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Grandparents want the best for their grandchildren but sometimes their information and beliefs are outdated.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…

healthy recipes for nursing parents

Five Healthy Recipes for Nursing Parents 

By Christie Collbran | July 11, 2022

While the breastfeeding journey with my son was successful and amazing, it did come with its own setbacks that I had to learn to work through. As a first time mom, I had no idea how demanding nursing would be in the beginning. Newborns have very tiny tummies and often feed at the breast every…

Accept-the-help

Hey Mom, Ask for and Accept the Help

By Christie Collbran | January 11, 2022

Let’s normalize moms being called superheroes because we ask for and accept the help we need. Not because we handle so much on our own. Let’s go back to the village because here’s the thing, most of us aren’t handling it.  I had my first baby when I was 15 years old. I was no…

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…

how-to-make-mom-friends

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…

postpartum-sleep-deprivation

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…

let-children-think-for-themselves

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…