Would you use AI to parent?

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

The genius ways this mom uses AI to tackle her to-do list. Now if only we could get tech to clean the house, too. 

How 8.2 million bags of detergent pods or packs (including Tide Pods) were recalled. Check if yours are safe. 

The eye-opening ways children in other countries are treated vs. in the US. Time to move to Japan?

Why some moms are secretly smoking cigarettes. One calls it her act of resistance.

Bookmark this for later: “Skip-gen” trips.  

PS: Black Maternal Health Week starts today. Read this story of a woman who experienced complications six months after giving birth, plus scroll down for a nifty script to help you advocate for your health.

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

When do you need to seek a second OB-GYN opinion?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Jennifer Tang, MD

UNC Professor of OB-GYN and Co-Principal Investigator of the ACURE4Moms study.

“You know your body,” says Tang. “If you’ve gone to a provider with a concern and don’t feel heard or that your concern was addressed, you should seek a second opinion.”   

That’s especially true if…

• You’re experiencing any warning signs, like constant chest or belly pain, persistent headaches, or if you’re feeling particularly worried or anxious. “Be sure your family and people you love can recognize [these signs too],” says Tang. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to watch out for.

• You’re a woman of color. “Sadly, in the US, Black birthing people are two to four times more likely to die in childbirth than non-Hispanic white women — with many cases being preventable,” says Tang. Some research shows that the rate is higher for Hispanic women, too.  

Myth: Breastfeeding is free.

Truth: A recent study found that a year of breastfeeding can cost families more than $10,500. 

Breastfeeding might not come with a literal price tag, but in terms of a mom’s time and energy, there’s nothing free about it. Plus, there’s the cost of nursing bras, breast pads, vitamins, and so. much. more. Enter: The Lactation Network, an org dedicated to supporting breastfeeding parents — no matter where they are on their journey. From private prenatal consultations to breast pumps, they’ve got you covered. Learn more.

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.

Where we literally give you the words you need to get things done.

Get Heard by Your OB-GYN

You’re pregnant and experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, like headaches or blurred vision, and you don’t feel like your OB is taking it seriously. Enter:

FEATURED EXPERT:

Kelly Epps-Anderson, MD, MSHP

Director of the Inova Women’s Cardiovascular Health Center and the board president of the Greater Washington American Heart Association

She says, “Be direct if you feel that you aren’t being heard.” Ask these follow-up questions to get your OB talking about your symptoms, adds Epps-Anderson: 

• Why am I experiencing these symptoms?

• What do you think could be causing these symptoms?

• Is it normal during pregnancy to experience symptoms like these?

• When do you expect me to feel better?

• When should we follow up if it doesn’t get better?

• When should I seek emergency care?

And remember, if you have doubts or there’s just something in your gut that says this isn’t right, getting a second opinion can always be helpful, says Epps-Anderson.

If it’s your first time meeting your doc, make sure you have a “candid and proactive discussion” with them to get ahead of any concerns, adds Epps-Anderson. Try saying: 

• I know that Black women have worse maternal outcomes. What can I do to reduce my risk?

• Do you recommend that I see any additional specialists during my pregnancy or postpartum?

PS: Here are a few Qs to ask your doctor through each stage of pregnancy.

Someone has to say it…

You probably need a new bra. Listen, we get it, why replace what isn’t broken? But your boobs deserve a little support too.

Meet: ThirdLove’s Wireless Bra ($64). It comes in three colors (taupe, black, and pink) and you can choose between a smooth or lace material. There are a wide range of band (30–44) and cup sizes (A–G). PS: They also offer Precise sizing with options ranging from XS to 3X.

"This is my favorite wireless bra ever. I reach for it whenever I want to be comfortable, but don't want to look frumpy (which is basically always). It's supportive, doesn't dig into your skin, and provides all the coverage I need," says Editorial Director of Parenting Karell Roxas.

Psst… We know bra shopping is the worst, so here are some tips on finding one that fits.

We have thoughts. This week, we ranked kids' TV shows we’d actually watch from 0–10. No science, just snark.

Hard pass

1/10 Grizzy & the Lemmings. This show has no dialogue, just sounds. Great for kids, terrible for overstimulated adults. 

Ehh

4/10 Ms Rachel. Woke up and chose controversy. It’s not that we don’t love how she teaches our kids amazing things. We’re just cool sitting these episodes out.

6/10 Gabby’s Dollhouse. Upside: The creativity. Downside: The songs get stuck in your head, and they’re not all bops. “Every day is a sprinkle paarrttyyy.” 

More of this 

9/10 Bluey. This show can do no wrong. “I like how Bluey brings up tough subjects, like infertility. Now, if that ever came up, I’d know what to say — thanks, Chilli," says Senior Editor of Parenting Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury.

10/10 Sesame Street. It’s a classic that’s evolved with the times. They’ve added newer faves like Julia and Ji-Young and given our old faves some new updates. See: Cookie Monster’s food truck.

PS: If you want to watch an actual show for grown-ups, check out “The Valley.” It’s the perfect combo of postpartum parenting + reality show drama.