M+A Edit

Whether you do it after a month or a year of nursing, weaning a baby off breastmilk can be tough. The process of transitioning a baby from your own body's milk can be tricky to navigate — practically, physically, hormonally, emotionally and mentally.Every experience will look a little different, but we understand that moms who are about to wean may be looking for some guidance and advice. We turned to lactation consultant Lauren K. Olofsson for some, and here's what she had to say: 'My most important tip to moms...

Cara Lemieux was, by her own admission, 'the opposite of married' when she got pregnant with her first child. The pregnancy wasn't planned, but she found herself loving her role as a single mom — so much so that she decided to use a sperm donor to conceive a baby boy years later. Now, she's a successful mom of two who even gave a TEDx Talk inspired by her experience as a single mom. We caught up with Cara to hear what solo parenting has really been like, and here's...

Fact: Babies are expensive...just ask anyone who has ever looked at stroller prices and experienced serious sticker shock. Budgeting before a new baby's arrival — or, at the very least, reevaluating finances and spending habits — is crucial. But how exactly are you supposed to do that? The trickiest part of planning for the financial aspect of having a baby lies in the unknowns. If you're a first-time parent, it can be especially challenging to determine exactly how much you need to set aside for your new addition, and even...

'I'm so excited to swaddle my baby!' - said no expectant ever. We've all heard about how tricky it can be to master the art of the swaddle...and when you're a sleep-deprived new parent, the last thing you want is to be fumbling around with a blanket and a squirmy baby. But here's a pro tip for all the new and expectant parents out there: Swaddling doesn't have to suck. For one thing, it gets much easier over time, so your day one skills aren't indicative of what you can...

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: Is there another Kardashian kid coming soon? Kim Kardashian just revealed that Scott Disick allegedly wants to have more kids with Kourtney Kardashian. And here's the kicker: Kourtney is apparently open to having more babies as well. Time will tell! Staying within those weight gain guidelines during pregnancy can be tough — but according to a new study, the...

You've already shopped the registry for a perfect baby shower gift — but what do you do for the new mama in your life who just welcomed her bundle of joy? We love the idea of getting a new mother a thoughtful gift to show her you're thinking of her during an incredibly special (yet overwhelming!) time in her life. Our advice? Consider stepping away from the practical. She's likely up to her ears in newborn gear and baby gifts (think car seats, strollers, monitors, and baby clothes) and would...

Returning to work after a significant hiatus isn't easy...especially after you've had a baby. Whether you're heartbroken to see maternity leave end or eager to return to the swing of things, getting back to the grind is an adjustment. It can be especially tricky for nursing mamas — because even though breastfeeding mothers are legally entitled to break times and private spaces to pump (check your rights here), the actual conditions can vary between professions and workplaces.We're talking to real women about what they really faced when returning to work...

Back in 2014, Jordana Kier realized something: Though she had spent the better part of her life using feminine products, she’d never stopped to ask herself what was really in her tampons.After thinking the idea over, researching the industry, and posing the idea to her friend-turned-co-founder, Alex Friedman, Jordana decided to act on it.Jordana and Alex launched Lola, which they describe as a lifelong reproductive health for women’s bodies. By focusing on transparency, Lola gives women control over the products they’re choosing and using. Lola has gone head-to-head with industry...

One of the best parts about being pregnant today? Choice! There are hundreds (and hundreds) of products out there meant to support mamas with a growing belly and make life a little easier. But which items are worthy of that must-buy status? We asked a group of Monica + Andy team members — all of whom have been through pregnancies recently — to share their favorites. AG Secret Fit Belly Farrah Skinny Ankle Maternity Jeans ($198)'I really could not live without my AG maternity jeans - I wear them for...

Want to know the truth about parenthood? We're all just figuring it out as we go...especially in the early days. You can read all the books, do all the prep work and lay all the plans, but when you actually bring that baby home? Well, you just might find you're fumbling with the day-to-day of it all. And that's ok (and totally normal)! Parenthood doesn't have to be perfect. And if you find yourself making rookie mistakes in those early days, just take a second, breathe and remind yourself that...