National Eating Disorder Awareness Week serves as a crucial reminder of a significant yet often misunderstood issue impacting millions: eating disorders, particularly in the context of motherhood. Pregnant women and new mothers already face an array of emotional and physical challenges, and for those with a history of disordered eating, these life stages can amplify
Health & Wellness
The journey to motherhood is as exhilarating as it is challenging. After the ordeal of childbirth, a mother enters a phase filled with both joy and vulnerability. In many cultures, particularly in Chinese tradition, there exists a practice termed “Sitting the Month,” or Zuo Yuezi. This ancient ritual underscores the importance of postpartum recovery, couched
When Samantha Hanratty, renowned actress known for her role in *Yellowjackets*, received the heart-stopping news during her pregnancy that her child would be born with a cleft lip, it altered her world in an instant. As the New Year dawned in 2024 with her son’s arrival, Hanratty’s emotions swung from despair to a profound resilience.
Peanut allergies have long posed significant challenges for families, transforming everyday life into an intricate maze of precautions, vigilance, and anxiety. For parents of children diagnosed with peanut allergies, the fear of accidental exposure often defines their daily routine—label-checking and rigorous meal planning become essential. Traditionally, the primary strategy to deal with this dietary constraint
Recent research spearheaded by University College London (UCL) has unveiled significant insights into the profound connection between maternal communication and infant emotional development. Central to this exploration is oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” This hormone is not just a facilitator of maternal-infant bonding; it plays an essential role in social interactions, trust,
On frigid winter evenings, the comfort of a baby’s sleep can quickly turn into concern for many parents when congestion disrupts their precious slumber. The soft sounds of breathing can be replaced by uncomfortable sniffles and snorts, causing distress for both baby and caregiver alike. Babies are particularly susceptible to nasal congestion due to their
Toddlerhood is a transformative and often hilarious stage in child development characterized by an explosion of curiosity and a playful use of language. These young children view the world through a lens of wonder, leading them to create inventive and often humorous interpretations of their surroundings. Take for instance the delightful tale of a 16-month-old
Becoming a mother is a transformative experience, filled with both joy and challenges. The period following childbirth, known as postpartum, can introduce a host of unexpected physical and emotional changes. As women embark on this journey, it is essential to recognize that they are not alone in their struggles and to take proactive steps to
Early pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of excitement and joy, but for many women, it also brings a host of challenges, particularly when it comes to sleep. While friends and family often advise pregnant women to enjoy their rest before the baby arrives, the harsh realities of insomnia can make this sound more
As I gaze into the tender eyes of my newborn, I find myself caught in a conflicting swirl of emotions. These days, marked by restless nights and moments of pure sweetness, resemble a dream yet feel so profoundly different from anything I could have ever imagined. In a world overshadowed by a pandemic, each coo