro tomamos banho juntos no chuveiro desde os 4 meses dele mais ou menos. Então ele já até sabe que quando chega a hora de lavar a cabeça, é a hora do mamazinho dele. No tanque não poderia ser diferente. Quando comecei a passar o shampoo ele logo procurou o seu alimento preferido hahaha eu fico toda boba mesmo quando vejo o quanto ele é inteligente e eu logo gritei minha irmã pra fotografar, claro !!!!

[motherhoodrising]

I grew up on the streets. We were dirt poor and after my dad went to prision, it got even worse. When we did live in a house, it was in the projects, and when we didn’t? We were homeless, eating out of dumpsters or sleeping in shelters. And do you know what you never see in those places? On the streets? Or in DV shelters? Women breastfeeding. Then we got a new dad and all of that changed. He was our Papa until the day he got arrested for Pedophilia. Trust me, I know its heavy to hear and even easier to ignore —predators and children— but it’s my truth. And do you know what I learned all those years? I learned that my body wasn’t really mine— its true purpose? To remain attractive for men. But wait, isn’t that what society teaches us too? This engrained generational belief- that women are here for the pleasure and servitude of man-so that the female body is then universally seen as purely sexual. The remaining years of my childhood were spent in foster care. And you know what else you never see in foster homes? Women breastfeeding. I was the first, in my direct community, to change this. ‘Of course I’ll breastfeed,’ I’d think as I clicked on nursing covers in my registry, ‘but only because its whats best for my child.’ Then I had Lilly and all, of, that, changed. Breastfeeding melted the shame I’ve carried with me simply because I was a girl. It gave me back the me I didn’t even realize I’d lost. It was, the very first time I saw my body as my own. See, what happened was that one day I had breasts and then the next day those very same breasts, produced milk. The breasts I was taught were only for ‘him,’ now sustained ‘her’ life. Revolutionarily. Breastfeeding completely exploded the worlds pornographic view I carried of myself, and all women. Its like walking through life unable to smell but not knowing it, until you’re holding the most fragrant apricot colored rose. And your mind explodes. Everything changes. Its because of that I don’t see a need to cover up. Its because of that I have never been more proud to be a woman. Its because of this, that I choose to normalize something that was not normal for me growing up. | @gypsynspice 📸 @ovlacekaj

[motherhoodrising]

I grew up on the streets. We were dirt poor and after my dad went to prision, it got even worse. When we did live in a house, it was in the projects, and when we didn’t? We were homeless, eating out of dumpsters or sleeping in shelters. And do you know what you never see in those places? On the streets? Or in DV shelters? Women breastfeeding. Then we got a new dad and all of that changed. He was our Papa until the day he got arrested for Pedophilia. Trust me, I know its heavy to hear and even easier to ignore —predators and children— but it’s my truth. And do you know what I learned all those years? I learned that my body wasn’t really mine— its true purpose? To remain attractive for men. But wait, isn’t that what society teaches us too? This engrained generational belief- that women are here for the pleasure and servitude of man-so that the female body is then universally seen as purely sexual. The remaining years of my childhood were spent in foster care. And you know what else you never see in foster homes? Women breastfeeding. I was the first, in my direct community, to change this. ‘Of course I’ll breastfeed,’ I’d think as I clicked on nursing covers in my registry, ‘but only because its whats best for my child.’ Then I had Lilly and all, of, that, changed. Breastfeeding melted the shame I’ve carried with me simply because I was a girl. It gave me back the me I didn’t even realize I’d lost. It was, the very first time I saw my body as my own. See, what happened was that one day I had breasts and then the next day those very same breasts, produced milk. The breasts I was taught were only for ‘him,’ now sustained ‘her’ life. Revolutionarily. Breastfeeding completely exploded the worlds pornographic view I carried of myself, and all women. Its like walking through life unable to smell but not knowing it, until you’re holding the most fragrant apricot colored rose. And your mind explodes. Everything changes. Its because of that I don’t see a need to cover up. Its because of that I have never been more proud to be a woman. Its because of this, that I choose to normalize something that was not normal for me growing up. | @gypsynspice 📸@ovlacekaj

[motherhoodrising]

Let me just tell you about the weight of projection. Your shoulders sink and your back bows inward, your eyes meet the floor in this sea of emotive contact across all of your senses. Your body grows tense with the thought of touch, even when your mind craves it. The weight of all the shit that rolls off everyone's back and lands on yours... will suffocate everything that makes you who you are. The goddamn projection of insecurity and this sense of non-accomplishment. Put downs roll off your tongue like the lyrics of your favorite sad song. You bury yourself in I can't and I'm not worth... fucking stop it though. It's all gonna fall into place now babe. There's something inside you that's finally coming out and the only one reaping the reward is you. It's just you babe. This worry of being alone in the after - in the end is met with confounding pleasure and joy while you soak it all in. That's what's left. Not their shit or their setbacks, only you and your gains. Your foundation remains strong and firm even when it feels like your walls are crumbling around you. We all have that inside of us. That fire and that light that keeps our feet moving forward and our eyes in the sky. And sometimes you have to go back in time to remind yourself that you are going all the places you’ve ever wanted to go 🔥 | @littlebirddoula #motherhoodrising

[motherhoodrising]

Three generations in one photograph ♥️ @thelittlearithmetics Photo: @barbararaujo_photography

[motherhoodrising]

This is the absolute truth right here. @idillionaire

[motherhoodrising]

The incredible rooting reflex was very present with Birdy - my third baby and first breastfed babe. Watching this and being informed during her pregnancy changed everything for me. It’s incredible how empowered you feel when you know your rights and more about the process. Birth and breastfeeding impact your life in such a huge way. Knowing many women don’t have access to information or feel suppressed by family members and friends - makes me want to scream. Will it ever get to a point where childbirth education and supportive preparation classes focused on breastfeeding / care / mental health are the norm and free of charge for those that seek it? Why is everything geared toward wealthy families and based on financial gain? It’s mind blowing when you really dig and get into the ways this system fails mothers and babies. If you know of any income based / free resources in your area- share in the comments below. If you’re looking for support in your area list your city and state and what you’re looking for. _ Spread the word. #motherhoodrising

[motherhoodrising]

One day these barren arms will long for her soft embrace. I think of this often, in the fleeting pieces of time spent caressing her delicate skin. I let her present need for me permeate through every fiber of my being; knowing all too well that a day will come where that is no longer so. I lived my entire pregnancy in a state of fear due to not only previous miscarriages; but also, a slew of complications that I had faced throughout. There was nothing that I wanted more than to be a Mother. As I developed a subchrionic hematoma and bled out clots the size of baseballs for over 20 weeks, had placenta previa, puked throughout the entire day, every day, for over 19 weeks and our little one supposedly had tested positive for spinabifida - I was constantly feeling defeated. I feared losing her or giving birth to a child that I wasn’t yet mentally or emotionally prepared to care for. I felt as though I deserved what was happening to me. That it was my karma somehow. After labouring for over 30 hours unmedicated and coming to the realization that; due to previous sexual assault trauma, my body would not function properly to deliver this baby, completely panic stricken, I begged for a c-section. My Midwives sternly told me, “That is not how this will end. You’re young, you’re healthy and you are not alone.” The head Midwife rushed to the Hospital to find that, if I did not receive an epidural, My body would not allow our Daughter to come Earthside. At this point I had blacked out and woken up two hours later completely numb. Everyone surrounded me, coaching me to push. I could see their mouths moving but I was hardly coherent. Somehow, My Lotus Flower appeared and was placed on My naked chest. Her eyes wide, instantly gripping my thumb in her entire hand. I began to sob and refused to look at her, as I imagined the worst. I was terrified. I was also in a state of shock at what my body was capable of. When I finally reached a calm place, I looked down at her. I was staring into perfection. My Earth shattering, healthy, beautiful little girl. @tonizipoli you’ve got my heart. @ihadamiscarriage | #ihadamiscarriage

[motherhoodrising]

Weaning babies be like 🙄 | found @mswrightsway video by: @keema.b

[motherhoodrising]

I accept my feelings and express my emotions in a way that suits me. I am sensitive and porous when it comes to words and actions directed toward me. I will not apologize for it. _ It’s easy to lose motivation when others see you as weak or submissive. _ Being consistently disregarded and having your ideas and passionate thoughts thrown into the garbage can - is apt to create a foundation of self-doubt and a constant cycle of questioning whether or not your good enough. _ When you see yourself as the incredible person you are and stop trying to do what you think is going to get you somewhere - you will organically find your way to your place of happiness. _ Ignore the put downs and judgements, the attacks on your vulnerability and the malicious and hurtful messages. Just focus on being true to yourself and doing what makes you feel the most like you. _ If you remain focused and positive, there’s no way you won’t receive the same in return. _ Keep your hope and your dreams alive and work your ass off until you get where you want to be, and when you think you’ve made it- push harder. Keep the momentum going and never forget who you are or where you’ve been. It’s such an incredible thing to be unique in a world of cliques. _ Be a thought leader- carry your own torch to complete and total freedom from the mold you’ve never fit into - and never wanted to. (at Long Beach, California)

[motherhoodrising]

For the single parents | @mre.soeur Using this snap by @dianavonr because I feel like my face here sums up my feelings about working as a single parent. More often than not we are expected to, you’ve all heard the expression, parent like we don’t have a job and work like we don’t have a family. With most of us receiving little to no financial contribution from our parent-partners the juggle is REAL. Full time parenting with a slice of full time job on top is, in short, physically and emotionally FUCKING EXHAUSTING. I was once told that as a single mum things aren’t going to be fair for me and I should just accept that. You can guess my reaction but here goes...IMHO, it is the responsibility of both parents to make things equal, good intentions do not pay the bills and neither does merely wanting to contribute. If you aren’t holding up your side of the bargain then change, work harder, go to whatever lengths you need to go to just like sole carers have to. For example, we do not have the choice to not pay for our children and we also do not have the choice to not work. I cannot turn around and say “oops, sorry I don’t have any money left this month Riv babe. Guess we don’t have a place to live and you’ll have to pee your pants this week.” so why is it so easy for the less present parent to do just that?! STOP telling women that they’re lucky if their babydaddy is still around and start letting it be known that it’s both of your responsibility to hold it down financially and make things equal because it’s not just employers who need to make it easier for mothers to work. Mumming from 7am-7pm then working from 7pm-2am for 2.5 years ain’t the one bbz. As someone who does the most on a daily basis I can confidently say that you’re not doing enough UNLESS you’re doing the most and plz do not expect us to be grateful.

[motherhoodrising]

January means a doula babe is on her way and it looks like she has no problem getting comfortable. 😏 _ Belly by @larisssawilson + @_rwilson_

[motherhoodrising]

I had a zero anxiety day today and I could get used to this kind of feeling. It’ll never go away - I know this. But if this is what it’s like to slow down and take notice of the way the flowers smell and how it feels to dramatically run your fingers through your hair... I’ll take every minute I can get. 💁‍♀️ _ Empathy is a beautiful way to be, but when it comes to cleaning up the dark and dirty corners of life - when it comes to surviving the hard times, you’ve gotta dig your heels in and lock those knees. _ You have to stop with the “I’m sorry” and express how you’re feeling. Embrace the parts of yourself that you push down and lift your chin when you speak. It’ll give you that extra dash of confidence you might need to get through it. _ Empowering. The release of discretion from your clenched jaw and meek mouth. I wish I could box this feeling up and pass it out. _ If you feel your anxiety creeping in... Recognize it, work through it, and release it. You will get through it and come out on the other side. #kmewords