Hello, let me introduce myself first..
For the first 30 years of my life, everything was smooth and worry-free. I was my parents’ most beloved child, found my true love in college, and happily married him after graduation.
At work, I was my boss’s most valued employee. Whenever I was in charge of a project, colleagues would inevitably say, “Oh, then I’m totally at ease.” I was constantly named “Employee of the Year,” with generous bonuses every year.
Later, I started my own business. Within just three months, I had broken into the market and started making money. By the fifth month, I was earning twice my previous salary. Growth was steady month after month. Right when the business needed more hands, I serendipitously met an amazing partner, and the company reached a whole new level.
Really, it seemed like at every step, whatever I needed, a pair of hands would always place it right in front of me, just in time.
My Two Girls: Ellie & Mia
Meet Ellie, My Firstborn
In 2020, my husband and I decided to have a child. After trying for over a year, we finally got the news in 2021 that a little one was on the way. In 2022, we welcomed our first child, Ellie. She made me a mother.
She is utterly adorable—big eyes, rosy skin, chubby little hands. Every time I look at her, I can’t help but give her a kiss. She is pure joy, and I love her more each day.
But as a first-time mom, I faced unprecedented difficulties. The postpartum tearing wouldn’t heal, and the pain was excruciating. Clogged milk ducts made my breasts hard as rocks. The severe sleep deprivation… And what was even more crushing was that, with zero parenting experience, I was clueless when faced with her unexplained wailing, night terrors, refusal to nurse, constipation, diarrhea, fevers… I desperately searched online, longing for one accurate, truly useful answer!
It was during this time that I thought, once I make it through this “dark” path, I must leave a light on for other new moms.
And Then Came Mia
Ellie had just turned one when I got pregnant again. In 2024, we welcomed our second daughter, Mia.
Completely different from Ellie, Mia is a great eater and sleeper. Although she had her fussy moments in the first two months, starting almost from month three, she became super easygoing. She feeds on schedule, gradually sleeps through the night, loves her solid foods, and adapted quickly when I had to stop breastfeeding due to mastitis.
This made me realize just how vastly different babies can be! It made me even more determined to write about my experiences.
Why I Had to Start This Blog
The Catalyst: A Life Pivoted
After Mia was born, my business also began to decline sharply. I had no choice but to close it and become a full-time mom. My work no longer involves Excel and Word, but instead revolves around changing diapers, washing bottles, making baby food, and managing household chores…
This has been a monumental challenge for me. All my past achievements seem irrelevant now. Managing two young children has brought me a sense of frustration I’ve never known before.
The Daily Reality
They are always fighting over things. When one is in my arms, the other immediately demands to be held too. When I try to cook, Ellie wants me to read her a book. When I attempt to load the washing machine, Mia has a diaper blowout, and I must drop everything to change her…
By the time I finish all that, I see the cup of hot coffee on the table has gone cold again. And it’s not until evening that I remember, “Oh my goodness, the clothes are still in the hamper, unwashed!”
Of course, being a mom is filled with happiness, but that doesn’t negate how hard it is.
My Promise to You
Because I’ve walked this path myself, I won’t just tell you how joyful motherhood is, like many websites do. I want to share my real, unfiltered experiences so every new mom can find a “companion” here.
I want to tell you: you are not alone. What you’re going through, I’ve been there too. Your breakdowns, your helplessness, your moments of losing control—I’ve had them all. You don’t need to feel guilty. This is just a small, necessary stretch of the journey for every mom.
My Hope for This Space
I really want to share my parenting experiences—not just the warm, glowing moments, but to honestly document the pitfalls I’ve stumbled into, the tears I’ve shed, and the “survival wisdom” I’ve scraped together in utter exhaustion.
The Goal: A Mom’s Toolkit
I hope this blog becomes a “mom’s toolkit,” filled not with vague theories, but with:
- Practical Tips: Like how to quickly figure out why a baby is crying, tried-and-true methods for dealing with clogged ducts, or how to efficiently manage the daily grind with twins (or two under two) solo.
- Pitfall Avoidance Guides: Sharing the baby products I regret buying the most, and those “game-changer” parenting hacks. Letting you know which parenting anxieties you can let go of, and which principles are worth holding onto.
- A Community for Moms: I hope my stories connect me with more moms like you. We can cheer each other on in the comments, share our own tricks, turning the storms we face alone into a journey we walk together.
The Bigger Vision
My previous career taught me to analyze data, solve problems, and optimize processes. Now, I’m applying all those skills to this new “position” of Mom. I want to prove that a mom’s value is absolutely not confined to the home. The mindset, resilience, and creativity we built in our careers can shine just as brightly—perhaps even brighter—in this more complex, long-term “project” of raising humans, and can even be transformed into a force that helps others.
My hope is simple: that every mom who opens this blog can let out a sigh of relief and say, “So it’s not just me.” Then, she can find a bit of practical info, a dose of comforting solidarity, and return to her sweet, chaotic mom-life with a little more confidence and a little less weight on her shoulders.
This road? Let’s walk it together.
Re: Castrol oil to induce labor?
ETA: I do have more to contribute to the world than Supernatural gifs, but by the time I get to a good thread, @kynbar5 has already said everything I was thinking. She is apparently my spirit animal.
DS1 01/08/03 DD1 08/11/04 DD2 10/06/08 DS2 09/30/14
SURPRISE! Hannah May born 01/22/16
And there's nothing wrong with some Dean brothers
ETA
If you're not sleeping try unisom, call your OB first, but mine said it was ok. I took it toward the end with both pregnancies, and slept great.
You could ask your dr about the foley catheter or stripping your membranes- those are non medicinal ways to induce if you have medical reasons that justify it but your dr does need to do them for you.
You did get a lot of advice, most if it was just "this isn't a good idea"
*Kate*
February 2016
Yes, and we've given advice in return, and the advice given was in the best interests of you and your unborn child. I sincerely hope that you take the advice provided by the majority of the women here and do NOT attempt to induce labor using this method. I would also like to point out that the majority of the negativity here wasn't directed at you, but at the so-called medical professional who is encouraging dangerous practices. If there was any negativity directed your way, it is likely due to the fact that this question comes up weekly and there are multiple threads stating that it's a bad idea. Good luck with your delivery.
None of which are needed unless you have medical issues, and then your doctor would advise a medical induction under close ACTUAL professional supervision. I'm sorry, but nobody here will accept anything that puts both you and your unborn child at risk as ok!
@kynbar5
I just saw this ETA. Now I know you are my spirit animal.
DS1 01/08/03 DD1 08/11/04 DD2 10/06/08 DS2 09/30/14
SURPRISE! Hannah May born 01/22/16
Just remember, u may think you are miserable but there maybe other women who have constantly vomited all throughout pregnancy but toughened up and dealt with it.
Pregnancy aint meant to be a breeze and a convenience for you. It puts your body to its limits....
I have had vomiting almost everyday, horrible acid reflux requiring permanent zantac medication till baby is born and even my obgyn told hubby he has never seen a pregnant womab get it so bad like me but i still soldier on and deal with it.... Because i know there maybe women out there having it alot worse than me...
You may think people here are being nasty to u but anyone who thinks inducing labor by drinking castor oil just because u feel miserable and can't sleep is a pathetic excuse to put urself and baby at risk
Also, Castro oil?
I'm laughing way too hard at that.
Edit for spacing.
Eta read your due date as 2-16 but regardless I'm not sure why anyone would want to induce themselves for no medical reason when their due date is more than a week away.
Edit: typo
I am very familiar with bio hazardous waste and proper disposal. I work with it regularly and I throw his system fits if not followed correctly.
I also have no issue writing people up for unsafe care. I will talk to you once, then if it occurs again, will write them up. My patients are my #1 priority.
But yeah the "nurse" here is certainly doling out dangerous advice.
Low progesterone
Baby boy born 01/2016
Currently: NTNP
Low progesterone
Baby boy born 01/2016
Currently: NTNP
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our family of 5 is complete!! Love our boys!
I have learned that I never realized how hard it is to distinguish the many oils. Castrol, Castro, Castor....who knew??
I lurk. I snark. I offer sound advice if you're not BSC. You may not like me. I'm okay with it.
Heavens no!! That's just way too far over on the "safe side".