Climbing

I have a longer messier uglier post that might never get published. This story is the short version.

Hi, my name is Kristin. I’ve struggled with anxiety most of my life. I was officially diagnosed with depression in college. In each postpartum period, my anxiety has become worse. It isn’t as some moms describe – I don’t feel anxiety about my baby. Instead, I’d be happy just cuddling my baby while someone else cleans my house, cooks for me, and entertains my other children (and the dog and the cats). My anxiety is about everyone and everything else. I feel rage. It is a dreadful feeling.

White Flag

I know that it’s been a long while since I was on here last…back when we only had 2 kiddos. I have a lot to share (like introducing you all to our newest family member, sharing the birth story, writing about my imminent return to work after maternity leave), but today I really need some input. This territory is dangerous…but I’m going there anyway. (Is it anyway or anyways?)

I’m looking for recommendations.

On parenting.

(Now picture me with a grimace on my face knowing that I can’t take it back. I’ve asked for it. Yikes.)

Prodromal Labor

I've learned a new concept over the last 48 hours. Prodromal labor. Haven't heard of it? I hadn't either. Honestly, it's a fancy way of saying false labor. Maybe it helps those of us experiencing it feel a little better than just being told what we're experiencing is false. Instead, I can intelligently state, "It's prodromal labor." It sounds so much more sophisticated, doesn’t it? Bottom line, it's the same thing…contractions which lead nowhere despite making a mama think the time is near. For all of my pregnancies, I've been ok with going full term. I didn't make it with Miss S, and then with Mr. C, I went 3 days past. (I still plan to post his birth story at some point). I shouldn’t complain because my pregnancies have only been speckled with mildly annoying but tolerable symptoms (heart burn, occasional back pain, inner thigh pain this pregnancy, painful joints intermittently) which is nothing compared to a lot of pregnant mamas.