Author: Ashley Barksdale, LCSW, CFLE, CADC-II, PMHC

— Anxiety, Family Conflict, Support, Toddlers, Women's Issues —

Work-Life Balance for Moms with Toddlers: Real-Life Tips for the Working Mama

March 21, 2025

If you’re a full-time working mom of a toddler, you know the juggle is real. Between daycare drop-offs, work deadlines, laundry piles, tantrums, and maybe remembering to eat lunch—it’s a lot. At The Birth Chat and Barksdale Missions, we believe in honest conversations and practical support. We see you trying to do it all, and… Read More Work-Life Balance for Moms with Toddlers: Real-Life Tips for the Working Mama

— Baby Health, Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Postpartum —

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: The Only Right Choice Is What Works for You

March 7, 2025

Few topics spark as much debate in parenting circles as breastfeeding versus formula feeding. Whether you’re a first-time parent or welcoming another baby into your family, you may feel pressure from society, social media, or even well-meaning friends and family regarding how you should feed your baby. Let’s start by stating one simple truth: Fed… Read More Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: The Only Right Choice Is What Works for You

— Ask for Help & Advice, Baby, Baby Health, Baby Sleep, Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Postpartum, Postpartum Support, Pregnancy, Support —

What No One Tells You About Being a First-Time Mom

March 7, 2025

Are you a first-time mom? Maybe you’re currently expecting? Or perhaps you’re trying to conceive? No matter where you are on this journey, it’s never too early or too late to start thinking about the joys, challenges, and surprises that come with becoming a parent. Everyone has their own opinion about how you should feed… Read More What No One Tells You About Being a First-Time Mom

— Support, Teens —

The Power of a Visual Timesheet: Reclaiming Balance in Your Daily Life

February 10, 2025

Life is full of responsibilities—work, family, personal goals, health, social commitments, and self-care. With so many demands on our time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck in a cycle of burnout. If you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, you’re not alone. The truth is, we… Read More The Power of a Visual Timesheet: Reclaiming Balance in Your Daily Life

— Child, Support, Teens —

Navigating Life with ADHD: A Parent’s Perspective

January 29, 2024

Life can be incredibly challenging for both parents and children impacted by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many children with ADHD are unfairly labeled as “bad” kids, leaving parents and caregivers feeling frustrated, judged, and often defeated. As an adult with ADHD and a mother of children who also have ADHD, I’ve experienced my fair… Read More Navigating Life with ADHD: A Parent’s Perspective

— Blended Families, Child, Siblings, Stepchild, Stepparent, Support, Teens —

Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren

May 10, 2019

The was written as an assignment for FS468 Parenting in Contemporary Societies at Mississippi University for Women in Spring 2019. Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren Ashley BarksdaleMississippi University for WomenApril 10, 2019 Introduction In the United States, approximately 9% of married couples and 12% of cohabiting households contain resident stepchildren… Read More Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren

— Info, Postpartum, Postpartum Support —

The Essential Role of Postpartum Support: Why Every New Mom Deserves Help

March 19, 2018

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most transformative experiences in a person’s life, but the postpartum period—often referred to as the fourth trimester—can be just as challenging as pregnancy and birth. New mothers need rest, healing, and support as they recover physically and emotionally while bonding with their newborns. This is… Read More The Essential Role of Postpartum Support: Why Every New Mom Deserves Help

— Childbirth, Info —

All About Labor Contractions: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Body

January 25, 2018

Labor and birth are incredible processes, but for many expectant mothers, contractions are one of the most feared aspects of childbirth. The good news? You don’t have to fear contractions! Your body is designed for this process, and understanding what happens during labor contractions can help you feel more confident, in control, and prepared. The… Read More All About Labor Contractions: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Body