Coping with “pouch guilt”

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

This new study that says breastfeeding may reverse the biological aging effects of pregnancy. Almost makes the pumping worth it.

How picky eaters are giving us “pouch guilt,” but this advice from a “Top Chef” judge could help. (Psst… Scroll to the bottom of the article for her take.)

Drugs hitting different in 2024: Meet the “CannaMoms” defying stigmas and “Ozempic babies” surprising their moms.

How Amazon is giving refunds on water beads after two toy companies refused to step up. Get your $$$ back.

A study says the cost of kids' mental health care is rising for parents (with many already paying thousands) — these tips could help you find cheaper options.

PS: If you need last-minute Easter ideas, check out this singing bunny for your kid’s Easter basket, or plan to dye some eggs using what you already have in your kitchen.

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

How can I help my child with ADHD without meds?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Laura Phillips, PsyD, ABPdN

Senior Director and Senior Neuropsychologist for the Learning and Development Center at the Child Mind Institute

If you’re hesitant to put your child on medication, Phillips says behavioral and environmental changes can help manage symptoms. She recommends establishing predictable routines, eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting good sleep, and says you can also: 

• Use positive reinforcement: She says there are two ways to do this.

  • Verbally: Give them timely and specific praise when they do something well. For example, instead of saying “nice job” after they put a dish in the sink, try “I love how you cleared the dishes.” 

  • Using tokens: Phillips says small tokens, like stickers, are a “powerful way” to recognize and reinforce good behaviors. “If they can earn tokens towards a larger prize, you are also helping them learn to delay gratification, which can often be challenging for children with ADHD,” she says. 

• Create organizational systems: Phillips says you can help your child keep track of their assignments and belongings by encouraging them to use tools like planners, calendars, checklists, and color-coded folders. But she adds that organizational skills “are not intuitive,” so you should “regularly check in on their use of these tools.”

• Break down tasks: Phillips says “Large tasks can be overwhelming,” but breaking them into smaller tasks makes them more manageable. For example, if you want them to clean their room (big task), ask them instead to make their bed and fold their clothes (small tasks). 

  • Pro tip: Phillips says to allow a timed five-minute break in between steps. “It can be easier for children to initiate a task when there is a knowable, tangible end to it,” she says. PS: This timer could help.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and UNICEF has been an invaluable part of that village for millions of people. They’ve been providing vaccines, nutrition programs, and safe water to children and their families since the 1950s. And that’s just one of the ways they’re helping build brighter futures.

Want to join the very special global village delivering life-changing support to children around the world? Whether you’re raising your hand, lending your voice, or offering your skills, you can help make a difference. Start here.

Let us help you get your spot. We’re building a new tool to guide you through making major life decisions, like who should care for your kids. Check out our five-step guide with expert-backed info on how to pick a daycare that’s right for you. Then let us know how we could improve it. We want to make your life easier, one choice at a time.

New Study Sheds Light on Antipsychotic Drugs During Pregnancy

A new study found that pregnant women could feel more confident about staying on antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. The big deal: These drugs were not found to increase kids' risk of intellectual or learning disabilities.

The details: The study compiled data from more than 200,000 kids born to women with a diagnosed psychiatric condition in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Researchers analyzed data from birth records, prescription records, prenatal care, and diagnoses from specialists. Then they compared it to data from the kids’ first standardized national school test, which they take between the ages of eight to 10. 

One potential risk: Researchers say the drug chlorpromazine showed a potential link to language and speech delays, but that this finding is based on a small sample size of eight to 15 kids. They said more research is needed to see if this is a real risk. 

Why it matters: It suggests that women don’t have to choose between their mental health or their baby’s health — and it’s sparked more studies of its kind. One researcher is already working on two other studies to see if there’s a link between ADHD and anti-seizure meds on a child’s health and school performance. 

But another researcher says it could be some time before we see the results of other studies, since compiling big data takes a lot of time. This study took nearly 10 years to complete.

PS: If you’re pregnant and want to stay on your antipsychotics, talk with your doctor first. 

We have thoughts. This week, we ranked our thoughts on maternity fashion trends from 0–10. No science, just snark.

Hard Pass

0/10 Maternity jeans that have that side stretchy part. Either go over the belly or just hand me the tights please. But if under the belly is your thing, try these.

4/10 Compression socks. Great for flying, and virtually nothing else. “At least these are cute so wearing them is less of a drag,” says Senior Editor of Parenting Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury.

Ehh

5/10 Chunky Mary Janes or flatforms. On one hand, they’ll probably fit swollen pregnancy feet. But on the other, you’ll feel like you’re back in middle school. 

More of this

7/10 Thrifting maternity clothes. Better brands for less money. Plus, you can do it from the comfort of your couch through sites like ThredUp, Depop, or Poshmark. 

10/10 Sneakers that will support the arch of your foot, plus not look gross. Here are some stylish options to keep for postpartum life and beyond.