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.
Our Daughter Uses A Gastronomy Tube, And It’s Much Harder Than We Could Have Ever Imagined
“Between medical supplies and equipment, around the clock medications, specialist appointments 2.5 hours away, an in-home nurse three times a week, occupational and physical therapy, and a million phone calls with insurance, we are barely keeping our head above water.”
‘The sonographer said, ‘I see more than one!’ Our first pregnancy, but we were blessed with two guardian angels.’: Mom shares loss of twins to Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
“Before we left the hospital, we held our babies one last time. With tears streaming down our faces, we promised them we would survive this for them and live every day in their honor. I walked with them to the elevator where we were forced to part ways.”
I Miss The Person I Was Before I Had Kids
“I used to bristle at the idea of being a stay-at-home mom living in the suburbs. After college I set up a life in the mountains, relishing my freedom as my friends began to be ‘tied down’ by kids. And yet here I am – a work from home, stay at home mom living in the suburbs.”
‘I woke up to my boyfriend panicking on the phone with 911. I had one too many.’: Woman shares sobriety, Epilepsy acceptance journey
“I kept drinking to fit in; I didn’t want to feel left out. I was in denial.”
We Need To Stop Asking Moms When They Plan To Have More Kids—5 Reasons Why
“‘So, when’s the next one coming?” a loving and well-intentioned family member eagerly asked me, a freshly postpartum mom. I hesitantly looked down at my 3-week-old baby, still squishy and bald, arching her back to ease the pain of her reflux as she insatiably nursed at my breast.”
‘A coworker smiled. ‘Just look at that belly!’ Then an intrusive voice in my mind said, ‘Your belly stopped growing a week ago.’: Woman discovers stillbirth after trusting gut instincts
“The blood drained from my face. I excused myself, went back to my desk, and cried. I decided at that moment, I needed help managing these thoughts. I didn’t just need assurance that everything was fine; it was not fine, these thoughts were not fine. And I needed them to go away.”
‘The ultrasound tech said, ‘I’ve seen cases with maybe two other sacs, but never 6.’: Woman births rainbow baby after miscarriage with help from ‘guardian angels’
“Were they 6 other babies? Were they cysts? Were they something that formed to protect the baby? I like to think they were her guardian angels, making sure I didn’t lose another baby.”
How To Make The Most Of Kid-Free Time As A New Mom
“Don’t let separation anxiety, mom guilt, or pressure to perform ruin your kid-free time!”
Just Because I Complain Doesn’t Mean I’m Not A Grateful Parent
“I can be grateful to watch my kids giggle while making a mess at the dinner table AND wish I could occasionally eat one meal alone. I can appreciate being able to nurse my baby AND complain I never get to leave the house for more than two hours at a time.”
4 Ways To Prioritize YOU During Your Postpartum Journey
“I won’t be curling my hair, putting on a lot of makeup, showering every day, or having clothes without breastmilk spilled all over them. But I also won’t be beating myself up for missing some unrealistic expectation of having it all together in those first few days.”