The Pressure to Reproduce – and Why It’s Deeply Harmful In today’s world, the pressure on women to have children (or have more children) hasn’t disappeared – it’s just gotten sneakier. It shows up at family gatherings, in social media comments, and even in casual conversations at the grocery store. When are you having a […]
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Loving our kids is the easy part. Caring for them, nurturing them, showing up with hugs, bedtime stories, and scraped-knee kisses – that comes naturally. It’s everything else that makes motherhood feel so heavy sometimes. We’re not burnt out because of our kids.We’re burnt out because society handed us a plate stacked with impossible expectations […]
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It’s no secret that modern motherhood feels heavier than ever before. We are raising children in a world where the expectations placed on mothers have skyrocketed. We are expected to work as if we don’t have children.And parent as if we don’t have a job. The standards are relentless:Homemade baby food, nutritious meals from scratch, […]
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Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy and excitement, but for some women, it becomes an unbearable fight for survival. Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe pregnancy complication that goes far beyond morning sickness—it can lead to extreme weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, and a devastating toll on mental health. Tragically, Jess Cronshaw, a […]
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In this heartfelt account, Alexandrea Roberts bravely shares the often-overlooked challenges single mothers in South Africa face. Through the lens of Newton’s laws, she unveils the unyielding emotional and financial burdens single mothers endure, revealing the hidden emotional toll on those left to raise children without the support of a partner. As Alexandrea describes, the […]
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Balancing a career and family is a challenge many working mothers face, often while earning less than their male or child-free counterparts. This issue, commonly known as the “motherhood penalty” reflects how mothers in the workforce often encounter reduced earnings, fewer advancement opportunities, and a lack of recognition for the unique demands they navigate daily. […]
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Welcome to our new interview series on Postpartum Directory, where we dive into the stories and insights of trusted postpartum and prenatal service providers. Today, we’re excited to feature Annette Nel, a certified lactation counsellor. Annette shares her personal breastfeeding journey and provides expert advice on unique challenges like managing biting at the breast, balancing […]
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Bringing new life into the world is a journey filled with hopes and dreams. Parents envision first smiles, tiny footsteps, and a future full of memories. But when a baby’s life is tragically cut short before birth, it is a profound loss that brings unimaginable pain and sorrow. Stillbirth—the loss of a baby after 20 […]
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Postpartum support is crucial for new mothers as they adjust to the physical and emotional changes that come with giving birth. In South Africa, there are resources available to help mothers through this transition period. One of the most important sources of postpartum support is healthcare professionals. In South Africa, new mothers can receive care […]
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Hiring a doula in South Africa can provide numerous benefits for expectant mothers and their families. A doula is a trained non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to women during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum. Why should you hire a doula? One of the main reasons to hire a doula is […]
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How does it impact mothers when they have to mother without a village? Raising children is a challenging task for any parent, but for new moms, it can be especially difficult to overcome mothering without a village. In many traditional societies, the concept of a “village” refers to a community of people who […]
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The story behind why I created Postpartum Directory as a modern mother without a village. After becoming a mother for the first time in 2012 I realized just how isolating motherhood can be without the support of a village, not mentioning the lack of available, affordable and accessible health care information and support. […]
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