Kaelah Beauregarde

 1. Be Open Minded Expectant parents have a lot on their plates. From researching and interviewing pediatricians, to reading about the stages of pregnancy and development, and then everything in between, it’s easy to see how overwhelming and stressful it can be to bring new life into the world. Oftentimes new moms and dads blaze their way into parenthood with a solid set of principles in mind. While these principles often have nothing to do with those of us on the outside, our responses to them can make a new parent feel guilty or “wrong” for choosing what they did. It’s vital for the support people to listen to the mother and validate her thoughts and fears while reassuring her that the decisions she’s making for her family need only be what’s best for them, not anyone else.  

2. Be Supportive of Deviations in Their Plan

Things don’t always go according to plan, and that can sometimes leave new moms feeling lost or defeated. Perhaps mom had planned for a home birth but was later

Spring is the perfect time to talk about eco-friendly and sustainable living practices. Not only is everything in bloom, full of new life, but April 22nd is also Earth Day! As parents we all want to make the best choices for our children, but often we forget to keep Mother Earth in mind. Green parenting, and choosing eco-friendly options, doesn’t have to be a tedious chore. You also don’t have to be a compost-heaping, homestead-having professional to help reduce your family’s carbon footprint. (Although if you are a compost pro, I could use some of your knowledge!) In an effort to make the world just a little bit greener, I’m sharing five super simple ways to go green as a new parent!

1. Buy Secondhand

One of the most fun parts of expecting a baby is diving into the world of baby gear! Cribs, bassinets, baby carriers, and tiny clothing… ahh! All the heart eyes! While it’s incredibly tempting to rush to the nearest baby store and stock up on all the shiny, new things, you may be able to

Patiently awaiting the arrival of your new bundle of joy can often be easier said than done. Many soon-to-be moms in their third trimester are more than ready to have their baby join them on the outside of the womb. But how will you ensure you’re prepared to bring that baby home and have as smooth of a transition as possible? I’m going to tell you exactly how with these 5 Nesting Tips for First Time Moms.

Pack Your Hospital Bag EARLY

Don’t wait until the last minute to gather all of your gear to head to the hospital! Ensure you’re cool, calm, and collected (at least as much as possible) by creating a list of everything you want to take with you, and have those bags packed and placed in the trunk of your car by 35 weeks. Don’t forget stuff for your partner, too! You never know when you might go into labor, so it’s best to have your bags somewhere close by at all times. Not sure what to pack? Here’s a great list of things you might consider.

Embrace Freezer Meals

It’s not rare for eating