No one asked us, but…

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

How co-regulating our emotions might be easier for those who aren’t financially strapped. After all, less money =  mo’ problems.

Ways to protect your family if you get laid off. Small changes can ease the financial and emotional stress. 

A new study that found babies of unvaccinated moms who had COVID during pregnancy were three times more likely to develop respiratory distress. Docs suspect increased inflammation.

The best way to support new moms, including how to prep for the ups and downs of parent life.  See you at midnight. 

Things that could help your stress levels: no-dad dinners and baby happy hours. Bring out the cereal.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

What physical and mental changes should I expect when I wean my breastfed baby?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Dr. Jessica Madden, MD, IBCLC

Pediatrician, infant feeding specialist, and the medical director of Aeroflow Breastpumps

“[Physically,] engorgement can unfortunately occur even if the weaning process is gradual. It’s OK to slow down the weaning process at any time to minimize pain,” says Madden.

She says these tips could relieve your physical symptoms of weaning:

• Place ice packs or cold cabbage leaves on the breasts

• Wear a comfortable, supportive, and well-fitted bra

• Have occasional brief pumping sessions that last less than 60 seconds

• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication as needed (like ibuprofen)

“[Mentally,] weaning from breastfeeding can be stressful…Decreases in [the two main hormones involved in breastmilk production] oxytocin and prolactin can trigger depression and anxiety, especially if [you have] other risk factors for these conditions,” says Madden.

Here are her tactics to help you mentally cope:

• Wean slowly to help prevent major hormonal swings

• Get plenty of rest and try to minimize stress 

• Acknowledge and talk about your feelings — whether you’re celebrating the freedom or grieving the end of your breastfeeding journey

• Get professional help if needed

Let us help you get your spot. We’re building a new tool to guide you through making major life decisions, like who should care for your kids. Check out our five-step guide with expert-backed info on how to pick a daycare that’s right for you. Then let us know how we could improve it. We want to make your life easier, one choice at a time.

We still have thoughts. This week, we ranked the latest beauty trends for kids and parents from 0–10 with absolutely no science behind it.

Hard pass

• 0/10 Serum Moms: Blaming our beauty-obsessed culture for this one (and cough, Sephora kids). Remember when kid’s skincare was just moms aggressively applying sunscreen?

• 1/10 Silent product reviews: Why are these so infuriating? Just. Talk. Or at least make it charades.

Ehh

• 4/10 Ultrasound nails: We get the excitement and appreciate the artistry, but… no. 

More of this

• 7/10 Nail polish for boys: If it brings them joy, what’s the big deal? 

• 9/10 Skin streaming: Finally, a trend that requires less work. Save time and money? Say less.

👀See a trend you’d like us to include? Submit it here.