Category: Just for Mom (Page 4 of 4)

This category is like it says: just for mom. Here I include articles that have to do with self care, mom guilt, and other issues which don’t directly affect your baby nor child. As we continue to grow here at Real Simple Mama, I thought it was important that I have a section to show moms that we are strong, and we aren’t alone.

The Double-Edged Sword of Mom Guilt

November 21, 2016 / The Mama / 2 Comments

Unwinding in a fragrant, steaming hot bubble bath. Eating a delicious hot meal slowly and deliberately, savoring every bite and enjoying meaningful conversation. Getting a spa pedicure. Peeing alone. Apparently as a mom, I’m not supposed to want those things. Because if I do it means that I don’t love my kids. Mom guilt is real, and it sucks.

I don’t have anyone to blame for this mentality more than myself. Sure society can be a bit of a jackass sometimes, and make me feel like I should always be overjoyed to be trapped in my home 24/7 with my offspring. I don’t earn an income per se (though let’s not get started on the outrageous daycare savings) and I don’t have a “real job.” I mean, all I do is sit around and watch TV in yoga pants, right?

Cue hysterical laugh. Continue reading

Life As An Anxious Mom

September 29, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

I have said it before, and I will say it again: any anxiety you have does get exacerbated after you have a child. You can still be a fantastic, joyous parent; but you should know some things up front about living as an anxious mom. Here’s what life is like for me, as well as some tips if you’re an anxious parent too. Continue reading

Advice For Stay-At-Home Moms

August 4, 2016 / The Mama / 4 Comments

I was a working mom for two years, and am so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to be a stay at home mom since I had my second child. I had no close friends nor family who were SAHMs and I went into this new job without a clue. It’s been beautiful, stressful, and the best year of my life! My hope is to make your journey into motherhood as seamless as possible. Here are my tips for what to expect, and what to do, so that you and your littles are as happy as can be. Continue reading

Five Things Every Mom Needs to Promise Herself

June 9, 2016 / The Mama / 3 Comments

Motherhood is beautiful and life changing. But it can also be overwhelming and difficult. In the midst of the chaos and the mess, every mom should make these five promises… to herself. Continue reading

I Hope She’s Not My Last Baby

April 20, 2016 / The Mama / 4 Comments

All parents know the feeling of watching their children grow up. Last night my husband and I sat on the couch while the kids slept, looking at photo streams of Kiddo when he was a baby. I was so overcome with pride and sorrow that I was sobbing and laughing. I love him so, and he truly is growing up too fast. I feel a tightening in my heart when I think that I may never be pregnant again. It’s too early to tell, of course; Tiny is only six months old today (OMG wait what? Oh nooo), so we wouldn’t really be actively trying for another year or so. Still, to think that my days of being pregnant are over, makes my heart ache and brings tears to my eyes. I hope she’s not my last, and I’m not ready to accept that she quite likely is my last baby. Continue reading

Simple Beauty for Real Moms

April 5, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Written by Morgan, the mama behind Mom Uprising – someone way more fashionable and good looking than I will ever be. Trust me, you want to read about simple beauty for real moms in the real world.

If you’re like me, there are weeks where you go days without a shower. Your yoga pants have pea puree, or maybe poop, all over them. Your messy bun is just messy without any sense of style. We all have those days, those weeks, and those months.

Honestly, the first month or so after giving birth, I wasn’t concerned with this at all. I was a brand new mom, and those postpartum hormones didn’t necessarily work well for my mood, but my skin was absolutely glowing. Fast forward a few months and add going back to work with breastfeeding cravings that had me scarfing down six donuts in one sitting, and my appearance started to take a nosedive, as did my confidence.

After some trial and error, I think I’ve settled on a few key things that I do to keep myself not just looking better, but feeling better about the way I look. Now, I’m going to share those things with you! Continue reading

Not Now, Mama’s Gotta Color

March 21, 2016 / The Mama / 8 Comments

Ok so the title is not accurate. Of course I would never abandon my babies in a pool of their own filth so I could go scribble. But there’s gotta be some truth to this whole grownup coloring craze. I tried it and I’m hooked: I love to color!

It’s probably also useful for you to know that I have anxiety – not about anything in particular. I just occasionally get panic attacks or just feel overwhelmed. It affects me physically and can be exhausting, although it’s not so severe that I’ve bothered to get medicated or anything. I got some adult coloring books and colored pencils, and without any expectations, started coloring. Continue reading

Living with Endometriosis and Infertility

March 16, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Imagine you’ve been praying for the souls of your future children since you were 14. You marry your high school sweetheart and you know you want a house full of kids.

And then you’re told you may never be a mother.

That’s what happened to me. And don’t worry, my story has a happy ending. But I had a long road to walk, often alone, carrying the burdens of emotional and physical pain. My hope is that this article will shine some light into life with endometriosis and infertility, and remind you that when it comes to getting pregnant… Well, it ain’t over till it’s over, sister. Continue reading

Five Minutes for Mom

March 5, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

You know the feeling: the baby is being extra fussy, my toddler is annoying me about something or other, the dog just threw up on the carpet and I just realized we are out of bread AND peanut butter. “That’s it,” I think. “I need five minutes for mom. Right now. Time to pull that card and take care of me.”

Let me show you what I mean, and how it helps. Continue reading

Lifestyle Changes for Expectant Moms

May 28, 2013 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Whether you’ve been trying to conceive for years, or your pregnancy is a bit of a surprise, there are certainly lifestyle changes which need to take place as soon as you find out that you’re expecting. Some are fairly obvious – I’m sure most of us know that alcohol is very dangerous, for example – but some were less obvious for me.

Please read over these checklists carefully and start making the necessary adjustments, and remember that all of this is for the good of your baby, even if it’s inconvenient or different for you. Continue reading