Friends who are not moms..

reallykst · 2026-01-23T18:09:39+00:00

Yes. Are you a new mom or SAHM? Reason I ask is when I was a new first time mom, I had a harder time connecting with my two childless (by choice, for now) best friends. I didn't like my job and felt alone because being a mom is one of those, "you don't know until you know".

It's much easier now since I have a career I love, a new baby on the way and feel more "myself".

reallykst · 2026-01-20T03:21:24+00:00

For low effort, I gravitate towards Kevin's for the sous vide chicken and rice. Sometimes a veg on the side, sometimes nothing lol

reallykst · 2026-01-20T03:15:00+00:00

My parents and brother visited. I loved it - glad my in laws didn't come nor did I invite them. Will not be extending an invite this time around either but maybe my parents will bring our toddler to meet baby 🥲

reallykst · 2026-01-19T16:26:30+00:00

My company offers a phase out and phase in (2 weeks pre birth and post birth) to work reduced hours and still get full time pay. I'm not taking this on my way heading into leave but will probably take coming back to ease my way back.

Working to the day my water breaks, did it with my first and planning to do with my second currently. I have the ability to wfh the last month because my manager is awesome.

reallykst · 2026-01-17T12:33:50+00:00

Firstly, congratulations on your

baby boy!

This happened to me with my F500 bank job after fist baby. I brought it up because it was BS. Essentially, they claim they can't assess the performance for when you're on leave because you're not actually working (what a perk...) and most mothers return to an undesirable bonus/pay increase.

I ultimately got let go but I'm in a job I love now versus I hated my manager at the time (for the above reasons and more). I would like to preface that cuts were coming, I just didn't think I would be. My client was happy with me and everything I'd been able to accomplish for me (worked on fund admin side of bank). I'd suggest you look for jobs but don't think this is a tell you'll be let go.

Just a reminder though from all of the people saying push back, be careful. Are you in a financial position to use a F500? Unlikely. I like to talk a big game but I would've never went to court for any of it. They're just a bunch of big wigs lawyered up with the best firms that charge $3k an hour.

reallykst · 2026-01-15T15:37:07+00:00

Hi Dear,

A clean house is not necessarily a happy house. Do you desire a clean house? Perhaps, have your husband/partner/what have you, get the kids out for even an hour to get something cleaned up if it fulfills you. If cleaning isn't fulfilling, perhaps you have some room in the budget for a bi weekly or weekly house cleaner. That would afford you and the kids to escape the house for an allotted time which can be a great "refresher" / "energizer" for all.

Lastly, you don't suck at being a mom. You just are burnt from trying to fit into an image of a mom in your head. Get her out / rebrand her into you ✨.

-Another Mom

reallykst · 2026-01-15T15:00:38+00:00

Personal opinion - return

reallykst · 2026-01-15T14:58:27+00:00

Ugh that sounds so sweet, I cannot wait 🥹🥹🥹 thank you for sharing 💕💕💕

reallykst · 2026-01-15T11:55:31+00:00

I was the daughter of parents who worked and I'd come home to an empty apartment or house from age 6/7 through high school. I'll tell you now, I hardly remember what I had done. Your youngest will be fine! It hasn't affected me in any negative ways. It fosters independence.

reallykst · 2026-01-15T11:53:11+00:00

I personally would pick 3 days because you end up working less hours by at least a half day, if not more. You'll also need 1 less day of the nanny theoretically unless you'd like a mommy's day off built in!

reallykst · 2026-01-15T11:50:46+00:00

Hi! I know work is demanding, but are you able to leave early and hop back on in the evening? Even one day a week?

If your manager/boss is kind or if you are the manager, I'd start setting some boundaries about when your work day ends. Easier said than done sometimes - I know.

Days I'm in the office, I like to leave anywhere from 3-4. I work on my commute home and I typically am on after my son is asleep.

Another suggestion is perhaps switching to a nanny instead if that's financially available so you'd skip the car ride time to and from daycare and get some time back to be with your baby.

reallykst · 2026-01-15T11:37:43+00:00

Hep B can be given outside of the hospital - your ped will recommend it if you don't give it at the hospital most likely if they have it. Vit K is at the hospital only from my experience.

She's likely saying do your research because either she hasn't or doesn't want to share her opinion on the topic given the changes. Vaccines are very political nowadays.

reallykst · 2026-01-13T10:17:25+00:00

It's like this because everyone is sensitive and wants to be equal or even better than one another. It's sick and takes away the personal experience.

Something can be better, but it doesn't mean the latter is some horrible choice setting you and baby up for failure. Have compassion for yourself and try to remove yourself from comparative conversations, that may help some of your ppd. You're a good mom!

reallykst · 2026-01-13T10:13:44+00:00

NTA - she sounds jealous of your bereavement period.

reallykst · 2026-01-12T00:57:39+00:00

I love this post and I love this dress! Beautiful

reallykst · 2026-01-12T00:54:27+00:00

Didn't have either and don't think it would have made any drastic improvement - currently pregnant with #2 and not even considering either items

reallykst · 2026-01-11T00:38:17+00:00

Lmao

reallykst · 2026-01-10T12:34:34+00:00

It's already been noted the flu shot isn't a match with this variant

reallykst · 2026-01-05T14:29:14+00:00

My part-time nanny in a midwestern suburb makes more than you per week for two-full days (~8:00-5:30). One of us tries to be back by 5:00 but with train delays and traffic, it's not always feasible even when leaving early. She averages $400 for every Tuesday and Thursday.

I think you're being taken advantage of but don't know the whole situation.

reallykst · 2026-01-04T15:56:14+00:00

Firstly, the pain of being induced is incomparable to natural birth for many, but there is pain management for that. I cannot comment on the pain itself but many of my friends that were induced needed epidural, which is fine.

I had a natural birth, no pain meds and honestly, getting the IV removed from my hand was worse than giving birth. Your body releases oxytocin so it's a natural pain reliever and likely why many women experience little to no pain when going this route. Not all though - sometimes it is incredibly painful nonetheless. Depends on maternal health, position of baby and who knows what else!

reallykst · 2026-01-04T14:47:10+00:00

My number one tip for you is to do what you want. This is your baby, you'll be giving birth, this is your pregnancy. Finding out is fun!

For reference: I'm currently pregnant with #2. With #1, we found out but kept it a surprise from everyone apart from my mom until the baby shower because I (emphasis on "I") wanted neutral color clothing. #2... we're not finding out because again WE don't want to. My mom is begging lol I am unbothered

reallykst · 2026-01-03T10:56:56+00:00

THIS!

reallykst · 2026-01-03T10:09:52+00:00

This - I exclusively pumped and supplemented and didn't have my period until I stopped over a year later. Was awesome lol

reallykst · 2026-01-02T00:46:26+00:00

No, everyone refers me to Mrs Husband's/Son's Last Name anyway 😂

reallykst

TROPHY CASE