How I wish things were different for mothers today. I wish we all had the support we yearn for and felt as strong and confident as we all really are. But sadly this is not the case. I have been wanting to write this for the past nearly 8 weeks, but have held off. I feel like what I have to say may be "taboo." I have been afraid of what people will think. If they will understand. If they will judge me. If they will think I'm ungrateful, or petty, or dramatic. But I'm not going to let that fear hold me back. This is just my story, my thoughts, my feelings. And chances are if I have felt this way, perhaps someone else has too. I honestly think we should all try to be a little bit more aware of how others might be thinking and feeling before we say things...especially pertaining to birth and postpartum, when women, understandably, are at a vulnerable point physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Unfortunately, women can be cruel. We get caught up in the competition and comparison. Yes, me too. And instead of evaluating before we speak, we don't hesitate to share our opinion. I really want to talk about mom-shaming, but maybe from a different angle than has been expressed. But one that I have felt so much. Birth stories and postpartum recovery…