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: Introduce Yourself Here!
EDD is March 25 I think....it changes based on what calculator I use.
We have been TTC for almost a year and had a MC this March. Can't wait for my little rainbow to arrive 😍.
I'm married with one baby and one dog, actually he's a puppy, just got him last month.
I joined the Bump with my first son, H born in S16.
I still talk to my 16ers every day 🥰.
I work as a bartender at night and am with my son during the day.
My husband is in construction and we have been together for 8 years
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
I found out on July 15th at 10 DPO & my EDD according to LMP is March 28, 2020. However, I was temping so I'm going off of my O date which makes my EDD March 27, 2020. I'm 36 & DH is 43.
DH & I have a 2 year old DS who is also a March baby so if this little one sticks then they'll be three years apart. It took 13 cycles and a tube removal to conceive my DS. I had a chemical pregnancy in April 2019 and am cautiously excited about this current pregnancy. However, my BFPs look way different and I feel different too.
I was active on TTGP since the beginning of April 2019 and will miss the women over there greatly.
**TW**
IF DX January 2016- Me: Right sided hydrosalpinx
Right tube removed: February 2016
Acupuncture + TCM: March 2016
BFP: July 4, 2016 | DS: March 2017 (39w 2d)
TTC #2: April 2019
BFP #2: April 2019 | CP: April 30, 2019 (4w 2d)
BFP #3: July 15, 2019
EDD: March 23, 2020
**TW**
IF DX January 2016- Me: Right sided hydrosalpinx
Right tube removed: February 2016
Acupuncture + TCM: March 2016
BFP: July 4, 2016 | DS: March 2017 (39w 2d)
TTC #2: April 2019
BFP #2: April 2019 | CP: April 30, 2019 (4w 2d)
BFP #3: July 15, 2019
EDD: March 23, 2020
Our first appointment is on July 30 and ultrasound on aug 12. It feels so far away! I am very nervous to have to wait so long!
**TW**
IF DX January 2016- Me: Right sided hydrosalpinx
Right tube removed: February 2016
Acupuncture + TCM: March 2016
BFP: July 4, 2016 | DS: March 2017 (39w 2d)
TTC #2: April 2019
BFP #2: April 2019 | CP: April 30, 2019 (4w 2d)
BFP #3: July 15, 2019
EDD: March 23, 2020
I'm a children's services caseworker for my local social services agency, and my husband is a software engineer. I like gardening, and recently took up baking cakes. Sometimes I run, and sometimes I slack off. I'm going through a not-running-much period right now. We have a cat (Lexi), a Russian tortoise (Bob), and four fish tanks - a betta fish (Jojo), a figure 8 pufferfish (Harold), a pair of goldfish (Comet and Bubbles), and a tropical community tank.
My my name is Rachael.. I am due around end of feb/beginning March. First ultra sound and Appt soon!! I am pretty sure I’m 8 weeks. nauseous af 24/7.
I work in a ER at a Hospital. I’m a lifestyle photographer as well.
I have a 3 year old and one on the way! And a Husband.
Hope this forum helps me feel less crazy and alone.
I’m married. My husband is a CRNA and I’m an NP. We live in Oklahoma. I’m an avid gym goer and like to eat healthy, but also have a major sweet tooth. I’m a huge sports fan, especially college football. Excited to be part of this group!
oh hey @orbmaker 😊
EDD 3/3/2020, can’t come soon enough!
Found out by taking a pregnancy test one morning... even though my Dr told me not to (we went through IVF). First BFP ever... such a dream!
I have a loving, wonderful husband of 5 years. My hobby is working out, although I’m not doing much of that anymore.
I’m still learning proper Bump forum etiquette, so please be kind 😊
My name is Laura, I'm from Texas, EDD March 3. This is my first pregnancy, and we found out after I realized AF was 3 days late.
I have my first appointment on July 25th.
I'm a School Nutrition Supervisor, and DH is a security guard. We're both 31, and we have a 4 year old dogchild. I'm a gamer, and occasionally I bake and ice cookies for special occasions. If I'm not doing any of that, I'm sewing. I love to cross stitch as stress relief.
DH and I just got married in April, and just finished moving into our new house this week, so it's been a crazy couple of months! So glad I found a place like this to keep my anxious self a little more sane! I suffer from emetophobia, so morning (*cough* all day) sickness is taking it's toll.
My name is Alison, and I’m from KY.
EDD is 3/20/20, found out at my parents house while visiting. (I found out at their house the last time I was pregnant with my now 2 year old as well)
I have a husband and two daughters, 5 and 2. Our ‘plan’ was for a third and just like before when we decided to start trying it happened pretty fast, which I know is very lucky. Excited but still getting adjusted to the idea again.
I’ve lurked on these boards during my other pregnancies but decided to participate a bit more this time!
Good thoughts to everyone and excited to hear about you all ❤️
I just knew I was pregnant. I had hoped before... this time I knew. I tested 4 days before my period and got 3 positive tests! Crazy - I'm still pinching myself.
I'm 29 and I have 2 stepdaughters and this little babe will be my first biological.
This will be our first child, but we have been loving on our kitty Jax and dog Gus for some time now. We are both busy software engineers and love camping and yoga!
I'm excited to get to know you all! I don't have many friends with kids, so can't wait to connect with other moms!
I missed my period yesterday and was super exhausted. Got an immediate positive last night and again this morning.
I live in GA and have a home daycare. I’m married and we have two boys (4 and 14 months). This pregnancy wasn’t planned and we thought we were done 😳. I’m in shock.
Mama to a crazy toddler (J-5/28/15)
EDD 5-3-18
- EDD (Estimated Due Date): 3/27/20
- How you found out: HPT and then a blood test.
- Hobbies, Job, Etc. - I own a marketing firm in Texas. I love to hike, play tennis and hang out with my dog as much as possible.
- Anything you’d like us to know 🙂: Getting to this point was one of the most emotionally and physically difficult times in my life (Failed IVF cycle, 2 Failed IUIs) and it’s so hard for me to totally be in the moment and not be scared but I’m going to do my best!
Sending everyone lots of positive vibes for our pregnancies.
Glad you are here.
**TW**
IF DX January 2016- Me: Right sided hydrosalpinx
Right tube removed: February 2016
Acupuncture + TCM: March 2016
BFP: July 4, 2016 | DS: March 2017 (39w 2d)
TTC #2: April 2019
BFP #2: April 2019 | CP: April 30, 2019 (4w 2d)
BFP #3: July 15, 2019
EDD: March 23, 2020
I've been lurking and decided to come out of the wood works tonight. I have been hesitant due to history
***tw*** I had a mmc Oct 2016, chemical May 2017 and chemical June 2019 from an IVF -FET. I do have a 16 month old son who was from an IVF cycle. I was waiting for my period to start to begin medication again for another FET and here I am, a surprise natural. Since I haven't had a real period since May, my EDD is only an estimate.
I am estimating that I'm about 6 weeks today with an EDD of 3/13/20.
Happy and healthy pregnancies to all.
Me: 36 DH:35
Married: 7/10/2016
TTC#1 - May 2016
BFP 9/6/2016 - Missed MC 10/20/2016
BFP 5/5/2017 - CP
IVF #1 - June 2017 - Transferred 1 fresh 4 AA embryo. 7/9 Beta #1 - 161
I'm 22, DH is 23, and DS will be 3 in less than two weeks! Currently in awe of how quickly he has grown. DS is not DH's biological son, so this is his first real experience with pregnancy and the newborn stage (we started getting serious around DS's first birthday)! We got married in March of this year, and he says baby is not allowed to arrive within a week on either side of our anniversary because otherwise it will ruin anniversary plans for the rest of our lives, haha. We live in the midwest with our two cats, Zephyr and Freya. I work as the CRM for a Toyota dealership and DH runs a tech repair shop.
We are very excited but also very nervous to add a new baby to the family. Hoping for a happy & healthy 9 months to all of us!
EDD: 3/20/20
Found Out: I just had a sneaking suspicion, so I decided to test 2 days ahead of my period, and....2 positives!
Hobbies/Job: I'm currently looking for a better position, I work in accounting and human resources. Hobbies - currently training our Belgian Malinois pup to be my husband's service dog, as well as Schutzhund. I'm also working on finishing my first book, and sending it to get published.
This will be my husband's first pregnancy and baby, I have 2 boys from a previous marriage, and I carried a little girl as a surrogate.
I found out that I was pregnant through my scheduled beta bloodwork. We transferred a fresh 5 day embryo on 6/30 through IVF. First beta was 112 and then it jumped to 1400 4 days later.
I’m a pediatric occupational therapist at a special education school. Some of my hobbies include cooking, reading, gardening, and working out.
My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years and will be first time parents. We feel so blessed to be beginning this journey.
Looking forward to getting to know everyone and wishing everyone a happy & healthy 8-9ish months!
Was new to measuring my temps and was sure I didn't ovulate this month because I didn't have a clear temp rise. However took a test after I felt unfamiliar cramping and it was positive!
I'm 29 and my husband is 37 and this is our first pregnancy. We are both general surgeons. We like to go to baseball games, comedy shows, and travel when we can. We have one cat.
I'm looking forward to meeting some great mamas here! Currently feeling nervous and overwhelmed, but very happy.
Me: 31 | DH: 33
DS1: 12.23.13 | DS2: 05.06.16
BFP: 06.30.19 | EDD: 3.9.20
TTC3: 11.18
BFP: 02.05.19
CP: 03.07.19
*really traumatic recovery*