Cara S.

Cara S. & Family

      1.  How many children do you have?

Two girls.  5 and 3 1/2   One boy due Oct. 3, 2011

2.  Would you like to have more children?  How many or why not? 

When I think about our family, I always picture 4 kids. However, I don't think I want to be pregnant again. I am almost 30 and notice this time in much harder than with my first. I am more tired and just generally feel 'older'. So, maybe we will adopt/foster in the future. I believe God will reveal those things to my husband and I when the time is right.

3.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?

How personally I would take my children's bad behavior. I have to constantly remind myself it is not a personal attack against me, but rather the sin in their lives. It's my job to train their hearts and teach them what God's standard is for behavior. Their holiness is far more important than their happiness.

4.  What are the tasks that you wish someone else would regularly do for you?

I really enjoy cleaning and organizing, but I don't like to iron. I do it as little as possible. My husband wears a shirt and tie every day to work, but he irons his own clothes.

5.  How did you take care of your health and wellness during pregnancy?

I am a runner, but never run when pregnant. I give my body a break and don't want to worry about my heartrate going too high. One way I take care of myself is by walking most days of the week. I walk between 3-4 miles at a semi-vigorous pace (basically, I sweat!) I also don't eat red meat and up my intake of greens and protein. I drink only water while I am pregnant and lots of it! I also take warm baths to relax myself and go to bed early.

6.  Did you have the labor and delivery experience that you desired?  If not, what would have improved your experience?

Yes, I actually had very good labor experiences-I don't think I would have changed anything.

7.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming a mother?

I exercise daily (well, most days:) and run half-marathons. I feel such a sense of accomplishment for myself that doesn't have anything to do with my husband or kids....when I am running, it's just me. My friendships run very deep and are very important to me. I have a few very close friends and make time for coffee dates with them. I also put my relationship with Todd, my husband, first. Great marriages make great parents. We date and have regular 'couch time', so our children can see us tangibly loving each other and putting our relationship first.

8.  Are you involved in any mommy groups (in-person or online)?

When I first had kids, I attended MOPS (mothers of preschoolers). I really loved it. As my girls got older, I stopped going because we were doing other activities and I felt like I didn't need that group anymore. This past January, I started going to a group called "Moms Matter" at a local church. It's geared more towards moms with kids who are through elementary, not just preschoolers. I found this group pleasant and encouraging. I haven't decided yet if I will continue when our baby is born.

9.  What do you do to relax?

Go to the library or bookstore and look at books. And read! I love to read and also have two books going: a fiction and non-fiction.

10.  What advice do you have for new and expecting moms?

Train your baby to sleep and get him/her on a sleep schedule. It's a gift that will last your baby a lifetime and a gift you give your family as well.

11.  What is the best thing about being a mom?

Hearing your kids say 'i love you' out of nowhere.

12.  What is the most challenging part about being a mom?

Making hard choices in discipline and feeling like you give up a sense of freedom (or your personal desires) to be a mom.

Cara S.

Cara S. & Family

1.     How far along are you in your pregnancy?

28 weeks

2.  Do you have any other children?  How many?  If yes, how does this pregnancy differ from the others?  If no, do you plan to have more children?

Yes, I have two girls.. 5 and 3 1/2. This pregnancy is uneventful, much like my other two. However, I was very sick for the first 18 weeks with this pregnancy vs. 13 weeks with my other two. Also, we are having a boy this time! So, just knowing this is very different.

3.  How did you prepare for this pregnancy?

My husband and I were ready and trying to have another baby. One big way I prepared for this pregnancy was by starting January 2011 off with a 'fast'. For three weeks, I fasted from sweets/simple sugar and lunch. I lost a few pounds and generally felt better. Plus, I cleared my mind from needing sugar. I think this set me up for a healthy beginning to this pregnancy.

4.  Are you cared for by a physician or midwife?  Why? 

I see a OBGYN. He is a wondeful doctor and delievered my first two girls. I have been going to him for 7+ years. I trust him completely.  I prefer to see a medical doctor for something as significant as a pregnancy. While pregnancy is a perfectly natural part of life, there are many things which can go wrong and I feel safer/more secure using a person trained to deal with medical problems. Thus, I choose not to see a midwife.

5.  Do you plan to have a hospital or homebirth?  Why? 

Hospital. My doctor only delievers at the hospital and if my baby should need immediate critical care, I prefer to be at a place where there is a level 3 NICU.

6.  Do you desire to have a natural labor and delivery or do you plan to receive medication?

Medication, absolutely. With my first daughter, I tried to go med free. I used pictures and breathing techniques, but choose to receive IV meds and then later, an epidural. I labored over 12 hours with her and am sure my body would have needed a C-Section had I not had an epidural. I think it allowed me the strength to have a vaginal delivery. This time around, I am just getting an epidural right away...I think they are wonderful!

7.  Do you have a birth plan? 

Epidural ASAP :)

8.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming pregnant?

I am a runner, but never run when pregnant. I give my body a break and don't want to worry about my heartrate going too high. One way I take care of myself is by walking most days of the week. I walk between 3-4 miles at a semi-vigorous pace (basically, I sweat!) I also don't eat red meat and up my intake of greens and protein. I drink only water while I am pregnant and lots of it! I also take warm baths to relax myself and go to bed early.

9.   Have you had any complications with this pregnancy? 

No

10.  What do you do to relax and relieve stress or discomfort? 

See #8- baths, massages (in the 3rd trimester), reading and going to bed early.

11.  What do you enjoy most about being pregnant?

Feeling the baby move and watching my body change as the baby grows.

12.  What is your least favorable thing about being pregnant?

Weight gain! With all three pregnancies, I gain close to 40 pounds. (While I am not at the end of this pregnancy, my weight is exactly where it was at 28 weeks with this baby as with my other two). So, I am on track to gain that same weight too.  I know it's very healthy and needed, but it's hard for me to go to the doctor and gain 8-10 in a month. It doesn't do much for my self-esteem.

13.   Are you involved in any pregnancy groups (in-person or online)? 

No

14.  What advice would you share with other women who are pregnant or desire to be?

Become as healthy as you can before becoming pregnant. If you have extra weight, lose it. If you have relationships that need mending, mend them. If you need to change your eating habits, do so. If you smoke/drink, stop! You will feel better during your pregnancy and give your baby the best chance of good growth and healthy outcomes.

Michelle Jones

Michelle Jones

1.  How far along are you in your pregnancy?

31 weeks

2.  Do you have any other children?  How many?  If yes, how does this pregnancy differ from the others?  If no, do you plan to have more children?

No other children. We definitely plan to have more children.

3.  How did you prepare for this pregnancy?

I did not prepare for this pregnancy. We wanted kids right away but did not think it would happen on the first try which was very exciting.

4.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming pregnant?

I wish I would have known how exhausting it would be with working full time.

5.  Are you cared for by a physician or midwife?  Why?

I am cared for by a physician. Being cared for by a midwife just didn't strike my interest.

6.  Do you plan to have a hospital or homebirth?  Why?

I plan to have a hospital birth. Just in case of an emergency, I feel more comfortable delivering in a hospital.

7.  Do you desire to have a natural labor and delivery or do you plan to receive medication?

I plan to receive medication.

8.  Do you have a birth plan?

No birth plan, just a "go with the flow" type of girl.

9.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming pregnant?

I try to walk on the treadmill regularly. I also try to eat well balanced meals.

10.  Have you had any complications with this pregnancy?

No

11.  What do you do to relax and relieve stress or discomfort?

Back and foot rubs from my spouse.

12.  What do you enjoy most about being pregnant?

I enjoy all the extra attention from my spouse, family, and friends. They are all so caring. I also enjoy feeling our baby kick in the womb!

13.  What is your least favorable thing about being pregnant?

Swollen feet

14.  Are you involved in any pregnancy groups (in-person or online)?

No

15. What advice would you share with other women who are pregnant or desire to be?

Make sure you are in good shape and are making healthy choices for your body and your baby.

Angela L.

1.  How many children do you have?

I have one child, Sophie, she is one year old.

2.  Would you like to have more children?  How many or why not?

I would love to have another child, just one more would do.  I don't want Sophie to be an only child. I want her to have a constant playmate, as she gets older, I am sure my reasoning for wanting her to have a sibling will change, like her having someone other than "mom" to talk to.

3.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?

I wish I would have known a couple things first before becoming a mother, one being, everything is NOT an emergency. I heard so many "do this" & "don't do that," that when I did do those things or didn't do something, I thought it was an emergency. For example, my family member told me to make sure that I wake up during the night to change the baby, well one night I was just too tired to get out of bed to change her and she indeed peed in her pajamas, not only did i feel awful, but I felt I neglected her and somehow something bad was going to happen because she peed in her pajamas, it was really an emergency to me! Now, of course I do not believe in just letting babies wet themselves, but if they do, it's not an emergency, just clean baby up change her clothes and everything is ok!

4.  What are the tasks that you wish someone else would regularly do for you?

O' I wish most of all someone would cook dinner every day for us!

5.  How did you take care of your health and wellness during pregnancy?

I drank plenty of water during my pregnancy and ate a lot of organic food. I worked out in the beginning, but somewhere along the line that ceased! :-)

6.    Did you have the labor and delivery experience that you desired?  If not, what would have improved your experience?

I am so grateful that my delivery went perfectly as far as the medical side is concerned. There were no emergencies, or errors. However, I did push for two hours!! I didn't know how to correctly push, I was pushing from my head, then my stomach, finally when the epidural was beginning to wear off, the doctor and nurse both agreed, that is when I started pushing better and soon thereafter, Sophie was born.

7.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming a mother?

I have been drinking lots of water, making sure I have adequate amounts of veggies per week, (although, that is not always the case) and I just began a workout regime again on the treadmill.

8.  Are you involved in any mommy groups (in-person or online)?

Sophie and I are actively pursuing playgroups and play dates! We both really need them!

9.  What do you do to relax?

To relax, I love to read! I do deep breathing exercises as well when laying on the couch to relax more internally.

10.  What advice do you have for new and expecting moms?

Ah, for new and expecting moms, stop listening to everyone! Everyone will offer their expert opinion, and it is wise to seek information and help in areas you are uneducated and unsure about, but if you try to take advice from every "expert" your head will spin! O' and don't Google every little red area and bump on your baby’s body! That for sure will have you calling your doctor every 15 minutes, and that will stress you out for real!! ( I know because I did it! )

11.    What is the best thing about being a mom?

The best thing about being a mother is giving my child all the love, gentleness and tender-care that I did not receive growing up.

12.  What is the most challenging part about being a mom?

The most challenging part about being a mother is, for me, time and scheduling. I sometimes just want to sit and read a book or surf the Internet, but I feel I need to entertain and be teaching my child something.

13.  Please share any additional story or detail related to your pregnancy or motherhood.

Always be conscious of love mothers, even when your most irritated, and praise your child ridiculously, it will give them an abundance of self-esteem as adults!

Ronata Bryant

1.  How many children do you have?

4 total...well, come July there will be 4 total.

2.  Would you like to have more children?  How many or why not?

No more babies. We don't even have room for anymore.

3.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?

Sleep in every Saturday that I can because that may never happen again. Lol.

4.  What are the tasks that you wish someone else would regularly do for you?

 Mopping and laundry. Not a fan.

5.  How did you take care of your health and wellness during pregnancy?

Well during the first pregnancy I was pretty restricted. During this pregnancy I am much more active and much more conscious of what I put into my body.

6.  Did you have the labor and delivery experience that you desired?  If not, what would have improved your experience?

Yes! 4 hours of labor and 15 minutes of pushing. Perfecto.

7.  How have you taken care of y our health and wellness since becoming a mother?

After gaining 42 pounds I worked hard to get back to my pre-preggo body...and I did. I wanted to have the energy to keep up with the kids.

8.  Are you involved in any mommy groups (in-person or online)?

I lurk on BabyCenter boards....

9.  What do you do to relax?

Sit on the couch and zone out. Play with the kids.

10.  What advice do you have for new and expecting moms?

Enjoy every second of it. Relax. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to get ir "right." You know your baby best. Trust your instincts. Also, don't compare your kids to other kids. It'll drive you crazy. Every child is beautifully different. Don't be afraid to lean on your support system. That's what they're there for. :)

11.  What is the best thing about being a mom?

It's hard to say. I absolutely love it! So much laughter and joy comes from looking at my kid’s faces.

12.  What is the most challenging part about being a mom?

No rest for the weary! Lol. I've also become a worrier....

13.  Please share any additional story or detail related to your pregnancy or motherhood.

Sometimes you're going to have bad days and breakdowns. It happens...especially as your hormones work to get back to normal. Don't be so hard on yourself. One night I woke up and my son was blue. After a hospital stay and treatment for severe acid reflux he was able to come home but I didn't sleep and blamed myself. Shortly after he needed tubes for his ears. Again, I blamed myself. In reality there is nothing I could have done to prevent these events from happening. If I could, I would go back 2 years ago and tell myself to just love him and take it one step at a time.

Ronata Bryant

1.  How far along are you in your pregnancy?  

7 1/2 months. :)

     

2.  Do you have any other children?  How many?  

If yes, how does this pregnancy differ from the others?  If no, do you plan to have more children? Gosh. Yes. I have two stepchildren. Ari is 11. Kam is 6. I gave birth to Caiden and he is 2. This pregnancy will most definitely be my last. Our house might explode otherwise.

3.  How did you prepare for this pregnancy?  

Ha! This pregnancy was a total surprise. The good thing is that I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight and had really great eating/workout habits.

4.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming pregnant?  

To pass on those few glasses of wine....

5.  Are you cared for by a physician or midwife?  Why?  

I have a physician. I had spinal surgery in 06 so I have to be monitored pretty closely. Besides, my physician made labor and delivery such an awesome experience the first time, I couldn't imagine doing it again without her.

6.  Do you plan to have a hospital or homebirth?  Why?  

Hospital. It was just the best fit for me. The idea of homebirth freaks me out a little.

7.  Do you desire to have a natural labor and delivery or do you plan to receive medication? 

Medication all the way. I have BIG babies.

8.  Do you have a birth plan? No. Is that bad? 

I never want to overprepare.I just go with whatever's best for my baby at the time. I just try to relax and take it one minute at a time.

9.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming pregnant? 

Yes. I'm much more healthy this time around. I'm also much more active.

10.  Have you had any complications with this pregnancy?

Yeah. A few issues with my iron and hip, but nothing major.

11.  What do you do to relax and relieve stress or discomfort? 

Sit on the couch and zone out. Play with the kids.

12.  What do you enjoy most about being pregnant?  

Definitely not a fan of pregnancy. LOVE LOVE LOVE my kids. Pregnancy not so much.

13.  What is your least favorable thing about being pregnant?  

Pelvic pain. Again, I have big kids. However, insomnia is a close second.

14.  Are you involved in any pregnancy groups (in-person or online)? 

I lurk on BabyCenter boards....

15.  What advice would you share with other women who are pregnant or desire to be? 

Make it your own. Find what works for you.

DaShe' F.

DaShe' F.

1.  How many children do you have?

One Baby Girl

2.  Would you like to have more children?  How many or why not?

I would consider having one more child once Kylee is a little older.  If I could have a boy the second time then that would be great!

3.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?

I wish I would have known that even if I sat and listened to everyone else's pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post pregnancy stories, my experience would ultimately be MY EXPERIENCE.  My pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post pregnancy stories were by far different than many other people's stories that I had heard.  So now when people ask me for advice or ask me about my labor and delivery experience, I tell them about it but I also tell them that theirs will be a totally different ball game.  We are all different!

I also wish someone would have told me that it was alright to not know something.  In the beginning, I would just cry, because I felt clueless about certain things, even after reading three books while pregnant.  My biggest challenge in the beginning was breastfeeding.  It was hard because I didn’t have all the answers, no one in my family breastfed and I just felt flat out clueless.  On top of all that I felt like if I didn’t breastfeed my baby, then I would have let her down.  That pressure alone (on top of the baby blues) was enough for me.  Now I know that it is okay to not know everything.

Lastly, I wish that someone would have told me that every day brings a new challenge when you are a new mother.  You just have to roll with the punches!

4.  What are the tasks that you wish someone else would regularly do for you?

I wish somebody would finish filling out my graduate school application and write my letter of intent for grad school for me.  I also wish someone would apply for jobs for me and fix my resume to appropriately go with each job.  I try to complete all this stuff at work on top of doing my actually work because I know once I pick up my daughter, my agenda is thrown out the window.

5.  How did you take care of your health and wellness during pregnancy?

I walked a whole lot when I was pregnant.  I would walk a lot at work just because of the type of job I had at the time, but I would also walk when I got home.  I was definitely a walker.  I also watched what I ate.  I was afraid to eat ANYTHING that I thought would potentially harm my baby.  I was a worry wart at times.  Always thinking about what would help or harm my baby.  I would also read pregnancy books, one of my favorites being Dr. Oz's book and I would pray a lot.  I can honestly say that prayer carried me through my entire pregnancy.  It was not easy in the beginning...

6.  Did you have the labor and delivery experience that you desired?  If not, what would have improved your experience?

I would have to say that my labor and delivery story turned out to be awesome.  Nothing went as planned but I think that is what made it so great.  My baby girl was two weeks early.  I went to the hospital only expecting them to send me back home and say I was having Braxton Hicks contractions.  Well, when I got there, to my surprise I was already 7.5-8 centimeters dilated.  The pain wasn't at all what I expected.  I always said that I would get an epidural, but I didn’t even end up getting one.  I was still able to get an epidural at the time even being so far dilated but I felt like if I had went so far without one that I could make it the rest of the way. I went all natural!  No meds whatsoever. 

My nurses were amazing too!!  They really helped my overall experience.

7.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming a mother?

Since becoming a mother, I try to eat right for many reasons, but the main reason being because I breastfeed my baby and I want her to get all the proper nutrition that she needs.  I will admit that I don’t workout and walk as much as I should because honestly I am still juggling all the changes within my life.  I’m a single mom, so I do many things on my own and finding time to actually go and workout is tedious.  Once the weather breaks, I do plan on going to the park often and walking with my baby.  That will get me back in the swing of things.

8.  Are you involved in any mommy groups (in-person or online)?

No, I am not officially a member of any mommy groups.  I would really like to be, I just haven't ran into any.

9.  What do you do to relax?

I love to cuddle, so my relaxation is cuddling up with my baby girl and just laying there with her or even watching a little tv with her.  Some other forms of relaxation for me are cooking and shopping.  They are stress relievers and they calm me...  I can be really stressed out and go to the mall and just look around and that will relax me.  Now it may hurt my pockets a little bit but at least I feel better!

10.  What advice do you have for new and expecting moms?

For expecting moms: Enjoy every bit of your pregnancy as much as possible.  The 9 months go by so fast, even though it doesn't seem like it sometimes.  Also, know that just because you are getting bigger and bigger by the day, you are indeed beautiful.  Someone told me that being pregnant was the most beautiful a women can be and I carried that throughout my pregnancy.

For new moms: Make sure you have a strong support system.  Being a new mom can be overwhelming as well as stressful at times.  Having a strong support system can be such a humongous reliever.  Knowing that you have someone that will be there is the best feeling ever.  Also, I would say enjoy every second, every minute, and every hour that you get with your baby.  The time goes by so fast and they grow up so quick.

11.  What is the best thing about being a mommy?

Honestly for me it is having that unconditional love.  I know my daughter loves me just as much as I love her.  She has learned how to kiss, so randomly she will give me a big juicy/slobbery kiss and it just makes my heart smile.  Motherhood can be hard sometimes, but it is one of the greatest blessings God can give a woman.  I feel privileged.

12.  What is the most challenging part about being a mom?

The most challenging part for me is when my baby is crying and I either don't know what's wrong or make the situation better.  It hurts me.  I never want her to be sad, cry, or anything of that such in my perfect world, but I know that is not realistic.  I also find it hard to have a little bit of time for just myself.  I feel like my baby is with me 24/7 and people tell me that is solely my fault.  I never really ask anyone to watch her, for one because I am very over protective of her and I feel like no one will do for her or treat her like I do.  Another reason is because I just feel like she is my responsibility and she is my world and even when I am at my last straw, she is still there.  I know this can be a terrible way to be sometimes and I work daily on opening up my mouth and asking, "Hey can you watch her...?" but it all takes time and someday I will be there.

13.  Please share any additional story or detail related to your pregnancy or motherhood. 

There have been so many lessons I have learned on this journey of a first time mom.  One of my biggest hurdles was postpartum depression a.k.a "baby blues".  For the first two to three months of my daughter’s life, I suffered terribly.  I would cry and cry and cry and cry and I couldn't form into words the full reason of why I was crying.  I knew some of it but the rest was a blur.  I just CRIED.  It was horrible.  I began to think my baby was feeling what I was feeling because she in turn would cry too.  I had to do something.  I had to get things under control and get myself together.  My mother offered me, many of times, the opportunity to go and see someone about it.  I turned the idea down because I felt like I could handle it on my own and no one could tell me what was wrong with me if I couldn't tell myself.  One particular day though, I decided that that just may be the best idea for me.  Things had got out of hand, I needed someone (outside of my family and friends) to listen to me.  I went and seen a nurse for a few weeks, along with talking to my spiritual mentor and I tell you I made a total 360 turn around.  I would have to tell women to not be afraid to talk to someone if they are suffering with postpartum depression.  Sometimes issues can't be solved alone.  It is a very common illness and it can be hard to tackle.  Talk to someone, pick up your face, and keep it moving.  It's such a RELEASE.

Kristal Barham

Kristal Barham & Her Children

1.  How many children do you have?

I have two children, a 3 year old son and a 2 year old daughter.

2.  Would you like to have more children?  How many or why not?

My husband and I both wanted to have 4 children. Our ideal family consisted of 2 sons and 2 daughters. Last month we began preparing financially, mentally, & physically (vitamin supplements, exercise, increasing water intake) for a child. We quickly discovered that it was not in God's Will.  So, at this time, we are both okay and open to whichever outcome.

3.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?

I wish that someone would have told me that your children will teach you how to be a mother. We all have a vision and an idea of how we will parent, and what our children will be like, but you really have no idea until they get here. There is no cookie cutter way to parent, you parent according to your child’s needs and a book can't teach you that.

4.  What are the tasks that you wish someone else would regularly do for you?

I wish someone would regularly prepare healthy meals for my family & do our laundry.

5.  How did you take care of your health and wellness during pregnancy?

During my pregnancy with my son, I did a lot of walking and I read a lot of books. I was very conscious of what I ate. During my pregnancy with my daughter, I prayed a lot and I made sure I was well rested.

6.  Did you have the labor and delivery experience that you desired?  If not, what would have improved your experience?

With my first pregnancy, it was a "dream delivery." It went very smoothly & I did not have any complications. I received an epidural and I felt no pain. My son was born with only a few short pushes and it took about 3 days to completely heal.

When it came time to give birth to my daughter, I was not nervous at all. I was looking forward to having another easy delivery.  I was 4 days past my due date with my daughter so we decided to get induced.

Once I arrived at the hospital and they started me on the Pitocin (medication used to start or improve uterine contractions) my water broke soon afterwards. The doctor came in and said, it’s time to push! I said “WAIT! Where is the epidural?!?” The doctor said this baby is ready to come out! You have to push! I was so terrified! Having a natural birth was something I wanted no part in at all! How was I going to survive this pain? After 20 minutes of pushing I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and I felt GREAT! It was an amazing experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience that!

7.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming a mother?

I belong to ladies a gym that I attend three times a week.  I also walk on my lunch break every day for 30 minutes. I also try to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

8.  Are you involved in any mommy groups (in-person or online)?

I am not involved in any mommy groups, however I have an amazing group of mommy friends that I meet up with once a week and I read a few books on raising toddlers.

9.  What do you do to relax?

To relax I enjoy spending time with girlfriends, I go on dates with my husband, & most importantly I drink a hot cup of hot cocoa & catch up on my TV shows on DVR.

10.  What advice do you have for new and expecting moms?

My advice would be to take heed to the advice and counsel of elders, but also trust your own instinct and do what YOU FEEL in your heart is best for your child. Above anything else, pray unceasingly the Lord leads you and directs your path as you embark on this journey!

11.  What is the best thing about being a mom?

Motherhood is so rewarding! There are so many great things about being a mother! I would say my FAVORITE thing about being a mother is when I walk through the door to my kid’s excitement. They jump up and down, they squeal, & are overjoyed to see me! It makes me feel so special!

12.  What is the most challenging part about being a mom?

The most challenging part of being a mother is trying to find a perfect balance. I personally find it challenging NOT to compare my kids to my friend’s kids. I have to remind myself that all children have different personalities and reach milestones at different months. I also find it challenging to fit society’s mold of what a mother's job should look like. I have to fully trust and rely on the Lord to keep sane, to raise productive God fearing members of society, & to be in his perfect will for all of our lives!

Stephanie Pierce

Stephanie Pierce

1.  How many children do you have?

One

2.  Would you like to have more children?  How many or why not?

No.  I feel like I am fulfilled with what I have.

3.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?

That the experience was going to be like no other.

4.  What are the tasks that you wish someone else would regularly do for you?

Laundry

5.  How did you take care of your health and wellness during pregnancy?

I exercised three times a week, watched what I ate, and got plenty of rest.

6.  Did you have the labor and delivery experience that you desired?  If not, what would have improved your experience?

Yes

7.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming a mother?

Yes, because being in the military, I still have to maintain physical standards.

8.  Are you involved in any mommy groups (in-person or online)? 

www.parents.com, Navy new mommy groups

9.  What do you do to relax?

Read

10.  What advice do you have for new and expecting moms?

That you can never be fully prepared, but when a pregnancy is planned, and you are stable enough to handle a child, that the experience is full of joy, and every moment is worth it.

11.  What is the best thing about being a mom?

Seeing my son smile at me and recognize me when I walk in a room.

12.  What is the most challenging part about being a mom?

Still being a wife, friend, student, and working full time.

LaKeisha Davis

LaKeisha Davis

1.  How many children do you have?  

  

2

2.  Would you like to have more children?  How many or why not?  

Yes. I would like at least 2- 4 more.

3.  What do you wish you would have known before becoming a mom? 

 I wish I would have known that every relationship in my life would change. My relationship with the Lord has changed. I use to be able to sit and read my bible for hours or pray for long periods of time but now its not so easy to do. I've had to adjust my approach to bible study and prayer. Now I do bible studies with my kids in my lap and teach them as I'm learning or I just wait until they are napping (if they nap at the same time). Now I pray with my children in my arms or as I make dinner. My relationship with my husband has changed in many ways. We have matured in our marriage. It's no longer about just us. Finding time to just spend with one another is very hard to come by. Again we had to take a different approach from when it was just the two of us. My relationship with my in-laws, family, friends, and even myself has changed. I wish I would have known that there would be times where I would become overwhelmed with every task that a wife, mother, minister, daughter, sister, friend, business owner would have to face and during those times it would be ok to not to be super woman and if everything didn't get done it's ok.

4.  What are the tasks that you wish someone else would regularly do for you? 

Clean, Clean, Clean. I wish I had a maid that cleaned every part of my house daily/weekly.

5.  How did you take care of your health and wellness during pregnancy? 

During pregnancy I was on top of every doctor visit. I wrote down questions to take into my appointment so I wouldn't forget anything(a side effect to pregnancy for me). I was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes during both pregnancies so I had to see my Midwives more frequently than others. I walked alot to help with weight gain as well as lower my glucose count.

6.  Did you have the labor and delivery experience that you desired?  If not, what would have improved your experience? 

Yes. I wanted to go completely natural with no medicatation both times and I achieved that. I just wish my babies would come out faster. But if it meant a long labor for my babies to be healthy then I'll take it.

7.  How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming a mother?

Since having my last baby I have found out that I am now a Diabetic. I check my glucose levels reguarly and see my family doctor every three months. I am alos exercising regularly.

8.  Are you involved in any mommy groups (in-person or online)? 

No but I would like to be.

9.  What do you do to relax? 

Watch TV. Or Take a nice bubble bath. Sometimes I even put of a nice soft music CD and read a book.

10.  What advice do you have for new and expecting moms? 

Enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast. Don't sweat the small stuff. Pace yourself, you don't have to do everything/housekeeping in one day.

11.  What is the best thing about being a mom? 

Wow! So many great things about motherhood but one would be seeing the baby carried in your belly grow into a little person that has so much joy, personality, character, and a sense of humor.

12.  What is the most challenging part about being a mom? 

Finding time for yourself and not feeling bad about it.