Mamarama

Bette Midler tweeted, “TRY BREASTFEEDING! It’s free and available on demand.” Within seconds, the world of formula-feeding parents went crazy.

I never imagined that in Jersey City I’d run into anyone from this sect because I thought they rarely travel outside the western states they call home.

When we talk about traumatic birth, there is a tendency for friends and family to say, “But you’re fine, and your baby is healthy.” But is the new mom really fine? For women who experience trauma at birth, this is a common and irritating response. 

In an effort to protect their newborns from Covid-19, many new parents are keeping their own parents farther away, hurting feelings and sowing discord.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I asked local moms what they wish they could have told themselves as new parents with the luxury of experience, confidence and wisdom behind them.