Blog Posts by TheBump.com

By Lori Richmond for TheBump.com

Shutterstock / The BumpIt's very hard to put into words how, as mothers, we react to tragic events - especially those involving the senseless deaths of children. Lately I've been thinking about how these tragedies, in their unfortunate frequency, have begun to shape me as a mother.

Last October, in New York City, little Lulu and Leo Krim were the victims of a trusted nanny who brutally murdered them for no apparent reason. Their mother, Marina, was returning home, as she would on any other day, and found this gruesome scene in her apartment. I still remember the heart-pounding moment I read the news story, frantically wracking my brain to think about what I was doing at the exact moment Marina got home. My heart stopped and I felt my face flushing. I had just bid good night to my own nanny and was a enjoying cupcake surprise party with my kids - because it was my birthday. Thinking of these two dramatically opposite events happening, simultaneously, in the same city, was too

By Paula Miranda for TheBump.com

Photo: Getty / The BumpMotherhood is something most women aspire to. It is a rite of passage - almost what I imagine being in a sorority is like. Everyone always has amazing stories of how becoming a mommy changes them. These conversations are romanticized most of the time when overheard at baby showers. If you have ever eavesdropped a one on one confessional in the corner table at a crowded restaurant you can appreciate what I am about to share.

Since I became a mom, my life has changed for the better and for worse. It just depends on the subject matter. Here are the top eight things no one warned me about before becoming a mom.

1. You'll feel lonely - but not in the way you think. I actually feel lonely when I sit on the toilet without anyone tugging at my legs or calling my name.

The craziest things tired moms did

2. Say farewell to grooming yourself! Seriously. I used to get a weekly manicure, pedicure and even a wax. Now I get one monthly - if I can find

By Sarah Kulchar for TheBump.com

Photo: Getty / The BumpBeing a mom. There is a lot of change that comes along with becoming a mom but there are some parts of it that are simply great. I've got to admit that there are a lot of (unexpected) things that "being a mom" has helped me out with. Not that being a mom should be used as an excuse on purpose, but let's be honest - sometimes it is the best excuse. Whether its intended or not, let's enjoy the perks of it while they are there.

Here's some that I thought of:

1. You all of a sudden have a great excuse to look a bit ragged. Another plus - if you even look semi-presentable, people always comment on how great you look for having a little one to care for. Score!

Unbelievable new mom confessions!

2. You can sneak out of those pesky friend and family events. Whoops, baby has an early bedtime!" to jet out of a place sooner. Am I right or am I right?

3. You finally have something to bond over with that super cool mom that you see at various social events. Nothing beats

By Chris Treber for TheBump.com

Shutterstock / The BumpWell, gals - for those of you creeping up on the big day, I applaud you. If you're anything like I was, you're probably spending hours online searching anything and everything under the sun about pregnancy, labor and how to care for a newborn. You've probably given up on trying to hide your internet research habits from the company you work for, because near the end, you stop caring and just want your damn baby already.

Now, let me help you out and condense your research a bit. Here are 10 things you need to have with you when things start to go down:

1. A fan. It doesn't matter if it's one of those battery operated little do-hickeys you get in theme parks, or a sturdy paper fan you made out of old grocery lists in your purse. Don't have one? Get one. You. Will. Get. Hot. There were six women giving birth the day I was scheduled to be induced. Full house! I got stuck in a "spare" delivery room. It was nice, but it was warm in there. We had no fan. My

8 easy ways to create a stylish room that won't cost a fortune.

By The Editors of TheBump.com

© 2013 The Bump. All rights reserved.

More from The Bump:
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Fun ways to lose the baby weight!
Baby sleep myths -- busted
Top 10 fears of new moms

When I was a kid, I had an aunt who lived in New York City. Whenever we'd visit her, I could never sleep. All night long from her 14 th floor apartment, you'd hear sirens blaring, taxis honking, cars backfiring (or were those gunshots?). I couldn't imagine how anyone could get used to all that noise. When my aunt came to visit us in the suburbs, on the other hand, she complained it was too quiet.

By Abigail Green for TheBump.com

Veer / The BumpThe point is, you get used to your surroundings. I am reminded of this every time I'm around people who don't have small children at home.

When my parents come to visit, for example, I have all these visions of going to the gym, shopping, going out to dinner with my husband - basically taking full advantage of the free babysitting. But then after the first day or two I begin to realize that most people aren't used to our "lifestyle," as it were.

You know you're a mom when...

I've become so used to the craziness around here that it's

Do you ever feel like you are behind on topics other mommies know all about? Feel like the only frumpy mom at carpool? Do you feel like every time you get together with friends they are always telling you what you should be doing and what you shouldn't? Is there such thing as a mommy bully?

Yep - it exists.

By Paula Miranda for TheBump.com

Thinkstock / The BumpI had my daughter in my early twenties when most of my friends were spending all their hard earned money on clothes and going out to the latest club. I was determined to give my baby every opportunity I could. I started involving my daughter in every activity I heard about hoping to find new friends that were like-minded. Instead, I found that no one was my age, or even remotely close to it. I was the young, pretty mommy that had a baby at "Gasp! How old were you? Oh, how brave!"

Once the other mommies got over the initial shock of how young I was, they couldn't get over how I was raising my baby as a single mom. They would tell

I don't think it's exaggerating much to say I've spent at least half my life as a mother in my car with sleeping children. From the colicky infant days when nothing else would soothe them besides a drive around town, to the not-quite-ready-to-drop-a-nap days when my cranky toddler and I both desperately needed for him to take a short rest, I'd say my car is Mommy's little (expensive) helper.

By Abigail Green for TheBump.com

Thinkstock / The BumpIn all that time spent behind the wheel with tiny passengers, I've come up with a list of 5 essential items you should carry in your car or minivan at all times:

1. A snack. I'm guessing you already tote around Cheerios or puffs or something for your little ones if they're old enough for solids. But I'm talking about a snack for YOU. How many times have you skipped breakfast or lunch because you're in a rush, only to find yourself ravenous and at the mercy of the closest drive-thru? I keep protein bars and a bottle of water in the center console of my car.

5 rules