The start of a new year invites reflection, fresh goals, and the quiet hope that something good is ahead. For many people, January feels like a clean page; an opportunity to start again. For others, those facing an unexpected or challenging pregnancy, that sense of anticipation can feel more like uncertainty. This is where pregnancy […]
Maternal mortality rates, nationwide and at the state level, have received increased attention recently—and with good reason. All pregnant women deserve safe, healthy deliveries. Access to high-quality, compassionate, prenatal and postpartum care is crucial. Equally important, and perhaps less known, is another alarming statistic: pregnant and postpartum women are more likely to be victims of […]
Author: Jennifer Burch, LPC The True Strength of Mothers As a mental health professional, I have seen the strength of mothers and the countless happy moments they experience, even during tough times. From sleepless nights and endless responsibilities to balancing work and family, the never-ending tasks can take a toll. It’s okay to feel […]
Author: Birthright St. Charles Counselor We’ve Heard This Before Our counselors have heard it many times before: “I want to have kids, but not with him. I can’t believe I let him get me pregnant. I don’t want to be tied to him my whole life.” Unintended pregnancies happen in a multitude of contexts. Sometimes, […]
By: Birthright St. Charles Team As we reflect on 2024, we’re reminded of the challenges we’ve overcome, the inspiration we’ve drawn from opportunities to support women, and the renewed hope we’ve found in their strength and ability to achieve amazing things. In these changing times, we’ve worked hard to provide the support and assistance women […]
Author: Jennifer Burch, MA LPC Introduction: Embracing Joy While Managing Stress The holiday season is a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness, but it can also become a whirlwind of obligations and stress. As women, we often feel the pressure to create magical moments for our families while managing our emotional well-being. This year, […]
Authors: Jack, Claire and Mary Kate Three local high school students recently completed a service project with Birthright St. Charles. One of their assignments was to write a blog post for Father’s Day. Today, we share their thoughts on what Father’s Day means to them. Dads have the potential to have influence and play […]
By: Jami McDermott, Outreach Coordinator Ah, Mother’s Day – that time of year when we officially recognize the all-powerful women living among us: moms. But let’s not get too sappy; instead, let’s celebrate the rollercoaster ride that is motherhood, complete with its ups, downs, and sideways loops! Mother’s Day is for Moms Who are […]
By: Jami McDermott, Outreach Coordinator In our minds, we all have some funky mental stuff going on, right? It’s what psychologists call “complexes.” They’re like the mental patterns that shape how we see ourselves and the world. They come from past experiences, trauma, belief systems, and upbringings. So, what are these “complexes”? Think of them […]
By: Ella Bland, Teen to Teen Contributor It’s something that has always bothered me – how makeup, initially designed to enhance our beauty and make us feel our best, has evolved into a requirement to leave the house, making many feel the need to hide their true selves behind layers of cosmetics. It’s similar to […]