M+A Edit

If you're pregnant, you've probably pictured yourself heading home from the hospital, sweet new babe and balloon in tow. So a curveball—like an unexpected (or even expected) stay in the NICU—is enough to shake even the toughest of mamas. Whether it's a preterm birth or health issue that's keeping your little in the hospital longer, know that there's a community of NICU moms who've been in your shoes (and want to give you a hug). We enlisted some of their best advice for new moms going through this tough time....

Being told you’re having a caesarean section (whether it’s in advance of labor or smack dab in the middle of it) can feel a little unnerving, despite the fact that it’s pretty common. (32 percent of all deliveries are by C-section!) And while you can't always choose whether or not to have one, you can arm yourself with the facts well before your delivery date, says Jennifer Hollings, MD, an ob-gyn with the Richmond Community Hospital in Richmond, VA. (She’s had three C-sections of her own.) Here’s what to expect...

In 2013, Lee Mayer moved from a small New York City rental apartment to a five bedroom home in Denver. Overwhelmed by all the furniture and decor choices to be made, and the challenge of creating a cohesive look, the new home sat empty for months. She was willing to hire an interior designer for help, but she couldn't find someone who was a fit with her budget and she was left feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. She knew others had to be experiencing a similar problem. Lee used her pain...

After seven years of ever-honest fashion and lifestyle blogging over at Sequins & Stripes, Chicago-based influencer Liz Adams has a new digital home: Hello Adams Family. As fans fell in love with Liz and followed her story—an engagement, a marriage, and the birth of her adorable sons Charlie and Jack—her presence became about more than just the outfits. Namely, laughing and smiling through the chaos of motherhood.But as she’ll tell you—living in the public eye doesn’t always come easy. And parenting in the public eye? It can be a rocky...

Worried about making a career change with a baby on board? Don't be. It’s normal to wonder—will a prospective employer pause before offering you a gig, knowing that you’ve got a slew of doctor appointments and maternity leave on the horizon? Here’s the truth: pregnant women can (and do!) take on new opportunities every day, and if you're the best fit for the job, the right employer should want to bring you on regardless. Pregnant women have rights, too. We spoke with employment lawyer Omar A. Lopez, Esq., owner of...

Ariane Goldman had already left her job in corporate America and found success as the founder of twobirds Bridesmaids when she discovered a “white space” in the marketplace: She was pregnant and seeking out brands that seemed to understand her and the life stage she was in— and when she couldn’t find one, she decided to create it.That’s how HATCH, a wildly popular direct-to-consumer maternity brand, well...hatched. Today HATCH is a powerhouse in the motherhood space, with celebrities and influencers among its fans. The brand is known for producing fashion-forward...

Consider this dilemma: It's your first family outing and your baby wants to nurse...and while ordinarily, you'd make it work right there and then (whether you're comfortable doing it out in the open or would prefer to cover up, you do you, Mama!), you realize you've hit a bit of a snag. You're wearing a dress and, save for pulling the whole thing up around your neck, there's really no great way to get the baby to the breast.Dressing during the postpartum period can be a challenge, particularly for breastfeeding...

Is there a sweeter way to start the day than by sharing breakfast (plus a big coffee for mom) with your little ones? We tapped our favorite influential mamas to share the top spots in their city for ordering croissants, eggs, and everything in between with the kids. Let us know if any of your favorite spots made the list!   Leslie Bruce - Laguna Beach The bestselling author hails from the setting of everyone's favorite coming-of-age reality show, but her day-to-day is less about the 'drama, drama, drama' and...

As the son of two teachers, Jason Stoffer has always had a passion for education. He just may not have expected this to manifest in his current role as the founder of venture capital firm, Maveron. But Jason discovered another passion along the way. And now, it’s his love for brands that evoke emotion in their consumers that drives his day-to-day. For Jason, identifying worthwhile brands really comes to what the founder represents — and how well the audience will connect to the brand’s message. What does he look for...

Choosing a pediatrician, registering for newborn essentials, figuring out a birth plan — there's a lot to think about as you approach the end of your pregnancy. But here's something you may not be considering: your recovery. The postpartum period is tough on the body, and you'll need to have a few products on hand to help you through it. We enlisted a group of new moms who called out the essentials that saved them during the whirlwind that is the 'fourth trimester.' Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray ($12.99) File...