Most pregnant women know that drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and taking drugs while pregnant is a big no-no. However, despite official warnings from health agencies, a recent study found that some women are partaking in these no-no’s during pregnancy. Read More
The CDC Has Issued Important New Breast Pump Cleaning Guidelines
The CDC also found in their investigation that there was little information on how to properly clean breast pump parts based on current studies and science. As a result of this, they wrote their own guidelines. Read More
Congress Passes Bill Giving Women Greater Access to Postpartum Depression Screening
Experts estimate that over 600,000 women will suffer from postpartum depression this next year– making that roughly 1 in 7 new moms. Even more staggering than those statistics is the fact that only 15% of moms will seek treatment for their PPD. Read More
Five Ways My Miscarriages Changed Me
Those years of grief won’t be forgotten, and neither will those lives. I’m certain I’ll always remember their due dates, and the order of siblings that would have been, had we been allowed to have our children. I’m okay with reflecting on the dark times and feeling twinges of that familiar heartache. It gets easier, but it never goes away. It’s fitting to grieve what will never be. Read More
President Obama Signs BABIES Act, Giving Fathers Greater Access to Changing Stations Across America
The Act received bipartisan support in Congress, and although it only mandates that certain federal buildings must make changing stations readily available to both men and women, it is a small, but greatly appreciated, step in the right direction. Read More
My Self-Care Secret Weapon: A Gym Membership
I had to decide that taking a step towards my own wellness was worth the time, money, and effort. That it’s not selfish to prioritize myself, at times; that it’s a necessity. The culture of mommy-martyrdom needs to be put to death. Purposefully denying ourselves things that are good for us isn’t noble; it’s unwise. It doesn’t make us better mothers. It makes us unhealthy. Read More
Why We Plan Vacations Without Our Kids
When you’re giving all of yourself to raising your children, day in and day out, I believe it is both deserved and necessary to carve out extended time away so that you can focus on one another. We moms like to discuss the importance of self-care; Marriage-care should be right up there on the priority list, as well. Read More
Slaying My Productivity Monster: Why I Don’t Want to be Busy
I say “no” to mom guilt. I have never given it a foothold in my parenting and won’t start now, with this. Busyness will not steal my joy, and I won’t stand for it robbing me of precious time with my family. And, most of all, I won’t let my actions teach my children that busyness is a status symbol or a value to hold dear. Read More