A midwife left this letter by the bed of a new mother after she gave birth. Whether you’re a first, second or third-time mum, the message will still resonate. But prepare to shed some tears, especially if you’ve just given birth…
Category Archive: Family
Family
After two medicalised births, Annie Ridout went in to be induced with her third baby fairly clear on how the birth would unravel. But it took a surprising turn and ended up being the most empowering of all three births, despite an early induction…
Family
As Annie Ridout’s body becomes transformed by pregnancy, strangers can’t seem to help themselves from commenting. Usually with: “God, you’re huge.” Here’s why the commentary needs to stop…
Family
After Hannah Hardy-Jones had her first baby, she became very mentally unwell. She was diagnosed with bipolar and told her manic high would be followed by a depressive episode. Hannah opens up about her experience, and explains how this led to her creating an app for mothers…
Family
“’I’m worried if I tell you how I’m feeling then you’ll take my daughter away’ I tell my GP. She reassures me that that’s not going to happen, that I’ve done the right thing and that she’s going to get me help.” Anna Ceesay, founder of Motherdom, on anxiety and depression during pregnancy…
Family
Mother-of-four Lou Jones reflects on the early days with her firstborn, postnatal depression after her second baby and the importance of self-care. She shares some tips for new mums who may be feeling a little lost…
Family
As a freelancer with two young kids – and a third on the way – Annie Ridout was finding herself getting through each day but not feeling particularly excited about anything. A trip to the Mill Eco Barn in Norfolk changed all that…
Family
Samantha Valentine first wrote for The Early Hour while in the grips of postnatal depression. Now, a year on, she discusses the difficult journey she’s been on towards a recovery, of sorts….
Family
Mothers-to-be are often advised to keep their pregnancies quiet until around the 12-week scan, when the chances of miscarriage become lower. But Annie Ridout disagrees with this. Here’s why…
Family
Four months after her mother died from breast cancer, Rachel Clarke found out she was expecting her first baby. In this moving piece, Rachel describes how it feels to enter motherhood without your own mother there to guide you…