Parenting is one of the hardest but most rewarding journeys. Here we share all of the ups, downs and tips from our experience. Topics include: raising children, dealing with colic, coping with judgement, preparing siblings for the new baby, tips for partners, traveling with kids, and everything in between!

Toddler Hugging his Newborn Baby Sister

Helping Your Toddler Adjust to Your Newborn

By Christie Collbran | November 12, 2021

My son was almost two years old and still in diapers when I gave birth to my daughter. I thought I had the routine down after two years of parenting. However, I quickly realized that my life was about to become a juggling act. One minute I was changing not one, but two diapers, dealing…

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How Not To Make Mom Friends

By Christie Collbran | June 5, 2021

This story goes out to any new parents struggling to make connections and feel like themselves again. Lonely and isolated at home with an eight week old baby, I desperately longed for companionship with people in the same season of life. Instead of continuing to perfect my cyberstalker skills on Facebook, I convinced myself I…

best-strollers-2021

Our Top Five Strollers for 2021

By Christie Collbran | May 27, 2021

Picking out the perfect stroller can feel a little daunting with so many options available. You may be unsure of what features you’ll like or need until your baby arrives. Whether you are pregnant and creating your baby registry, working on establishing a nap schedule with your newborn, or juggling an infant and a toddler…

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Postpartum Sleep Deprivation

By Christie Collbran | May 22, 2021

Four days and one unexpected c-section later we were discharged and on our way home at last. I could no longer lean on the quiet protection of the hospital. Nurses would not be checking on me periodically. Meals would not be brought to me on a schedule. Ready or not I was now a Mom…

Building-Confidence-In-Ourselves-As-Mothers

Building Confidence in Ourselves as Mothers

By Christie Collbran | March 19, 2021

I was invited by Kylie Kelly of the “This Mama Means Business” podcast, to talk about building confidence in ourselves as mothers. It was a great experience, and I hope you’ll take a listen here. Building Confidence In Ourselves As Mothers Podcast The ideas I share below are based on my own experiences as mother…

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Let Children Think For Themselves

By Christie Collbran | March 10, 2021

What Growing Up in a Cult Taught Me About Parenting “College is overrated. You don’t have to go” my dad said to me. “L. Ron Hubbard, (founder of Scientology) says that in ancient Rome, by the age of 15, men were married, starting families and already working a trade. This modern system with so many…

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Bethenny’s Baby Nurse

By Christie Collbran | February 25, 2021

Believe it or not, I first learned what a baby nurse does on a Bravo TV show. Long before I became a doula, I was a “Real Housewives of NYC” fan. Oh, the gloriously trashy and mindless entertainment! When I watched this faux-reality series, the characters included Countess Luann de Lesseps and Bethenny Frankel. At…

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Parents Need Help Not Judgment

By Christie Collbran | February 5, 2021

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to deal with a Judgy McJudgerpants in your life? I recently wrote about coping with a colicky baby as a new parent – what made it better and what didn’t. Three aspects of the situation made it harder: lack of support judgment and unsolicited advice. I was exclusively…

coping-with-colic

Will My Colicky Baby Get Better?

By Christie Collbran | January 24, 2021

My baby boy was beautiful, healthy, and perfect in every way. Except — he had colic and it was really, really hard.  Prior to this I didn’t really know what colic was, but I was about to find out first hand. The first two weeks were fine. He slept. He ate. He made silly and…

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Common Car Seat Myths

By Christie Collbran | January 13, 2021

Confused about car seats? You’re not alone! On the internet and social media, a lot of wrong, bad or outright dangerous info gets circulated around. So let’s put to bed some of these tired old myths with good and safe information instead. TRUE or FALSE: Fire stations are the best place to have your baby’s…

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When Should Baby Start Solid Food?

By Christie Collbran | December 11, 2020

I was so excited to start solid foods with my first baby. With ingredients from our community-supported agriculture delivery, I made her baby food with love. I ordered special spoons (to help with her ergonomics) and bowls, plates, cups and storage containers. And then guess what? She hated pureed food. Finally I tried giving her…

the-best-toys-for-your-baby

The Best Toys for Your Baby

By Christie Collbran | December 6, 2020

When I was expecting my first baby, I had so much fun buying baby things! Each item was researched ad nauseum, compared, considered and chosen with care. One purchase category got extra time and effort: toys. Of course, I wanted my baby to have the best. I was influenced strongly by natural parenting circles and…