Irini Orihuela is an Editor at Love What Matters. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in journalism. In her free time, she enjoys photography and hikes.
7 Surprising Things About My First Month Of Breastfeeding
“I had no idea how obsessed I’d be with another being’s poop and pee.”
‘Humor, sometimes dark, sustained us. As Kristy often says, ‘Laugh or cry. Right?’: Dad details navigating daughter’s Pfieffer Syndrome, other medical diagnoses, ‘No condition defines her’
“We had learned to function on ingenuity and instincts, but we always found a way. Life became stable, imperfect, and ours.”
How A Nearly-Fatal Car Accident Taught Me The Power Of Letting Go
“We brushed the glass off the suitcases filled with wedding attire we wouldn’t get to wear and unpacked from a trip that I never got to take. As the details came out, I became more and more upset.”
‘Why would I be ashamed of something that betters my quality of life?’ This question changed my whole perspective.’: Woman with unknown disability shares her self-love journey
“I never wanted pictures taken. I never felt ‘pretty enough’ to fit in.”
‘It won’t happen right away, but at some point, your perspective will do a 180.’ Our nurse was spot on.’: Mom shares journey accepting daughter’s Down Syndrome diagnosis
“I write this to the mama who just received a diagnosis they weren’t expecting. To the mama who is holding their baby, loving and grieving at the same time. To the mama in this tough season, I promise it gets better.”
‘It was the first and only time I’ve ever cried and screamed at a stranger…soberly. I completely fell apart.’: Woman battling infertility finds hope despite obstacles
“Every positive ovulation test felt like a small victory.”
‘Don’t leave her. Please don’t leave her.’ My baby was standing on death’s doorstep.’: Mom of medically complex daughter shares ongoing medical journey
“Dallas Jane Parker entered the world, full-term and full of surprises. She is the feistiest little girl with an incredible fight within her.”
‘I was caught up in the idea of doing everything naturally. I swore I’d never use medication, especially when I was breastfeeding.’: Mom overcomes fear of medicating for mental health while breastfeeding
“When this picture was taken, I was trying to put on a happy face for our family pictures.”
‘I was fourteen the first time a doctor told me I may never have children.’: Woman battling epilepsy pursues surrogacy, ‘I’m on top of the world’
“I wish I could reassure my 24-year-old self it was alright to put my health first and motherhood wasn’t off the table.”
‘I had no one who could relate, no one I could talk to. I needed to help women like me, to make their voices heard.’: Endometriosis warrior becomes nurse, fertility coach to advocate for others
“The women I saw in the clinic needed more. They needed someone to help them navigate their journey, a listening ear. You never think something like this could happen to you, until it does.”