Why we took a closer look at the first 12 weeks of motherhood
Through intimate portraits, this series asks what it means to support women through one of the toughest periods of new parenthood.
New Motherhood
The First 12 Weeks
In a three-part series, WBEZ takes readers behind closed doors to see the joys, the frustrations and the needs of three Chicago-area mothers in their babies’ first weeks of life. Contributor Elly Fishman and WBEZ photographer Manuel Martinez spent months with the families at home and in their neighborhoods, meeting both in person and over Zoom, to bring you these intimate portraits of struggle and triumph.
Featured
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La cuarentena tests the limits of a biracial family
Kristal carefully planned her delivery with the help of her midwife. But there was no roadmap for what came after.
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She’s new to the U.S., new to parenting and mostly alone
Taming a newborn is hard. It was even harder for Asel, who had recently immigrated to Chicago from Kyrgyzstan and wasn’t sure whom to call for help.
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When you are the only queer parents in birthing class
Katie and her nonbinary partner, Sav, must contend with the legal system, new roles as working parents and a baby who struggles to eat.
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Bringing home baby: A resource guide for new parents in the Chicago area
From doulas to breastfeeding and postpartum support it can be overwhelming to find your care team as a first-time parent. This list can help you get started.
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The First 12 Weeks: Breastfeeding and early moments of motherhood
We hear from new mother Kristal Acuña Pitts, as she shares her experience though an intimate audio diary that begins with an early morning feeding.
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How should Illinois support new mothers?
Two midwives and a health professional joined WBEZ’s Reset to discuss the struggles of three mothers from our “First 12 Weeks” series.
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