M+A Edit

Let's talk infertility — today's post was written by an M+A staffer who is currently pregnant after undergoing fertility treatment. We won't tell you all scientific stuff — your doctor is there for that. But we'll share some of the lesser-known facts about conceiving after infertility in the hopes that it may prepare you if you're going through it yourself. Infertility is a big, scary word — and the experience of it is every bit as scary, stressful and painful as the term suggests. But here's the most important thing...

If you're facing impending parenthood, you're likely weighing a lot of tricky choices. From 'which stroller is best for my family?' to 'home birth or hospital birth?', there's a LOT to think about before your family expands...and while pregnancy can feel like a long process, the end comes at you faster than you'd think!One of the biggest questions expectant parents deal with is the whole issue of childcare...you can choose between enrolling your little one in daycare or hiring a nanny...or you (or your partner!) could opt to stay home...

Pregnancy can do a real number on your body — and it goes beyond the obvious effects, like causing you to sport a baby bump or skip your periods. The truth is, there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may not recognize as part of the territory until you're in the thick of them...and by that time, you may be nervous that they signal something bad. But rest easy: Weird, wacky (and occasionally TMI) side effects are normal more often than not. Of course, you should always speak to your OB-GYN...

If you're expecting a baby, we can almost guarantee you've heard the following: 'sleep now because soon enough you won't sleep at all!' And chances are, you find this piece of unsolicited advice both scary and...well, not that helpful. But here's something that is helpful: Advice from Kelly Murray, Chicago-based sleep consultant, who was kind enough to answer all our most burning questions about infant sleep. Here's what she had to say! Monica + Andy: What exactly does it mean for an infant to sleep through the night? Is there...

Swaddling: It's one of those life skills that looks easy enough...that is, until you try it. The good news? Like so many things in life (and, let's be honest, parenthood), swaddling a newborn is all about practice— so don't think your baby can't nestle into a good swaddle just because your first few attempts don't go according to plan. The trick to mastering the swaddle is simple: It's all about taking it step-by-step. Because many of us simply see the finished product, it can be tough to grasp the actual...

Welcome to Mom’s the Word! We know you’re busy, so we’ve distilled this week’s top headlines in motherhood into this quick recap. Here’s all the news you need to know now: Bless her heart. Kiera Knightley just revealed that her three-year-old daughter, Edie, is still not sleeping through the night. She may not for a few more years, at least if she's anything like her mama — Kiera admitted that she herself didn't sleep well until age 6. The good news? Like most mamas, Kiera managed to shock herself with...

It’s never too early to introduce your littles to healthy habits! Maybe your kids are too young to join sports teams...and maybe you're not ready to leave them and head to your favorite pre-baby workout class. But even though it's tough to squeeze in physical activity, remember that there's no time like the present. That's why we'd suggest turning fitness into a fun family affair. It's truly a win/win: It allows you to introduce your kids to those healthy habits they'll keep with them forever, and it gives you a...

If you're a first-time mom-to-be, you know how overwhelming registering for newborn essentials can feel...and if you're expecting multiples? Well, it's totally normal to feel (at least) double the registry confusion. Do you need multiple quantities of every item? How do you figure out which stroller is best for transporting two (or more!) babies? And should you really be splurging on top-of-the-line equipment when you need even more stuff than the average mom-to-be? It's a lot to process, and that's why we enlisted a few twin mamas to share their...

If you're trying to get pregnant, you've almost certainly heard someone say something along the lines of 'take a vacation, that worked for us!' The idea that conceiving is easier while on a trip is a fairly common one. We've all heard jokes about there being something fertility-boosting in the water in Europe, jabs about 'being careful' on your honeymoon, and well-meaning advice from elder relatives. But is there really anything to it? And if so, should all couples who are trying to conceive run out and book 'baby make-acations'...

Think about what happens any time a female celebrity steps out looking slightly less svelte than normal — the baby bump speculation starts immediately. Recall a time an influencer you follow referenced a 'major life update' in a post and you can practically see the hundreds of 'pregnant?' comments on her feed. And then consider a time when you turned down a drink, only to have your friends ask you...well, you get the picture. Chances are, someone in your life has, at one point or another, asked you if you’re...