Better Than I Planned

Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned mama, your birth story is definitely one that’s unique to you. A lot of times our stories get lost in the cuteness and newness of our babies. Everyone loves to see pics and videos of William myself included. But sometimes it’s good to take some time to reflect upon who they got here to really acknowledge the mom journey whether it’s through birth, adoption, or otherwise. 

Being a mom in general is hard regardless of how your child got to you. Doing it in a pandemic with some baby blues and postpartum anxiety sprinkled in is even harder. Thankfully, a year later, I’ve been able to channel that experience into 

• A stronger connection with my little guy
• A deeper partnership with my AMAZING husband
• A book that has helped almost 300 women across the world process those mommy feelings through New Mom Thoughts 

So today I want to share one way to commemorate the journey to motherhood with my recent feature on the Birth Stories in Color Podcast. Birth Stories in Color is a podcast for Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latino, and Multiracial individuals to share their birthing experiences - a space that specifically celebrates, mourns with and supports them and their transformation through birth. The hosts are giving the safe space that mamas need to share all of the feels. 
In the interview, I talk about 

• My near perfect pregnancy 
• How unmet expectations led to huge disappointments
• Mom guilt 
• How I overcame the struggles 
• Why I wrote New Mom Thoughts while William was 6 months old

So whether you’re a mom, or know someone who is, be sure to take a listen on your favorite podcast app (like Apple Podcasts) or click the link here to find it. 
Mother’s Day is coming up soon. Take some time to honor you and the journey of how you became a mom (regardless of how your kids became yours). If you’re not a mom, consider asking yours about how you came to be. If your kids aren’t earthside, know that your journey is still worth acknowledging as well. I’ll be celebrating moms in the month of May, and there’s a place for everyone. (Yes, even the internet aunties). ​

Click here to listen to my my story or find it on your favorite podcast app like  Apple Podcasts. 

Better Than I Planned - Ashley Shepard