I am currently pregnant with my third child, but before embarking on motherhood I was in retail. I spent my days and most of my paychecks at the mall on shoes, bags, and makeup, and I was so happy to … Continue reading
Standing as a family for the first time: The birth of Mason
My “labor story” started out with what I thought was the stomach flu. I couldn’t imagine being in labor even though I was two days past my due date, even though I had read so much about it, EVEN though … Continue reading
Park it
Parks can be a mom’s best friend. The trees, the benches, the swings … the perfect place to kill a few hours on a pretty afternoon. Before you head out of the house for a day of carefree fun, though, … Continue reading
Dine and dash: The birth of Alexandra
If you want to kick-start your labor, I highly recommend going to Costco. You can walk your way to a baby and load up on enough toilet paper to last at least six months. Now I know what you must … Continue reading
Make room for baby
Professional Organizer Amanda LeBlanc has rescued countless clients from perpetual chaos. So we couldn’t wait to ask the entrepreneur, clutter crusader and TV personality (you probably recognize her from Style Network’s hit show The Amandas) to dish about her favorite … Continue reading
Philips AVENT SD535 DECT Baby Monitor
“Is it the cat or the baby?” I whisper desperately as I leap out of bed for the 47th time. My husband quietly sighs as he puts the movie on pause again. Being a new mom with a tiny baby … Continue reading
Spill it: 10 diaper bag essentials
Are you ready? Here’s the dish on the essential contents for every mom’s diaper bag. (By the way, we love this cherry red number, which boasts extra large grommets that slide easily over umbrella-style stroller handles.) 1. Pacifier pouch. A … Continue reading
Townes’ nursery
P&N’s Nursery Tour: A peek into fabulous baby rooms across the country. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Jodi Kendall is a writer living with her husband and toddler son, Townes, in New York City. Her clients include the National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild and … Continue reading
InStep Rocket II Bicycle Trailer
As I opened up the box of the InStep Rocket II Bicycle Trailer I immediately felt overwhelmed, primarily because of its size. I read through the manual and began to put the bike trailer together as a stroller to begin. … Continue reading
Hilary Duff celebrates and supports motherhood
Save the Children® and JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES have once again partnered to provide educational resources for maternal and baby health in rural areas around the United States. Actress and recording artist Hilary Duff is proud to return as their spokesmom. Hilary … Continue reading
Happy day
May is one of my favorite months for several reasons. Two of those reasons: my birthday (today!) and Mother’s Day. Since they are usually within a few days of each other, I get double celebrations right on top of each … Continue reading
A beautiful prize awaiting: The birth of Aveline
After experiencing nearly a week of fairly regular contractions that would continue to stall, I knew something felt different the Thursday evening before we welcomed Miss Aveline Muir into this world. Different enough, in fact, that as we put our … Continue reading
Summer Infant Baby Touch 2
As first-time parents, my husband and I were very excited for the opportunity to review the Summer Infant Baby Touch 2 monitor. My husband, a self-professed tech geek, was interested in the touch screen features and auto scan features. I … Continue reading
Teach your children well
It is no secret that mothers are our first teachers. From kisses and cuddles to talking and walking, they are there with love and guidance. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and we want to give a nod to all … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Naomi Davis
Name: Naomi Davis Age: 26 Lives in: New York City, New York Occupation: Blogger Partner in crime: Josh Davis Website: lovetaza.com Favorite item in her closet: A vintage pink dress that makes her feel girly and pretty Strangest pregnancy craving: She … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Carmen Matthews
Name: Carmen Matthews Age: 33 Lives in: Leland, North Carolina Occupation: Registered nurse Partner in crime: Mike Matthews Favorite song: Too many, she just loves country music Strangest pregnancy craving: Slim Jims First thing she does in the morning: Brushes … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Jessica Boulanger
Name: Jessica Boulanger Age: 35 Lives in: Washington, DC Occupation: Founder and designer of More of Me Maternity, vice president of communications at the Business Roundtable Partner in crime: Todd Boulanger Website: moreofmematernity.com Favorite holiday: All of them, even Flag … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Emma Bing
Name: Emma Bing Age: 29 Lives in: Los Angeles Occupation: Writer Partner in crime: Russell Ali Website: whattoexpect.com Favorite movie: What to Expect When You’re Expecting Strangest pregnancy craving: Black olives First thing she does in the morning: Pees (for … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Kerri Walsh Jennings
Name: Kerri Walsh Jennings Age: 34 Lives in: Los Angeles Occupation: Professional beach volleyball player Partner in crime: Casey Jennings Website: kerriwalsh.com Favorite television show: Anything on Bravo Strangest pregnancy craving: Lemonade First thing she does in the morning: Procrastinates … Continue reading
Book Club: Family Inc.
This month, the Pregnancy & Newborn Book Club dives into a book with an invigorating and refreshing take on household organization. Husband and wife team Caitlin and Andrew Friedman write openly in Family, Inc. about how they were able to … Continue reading
Get packin’
On paper • Insurance card and hospital or birthing center admission paperwork • Photo ID • Several copies of your birth plan (both a detailed and a condensed version, just in case the staff is skimming it in a hurry) Go … Continue reading
Going the distance
When you’re stumbling along the path of early parenthood, life can become pretty foggy. Simple decisions—the blue shirt or the green? (for the baby, of course—you haven’t had a clean anything on your body in days)—become overwhelming. The normal tasks of adulthood like … Continue reading
Small chops
I can remember the day my son got his first tooth. I woke up that morning and elbowed my husband to get out of bed and check on our little guy. For the first time ever, he had slept the … Continue reading
Smart snacks
You’ve heard it before: Eating small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day rather than indulging in three whopping meals is the way to go. It keeps your belly full, which provides your wee one with a steady flow of nutrients—and … Continue reading
In bloom
Flowers are popping up everywhere! I love this time of year—but I don’t love that I tend to kill every bloom I touch. So I like to surround myself with pretty florals that don’t require water, sunlight, or anything else … Continue reading
Not your grandmama’s pregnancy
The [arguably] good old days If you found yourself expecting a baby in the 19th century, you might view your condition with limited enthusiasm. Of course, you would hope for a healthy child and a happy future, but precedent would … Continue reading
Dermatological drama
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but as your body changes inside and out to accommodate baby, your skin may bear the ugly brunt of it. There are all kinds of epidermal issues affecting the expectant crowd, but with these tips, … Continue reading
Motorola MBP41 Color Video Monitor
For years I’ve been watching other women in my life go through the process of being pregnant and picking out endless items for the new baby’s life. It always seemed a little overwhelming to go through each need, research the … Continue reading
My elective C-section: The birth of Summer
I received the March 2013 issue of Pregnancy & Newborn in the mail last month and was all too happy to flip it open to the “Welcome to the world” birth stories. As a first-time mom to a beautiful 16-week … Continue reading
Beco Baby Carrier Soleil
As a mother of three, I’ve had the opportunity to put to use a variety of carriers. But with each one I have been left wanting for something a little bit different. With the new Beco Baby Carrier Soleil, I … Continue reading
Give me a boost
Although your baby is tiny, her brain is anything but: “Researchers have found that [the baby brain] is more complex than any machine ever made,” shares Holly Engel-Smothers, coauthor of Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power. Baby’s thinker comes equipped with … Continue reading
ooYoo Christina Hobo Tote
When I first saw the ooYoo Christina Hobo Tote online I fell in love! It was so very stylish, appearing to be more of a large purse than a diaper bag, and had lots of pockets and an amazing leopard print … Continue reading
Healthy mentality
If you find yourself consuming an extra side of anxiety with that tasty pickle-and-peanut-butter sandwich (did we say balanced diet?), take note: Pregnancy is a prime time to begin meditating. Habitual meditation can ward off any worry you may have … Continue reading
Positively pregnant
Your entire world is about to switch directions: You’re going to be a mom. Here’s what you need to do to get ready for the next nine months and beyond. Out with the old There are a few habits that … Continue reading
Blame it on the hormones
Every craving, “mommy brain” moment, unsteady wobble, mountaintop high and abysmal low can be traced back to a gang of microscopic culprits—your hormones. With the exception of producing a few hormones unique to pregnancy, your body shifts into mama-mode by … Continue reading
Angelcare Bath Support
You know what they say about twins: double the pleasure, double the fun! And also double the diapers and double the baths. Luckily on the bath front, I had the privilege of trying out the Angelcare Bath Support with my … Continue reading
Just in case
A slew of thoughts ran through my mind when I found out I was expecting my first little bundle. Is it a boy or a girl? What color should I paint the nursery? Will he or she look like me? … Continue reading
Understanding the ultrasound
The test came back positive—congratulations! You’re going to have a baby. While your nine-month to-do list is growing by the minute, it’s likely you can think of little else besides seeing your bambino for the first time. Thankfully, waiting 40 … Continue reading
Play it safe
Let’s be honest: Parenthood is terrifying. Being responsible for another human being’s safety and well-being is a big job, and it scares the heck out of all new parents at one time or another. Luckily, the statistics are on our … Continue reading
Past due
One of the most common questions a pregnant woman is asked after announcing she has a baby on the way is “When are you due?” And the askers are not often looking for a roundabout answer. They want a specific … Continue reading
Babymoon after birth
Parents are often so caught up in the flurry of sharing their new baby with family and friends that they neglect to have a “babymoon.” Now, we’re not talking about a last hurrah for parents-to-be prior to baby’s arrival. Rather, … Continue reading
Tricks of the trade
It seems as soon as your belly pops, words of so-called wisdom start flying at you from every direction, and even your childless great-aunt Sue suddenly becomes an expert in baby-rearing. Before you become overwhelmed by the avalanche of advice … Continue reading






















































