— Baby Health, Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Postpartum, The Birth Chat —

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: The Only Right Choice Is What Works for You

March 7, 2025

Few topics spark as much debate in parenting circles as breastfeeding versus formula feeding. Whether you’re a first-time parent or welcoming another baby into your family, you may feel pressure from society, social media, or even well-meaning friends and family regarding how you should feed your baby. Let’s start by stating one simple truth: Fed… Read More Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: The Only Right Choice Is What Works for You

— Ask for Help & Advice, Baby, Baby Health, Baby Sleep, Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Postpartum, Postpartum Support, Pregnancy, Support, The Birth Chat —

What No One Tells You About Being a First-Time Mom

March 7, 2025

Are you a first-time mom? Maybe you’re currently expecting? Or perhaps you’re trying to conceive? No matter where you are on this journey, it’s never too early or too late to start thinking about the joys, challenges, and surprises that come with becoming a parent. Everyone has their own opinion about how you should feed… Read More What No One Tells You About Being a First-Time Mom

— ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Support, Teens, The Well, Women's Issues —

The Power of a Visual Timesheet: Reclaiming Balance in Your Daily Life

February 10, 2025

Life is full of responsibilities—work, family, personal goals, health, social commitments, and self-care. With so many demands on our time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck in a cycle of burnout. If you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, you’re not alone. The truth is, we… Read More The Power of a Visual Timesheet: Reclaiming Balance in Your Daily Life

— ADHD, Anxiety, Teens, The Well —

The Ultimate Guide to Study and Productivity Apps

February 10, 2025

In today’s digital age, students and professionals alike can benefit from a variety of apps designed to boost productivity, improve organization, and enhance learning. Whether you’re taking notes, managing tasks, or studying for exams, the right tools can make all the difference. Below, we’ve compiled some of the best apps to help you stay on… Read More The Ultimate Guide to Study and Productivity Apps

— ADHD, Anxiety, Child, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Parenting & Child Development, Relationships & Family Life, Stepchild, Stepparent, Support, Teens, The Well, Women's Issues —

Navigating Life with ADHD: A Parent’s Perspective

January 29, 2024

Life can be incredibly challenging for both parents and children impacted by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many children with ADHD are unfairly labeled as “bad” kids, leaving parents and caregivers feeling frustrated, judged, and often defeated. As an adult with ADHD and a mother of children who also have ADHD, I’ve experienced my fair… Read More Navigating Life with ADHD: A Parent’s Perspective

— Blended Families, Child, Family Conflict, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Parenting & Child Development, Relationship Issues, Relationships & Family Life, Siblings, Stepchild, Stepparent, Support, The Well, Women's Issues —

Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren

May 10, 2019

The was written as an assignment for FS468 Parenting in Contemporary Societies at Mississippi University for Women in Spring 2019. Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren Ashley BarksdaleMississippi University for WomenApril 10, 2019 Introduction In the United States, approximately 9% of married couples and 12% of cohabiting households contain resident stepchildren… Read More Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren

— Info, Postpartum, Postpartum Support, The Birth Chat —

The Essential Role of Postpartum Support: Why Every New Mom Deserves Help

March 19, 2018

The postpartum period—often called the “fourth trimester”—is a time of profound physical and emotional change. Postpartum support from doulas and other professionals can make all the difference, offering hands-on care, emotional guidance, and household help as families adjust to life with a newborn. Learn how postpartum services nurture recovery, reduce stress, and empower new parents during this critical stage.… Read More The Essential Role of Postpartum Support: Why Every New Mom Deserves Help

— Our Village: Shared Journeys in Parenting, The Birth Chat —

Matters of the Heart – Heart Defects in Infancy (Part 2)

February 10, 2018

Written by Nneka Hall (01/2018; Edited by Dr. Ashley Barksdale (03/2025) February is Congenital Heart Defect awareness month. 1 in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect.  In the United States, nearly 400,000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect each year.  [Read Part 1 Here] Providing Support to the Family Symone… Read More Matters of the Heart – Heart Defects in Infancy (Part 2)

— Our Village: Shared Journeys in Parenting, The Birth Chat —

Matters of the Heart – Heart Defects in Infancy (Part 1)

February 2, 2018

Written by Nneka Hall (01/2018; Edited by Dr. Ashley Barksdale (03/2025) February is Congenital Heart Defect awareness month.   1 in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect.  In the United States, nearly 400,000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect each year.  [Read Part 2 Here] In 2005, my oldest daughter was… Read More Matters of the Heart – Heart Defects in Infancy (Part 1)