I love the saying but it’s just not possible with some moms and infants. Here’s what occurs while my baby is sleeping for 2 -3 hour sleep intervals (first 6 weeks) now 1.5 hours at 8 weeks. Just posting for perspective. The advice isn’t always possible. Pump cycle (30 minutes) Make next bottle (5 minutes)… Continue reading Why moms can’t “sleep when the baby sleeps”
Author: Jennifer Cofer
Follower of Jesus, mom to Oliver, IVF warrior, dog mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend. Houston, TX. Public Health | Tobacco Control | Cancer Control. Doctorate in Public Health.
No one talks about…this choice
I write this as I’m pumping, son crying in the swing, and he’s 8 weeks old. (Not looking for feedback or advice. Not in the mental state to accept it.) The choice is between pumping or comforting your baby The choice is between pumping or feeding your baby in your arms or laying them in… Continue reading No one talks about…this choice
Joy and Sadness
I know the feeling of holding both Joy and Sadness at the same time. Both feelings are valid. I had a vision of this as I was walking with Lucy at a state park in August 2023. This was the week between confirmation of pregnancy visits which turned out to be confirmation of pregnancy loss. … Continue reading Joy and Sadness
Choosing a Donor
This was the hardest part. Choosing a donor. In case you didn’t read my long journey, I learned on February 2, 2023, that my egg reservation had depleted and had no viable eggs to retrieve. So I had to find a donor, on both fronts – sperm and egg – if I wanted to become… Continue reading Choosing a Donor
Books for SMC and Children’s Books about donors
The books recommended to me by fertility psychologist and genetic counselors: Single Mothers By Choice, Jane Mattes: A Guidebook for Single Women Who Are Considering or Have Chosen Motherhood (ISBN: 978-0-8129-2246-2) An Excellent Choice, Emma Brockes: Panic and Joy on My Solo Path to Motherhood (ISBN: 978-1-5942-0663-4) Adopting on Your Own, Lee Varon. The Complete… Continue reading Books for SMC and Children’s Books about donors
My experience: Fertility Insurance Coverage
Every plan is different. My employer chose Progyny as an add on benefit for those needing reproductive assistance. My plan included 2 lifetime cycles of benefits. Every type of service counted as a ¼ or ½ or 1 whole part of a cycle. I get 2 cycles per family, per lifetime. So for example, ½… Continue reading My experience: Fertility Insurance Coverage
What needs to be pruned spiritually (or physically) in your life?
I was pruning my succulents this afternoon. This pretty photo represents one of my potted succulents on my back porch with like a year or more of growth (since the Feb 2021 freeze in Texas). As I started looking closely I saw dead roots. 😔 I knew this was gonna take more than a minute.… Continue reading What needs to be pruned spiritually (or physically) in your life?
Doctoral School: Spring experience
Last assignment of the spring semester submitted. Last class today. 3 classes = 3 A’s. What was different this time around? Grace for myself; realistic expectations and really disciplined time-management. I prioritized my physical, spiritual and mental health. I worked out, did yoga or meditation 6 out of 7 days of the week, every week… Continue reading Doctoral School: Spring experience
Freezing in my Own House
What does freezing in your house look like? I wouldn't have known until 2 days ago. February 15, 2021. I woke up at 2:30 am to my neighbors generator roaring so loudly, and then it hit me. I came out from under my covers to a freezing cold house. I realized very quickly that the… Continue reading Freezing in my Own House
Late Post: Work from Home Feelings (written in May 2020)
I originally wrote this in May 2020. Not sure why I didn't post. I just found it in my drafts February 2021. So, why not post it. It may still be true today? Almost a year in to the global pandemic, new normal world with COVID-19. I'm on week 9 working from home...really it's week… Continue reading Late Post: Work from Home Feelings (written in May 2020)
jennifer cofer 