Irini Orihuela is an Editor at Love What Matters. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in journalism. In her free time, she enjoys photography and hikes.
Those Foggy Days Of Early Motherhood Are The Ones You’ll Never Forget
“We fly through those early days and weeks, wondering how time goes by so fast while simultaneously feeling so slow. We ask ourselves if we’ll remember these dark, murky mornings of early motherhood. Hell, we don’t even remember what we ate for breakfast.”
‘All women deserve this level of care and attention. The one-time, 6-week check-up isn’t enough.’: New mom candidly shares personal postpartum journey
“The systems in place are leaving women feeling lonely and traumatized. I want to advocate for those changes and be in the trenches with women as they navigate this time.”
4 Tips For Conquering Sibling Rivalry
“As a mother to 5 kids, my house has its fair share of quarrels.”
Dear Moms Dealing With Chronic Pain—You Are Not Alone
“The general exhaustion of pregnancy combined with the constant lifting and putting down, feeding of a newborn, and hands-on activities of a growing toddler (like potty-training and cleaning up) can make for an exhausted mama.”
This Photo Was Taken The Night We Found Out Our IVF Round Failed
“Do we want a new house or IVF? Do we want to take a vacation or do we want to do IVF? This is our life and I wish I could just wake up from this nightmare.”
‘Sorry, but why are you letting me know 2 hours before your shift?’ My sister was DYING.’: Woman quits in epic way after boss’s horrifying response to calling out of work
“So many employers don’t see us as having full lives outside of work.”
Sometimes, Preparing For Postpartum Isn’t Enough (And That’s Okay)
“We buy the swaddles, swings, ring-slings, nipple balms, perineal soaks. We build this army of baby gear, falsely comforted by this militia of newborn-stage survival stuff. And then the baby arrives.”
When It Comes To Postpartum Moms, The Most Valuable Help Has Nothing To Do With The Baby At All
“While holding a fresh baby might be fabulous for you, it isn’t necessarily helpful for her.”
The Guilt Of Having A Second Child
“She would get upset I couldn’t cuddle with her while I fed the baby and she got frustrated when I constantly had to say ‘in a minute’ in response to every request she had. I felt like I was letting my toddler down.”
Dear Beckham, When I See You Again I’ll Get To You As Fast As I Can
“Every day from now on is just one day closer to you. And when my day comes where I will join you in heaven… I will run/fly/teleport, whatever gets me to you quickest so I can hold you in my arms again.”