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Like many in the Motherlucker family, I have been beside myself with grief and anger as I watch the public display of trauma play out in light of the current White House Administration’s zero-tolerance policy on immigration. Now, I ask you to imagine your child being taken from you to a foreign place and housed with hundreds of other children, without warning, suddenly unable to see or speak with you. In your heart of hearts, can one truly argue that they believe separating vulnerable children from their families is the correct way and the only way to resolve our country’s challenges with illegal immigration? As a former social worker with extensive experience in the area of child welfare, what I know of childhood trauma is that it often lingers like a relentless beast wreaking havoc in the lives of the children it plagues through long-term negative side effects.

That’s a fact and it’s amazing how normal this becomes for you. It’s a first-of-its-kind program for pregnancy and post-partum women struggling with anxiety and depression because let’s be honest, there is a lack of care and attention on the mother post-partum, in particular diagnosing exactly what the new mom is going through. This wasn’t the case with me because I had all the love and support in the world thanks to my family and spouse, but there’s always this assumption that you should be ready to tackle this new job of caring for your new baby, continue to do all the things you previously did and life would just become what it will become. Some women do come out of it and others struggle with it, hence the importance of having such a care facility to help mother the mother.

I have this healthy jelly on hand for quick almond or peanut butter sandwiches, to mix into plain yogurt or put on top of pancakes. Combine berries, orange zest, salt and maple syrup in a small pot and bring to simmer over medium heat. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes or until the jelly has thickened ( stir every few minutes ). Remove from the heat and add the remaining ingredients: Vanilla Powder, Vanilla Extract and lemon juice.

Sometimes I look up, a few seconds too late, when I know the baby has been looking at me to get my attention. She is fed, cuddled, clean, and yet I still doubt my abilities and feel this cloud of guilt lingering. It’s unhealthy to have those nagging thoughts all day long. There’s a whole bunch of affirmations for mamas on Pinterest.