Pregnancy + Postpartum

When you’re pregnant there are a few questions you can often expect people to ask; ‘Is this your first?’ When are you due?’ and almost inevitably, ‘Is it a girl or a boy?’ Today with the ability to find out...

This post is part of an editorial series, Birth Stories, is brought to you by UnityPoint Health and Des Moines Mom. All 5 original articles from the Birth Stories series can be found here. Becoming a mom wasn’t on my...

When writing a blog post about an illness that affects 1 of 7 women and 1 of 10 men during the most transforming period of their lives, it is difficult to decide which 600 words to include and what thousands of...

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week, and the theme for 2015 is Breastfeeding and Work: Let's Make It Work! There is only one time a year when I am willingly ready to resemble a cow. And you can bet there's...

Pregnancy and birthing classes: What you and your partner can learn Having a baby and not sure where to start? Consider Mercy's educational classes! All of the classes are personalized, interactive, and taught by certified childbirth educators. Their comprehensive curriculum is designed so you...

Grocery shopping, walks on the beach, pumpkin patch visits, vacuuming, walking around the Iowa State Fair, baking, visits to the Farmers’ Market, and homeroom parties.... are all places we've been and things we have done while babywearing.  Babywearing is a...

Moms hear about all the things we should and should not eat while pregnant, but are rarely reminded of the possible dietary restrictions while breastfeeding. While nursing both of my boys I was challenged with adjusting my diet to...

Women who are pregnant are currently one of the lowest populations protected from COVID-19. Only 20-25% of pregnant women are currently vaccinated, far less than the rest of the adult population. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the...

For years the daily conversation my husband and I had revolved around what to have for dinner or what TV show to watch on any given night. Lately, things are just a little different in our house. Recently, our conversations have...

The story I’m about to tell brings one of one of my earliest parenting dilemmas full circle. It only took a whopping eight years. Eight years ago, in a lifetime far, far away… our youngest son was born. He came into...