While breastfeeding may come easy for some, it doesn’t for all moms. And no matter the journey or its length, nursing and pumping take tremendous amounts of time, energy and commitment. Katie Blouin and Maggie Phipps, Co-Founders of Larken a line of innovative nursing and ...read more
Pregnancy, labor, and delivery--these not minor events. It's a life-changing journey with up and downs. For those who have never had a baby, it’s difficult to imagine the emotional (and physical) roller coaster associated with growing a person, giving birth to them, and caring ...read more
I never anticipated that I'd be so committed to exclusively breastfeeding Baby Number 3. It just sort of happened, and now here we are four months in, and I'm a round-the-clock nursing-mama machine. To be clear: I have no issues with formula--in fact, I never even attempted ...read more
When it comes to baby gear, I tend to keep it simple. After all, infants don't really need that much. Okay, that's a loaded statement, and it comes with some complex caveats. But, in reality, a newborn's basic requirements are rather rudimentary. Anything too high-tech seems ...read more
Our skin is a window into our body’s internal condition and mirrors the external environment. It’s also our first defense against microbes, chemicals, and UV rays, and regulates our body temperature. But impaired skin—rashy, raw, red, sores or blisters—is not only uncomfortable, ...read more
If April flowers bring May showers, we should be reaping the rewards any day now. And dryer, sunnier, warmer weather can't come soon enough. I don't know about you, but I'm desperate for some Vitamin D and Vitamin Sea! I had a baby six weeks ago--so I'm finally emerging from my ...read more
I was sure that this time, I'd go early. Baby would spontaneously come--fast and furious-- and likely in the middle of the night (you know, for dramatic effect). I was positive we'd be in business a couple days shy of 40 weeks. This was my third pregnancy after all; and my other ...read more
I wasn't sure I'd make it to the Momtrends "Blooms and Bunnies" #BabyMagicEvent last week. At almost 39 weeks pregnant, there was a significant chance Little One #3 would have different plans for that sunny Thursday morning, but, alas, here we are almost a whole week later and ...read more
Okay, as I write this the true countdown is on. T-minus 14 hours until I'm scheduled to show up at my local hospital for an induction. (Ugh, this stubborn baby is just too cozy in mah belly and the doctors want her out!) So, yeah, t's gonna be a busy couple of days... of waiting ...read more
Do you have a go-to gift for new babies? Buying baby stuff is fun, but there are so many adorable little options out there that it can be overwhelming. When a friend of mine has a baby, I always want to give something that’s either going to be really useful, or unique and ...read more
My baby Buckley is almost three months old, and it’s incredible to see how quickly he grows and changes. One big change since those early weeks: he does more than eat and sleep now. He wants to play! Which is so much fun, but also a little more challenging. Because, although ...read more
February is dragging on. And, baby, it's still cold outside! A plummeting temperature paired with windy conditions has left our skin dry, sensitive, and eczema prone. Your baby’s skin is even more vulnerable than your own, Eczema typically appears as an ill-defined red, scaly ...read more
My first baby, Buckley, was born at the beginning of December, just in time for the brutal New York winter. It can be daunting to brave cold temperatures with such a tiny baby, but after the first few weeks, I knew I couldn’t stay inside my apartment all the time. Cabin fever ...read more
When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I experienced a flood of emotions. Elation, anticipation, even a touch of desperation. Yes, this was exactly what I wanted--what I had dreamed of since I was a little girl. Still, the reality that I would soon ...read more
We love babies, bloggers, and brand new gear--so, of course, we adore our annual trip to the Chicago Baby Show. We peruse new products, engage in panels and seminars, and host influencers in our own VIP lounge and broadcast booth. But the absolute best part is trend-spotting the ...read more
Selecting a name for your child can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider, and it's a huge responsibility for a soon-to-be parent. I had an easy timing naming my son, Grant. I liked that it was a simple, strong, and suitalble name. It means tall and handsome, ...read more
Giving Hugs at the Holidays I admit it, I'm feeling all the feelings of the season. The overwhelming sense to DO IT ALL and the sense that I am doing too much and missing out on the magic. One way to slow it all down and focus on the REAL meaning of the season is to give back. ...read more
My baby girl will be three years old in just one month, and I’m in complete and total denial. How? Seriously, HOW is that possible? Where has the time gone? When did she turn into a sassy, stubborn threenager with an opinion and a ‘tude. It feels like just yesterday, I was ...read more
Parenting is basically non-stop problem solving. From day one, as a new mom, you react to crying and fussing and whimpering and grunting with all sorts of creative tactics and simple strategies. You coo, you rock, you tap, you pace, and you try countless new things until ...read more
MUST-HAVE 1: Love to Dream Swaddles Babies need quality sleep. And, you know, what Mamas do too! Nevertheless, getting sufficient zzz’s when you have a newborn at home can be quite the challenge. Research shows that babies sleep better if they are swaddled and ...read more
September is Baby Safety Month—and as a blogger and mom, I want to do my part to spread the message about keeping infants rear-facing in car seats until they turn two. That’s right, Mamas, resist temptation and keep those bucket seats backwards for as long as you can... But, ...read more
Baby fever! It's real, and the snuggle is real! This mama felt the tell-tale uterus pangs after visiting the New York Baby Show earlier this month. I got to browse the aisles, touch, test, feel, and ogle all the latest and greatest products for Baby, and experience firsthand ...read more
My sweet girl might be growing up, but she’s still very much a baby. She was a late crawler and an even later walker, and if my memory serves me right, I believe she measured below the 15th percentile in both weight and height at her last pediatrician appointment. She’s a ...read more
I had a baby just a little over two years ago… and yet somehow it feels like it’s been forever—especially when I see all the latest and greatest baby gadgets, gizmos, and must-have gear. How have their been so many game-changing product launches in the 28 months since I was ...read more
