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Comparing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump: Key Issues for New Parents
With the election underway, here’s a detailed comparison of Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump's positions on issues impacting new parents. This overview also includes their stances on healthcare, paid family leave, tax benefits, and reproductive healthcare—highlighting the candidates’ distinct visions for supporting families and their approaches to funding these initiatives.
What Does the President Have to Do with Your Baby’s First Year?
Even through its fairly easy to agree with the age old saying of “no politics and religion at the dinner table”, it’s worth noting how presidential policies can have a big impact on your life as a new parent. Here’s a quick breakdown of how.
Should I eat my own placenta?
So, you’ve just had a baby, and someone’s thrown out the question: “Are you going to eat your placenta?” It might sound like a plot twist from a cooking show gone rogue, but placentophagy—eating your placenta—has gained popularity for a variety of reasons. Let’s dive into this trend with a blend of facts, science, and a sprinkle of humor to see if this is a culinary adventure you might want to take.
You Have a Wound the Size of a Dinner Plate Inside You
Congratulations! You’ve just brought a tiny human into the world, and now you’re experiencing the post-birth adventure known as postpartum recovery. But did you know you’re also healing from a wound that’s roughly the size of a dinner plate? Yep, that’s right. After the placenta detaches from your uterine wall, it leaves behind a pretty significant “scar.” Let’s dive into the science behind this miraculous healing process, why you might feel like you’re hosting a mini-construction zone in your belly, and how you’re tackling it all with grace (and maybe a few ice packs).
Where Does All That Extra Blood Go After Baby’s Arrival?
You’ve spent nine months growing a tiny human and dealing with a plethora of pregnancy symptoms, including an increase in blood volume that could make a vampire blush. But what happens to all that extra blood once you finally deliver your baby? Do you sweat it out like a scene from an action movie? Or does it mysteriously vanish into thin air? Let’s dive into the science of post-pregnancy blood volume and answer the burning question: where does all that extra blood go?
A Frustrated Open Letter to the MTA & My Fellow New Yorkers from a Struggling New Parent
Dear NYC MTA and my fellow subway riding New Yorkers,
Please, for the love of all things holy, I am begging you… get your head out of your own ass and wake up! New York City is a place with plenty of unspoken social rules. There are just too many of us (estimated to be around 8,097,282 people) crammed into this geographically small city (305 square miles), and we all know we need to abide by these unspoken norms.
The Great Blood Expansion: Why You’re Basically a Walking Juice Box When Pregnant
Congratulations! You’re pregnant and, as the old saying goes, “you're eating for two now.” But did you know you’re also circulating for two? That’s right, Mama—along with all the cravings, mood swings, and weird dreams, your body has signed up for the ultimate internal makeover: blood volume expansion. Yep, you’re about to become a human water balloon—only instead of water, it’s blood. Let’s dive into the juicy details (pun absolutely intended).
Epidurals: Your Guide to Understanding the Magic and the Mechanics
So, you're preparing for childbirth, and the topic of epidurals has come up. They can sound like a magical solution—"Epidural: The Birth Superpower!"—but it’s important to remember they are a real, science-based medical procedure with benefits, risks, and alternatives. This guide will explore what an epidural is, how it works, what to expect when you get one, and the reasons some people may choose to skip it altogether. By the end, we hope you’ll have all the information you need to make the best decision for your labor experience.
The Placenta: Your Baby’s BFF and the Most Intriguing Organ You've Never Met
Ah, the placenta—often overshadowed by the baby but undoubtedly the real MVP of pregnancy. This unsung hero deserves its moment in the spotlight, and we're here to give it just that. Buckle up for a deep dive into the science, magic, and, yes, even the myths surrounding this fascinating organ. Spoiler alert: It’s not just a “baby sponge” but a marvel of biological engineering.
The Perineum: The Unsung Hero of Childbirth
Welcome to the wonderful world of childbirth where things can get a little messy, and the perineum is the unsung hero that deserves a standing ovation—or at least a really good massage. If you’re wondering what in the world a perineum is and why you should care about it, buckle up for a deep dive into the science, statistics, and soothing techniques of this often-overlooked part of your anatomy.
CONVERSATIONS WITH (YARI PUJOLS): My TTC Journey
YARI’S STORY: The moment I decided I was ready to be a mother was the moment I stepped into a journey I hadn’t fully understood—trying to conceive (TTC). For me, this wasn’t just about having a baby. It became a path of self-discovery, finding strength in uncertainty, and making peace with the unknown.
The “Golden Hour” After Birth
Welcome to the Golden Hour—the most celebrated 60 minutes of your life, right after you’ve just given birth. It sounds like a VIP club in the maternity ward where you and your baby get exclusive access to a magical bonding experience. But what’s actually happening during this time, and why does it feel like you’re in an episode of your favorite heartwarming show? Let’s break down the science and the sheer awesomeness of the Golden Hour.
Fat, Fun, and Fabulous: Why Your Pregnant Body is Packing on the LBS
Ah, pregnancy—the time when your body becomes a magical, baby-growing machine and, apparently, a fat-storing powerhouse. You’ve probably noticed that your jeans are feeling a bit snugger and your favorite snacks are mysteriously disappearing. But before you start plotting your post-baby diet, let’s dive into the science behind why your body is packing on the pounds and why it’s actually a good thing. Buckle up, because we’re about to get fat—metaphorically speaking!
Pregnancy Brain: Myth, Magic, or Just the Missing Keys in Your Fridge?
Ah, pregnancy brain—that moment when you forget where you put your phone, only to realize it’s in your hand...while you’re talking on it. Or when you find the remote in the freezer. Is it a real thing, or just a convenient excuse for all the times you’ve walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you’re there? Let’s dive deep into the science, facts, and maybe even a few embarrassing examples of what exactly is going on in that baby-growing brain of yours.
Gestational Diabetes: The Sweet Test You Never Wanted
So, you're pregnant, glowing, and living your best "eating for two" life. Suddenly, your OB-GYN casually drops the phrase, “gestational diabetes screening,” and you're like, “Excuse me, what now?” Isn’t pregnancy hard enough without a pop quiz on sugar? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the world of Gestational Diabetes (GD)—where your body gets real weird about sugar, and you get to drink the infamous orange liquid that makes you question all of your life choices.
The Worst Lactation Specialist in Brooklyn
Let me set the stage for you: a new mom, a tiny human with an insatiable appetite, and a whole lot of confusion. A wise friend once said, “Back in the day, we raised babies in a tribe, with all the women before us ready to lend a hand.” Fast forward to today, and many of us are navigating this wild ride without our tribes nearby. So, what do we do? We hire our tribes!
Newborn Belly Button 101: Handling Your Baby's First 'Outie
Ah, the belly button—the tiny, mysterious mark left behind from one of the most magical connections ever made between a parent and child. Sure, it might not look like much in those early days, but your newborn’s navel holds a whole lot of significance. From keeping the area clean to managing diaper changes around it, belly button care is one of those sneaky parenting tasks you didn’t realize would take up so much of your brain space.
Vernix: Your Baby’s First Spa Treatment
Let’s talk about something no one told you at the baby shower: vernix caseosa. Don’t worry, it’s not a new disease or an exotic cheese you’ll be forced to sample at a fancy restaurant. It’s actually your baby’s first (and best) skincare routine—a waxy, creamy coating that makes your little one look like they just emerged from a spa rather than the womb. That’s right, your baby’s living their best life in utero, rocking a luxurious layer of vernix while the rest of us are still trying to figure out which moisturizer to use.
Positional Plagiocephaly Chronicles
When my sweet baby boy made his grand entrance into the world, we were immediately greeted by a surprise: a little flat spot on the back of his head. This wasn’t in the “How to Have a Baby” manual we read in childbirth class!
The Resilience of 9/11 Babies: Stories of Hope and Reflection
September 11, 2001, is a day etched in history for its profound tragedy and loss. However, amidst the heartache and devastation, new life emerged in New York City. For these “9/11 babies,” their arrival on this fateful day not only marked the beginning of their lives but also, in some cases, became intertwined with their parents' survival stories.