Six Ten AM

Friendship breakups often feel more complex and, in many ways, cut deeper than romantic ones because they challenge a part of our identity we don’t always think to protect. When a friend leaves, it feels less like two people drifting apart and more like losing a piece of ourselves—someone who knew us in the unpolished, unfiltered parts and chose to be there anyway. Friendship brings an intimacy that isn’t bound by the same expectations as romance, which makes its loss feel raw and unshielded, like an exposed nerve. In my experience, navigating these rekindled friendships has felt like trying to touch a hot stove without getting burned. I’m aware that my reluctance to let people in again is, in a way, a survival mechanism. Each time I consider opening myself up, I hesitate, wondering if I’m inviting more hurt. But I also know that isolating myself isn’t the answer. The challenge is, I don’t know how to approach friendship halfway; when I commit, I commit fully. I’ve been told I d...

Before I found out I was having a daughter, I felt overwhelmed at the prospect of raising a child, regardless of gender. With a boy, I worried about the immense responsibility of ensuring I wouldn’t raise the kind of men we see far too often in today’s society. With a girl, I was terrified of my inability to protect her from the vulnerabilities that come with being a girl. One way or another, as a woman, she could become a statistic. Once I got the confirmation that I was having a daughter, the anxiety hit me even harder. Whether it was my own internalized misogyny or the world’s inherent misogyny, I wasn’t sure. All I knew was that I didn’t have the answers for how I would nurture, guide, and teach my daughter to be more than I am, more than the world would want her to be. The reality is that girls face sexualization and misogyny from the moment they are born. It begins with inappropriate comments about their appearance and only worsens as they grow older. Society sexualizes girls f...

We’ve already established that I’m chronically online and love my little think pieces fueled by being chronically online. Recently, a mom on TikTok was completely torn to shreds when she made a video about having 17 diapers lying around her house. They’ve even dubbed her the ‘17 diapers mom.’ Yeah neh. Do I think 17 diapers is a lot and quite concerning? Absolutely. But let me tell you something—postpartum looks different for everyone. Yes, there are similarities, that’s how moms relate to one another. But I’m positive that everyone with a baby has had their own ‘17 diapers’ moment. If you are the rare individual who was lucky enough to not struggle by yourself, good for you. And I say that with all sincerity because you are lucky as hell. When you are alone, taking care of a baby…you don’t even have to be physically alone (for example, single married women). If you have more than one child to care for, something or someone is going to get the short end of the stick. There will be negl...

  I’ve been meaning to write about my anxiety for a while, but I’ve never really known how to approach it. Postpartum anxiety isn’t unique to experience, and as someone with a general anxiety disorder, I can tell you they’re worlds apart. It’s not just about being anxious—it’s an entirely different beast when you’ve got a baby in the mix. Let me be clear: I’m not speaking generally, just for myself. This is my experience, and while it might help someone, it could just as easily be a good read. You never know. There are so many people who think I’ve got all this on lock. Oh honey, I don’t. All I know is that every day is different. We’re navigating my daughter’s independence as best as we can. Sometimes she wants to be put down and left alone for independent play, and other times she wants to be glued to me all day, rejecting everyone else. I’m also navigating my own independence. Presently, I live for my little family. There have been so many situations I’ve had zero control over t...

Baking is a great coping mechanism, especially if you love sweet treats and can’t run out for cake in the middle of the night (I started baking at midnight, yikers). I used this recipe because I’m officially in my ‘that’s too sweet era’ despite having a raging sweet tooth. Plus the white chocolate chips (I roughly cut up a white chocolate bar) add in the right amount of sweetness. I hope you enjoy it, perhaps with a mug of coffee or some milk. Ingredients: • 1 cup salted butter, softened • 1 cup granulated sugar (for a less sweet version) • 2 large eggs • 2 teaspoons honey (if you don’t have vanilla extract like me) • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 teaspoon vinegar (to activate the bicarbonate of soda) • 1 roughly chopped white chocolate bar (or more if it pleases you)  Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl,...

I’m not a herbalist yet, but I do like to dabble—why not? About a year ago, my aunt started raving about moringa, so I jumped on the bandwagon after finding some in the pantry. Of course, I did my research (and you should too—you can start here ). However, I wasn’t sure if it was safe to consume during pregnancy since the information was unclear. Moringa is known to be fantastic for breastfeeding, especially because it’s rich in iron (which is great for me, as I have postpartum anemia) and calcium. The gag is you see results in 24 hours.  I know, I know . But it could be just what you need to boost your supply. Let’s get into it! Ingredients: The quantities here are flexible—trust your ancestors to guide you! This made about 1-2 servings, which I drank in one sitting. • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries • 1 banana • A few pieces of papaya (optional) • 1/2 cup milk • 1/2 cup yogurt (optional) • Honey (optional, if you like it sweeter) • 1 teaspoon moringa powde...

I’m so tired of breastfeeding.  It’s funny how the truth really does set you free. During my pregnancy, one of my biggest fears was not being able to breastfeed. I’ve never been opposed to formula, but there was so much talk about how nursing creates this magical bond with your baby. And because I already had this nagging feeling that I wouldn’t instantly connect with my daughter after birth, I clung to the idea that breastfeeding might help bridge that gap. It just seemed like the answer. As someone who tends to romanticize things, I can honestly say that breastfeeding has been impossible to romanticize. First, let’s talk about clogged ducts and mastitis. Nothing I read, watched, or prepared for really prepared me for the reality of those. The mastitis didn’t last long, but it lasted long enough for me to know I never want to experience that again. And in the hospital? My daughter was too young to nurse directly, so I had to hand express into a cup. That was its own ordeal, and I...