Navigating the challenges of new motherhood brings unexpected lessons about feeding schedules, pacifiers, and personal growth. My journey with my three-month-old has transformed from managing a high-risk pregnancy to helping moderate his rapid weight gain after he reached the 98th percentile.

• Transitioning from feeding on demand to a structured schedule of 4 ounces every 3 hours
• Using a pacifier to help baby cope with hunger between feedings despite initial concerns about gas
• Noticing personality changes—becoming more passive and letting small things slide
• Reflecting on how mothering has created more empathy for students' learning struggles
• Sharing my experience with cervical cerclage during pregnancy, a procedure that helped prevent premature birth
• Starting a YouTube channel called "Shawnee Speaks" to discuss educational research topics

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