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Your mental health matters — get started with these 5 FREE classes. You may have heard of postpartum depression or PPD, but did you know that while it is one of the most common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), it’s only one of many mental health complications that can arise during the perinatal period? 

By: Divya Kumar, LICSW, ScM, PMH-CYour mental health matters — get started with these classes. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and while you may have intended to order that perfect gift weeks ago, sometimes life (or new parent brain) gets in the way. If you’re scrambling to find a last-minute gift that shows how much love and appreciation you have for the mom in your life, not to worry! There are still plenty of options that are thoughtful, wished-for, AND you can have in time for Mother’s Day. From presents that take some of the mental load off of mom to heartfelt gestures, or memorable experiences, we’ve got you covered with some great ideas for last-minute Mother’s Day presents.Last minute Mother

Ah, the fourth trimester. This time after giving birth is usually something parents put little thought into until they are in it. But what does “preparing for postpartum” mean exactly? We asked Tinyhood expert Ashley Sousa, a labor and delivery nurse and the instructor that leads our childbirth classes, just what expecting parents should do to prepare for postpartum.Aside from having a new little life to take care of, the fourth trimester is a time of healing, new experiences, and a lot of changes to you

As your due date gets closer, you will probably be eagerly awaiting your baby arrival. And, while there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to knowing exactly when baby will come, there are some signs that labor is coming soon. We asked our expert, Ashley Sousa, an experienced labor and delivery nurse and instructor for our childbirth classes, to explain what expecting parents can look out for that indicates labor is near. Some early signs labor is approaching: Nesting. This is when the parent feels a strong urge (and usually a new burst of energy!) to start prepa

When you think of labor, you likely think of what you see in movies — long (sometimes short!) periods of contractions, pushing, screaming, then baby is here. But there are actually 3 different stages of labor you will go through.  We asked expert Ashley Sousa, an experienced labor and delivery nurse, and instructor for our Childbirth classes, what the three stages are, and what to expect from each one. Remember, every parent, labor, and body is different, so it’s important to learn what to expe

There are a lot of things to think about as you are preparing for a life-changing event like childbirth.  The third trimester brings a lot of new considerations and new feelings— both physically and emotionally. One common pain that a lot of pregnant people experience is Braxton Hicks contractions. This type of contraction is nothing to be alarmed about, but if you’re feeling it before the 36-week mark, it may be your body’s way of telling you you’re doing too much.While Braxton Hicks contractions may seem scary at first, the key is knowing how to tell the difference between them and regular labor contractions. So, we asked labo

Postpartum mental health is nothing to take lightly. It is important for you and your baby’s health to take these symptoms seriously and seek help if needed. If you need assistance in finding resources near you, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773. If you are in crisis, call your local emergency number or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).Your mental health matters — 

When you think of labor you likely think of what you see in movies — long (sometimes short!) periods of contractions, pushing, screaming, then baby is here. But there are actually 3 different stages of labor you will go through.  We asked our expert Ashley Sousa, the labor and delivery nurse and instructor that leads our Childbirth: What to Expect, Pain Management & More, what the three stages are, and what to expect from each one. Remember, every parent, labor, and body is different, so it’s essential to learn what to expect from labor and delivery so you can prepare and embark o

You’ve probably heard of cradle cap, but when it comes to your own little one, dealing with this skin occurrence can seem like a daunting task.  Cradle cap is a scaly rash on the scalp that starts in newborns, usually beginning in the first 2-6 weeks of life. It often appears as patches of white or yellow scales attached to baby’s scalp that can be both greasy or dry. The exact cause of cradle cap is not known.  Some doctors believe it has to do with mom’s hormonal changes during pregnancy that stimulate the infant’s oil glands, causing scales and redness in baby’s skin. Dead skin cells usually fall off but this excess oil causes it

Finding maternity clothes that match your style (or any style for that matter!) can be hard, but finding stylish plus size maternity clothes can be even harder. Luckily a lot of brands have started to come out with inclusive sizing and options for all body types. From popular chains like Old Navy and Target to more boutique stores and online shops like PinkBlushMaternity, Girlfriend Collective and Tiffany Rose — and even some great options from Amazon— women looking for great plus size maternity clothes options for everything from loungewear to formal dresses, do have some options. Below are a few of our favorite places to shop for plus-size mat

  In our opinion, dresses are the MVP of maternity clothing. Whether it’s a long sleeve dress paired with tights and boots for winter, or a light and breezy sundress paired with flip flops for summer,  the best maternity dresses grow with you, make it simple to put an outfit together, and always make you look and feel your best.   Maternity Dresses for Spring:  The Esme Dress, $258

Creating a functional wardrobe that both fits, makes you feel confident, and is comfortable during pregnancy can be a bit of a challenge. But, there are a few wardrobe staples we think every pregnant parent should have in their closet:  A great maternity top that doubles as a nursing top for post-birth, maternity leggings, and overalls. Maternity overalls are not only cute and stylish, but they are comfortable and adjustable so that they will fit during all stages of pregnancy. They also work for all seasons. For summer, try a pair of shorts overalls or pair longer on

There is a long list of items that fall under, “Can not do while pregnant,” some are widely known, others not so much. Alcohol? Definitely not. Lunch meat? Nope. Getting a tattoo? Risky. And, while most professionals agree on what not to do while pregnant, there are some activities that experts don’t always agree on.  One of those activities? Dying your hair in the first trimester. As always, please consult with your healthcare team prior to participating in any activities that may be risky to you or your baby. 

You’re going to be a parent, congrats! Preparing for a baby is exciting, but it often comes with an onslaught of unsolicited advice, mounds of hand-me-down baby gear and clothes, and some unexpected anxiety. While all of these are not necessarily bad things, it’s important to take a moment and think about what YOU want to do to prepare for your little one. 

So you just found out you’re pregnant, now what? First, congratulations! This is an exciting time, but we know it can come with other emotions as well. And, if this is your first pregnancy, you’re probably wondering what to do next. No matter how you feel right now, there are some steps you’ll need to take to make sure you and your baby remain healthy throughout pregnancy. 

If you're expecting, you’ll soon be diving into the world of baby products and creating the perfect registry. There are many great places to make a registry, but one that you won’t want to miss out on is Amazon. The best part of creating an Amazon baby registry is not just its ease of use, and vast inventory, but also its generous welcome box. The Amazon baby registry welcome box is a can’t-miss for expecting parents. Once $10 is purchased off your registry you can claim the box which will show up at your door, filled with all sorts of goodies including things like diaper and wipe samples, pacifiers, swaddle blankets, bottles, lotions, soaps, and more

If you’re expecting, you likely already know there are a lot of rules to follow: no deli meat, no drinking, no raw fish, minimal coffee etc. All these guidelines are suggested to keep you and you baby safe, and mainly to minimize risk. But what about other things like dying your hair or getting a tattoo? Today, we’re answering the question, “Can you get a tattoo while pregnant?”

Having a new baby is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Some advice might not be welcomed, but for those you know and trust, their advice can be a lifesaver. Plus, there’s just something about being able to pass down those little pieces of wisdom to new parents that makes your friends feel good. Whether you’re ex

When you’re pregnant, it’s natural to feel anxious about childbirth. Most of that fear comes from wondering how painful childbirth will actually be. Successful pain management starts with minimizing fear, and the best way to minimize fear is with education. That’s one reason why taking a childbirth class during your pregnancy is important. 

The moment you see those two pink lines on a pregnancy test is life-changing. Whether it was expected or not, that moment comes with a lot of emotions—and questions. Mainly, “Now what?” and “How do I tell my partner I’m pregnant.” Telling your partner that you're pregnant is not only important

When you’re pregnant, knowing what you can consume and what to avoid is key - especially when it comes to over-the-counter medicines.  And, since pregnancy often comes with a lot of aches and pains, pregnant parents find themselves asking, “can you take Tylenol while pregnant?”    The answer, in short: Yes. In most cases Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to treat pain during pregnancy though you should consult your doctor first.  But, pay attention to which Tylenol you’re purchasing, how often you’re consuming it, and how much you’re consuming. As always, don’t take anything without first consulting with your health

When you first find out you're pregnant, your doctor will likely give you a long list of dos and don’ts when it comes to your pregnancy. One of the subjects will be what food and drink you can or cannot consume. And, while some of the items on the list may seem a given (no alcohol!), there are some items that might surprise you: deli meat, some fish, runny eggs, etc. <

Binky, Paci, Soothie, Dummy, no matter what you choose to call it, it’s no secret that pacifiers can be a newborn parent’s saving grace. If you decide to use one, not only are they a great way to soothe a fussy baby, but the AAP also recommends them to reduce the risk of SIDS. And, if you’ve ever stepped into a pacifier aisle or tried to look for one online, you know there are hundreds of different options to choose from, leaving you wondering, “What’s the best pacifier for newborns?” The answ

When it comes to childbirth and your subsequent hospital stay, there is no one size fits all. If you choose to give birth at a hospital, the minimum hospital stay after childbirth in 2022 depends on many factors, including any pre-labor health concerns, the type of delivery you have, if there are any complications, the health of both you and your baby. And, parents of children in 2022 now also have to consider their hospital’s COVID protocols which often aim to get parents and baby home as soon as possible to avoid any potential COVID exposures. You probably learned about the different potential birthing options in your childbirth classes, but it’s important to