On Mothering: Reflections on my Parenting Journey

New motherhood has transformed my perspective on social justice issues, particularly those related to food insecurity around the world. My baby's hunger cries have created a powerful connection to the suffering of starving children globally, especially in conflict zones like Gaza.

• Personal reflections on how my baby's needs highlight global food insecurity issues
• Critical examination of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 112 babies being admitted daily due to hunger
• Clear distinction between criticism of Israeli government policies versus Israeli people or Judaism
• Connection between pushing a stroller and understanding accessibility challenges for wheelchair users
• Recognition of increasing local food insecurity and the strain on food banks
• Practical suggestions for taking action through donations, volunteering, and signing petitions
• Call for governments to increase funding for programs addressing food insecurity

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Fathers showing initiative in parenting is crucial for balancing the mental and physical load of childcare. Many mothers want their partners to recognize and complete tasks without being specifically asked to do so.

• Taking initiative means noticing when something needs to be done and doing it without prompting
• Small actions like offering to bathe the baby or taking them for a walk make a huge difference
• Complete tasks fully, including cleanup, rather than leaving evidence behind
• The "I'm not a mind reader" excuse doesn't work when tasks are part of an established routine
• Working from home doesn't mean having unlimited flexibility for childcare
• Recording a podcast requires strategic planning around baby's nap schedule 
• When fathers show initiative, mothers should acknowledge and appreciate the effort
• Equal financial contribution should mean equal responsibility for childcare

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Three months into my parenting journey, I'm grappling with the concept of "mom tax" - the often unacknowledged work and career sacrifices that disproportionately affect mothers. This reflection explores how motherhood reshapes identity, career trajectories, and daily routines while acknowledging the privilege of parental leave that many don't have.

• The statistics show mothers typically do more parenting work, even with supportive partners
• Career pauses for mothers often occur while partners continue professional advancement
• Simple routines like sharing meals together become logistically complex with a newborn
• Attempting to work during baby's nap time creates feelings of guilt and perceived neglect
• Many mothers don't openly discuss their frustrations with motherhood due to societal expectations
• Honest conversations about parenting challenges are essential for maternal mental health
• The experience varies greatly depending on support systems and cultural contexts

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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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My recent pediatrician visit revealed my baby is trending overweight and developing flat head syndrome, leading to new care routines and a reminder to be gentle with myself. The balancing act of implementing medical advice while not succumbing to parental guilt continues to be a daily challenge.

• Working with chiropractors and massage therapists to address baby's flat head syndrome
• Implementing new positioning techniques and ordering special pillows for treatment
• Developing more mindfulness during baby care, especially during feeding times
• Maintaining academic work during maternity leave with article revisions
• Learning self-compassion when making mistakes like double-booking appointments
• Taking baby to the park and discovering he loves the stroller experience
• Managing baby's dry skin with coconut oil products and frequent moisturizing
• Trying to curb impulsive baby shopping habits

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I celebrate my first Mother's Day with brunch at Windsor Arm Hotel alongside my mother who has been living with me for almost a year. The day was special despite running late as usual, something that has become more pronounced since having a baby.

• Preparation for Mother's Day included doing laundry the night before and asking my partner to prepare Sunday dinner
• Running late has become a bigger issue since having a baby—now 20 minutes late instead of 5-10 minutes
• Recently moved to a bigger house after purchasing it for our growing family
• Feeling unusually tired this past week despite baby sleeping longer stretches of up to four hours
• Baby just celebrated his two-month birthday, weighing 13 pounds and handling immunizations well
• Planning to visit the park with baby during the upcoming holiday with sunscreen and bug repellent
• Working on balancing motherhood responsibilities while finding time to write and complete an online Ministry of Education course

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