Field Notes
Narrative reflections. Lived experience. What surprised me, what I wish I'd known, what we returned (and why), and how things changed with baby #2.
The lists and manuals give you the "what." Field Notes give you the "why it matters." These are the stories behind the recommendations - the moments that taught us something, the mistakes we made, and the things we'd do differently.
Featured
Things I Swore I'd Never Do (And Then Did)
I love a strong opinion. Unfortunately, motherhood is a strong opinion factory. Here's what changed: epidurals, formula, pacifiers, and more.
ReadWhy Postpartum Was Harder Than Birth
Nobody talks about this part. The hormones, the body, the sleep deprivation. What I wish someone had told me.
ReadWhat Changed With Baby #2
Everything you think you know gets tested. Cove had different needs, different allergies, different temperament. Here's what we learned.
ReadWhat Surprised Me
Postpartum Was Harder Than Birth
I was so focused on preparing for labor. The real challenge came after.
ReadBreastfeeding Is Actually Hard
Everyone makes it look natural. It wasn't. The reality of latching, supply, and calling for help.
ReadThe Duality Is Real
Wanting to be alone and wanting your baby close - at the same time, on a cellular level. Nobody warned me.
ReadThe Identity Shift
Who am I now? The disorientation of becoming a mother while staying yourself.
ReadWhat I Wish I'd Known
Hire the Postpartum Doula
The one investment I'd make again immediately. For sanity, relationship, and guidance.
ReadFormula Is Not Failure
The stigma is not useful. When to supplement, when to switch, and why it's fine.
ReadStart Sleep Habits Early
The pause method from week 2. It felt impossible. It was worth it.
ReadYou Need Way Less Stuff
The IKEA crib is better than the $700 one. What actually mattered vs. what we returned.
ReadWhat We Returned (And Why)
The Amazon Blackout Curtains
They offgassed badly. IKEA ones were better. Let them air out before baby arrives.
ReadThe Willow Pump
Heavy, bulky, loud. The Elvie won. Here's the full comparison.
ReadThe Graco Pack 'n Play
Way too heavy. Found a lighter version that actually gets moved around.
ReadThe Haaka
Cumbersome, awkward shape. The Elvie Curve is better for emergencies.
ReadWhat Changed My Mind
The Full List
Epidurals (had one, recommend), formula, pacifiers, and everything else I swore I'd never do.
ReadSecond Baby Changes
Cove was different. Dairy allergy, hated swaddles, different temperament. What we adjusted.
ReadOn changing your mind
If your identity depends on never changing your mind, parenting will humble you quickly. The takeaway isn't that I was wrong before - it's that new information deserves new conclusions. We update our opinions here. That's not weakness. That's learning.
How Field Notes Work
Every field note follows the same structure:
- The moment - The scene, what happened
- The conflict - The duality or system failure
- The learning - What we figured out
- The updated rule - What we do now
These aren't meant to be prescriptive. They're meant to be honest. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't.