from our publisher & editor
Support.
It’s something we talk about and try to provide
every day in our online communities.
Why?
loss mothers, moms who felt they had failed
at nursing, and a young mama who, despite
a major lack of support from her family, was
breastfeeding, attachment parenting and
raising her daughter beautifully.
Because a mother who feels validated and
confident will make better choices for herself
and her family.
As we went around the group, one expecting
mother shared her fears about how she would
be able to handle a new baby in addition to
her wonderful and time-consuming toddler.
I was recently surrounded by a whole new
level of support at a Birth Without Fear
event. In one day – and through ongoing
connections via social media – a hundred
moms (and moms-to-be) were celebrated,
inspired, educated, and encouraged to trust
their bodies and to believe in themselves as
mothers.
Sitting in this circle of support, all we could do
was nod our heads and exchange sympathetic
smiles… and a few tears. I wanted to hand
her a magic wand. I wanted to tell her that
it wouldn’t be as isolating or exhausting as
she imagined. But the truth is… it is hard.
Sometimes the hardest thing you do is the
most worthwhile one.
Founder January H. vulnerably shared
personal stories about her own births. From
a smooth C-section to a traumatic birth
to a beautiful unassisted home birth, we
cried and laughed along with her. Then we
gathered in small groups, getting to know the
other women, expressing our own fears and
triumphs.
All we could tell her is that it’s worth it. That
she’ll never regret it. And that we’re all here
for her – in the room that day or just a forum
post away.
Our group included first-time mamas,
military wives doing it mostly on their own,
That’s exactly what Amanda and I wish for
each of you, our readers. A place where you
feel safe, empowered, and supported.
-Amity
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