Nonverbal toddlers communicate in more ways than words — through gestures, sounds, and play. Early educator and Harvard graduate Lydia Mackie shares how outdoor exploration, self-talk, and sensory-rich activities can spark language development and help little ones find their voice.

Expanding access to doulas is proving to be a critical tool in reducing maternal mortality, especially in communities facing racial disparities. In Guam, the Guahan Doula Project allocated $400,000 to train new doulas, while programs across the U.S. are equipping Black fathers and community leaders with doula-level skills. With Black women in the U.S. experiencing maternal mortality rates more than three times higher than white women, culturally competent doula programs are helping close these dangerous gaps through continuous care, advocacy, and education.

Birthing centers offer a unique middle ground between home birth and hospital delivery. These midwifery-led facilities combine comfort with clinical oversight, providing a home-like environment, lower intervention rates, and cost savings for low-risk pregnancies. With proper accreditation and hospital transfer protocols, studies show that birth centers can be a safe and empowering option for expecting families.

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to pregnancy through Garbhini Paricharya, an ancient guide that combines diet, lifestyle, and mindfulness practices for mother and child. From nourishing foods like milk, ghee, and sweet fruits to month-by-month pregnancy care routines, Ayurveda emphasizes balance, stress management, and emotional well-being. Connect with experts in the field like Melissa Nelson.

Parent coaching costs between $40–$200 per session, but the right price depends on the type of expert you need. Whether you’re looking for a sleep coach, lactation consultant, toddler behavior specialist, or speech therapist, MissPoppins makes it easy to compare packages, connect with certified parenting coaches, and book a free consultation easily with the best coaches in the industry.

Boy and girl baby names with cultural roots are a powerful step when choosing a baby name. These Taíno baby names for boys and girls honor the Indigenous Caribbean people of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas—each name carrying rich meaning, history, and ancestral backing.

When Mercedez Eckman began baking cookies in her Kentucky kitchen during her own breastfeeding journey, she never imagined it would grow into a business. But after her husband suggested turning her supply-boosting recipe into a company, moms across the state embraced it. Today, The Leaky Momma is a Lexington-based bakery creating indulgent desserts with functional ingredients that naturally support lactation — proving that sometimes the best businesses are born from the challenges of motherhood.

Breastfeeding traditionally can be met with—pain, latch struggles, and even premature baby feeding can make it tough. Nipple shields offer a temporary solution by protecting sore nipples and helping babies latch more effectively. When used with IBCLC guidance, they can ease your journey and make the transition back to natural breastfeeding smoother.

The Ferber method is often misunderstood as leaving babies to cry alone, but its true purpose is teaching self-soothing with gradual, timed check-ins. Dr. Richard Ferber himself explained it’s about helping babies settle without panic, while child development expert Ana Adame notes that crying can be part of building emotional wiring when paired with consistent co-regulation. This article answers the questions parents actually search for—like how to use Ferber with breastfed babies, whether to wait after reflux or colic, and how to adapt the method for sensitive little ones.

Postpartum recovery is a journey that requires more than just rest-it calls for intentional nutrition that fuels healing, energy, and emotional balance. From iron-rich foods that combat fatigue to omega-3s that stabilize mood and enhance breast milk, what new mothers eat directly shapes their recovery experience. Even small choices, like hydration and whole grains, can make a big difference. And for those craving comfort, lactation-friendly treats like The Leaky Momma’s cookies show that postpartum nutrition can be both functional and enjoyable.

Postpartum recovery calls for skincare that’s as safe as it is effective. Organic Skincare for Mothers: Postpartum Creams and Balms That Heal Naturally spotlights Motherlove’s certified organic and cruelty-free postpartum products—including a natural C-section scar repair cream, soothing nipple cream, and gentle Rhoid Balm. Each is free from synthetic fillers and tested for purity, giving new mothers plant-based solutions they can trust while they heal.

Parents don’t need overflowing playrooms to support their child’s growth. According to child development expert Ana Adame, the best toys are often the simplest, think of blocks, nesting cups, or scarves are the ones that spark imagination, language skills, and emotional resilience in babies. This guide shows parents how to choose baby/toddler toys that truly enrich development, without the overwhelm or high price tags.

Know what to avoid when planning a nutrition guide for your infant. Functional nutritionist Ravina Thomas shares expert advice on foods that can be harmful for infants, from honey and hidden sugars to highly processed snacks, while offering safer, nutrient-rich alternatives that support healthy growth.

Co-regulation is the parenting skill every toddler needs. Learn how co-regulation helps with toddler tantrums, emotional regulation in toddlers, and parenting without punishment. Words from a child behavioral specialist who swear by simple parenting techniques. Emotional regulation and resilience as a parent doesn’t have to be as hard as you think.

Picking a surrogacy journey can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process, costs, and agency support makes it manageable. From choosing the right surrogate to creating an intended parent profile. With the help of, ACRC Global, here is a quick quide for families with transparent pricing, expert care, and ongoing support, ensuring a safe and fulfilling path to parenthood.

Leaky gut in children can affect more than digestion and impacts mood, sleep, and immunity. Functional nutritionist Ravina Thomas, a functional medicine practitioner explains how nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and environmental factors can weaken the gut lining, leading to inflammation and behavioral changes. With the right diet, lifestyle shifts, and awareness, parents can support gut health and prevent long-term complications.

Inflammation in children is often overlooked, yet it can play a big role in their long-term health. Functional nutrition takes a root-cause approach, helping parents understand how food, environment, and lifestyle choices can either calm or fuel inflammation. By focusing on whole foods, gut health, and nutrient balance, parents can support their child’s development in a way that goes beyond symptom management.

The Fuzzy Sprout’s 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton towels are more than just bath essentials. They’re soft, hypoallergenic, and designed for hands-free use. Perfect for baby’s sensitive skin. This mom-founded, Canada-based towel company makes bath time easier, cozier, and more sustainable.