Know What's Happening in Motherhood
Know What's Happening in Motherhood
Teen OCD spikes in puberty; ERP therapy is gold standard
A 15‑year‑old’s obsessive‑compulsive disorder is worsening despite two rounds of private therapy aimed at eliminating rituals. Experts explain that adolescent OCD often spikes during puberty and that exposure response prevention (ERP) within cognitive‑behavioral therapy is the gold‑standard treatment.
A JAMA Network Open cohort study of 38,219 mother‑child pairs found that higher maternal physical activity before and during pregnancy is linked to better early neurodevelopmental outcomes. Pre‑pregnancy activity raised the odds of higher scores across all ASQ‑3 domains at six months, while mid‑pregnancy activity specifically boosted gross motor, fine motor, and problem‑solving scores. The benefit persisted for problem‑solving at three years only with pre‑pregnancy activity, and no other domains showed improvement at that age. Researchers suggest prenatal exercise may be a modifiable factor for early brain health.
This tweet goes viral every few months and the math never changes. Pregnancy is 40 weeks. There are 4.3 weeks in a month. 40 divided by 4.3 is 9.3 months. And that 40 weeks is counted from your last menstrual period,...
There is a massive gap in the market for nursing clothes that actually look good. I have spent hours searching and everything is either hideous, frumpy, or just plain boring. I want to look classy and elegant and still be...
A wave of parents and social‑media influencers are giving infants aged six months to two years sticks of butter, touting benefits such as deeper sleep and accelerated development. The practice has spread through short video clips and anecdotal testimonials rather...
So many women feel emotionally flat after birth. Not full postpartum depression, but just off. Low energy, foggy, no motivation, etc. Too often the conversation jumps straight to medication. But nobody asks about their gut. Pregnancy wrecks your gut....
I don't think we talk enough about how hard it is to comfort a crying child when no one ever comforted you.
Jamilah Lemieux’s new book, Black. Single. Mother., blends her own experience with the testimonies of 21 Black single mothers to trace the deep‑rooted stigma surrounding Black single‑parent families. The work revisits the 1965 Moynihan report and the "welfare queen" narrative...
One day your child will stop asking you to play. One day they won’t need you to carry them. One day they won’t run to you first when they get hurt. One day the toys will stay exactly where you kept them. One day...
There's a reason you can't stop smelling your newborn's head. Some mothers become borderline obsessive about it. Researchers did fMRI scans on women while they smelled newborn body odor and the dopamine areas lit up. Even stronger in women who were...
The March Book Club spotlighted *Mattering* by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, a deep dive into the paradox of feeling overly important. Wallace argues that excessive self‑importance can erode authentic connections and mental wellbeing. The author blends personal anecdotes, Enneagram insights, and...
Using declarative language—neutral observations instead of direct commands—helps children with ADHD feel less pressured and improves their ability to process information. The approach, popularized by speech‑language pathologist Linda Murphy, lowers cognitive demand, supports working memory, and fosters emotional regulation. Parents...
Creative Mothers, a new photography exhibition by Dunja Opalko, opened this week showcasing images of creative women with their children. The author reflects on being photographed during her fourth trimester and the evolving challenges of second‑time motherhood while maintaining a...
The "Happy Mum Happy Baby" podcast’s Season 17 delivers a diverse lineup of episodes that explore parenting realities, from Steve Backshall’s reflections on fatherhood to raw conversations about postpartum psychosis, breastfeeding pressures, and celebrity motherhood stories. Notable milestones include the 300‑episode...
Private worthiness interviews between a child and an untrained church leader are not developmentally appropriate and can create shame, confusion, and distress. When children are asked about sexual behavior or “worthiness,” it teaches them that their value is conditional and that...
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Pregnant women can safely use treadmills after medical clearance, focusing on moderate intensity. Experts recommend the talk test, incline adjustments, and a supportive belly belt to maintain cardio benefits while protecting joints. Workouts should be shorter with longer warm‑up and...
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Pregnant individuals can prepare for the physical demands of labor by incorporating five safe, equipment‑free exercises: walking, butterfly stretch, Kegels, pelvic tilts, and wall‑slide squats. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorses aerobic and strength‑conditioning activities, noting that regular...
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Pregnant individuals can enjoy gel manicures safely by taking a few precautions, such as ensuring good ventilation and limiting UV exposure. Salon‑based gels typically cure under UV or LED lights, while many at‑home kits set without light, offering a UV‑free...
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Recent research and professional guidelines now define full‑term pregnancy as lasting between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days, emphasizing that babies born after 39 weeks experience markedly fewer respiratory and developmental complications. Studies show early‑term deliveries (37‑38 weeks) raise NICU admissions, infection risk,...
The first baby changes you. The second baby heals you. The third baby humbles the f*ck out of you.
🌟Leave the word ROADMAP in the comments to get a free copy of my 7 step guide to preparing for a new baby ! 🌟I get asked at almost every 2 month visit about
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Childbirth is organized into three distinct stages—cervical dilation, delivery of the baby, and expulsion of the placenta. First‑time parents can expect labor to last 12 to 19 hours, with early, active, and transition phases each having characteristic contraction patterns. The...
Mompowerment outlines seven actionable tips for working mothers navigating post‑pandemic uncertainty. The advice ranges from emotional acceptance and limiting doom‑scrolling to focusing on controllable tasks and establishing clear boundaries. It also emphasizes stress management through mindfulness, short self‑care practices, and...
Who is parenting teens? Bonus if they graduate this year. I need a support group. Also, if you've parented teens and they are successful adults, however THEY define success, can you give us some advice? Whats the key to...
The author reflects on six months of motherhood after a difficult IVF journey, describing how the birth of her son removed a protective layer and intensified her sense of purpose. Contrary to expectations that parenting would shrink her professional world,...
1. Drop your expectations. Expectations are a setup. This will not be the picture on the mantel. But having a baby is one of the most amazing things you will ex
Erin Friday launched “The Desistance Series,” a collection of 16 video interviews with parents whose children have ceased identifying as transgender before medical transition. The first episode features California mother Lydia, who describes using firm boundaries, consistent love, and resources...
Happy Women’s Day to the women shaping the next generation. 💜 To every mother who is raising children with patience, empathy, and courage… You are not just raising kids. You are raising the future.
Life lately = slow days Lilli recently started “school” for a few hours a day So now this muva can slowly find her rhythm again 😌 #momlife #softreset #postpartumjourney #livingabroadwithkids
Lizzie Goodman, a part‑time remote mom, describes the jarring shift from focused work to parenting when her preschool‑aged child returns home. She shares a 15‑hour weekly work window and the stress of abrupt transitions. Consulting licensed clinical social worker Sofia...
I’m learning I can’t always wait for my husband to read my mind every single time. (Because he does 80% of the time) And as attached as my two year old and I are I can tell him to tag...
“He does whatever I ask” means you (mom) trained him to wait to be told. That’s not a partner. That’s a project.
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Parents tested six bassinets over three years, evaluating setup, usability, adjustability, durability, and value. The Newton Baby Bassinet earned Best Overall for its washable mesh design, while the Chicco LullaGlide 3‑in‑1 was named Best Budget. The Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper...
💙 most newborns lose weight at first, and then they will slowly gain it back. on average, they have regained their birth weight by two weeks of age. Some babie
I’m 2 years postpartum… and I want to say something honestly. Even now, sometimes I still have episodes. Random crying, sudden anxiety, getting triggered by small things. Motherhood doesn’t switch off emotions. It just adds more layers to them. But I’m much better than my...
The post asks whether a spouse with severe, untreated ADHD deserves special accommodations or if his condition can be used to avoid household responsibilities. It highlights the tension between genuine neuro‑developmental challenges and the risk of weaponizing the diagnosis to...
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The term “silky mom” surfaced on social media in 2023 as a counterpoint to the “crunchy mom” archetype, describing parents who prioritize convenience, modern technology, and evidence‑based medical advice over strict naturalist ideals. Silky moms typically embrace hospital births, formula,...
🧩Are you mentally prepared for your delivery? Things don’t always go as planned. It is important to not only put yourself in the best medical hands to help you
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After‑school snacking left the author's children disinterested in dinner, leading to wasted food and parental guilt. By preparing meals in the morning and serving dinner before 5 p.m., the family eliminated excess snacking, reduced waste, and freed evening time for chores...
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Parenting toddlers involves navigating a range of quirky behaviors that are often part of normal development. Pediatrician Dr. Candace Jones explains that picky eating, regression, self‑touch, head banging, and rocking are typically harmless explorations, though persistent or extreme cases warrant...
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The article outlines twelve postpartum practices to avoid, emphasizing a six‑week healing period after vaginal or C‑section delivery. It advises against vaginal insertion, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, smoking, and skipping meals, while highlighting the importance of mental‑health monitoring and accepting...
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Bleeding in early pregnancy is common and does not always indicate a miscarriage. Approximately one in four pregnant people experience first‑trimester spotting, yet only about half of those episodes result in pregnancy loss. The bleeding can stem from implantation, cervical...
Choosing a teacher certification program is a major decision for mothers balancing family, work, and personal goals. The article outlines five critical questions—time and energy, financial readiness, preferred teaching environment, family support, and authentic motivation—to evaluate suitability. It highlights program...
Teenagers don’t always ask for attention… but they always need connection. A small walk together, a simple conversation, or just listening without judging… These moments mean more to them than we realize. 💛 Be present. Be patient. Be their safe space. #ParentingJourney #ParentingPathways #ParentsOfTeens #ConnectWithYourTeen #digitalmahila
Motherhood rarely looks perfect. But that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. 🤍 Some days feel beautiful. Some days feel messy. Some days feel exhausting. And that’s normal. Social media shows the highlights… but real motherhood also has sleepless nights, messy homes, and emotional days. If you are...
The article argues that declining family formation in the U.S. stems less from cultural rejection and more from shrinking economic stability for men and limited workplace flexibility for mothers. Data show that stable, predictable jobs now dominate the prerequisites for...
Nobody prepares you for THIS part of motherhood ♥️ Not the cute photos. Not the baby milestones. But the mental load. The silent tears. The guilt for resting. The exhaustion you don’t talk about. Motherhood is beautiful — but it is...
This Holi… don’t just color their face. Color their childhood. 💛 Patience over pressure. Connection over correction. Happy Holi 🌸 #HoliWithKids #GentleParentingIndia #ConsciousParenting #UrbanParenting Save this for Holi morning, share it with a parent who needs this reminder, and follow along for more gentle parenting moments that...
In the latest episode of *Have Kids They Said*, Nicole shares vivid Vegas anecdotes while Rich prepares snacks for his upcoming trip. The duo debates their favorite Dr. Seuss titles, explores the awkwardness of receiving compliments, and tackles strategies for...
Can we normalize saying motherhood is HARD? ♥️ Not because we don’t love our children. But because we care so deeply. We are raising kids while healing ourselves while managing homes while carrying emotional weight. If you relate, you belong here...
What is the most counterintuitive thing that has been helpful on your parenting journey? I’ll start. 
