The holidays are here — that wonderful, chaotic time when tables fill with food, laughter, and sometimes… a few tricky conversations. We pass the rolls and opinions in equal measure. Between bites of pumpkin pie, someone always brings up that topic. You know the one. But what if this year, we brought something new to […]
When the government shuts down, headlines focus on politics — but for women who are pregnant or caring for young children, it feels far more personal. It can mean questions about food, housing, or medical care. Programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (Food Stamps), and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) may be […]
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 […]
Every night around 10:30, my body decides it’s bedtime. Doesn’t matter what I’m doing—TikTok, texting, or finishing homework—my eyelids get heavy and I think, “Finally, sleep.” But my brain? Oh no. My brain thinks it’s time for a pep rally. Suddenly my thoughts start racing: “Did you study enough for that math test?” “Why did […]
“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; Fear must be overcome again and again.” Abraham Maslow You tell yourself, This is it. Starting now, I’m going to be different. And maybe for a day, or even a week, you are. You skip the […]
This month, as we celebrate Independence Day, let us take a moment to reflect on ourselves. Let us look deep within to recognize the dependencies that might be holding us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. Let’s take meaningful steps to becoming “independent”- choosing not to rely on others for our validation, our […]
June is the Month to Celebrate Fathers June is the month we like to highlight the importance of Fatherhood – a role that is sometimes dismissed, ignored, or forgotten. However, studies show the involvement of a father can: Improve emotional, academic, and social outcomes for children Increase the likelihood that their children will attend college […]
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: Jami McDermott, Outreach Coordinator Feeling drained, exhausted, and utterly spent? Do you wake up in the morning with a heavy heart, dreading the day ahead, feeling like you just can’t muster the energy to face it? You’re not alone. Many of us grapple with overwhelming life events—whether unexpected challenges like unplanned pregnancies, health issues, […]