Hurricane Helene Resources

Hurricane Helene Resources and Support for Tampa Bay Families

By Christie Collbran | October 1, 2024

My newsfeed, like yours maybe, is full of photos and videos of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Our community has been hit hard, and many people have lost their homes, their belongings, and their sense of security. For those navigating pregnancy or the early postpartum period, this adds a whole new layer of stress…

Solo Parent, Single Parenting, Mom and baby

Will I Make It As a Solo Parent?

By Christie Collbran | March 17, 2024

Being a single parent brings parenting challenges to the next level. If you’re pregnant or just had a baby, you understand the pressure it puts on you as a single person.  There’s no way around it. It’s hard.  But, it’s not a bad thing. It’s important to remember that you are the best parent for…

Gender disappointment, magnifying glass looking at boy or girl symbol

Gender Disappointment: You’re Not The Only One

By Christie Collbran | March 4, 2024

For some this may be a taboo or controversial topic, but let’s go there together. We are all having a human experience and it’s okay to be authentic about our feelings.  As a Mom of two amazing boys, who are now 17 and 11, these young men mean more to me than anything in the…

Intimate Connection With Partner, Mom and Dad kissing, baby lying next to them

5 Helpful Ideas to Create Intimate Connection With Your Partner

By Christie Collbran | February 3, 2024

It’s been a while since you brought your new baby home. So many emotions… Joy and stress. Mountain tops and valleys. Moments of pure bliss followed by moments of panic and overwhelm.  What a rollercoaster!  You feel like your brain cannot bear to hold one more responsibility or emotion.  That’s why during this time, connecting…

childproofing checklist, baby playing in a drawer in the bedroom

Your Ultimate Childproofing Checklist: 5 Easy Tips For Childproofing Your Home

By Christie Collbran | January 28, 2024

Did your sweet baby just take their first steps?  Amazing, isn’t it?  As they do so, the light in their eyes shines. They are awakened with a newfound skill and curiosity.  You finally have a “walker,” and you’re equal parts excited and terrified. But you can’t help feeling anxious about their safety.  You already know…

Mom holding baby, parenting challenges, do I hate being a parent?

“Do I Hate Being a Parent?” 3 Helpful Ways to Shift Your Mindset

By Christie Collbran | January 21, 2024

Being a parent has its challenges.  There’s no way around it.  While it has beautiful moments, there are equally ugly moments. Being pushed past your limits at times, you may want to quit.  Sometimes, you question yourself and ask: “Do I hate being a parent?”  A simple internet search reveals many people feel burnout when…

A Mom Holding her Hand to her head - "Mommy Brain"

Is “Mommy Brain” Actually Real? New Moms Need Real Answers

By Christie Collbran | December 18, 2023

You woke up today with a lot of things to do. You have housework, a doctor’s appointment, and a million other things.  Then this happened: You made coffee but you can’t remember where you left it.  It’s in the microwave. Your husband called and you told him you lost your phone.  You’re talking on it.  …

Bringing Baby Home, new parents in the car putting baby in car seat

Bringing Your Baby Home – Steps to Success

By Christie Collbran | March 7, 2023

As you reach the end of your pregnancy the reality that you will be bringing your baby home soon is starting to set in and is exciting! Like most new parents in the nesting phase, you are probably busy preparing and getting things ready. Here are some things to consider getting done in advance to…

Routines build consistency for babies and children

Routines Build Consistency for Babies and Children

By Christie Collbran | October 25, 2022

Consistent routines and structure can benefit everyone in your family and are important for children at any age. Why are routines beneficial for babies and children?  Routines help children feel safe, stable and less stressed.  Children are faced with continual changes in their lives. As they grow up their bodies change constantly. Few of these…

when parents and grandparents collide

Old School vs. New School – When Parents and Grandparents Collide

By Christie Collbran | September 20, 2022

Grandparents want the best for their grandchildren but sometimes their information and beliefs are outdated. Things can get a little uncomfortable when parents and grandparents collide. When I was pregnant with my first child, I told my Mom I was looking for a pediatrician for my baby. “Why?” she asked, surprised. I explained I would…

returning to work after maternity leave

Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

By Christie Collbran | September 12, 2022

My sweet baby boy was only a few days old, and I was already dreading the thought of going back to work. I tried to make the most of every moment we had together. I probably changed his clothes 5 times a day. Not because he needed me to, but because I feared he would…

Is breastfeeding always difficult

Is Breastfeeding Always Difficult? – One Mom’s Story

By Christie Collbran | August 8, 2022

In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, I wanted to share a little bit about my breastfeeding story. When I found out I was pregnant, everyone had an opinion about everything, including breastfeeding! I heard stories from my sister, who has had 4 children, about how her milk never came in, she didn’t produce enough milk…