‘Mommy brain’ is actually impressive

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

The dramatic and amazing ways your brain changes when you become a parent. Plot twist: It’s likely not the reason you keep forgetting stuff.  

What this woman’s breastfeeding journey taught her about the power of choice. It’s never simple. 

How experts say you can manage the emotions and logistics of solo parenting when your partner is traveling. Teamwork can still exist from afar.

Why this husband’s advice for how dads can help their wives went viral. Guys, it’s really not complicated.

How the FDA warned three baby formula companies to maintain quality control following last winter’s recalls over safety concerns. Plus, how to prevent contamination at home.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

How old should my baby be to pierce their ears?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Chandani DeZure, MD

Board-certified pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children's Health and clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford School of Medicine

“The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) officially recommends waiting until a child is old enough to care for their piercing, but this doesn’t always align with cultural norms and parental preferences. So I typically say around 4 months of age, but more importantly, after their 4-month vaccines so that they are better protected against tetanus. 

“Parents should keep in mind that babies born early or with other chronic medical issues may be directed by their pediatrician to wait until they’re older. The biggest risk or concern with an elective procedure like ear piercing is infection and the ability to fight infection at a young age. 

“Despite the AAP recommendation to postpone piercings until a child is mature enough to care for it, risk of infection at any age is incredibly low if done safely and sterilely. There are pediatricians who perform ear piercings in the office, but parents would have to seek them out on their own and they would also likely have to pay out-of-pocket for an elective procedure.”

Which question should an expert answer in the future?

P.S. The question with the most votes will be answered in an upcoming newsletter, so stay tuned. You can also ask an anonymous question for our parenting experts here.

Books to Help Moms Manage Their Careers

“Work, Parent, Thrive”: Author Yael Schonbrun, PhD, calls out the myth of work-life balance and offers 12 science-backed strategies to help moms reframe their approach to working and parenting. Her techniques are based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — which includes practicing mindfulness and getting rid of less meaningful obligations.

“The Art of Good Enough”: Ivy Ge is a clinical pharmacist and professor who draws from her own experience trying to balance work, education, and motherhood. The book not only gives advice, but is also a guide to overcoming adversity, managing difficult emotions, and making sound decisions. Ge encourages readers to find their hidden strengths to overcome obstacles in life and at work.  

“Your Turn: Careers, Kids, and Comebacks”: Cofounder Jennifer Gefsky, and CEO Stacey Delo, of Après — a site for women returning to the workforce — offer advice and inspiration to help women make career decisions for themselves and their families. They tackle issues like managing guilt and stress after maternity leave, setting expectations in a part-time position, and talking with partners and managers about how to make full-time work better for you.

Segregation Linked to Higher Blood Lead Levels in Black Kids

Black children living in racially segregated neighborhoods are at higher risk of being exposed to potentially dangerous lead, according to a new study. Lead exposure has been linked to learning deficits and lower scores on intelligence and standardized tests, with effects that can persist into adulthood, according to the authors. 

Researchers analyzed data from more than 320,000 kids under 7 years old in North Carolina who were tested between either 1992-1996 or 2013-2015. They found that while overall lead levels for non-Hispanic Black children decreased over time, their levels were still higher if they lived in segregated neighborhoods. This was true even when adjusting for socioeconomic status, showing that where you live — and the environmental burdens that come with it — can have long-term health impacts.

The study authors note that this kind of geographical separation is another consequence of structural racism. Racial residential segregation (which historically speaking, has been furthered by tactics like redlining) has also been linked to mortality, poor pregnancy outcomes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and poor cardiovascular health.