Nick Jonas is embracing fatherhood but says “everything” is more intense since having his baby girl. Speaking with Variety, he opened up about life with his new daughter, Malti Marie, who he welcomed with wife Priyanka Chopra, and how it’s altered his view on world events.
“The weight of everything is much more intense,” he said. “I think it’s now about trying to be as present as possible and as thoughtful as you can be for your family, but also for other people’s journeys. I’m so grateful for [Malti Marie] and the wonderful perspective of being a parent.”
The singer and actor had previously opened up about the couple’s journey to parenthood, writing a sweet tribute to his wife for Mother’s Day. “On this Mother’s Day we can’t help but reflect on these last few months and the rollercoaster we’ve been on, which we now know, so many people have also experienced,” the Quantico star wrote on Instagram. “After 100 plus days in the NICU, our little girl is finally home. Every family’s journey is unique and requires a certain level of faith, and while ours was a challenging few months, what becomes abundantly clear, in retrospect, is how precious and perfect every moment is.”
“She’s a gift and we’re just so blessed that she’s back,” Jonas told TODAY in May, saying he (and his parents) are thrilled the family is getting larger. “The Jonas family keeps growing.”
Jonas also talked about the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and how everything hits closer to home now that he’s a parent. “As a father, as an uncle, I can’t not think about the kids and all the lives that were lost,” he said in a tweet. “I’m hoping for change to happen and we’ll see the end of this.”
He also tweeted about the massacre in Texas where 19 children and two teachers were killed, sharing a link to Moms Demand Action, a group dedicated to ending gun violence.
Tess Mata was a typical girl in today’s America: She wanted to become TikTok famous. Tragically, Tess was one of 21 victims who lost their lives in last week’s Uvalde shooting.
Now the family of the 10-year-old wants to make good on her wish and make her dance videos go viral as a tribute to Tess. Since she was too young to have her own account (TikTok users must be at least 13), Veronica Mata would let Tess make draft videos under her account, according to CNN. She had more than 150 videos.
To honor her late daughter, Veronica finally took to TikTok to post a few of her favorite videos. She captioned one “My sweet baby girl. She was taken from us because of a senseless act in a mass shooting. I never allowed Tess to post her videos because she was so young. But today I want to celebrate her by trying to fulfill her wish by becoming TikTok famous. #uvaldestrong.”
My sweet baby girl. She was taken from us because of a senseless act in a mass shooting. I never allowed Tess to post her videos because she was so young. But today I want to celebrate her by trying to fulfill her wish by becoming TikTok famous. #uvaldestrong
Within five days, the video has nearly 70k views, 21k likes and almost 2k comments. The family hopes that it will become viral as an homage to the daughter they lost too soon.
According to CNN, Tess’ uncle shared the video on his account, where it was commented on by Paris Hilton and Lance Bass. Additionally, Kourtney Kardashian and Kylie Jenner also shared the video on their Instagram accounts.
One week later, people from around the world are still learning about the events that took place in Uvalde. In the midst of the heartache, the international community is coming together to show its support and solidarity. If you’d like to donate to Uvalde families, you can see the many opportunities here.
Ed Sheeran just made a big announcement: he’s a dad again! The singer took to Instagram to share that he and wife Cherry Seaborn welcomed another baby girl, making Lyra Antarctica a big sister.
Sheeran shared the news in the same way he did the first time around, with a sweet photo of a bassinet and tiny baby socks. “Want to let you all know we’ve had another beautiful baby girl. We are both so in love with her, and over the moon to be a family of 4 x,” he captioned the image.
According to Daily Mail, Sheeran’s spokesperson confirmed the news, sharing “Ed and Cherry recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl and are on cloud nine. They’re so excited for Lyra to have a little sister and the four of them are currently enjoying some precious family time before Ed heads back on tour. We are delighted for them, and we hope that you can respect their privacy at this special time.”
No word yet on baby girl’s name but she will join sister Lyra, who was welcomed back in August 2020. Both Sheeran and Seaborn are notoriously private (who can blame them) and have never shared many details on when they’re expecting or photos.
In fact, Sheeran was on the Ellen Degeneres show back in Dec. 2021 and completely left out the fact that the fam was getting ready to expand. He did, however, share some lovely bits about how much he loves being a dad.
He tells Ellen, “I just found that I really didn’t have purpose outside of [music] because when I was giving myself fixed time of no work, I wasn’t doing anything I enjoyed because I love doing music. And [being a dad] has actually given me purpose and something in life that’s actually more important than my job.”
Well if that doesn’t sum up parenthood, we don’t know what does! Congrats to the new family of four.
In addition to navigating the unavoidable sleep deprivation and all-around adjustment to taking care of a tiny human, Jonas is also experiencing his first round of unsolicited parenting advice. And Mr. Jonas—we’ve all been there.
Sitting down for the interview, Jimmy Fallon asks straight up, “Is everyone giving you advice, giving you books?” A dad himself, Fallon knows just what happens when you become a parent—you instantly become a parenting expert and thus, must bestow your worldly wisdom upon new parents (insert sarcasm).
But Jonas takes it in stride, commenting, “Turns out everybody I know is a newborn care specialist. All these PhDs I didn’t know they had.” We all know dishing out parenting advice usually comes with the best of intentions, but it doesn’t mean it’s not obnoxious, even to celebs.
In the meantime, Jonas looks like he’s settling into his role as dad quite well (we don’t even see bags under his eyes!). He and Chopra brought home Malti Marie around Mother’s Day after she was welcomed via surrogate and spent over three months in the NICU.
We haven’t seen much of the sweet baby girl as the family of three settles into a routine, but after so much time in the NICU, we don’t blame them one bit. After such an intense experience, we bet Nick will be sharing his own parenting advice in the near future. Hey, it’s a rite of passage!
Now, little MM is home with mom and dad and we get the sweet bonus of this photo. The pic shows a blissful Chopra Jonas holding her daughter to her chest with dad grasping baby’s hand.
“After 100 plus days in the NICU, our little girl is finally home. Every family’s journey is unique and requires a certain level of faith, and while ours was a challenging few months, what becomes abundantly clear, in retrospect, is how precious and perfect every moment is,” the post reads. Both parents shared the same photo and caption, with a special shout-out to the other at the bottom.
Chopra Jonas announced that they welcomed a baby back in January with an Instagram post, but few details were shared at the time. Jonas and Chopra Jonas went on to share, “Our next chapter begins now, and our baby is truly a badass. Let’s get it M! Mommy and Daddy love you. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers and care takers out there…”
Little Malti Marie will have lots of Jonas cousins to love on her once she’s ready for visitors. She’ll get to meet Alena and Valentina, Kevin and Danielle’s daughters, as well as Willa and a new baby coming soon, kids to Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.
In the meantime, it looks like the new family of three is ready to settle in for some much needed post-NICU cuddle time.
Ronaldo and his girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez are both mourning the loss of their son, a twin. “Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness,” he writes.
The soccer star announced the news of Rodríguez’s pregnancy back in Oct. on Instagram and the couple would be welcoming twins this year. “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins. Our hearts are full of love — we can’t wait to meet you. #blessed.”
Ronaldo is already dad to to four-year-old twins Eva Maria and Mateo who he welcomed via surrogate in 2017, four-year-old daughter Alana Martina he shares with Rodríguez and 11-year-old son Cristiano Jr. from a previous relationship.
Support from the world has been sent out to Ronaldo, who currently plays for Manchester United. The team tweeted out their condolences on Monday in the wake of the news, in addition to several other clubs, including Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.
You have our complete love and support, @Cristiano ❤
Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro also sent out messages of love in an Instagram post. Translated in Portuguese, the caption read, “I love you and my heart is all there on this side, ”May God take care of everything and strengthen your path more and more.”
According to CNN, United released a statement that Ronaldo will not be playing in this week’s game against Liverpool. “Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time. As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family’s request for privacy.”
Jessica Simpson recently celebrated her daughter Birdie Mae’s third birthday and full confession: we’re big-time jealous. The singer and her fam went all out and threw the three-year-old a Barbie Dreamhouse-themed party with all the stops.
Jessica shared all about her youngest child with a sweet description on her Instagram post. “Birdie is everyone’s favorite person, the magic she spreads feels like a bucket of glitter to anyone and everyone,” she says. “I wish everyone of you could hang out with Birdie for 5 minutes so you could belly laugh, listen to her stories because you cannot get a word in (you will be shushed), and feel the abundance of joy her spirit radiates.”
The photos, taken by Gloria Mesa of Gloria Mesa Photography, show several pastel balloon arches, a Barbie Dreamhouse cutout as a backdrop (complete with an actual Dreamhouse), brightly colored streamers and a rack full of gorgeous Tutu du Monde dresses.
Jessica, who was dressed not unlike OG Barbie herself in a bright pink suit goes on to share about her baby girl, that “Not a soul loves life more than Birdie and I am blessed to be her mother!” The whole incredible party was organized by Wham Bam Events, who shared an amazing video of Birdie just loving it.
According to PEOPLE, Birdie’s friends got to pick their own Tute Du Monde tulle skirts, made their own bracelets by Little Words Project, had a makeover at a braid bar and ended the party with cotton candy from Twisted for Sugar.
Also at the party was of course, Birdie’s dad and Jessica’s husband Eric Johnson, as well as sister Maxwell and brother Ace. According to ENews, three Kim Kardashian kids–North, Chicago and Psalm–were also in attendance.
The fantastic affair left the birthday girl exhausted. Jessica shared that “Little Miss birthday Bird fell asleep snuggling her party tutu.” If Tutu du Monde made dresses in our size, we’d snuggle up to one, too!
Animals flock to Bindi Irwin’s baby, Grace, proving that wildlife expert Steve Irwin’s 10-month old granddaughter appears to have inherited his animal magnetism.
“So she’ll go out in the morning in the stroller, and all the kangaroos just gather around her like they’re having a meeting,” said her grandmother, Terri Irwin. Her father, Chandler Powell, shared the beautiful image on Twitter:
Bindi’s mom Terri opened up to Entertainment tonight about just how much the new addition to the family resembles her late husband. “I think she’s got that determination that Steve had and that connection with wildlife,” She said. “Because it is weird to see animals just gravitate to her. So she’ll go out in the morning in the stroller, and all the kangaroos just gather around her like they’re having a meeting.”
Steve (aka the Crocodile Hunter) died on Sept. 4, 2006, after his heart was pierced by the barb of a stingray while filming at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Known for his wildlife documentaries, exuberant personality and sense of adventure, it’s no surprise to Bindi, 23, that her baby girl is taking after her grandfather. “Oh my word, the koalas … literally climb out of their trees to come see her.”
Considering how adorable Grace is, we’re not surprised. We’d climb out of a tree to say hello, too.
Moms are teachers, healers, chefs, doctors, sleep-consultants, chief story officers, entertainment executives, and food sources, and that’s usually just before noon. And above all else, moms are inventive. Like the moms in this story who are all are ground-breakers in the field of wellness. From chemical-free products to Black maternal health care to kids’ mental health, these amazing mompreneurs are here to heal the world, one kid, and one mama, at a time. Scroll on to see what they’ve invented.
Addressing the Disparity in Black Maternal Health: MaeHealth
Moved by the current racial and social climate and struck by the experiences of loved ones—primarily women of color—who have felt inadequately supported through their pregnancy experiences, Maya Hardigan, a Brooklyn-based mom of three, was moved to use her nearly two decades of experience in healthcare to found MaeHealth. With the goal of expanding access to pregnancy and postpartum resources for Black women who experience deep disparities in maternal health outcomes, she created this online destination to support pregnancy and postpartum health, providing symptom tracking and curated, culturally specific education and lifestyle resources for Mae mamas. A key goal of Mae's is to provide Black women access to local maternal health experts like doulas, who are known to improve pregnancy satisfaction and outcomes.
We already love mom-founded Mighty + Bright for their books and calendars that help support kids and families through tough times including divorce, cancer, and major change. During the pandemic, Mighty + Bright founder Sara Olsher was distressed by the lack of mental health resources for kids, especially amid a flurry of warnings from pediatric mental health organizations about a "national state of emergency for kids mental health." Olsher partnered with parenting educator Danielle Bettmann, and together they designed a 12-month "Kids Mental Health Skills at Home" program. Based on scientific research and backed by an impressive advisory board, the program is designed to create a positive foundation for kids' mental health. With a combination of a physical product delivered to your home every month and easy-to-follow parent support, Mighty + Bright has once again made it easy for families to build the necessary skills for handling life's toughest stuff.
It didn’t sit right with her when Melissa Bowley’s doctor told her that her postpartum bladder leakage just “came with the territory” of being a mom of two. Her doctor did not offer her wellness services or introduce her to pelvic floor therapy. And so, the Flourish Fund was born, the first-ever experiential baby registry where parents can register for support services and wellness items, from pregnancy to parenthood. New and expecting parents can register for services through a vetted network that includes lactation consultants, sleep consultants, pelvic floor therapy, and prenatal and postpartum yoga. There are also products that support wellness for baby and mama, including sleep machines, developmental toys, and more.
Guardian Lane sources counselors and therapists from around the world who take in-person therapeutic activities and turn them into self-guided videos so for families, children, and even school counselors, have access to coping mechanisms designed with children in mind. After leaving her first tech startup which she and her husband built, Guardian Lane founder Kristina Jones found herself reflecting on her childhood grief: Kristina was just seven years old when her father died, and she never received professional help to help her process this trauma. Kristina wrote a book, My Forever Guardian, about a group of young friends who help one another after the death of a loved one or a pet. While researching the book, she discovered that the kind of mental health services available for grieving families still involved in-person visits. She created Guardian Lane as a way to bring grief counseling and help directly into a child’s home. Guardian Lane started with grief counseling from the death of a loved one, but the platform will soon help children through other life experiences such as divorce, bullying, and the mental-health effects and stress of COVID in our children’s lives.
Developed by two moms, Stacey Graham and Brandi Vanderbeek, and their natural-born awareness of the germs and bacteria brought into the home, TAG (Together Against Germs™) is a biodegradable, disposable, and waterproof protective cover for the bottom of any bag. Designed to keep dirt and germs from the ground and surfaces, from public transportation to airports to restrooms, and even muddy fields, TAG is more relevant now in the time of COVID than ever. As Graham and Vanderbeek put it, “TAG is the accessory you never knew you needed for the problem you didn't know you had. Spread joy, not germs!” Sold in boxes of 10, the individually wrapped bags fit easily into a purse or pocket so you have it on the ready.
This mama-owned and operated new postpartum recovery subscription includes doctor-reviewed products and content designed to meet a women’s needs throughout the postpartum period, from birth recovery to hair loss. Think vitamins, recovery and energy tonics, scalp serum, body butter, nipple balm, and organic teas. Anya was founded by Jane Baecher, a mom of two who lived a rollercoaster postpartum journey while working at Rent the Runway, along with Ariana Saunders, a former senior leader of data and analytics for goop, One Kings Lane, and J. Crew. Their Chief Impact Officer is an Indian actress and new mom Freida Pinto, who leads social impact and advocacy for women’s postpartum health.
Founded by mom and inventor Davielle Jackson, Femi Secrets has become the most trusted, healthy, sustainable, and innovative source for feminine care. Davielle, the mother of a beautiful little girl, is on a mission to normalize period discussion and empower women to have real talk about their cycles and the products they use so they can make healthier, more informed decisions. Femi Secrets products include the Pretty Panty (a panty with a built-in linter), pads, liners, wipes, bath bombs, fibroid tea, and more. Davielle is a powerhouse unto herself, making entrepreneurial history by entering into Wal-Mart in a record period of six months. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, a two-time 43 North Startup Competition winner, author of Ready, Set, Go! and founder of “I am #1”, a not-for-profit dedicated to the success of young women.
Founded by mom Vanessa Dawson, Arber is the first-of-its-kind organic, non-toxic plant wellness company. Like so many of us, Dawson turned to gardening to cope with all of the stress of parenting in a pandemic. She was surprised at just how hard it was to find non-toxic, safe, organic products that she could use to ward off diseases and pests on her plants both indoors and out. She founded Arber to meet that need. Arber provides people-, pet-, and planet-safe products in concentrate form delivered right to you. Choose from products like fungicides, insecticides, and plant food, all designed to keep your plants, and you, healthy and happy.
Founded and owned by businesswoman, entrepreneur, and mom Zhena Muzyka, Magic Hour is a luxury tea brand that creates handmade, home-blended teas chosen to connect you to the world through tea ceremony. Muzyka, a former TV and radio host, is an intuitive herbalist, certified aromatherapist, a Level 3 Reiki Master, and the author of Life by the Cup: Inspiration for a Purpose-Filled Life. Drawing on her deep knowledge of herbal medicine and tea blending, each magical tea blend is curated to support mental and physical wellness, along with awareness and connection.
“I believe self-care is an art form like painting, poetry and dance,” says founder of SPARITUAL and mother of two, Shel Pink. SPARITUAL, a pioneering, sustainable, vegan beauty brand is based in the rituals of self-care, something we all know moms need more of. Pink is also the author of Slow Beauty and is an expert in finding those moments in which we can practice little self-care and wellness rituals. And, as Pink puts it, “When practiced over time, these small rituals add up to manifest results—not only feeling healthier and more joyful but in realizing true beauty and timeless aging.” The brand itself is committed to creating clean, non-toxic products for both individuals and spa professionals, and SPARITUAL’s is rooted in both the ancient and present healing traditions of the spa as self-care. Sign us up!
After having her third child, Michele Henry searched for skincare treatments that could support her changing skin, the shift in hormones, age, pregnancies, and life. And as much as she wanted to, as a busy mom, she couldn’t exactly fit multiple spa visits a week. It seemed no matter how much time, and money, she spent, nothing seemed to work. This is why she created FACE FOUNDRIÉ a walk-in spa and skincare service, which offers mini-facials, facial waxing, lash extensions, and an array of curated, custom skincare products. There are now locations throughout the country, and you can shop the products online.
As a childhood leukemia survivor and mother of three (including one with multiple learning disabilities), Tonya Harris has dedicated her life to helping parents learn how toxins in the home can affect their family’s health. In addition to Board certification and a Master's degree in holistic nutrition, she holds multiple certificates in the environmental health field. She created the Slightly Greener Method™ as a way of offering busy moms simple solutions to reduce toxins without turning their lifestyle upside-down. She is also the author of The Slightly Greener Method: Detoxifying Your Home Is Easier, Faster, and Less Expensive Than You Think.
Founder and mother, Narineh Bedrossian, created the ella+mila brand in 2014 out of necessity — she wasn't finding nail-care products that her daughters could safely use; everything was made with unpronounceable and harmful chemicals. Not only do they make nail care products, but they also now make makeup and body care products all made without parabens, phthalates, lanolin, formaldehyde, Xylene, Triphenyl Phosphate, and other toxic additives There’s more than 22o nail shades, and we’re betting you’ve seen them at Target, Ulta, Rite-Aid, CVS, Walgreens or on Amazon. Now you’ll know that ella+mia is mom-founded and has your family’s well-being at heart.
Keeping Kids Hydrated: Water Your Body, Water Your World
Amber Tamar Harris
As a parent of a two-year-old baby girl mom, Amber Tamar Harris found getting her to drink enough water a daily struggle. So she decided to write a book, Water Your Body, Water Your World, to help her own daughter, and other kids, understand the importance of water and why it is so beneficial. From taking a bath and brushing our teeth to sustaining life on the planet, when we celebrate water it puts kids in the mindfulness mindset from an early age: one sip at a time!
When Stephanie Boone's beloved dog, Luna, began suffering from devastating side-effects caused by pesticide poisoning caused by commonly prescribed monthly flea-and-tick medication and quarterly pest control services, Luna's vet recommended putting her down. In Stephanie's own words, "That was just not an option." Her research led her to the shocking discovering that Luna's story was not unique and that there were many common household and pet pesticides that were toxic. So, she founded Wondercide, making safe and effective pest protection for pets, humans, and homes. Six years later, on the day Luna passed away, Stephanie was invited to be on Shark Tank. Wondercide is now the leader in non-toxic pest protection, making products that are naturally derived, DEET-free, have no harsh chemicals, and are safe and effective. In addition, Wondercide is a Green America, gold-certified business for high standards in social and environmental impacts and all their products are made with biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Once pet-parent, now busy mom, Stephanie's story will inspire us all!
When it came time for Kiley Taslitz Anderson to transition her first son from breastmilk to formula, her pediatrician recommended "any" probiotic. But what was the best one? It turns out, there really wasn't one: so she decided to help invent one herself. Jetson's probiotic for kids, Jettie offers clinically proven probiotic strains for kids and babies, in an easy-to-take, flavorless powder that can be mixed in with any food or drink. In addition, Jetson is now offering a new Gut Recovery for Kids which helps combat side-effects from antibiotics, including replenishing the good bacteria. replenish the good bacteria and combats uncomfortable side effects like nausea and diarrhea as a result of antibiotics.
When Krystn Keller discovered her son Elliot was born with severe eczema and over 50 allergies, she knew it would take special care to combat outbreaks. After all the recommended soaps failed to help, she decided to try making a gentler soap herself. Keller had no prior experience making soap, so she spent hours watching tutorials and experimenting in her own kitchen. After three months, she made the perfect batch. Soon after, Keller and her husband started Keller Works to help the scores of other people looking for hypoallergenic soap. Now, her Mobile, Alabama-based business serves people all over the country, employs local residents, and sells raw and refined products that include soaps, body butters, salves and essential oils.
When Arizona mom Cindy Trevizo took her kids to a restroom in a public park and found an empty soap dispenser, she’d had it. Tired of a lack of ways to keep kiddos hands clean, Cindy, a former elementary school teacher, and her husband, Gabe, set out to solve the problem. So, they invented Suds2Go, the first dual-purpose water bottle that allows you to both hydrate and wash your hands. The patented design includes a refillable container, a pump, and separate valves for drinking and rinsing to avoid contamination. Now you can have clean hands, wherever you are!
Jaime Cross worked in corporate banking for years but left to be home with her newborn son. Two years later, she couldn't staunch the desire to build an empire that had a worldwide impact and was powered by purpose. In response, she founded and launched MIG Living, a True Beauty movement focused on restorative products, health and wellness. In addition to her best-selling ritual cleansing bars, MIG Living sells oils, lotions bars, balms and even men's products.
Carolyn Harrington was thrilled to welcome her first baby girl into the family after having two boys. But when they discovered Maty was born with major heart defects and Harrington was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, she knew there had to be better options than modern medicine. So, she began researching natural ways of healing and found a new passion. She created Maty’s natural and organic whole food health alternatives in her own kitchen after researching natural and alternative health. She relied on old-time remedies and used ingredients from her own kitchen, turning them into health promoting agents. Now she sells complete lines of products for babies, kids and adults everywhere!
Kori Estrada was on a mission to eliminate scary chemicals found in everyday products like toothpaste from her home. When she had a hard time finding a natural replacement for her oral care products that she actually enjoyed and that worked, she and her husband, John Estrada, along with her brother, Dr. Derek Gatta DMD MS FACP started formulating oral care products backed by science and that were safe enough to eat. With main ingredient, hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral that makes up 90% of tooth enamel, RiseWell was on its way. Launched in May 2019, the company is now bringing to market "the safest and most effective oral care products."
Joy Elena's family has been in the mattress business for over 50 years. Taking her knowledge in the mattress industry, IT, marketing and PR she took a leap and created her own bed in a box brand, after giving up a prior venture doing the same thing back in 2003. The mom of two now runs Sleepenvie, a company that offers high-density foam mattresses with optimal structural support, which means mattress reliability and longevity. The end result is an amazing and comfortable mattress that lasts.
After having her first child, Carolyn Ellspermann became very conscious of the products and ingredients she used on her family. She shifted to using more organic, natural and clean products, but ended up avoiding bug spray all together because of the harsh aerosol chemicals. Natural products didn't bring the confidence that they were actually providing enough protection, especially when it came to Zika, West Nile and Lyme disease. In 2016, Ellspermann started to work on a new kind of insect repellent that was both safe and extremely effective at repelling disease-carrying insects, and Proven Insect Repellent was born. The safe products use Picardin as long-lasting and non-hazardous bug repellent that gives parents peace of mind and pesky bugs away from kids.
Online Destination For All Things Postpartum: Bodily
Bodily
After having her first child, Tovah Haim was startled to find the lack of information, poor products and the "taboo" nature surrounding birth and recovery. In response, she launched Bodily, a modern approach that supports women, partners and anyone else with resources, products and research to navigate the postpartum period. Currently, Bodily's shop carries Birth Boxes, breastfeeding supplies, belly support and mesh undies.
Becky and six-year-old daughter Lola Vandenbroek founded Girlpalooza as a safe way to play "dress up" with bath and beauty products. The two set out to create products free from harmful ingredients like parabens, mineral oils and talc. In addition, Girlpalooza products are vegan, come with empowering scents and messaging and a portion of each sale go towards charities that support young girls.
Two years ago, when mom of four and health coach Melissa Evans’ daughter came down with a sore throat, Melissa wished there was something she could provide to soothe her kiddo. That’s when she noticed there were no options that she felt comfortable with. Cough drops and lozenges posed a risk for choking and, for the most part, contained chemicals like artificial colors, flavors and ingredients. She then came up with the idea for a worry-free, healthier, effective and fun alternative for kids. Lolleez are available at Target, CVS, Stop & Shop, Kroger and on Amazon! Lolleez come in packs of 15 pops: Watermelon, Strawberry, Orange Mango and a Variety Pack for a suggested retail price of $6.99.
Jennifer Holland had her “aha!” moment at the doctor’s office with her young son. It led her to create Throat Scope—the world's first illuminated tongue depressor that lights up the entire throat and mouth. Her invention is not only popular, in 2017 it won silver at the Edison Awards in New York for her innovation. This mama always dreamed of inventing something that would make the world a better place and she’s achieved that goal: she’s on a mission to educate families on how to recognize the signs of oral cancer or detect a sore throat, strep throat, thrush, inflamed gums and tooth pain. The stay-at-home mom’s innovative product is now available in 140 countries.
Kat Schneider wanted to do the right thing for her health and her baby, so when she found out she was pregnant she started taking prenatal vitamins. That’s when she noticed that many supplements had questionable ingredients, and worse, the ones she was taking didn’t even list the ingredients. So she decided to found Ritual: subscription-based supplements delivered directly to your door, each month. They are all non-GMO, vegan, gluten and soy-free and all are designed exclusively for women, with clear ingredients lists so you always know what you are putting in your body.
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There are many wonderful ways we become families, from fostering to adoption to blended families to birth families. If your family is about to grow thanks to adoption, your children are adopted, or your kids are just curious about adoption, these 14 books will offer insight, education, and a celebration of the adoption process.
Two canine characters, Olive and her adopted daughter Coco, explore the beauty of the world and the process of adoption through color and poetic verse. Because love is the color of the door of the building where they first met, it is the color of the blanket Coco was first wrapped up in, it is the color of the lavender bubble bath Olive bathed Coco in. Not only is this book a celebration of adoption, but it is a celebration of diverse families of all kinds, colors, and sizes. Author Michelle Madrid-Branch wrote the critically acclaimed book, Adoption Means Love: Triumph of the Heart as well as the kid’s book The Tummy Mummy, which is also on this list. Illustrated by Erin Darling. All ages.
Based on her own experience adopting a child, author Tracey Zeeck tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Seek, who want a baby but cannot seem to make one—no matter how hard they try or how far they travel. One day they realize that there is another way: adoption! Charmingly illustrated with colorful, monster-like characters by David Bizzaro. Ages 4-8.
This poetic book celebrates the bond between a mother and her child, inspired by the Today Show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy (Kotb later adopted another little girl, Hope Catherine). It reminds us that love is love and that the love between a parent and child is forever. Sweet illustrations by Suzie Mason. Ages 4-8.
All of the books in the A Kids Book About series are known for taking a frank and kid-forward approach to covering topics that can be tough for parents to navigate, including divorce, anxiety, racism, empathy, and more. This book is a conversation starter for anyone who wants to talk about adoption, told from two points of view: author Leul Gurske is 14, born in Ethiopia and adopted at age two; and co-author Nabil Zerizef adopted his son at birth. All ages.
Author Michelle Madrid-Branch not only understands adoption as a mother but she herself was adopted. The term tummy mummy was one her own adopted mother used to explain Michele’s birthmother. In homage and gratitude, and in response to the negativity and harsh judgment many birth mothers can receive, this book talks about a birthmother who loves her child very much but cannot keep her. Illustrated by Marin Thurber. Ages: 4-5.
This is a parent and child record book and journal with prompts for adoptive parents to tell their own story and record all the milestones of the adoption process, from fostering through the first year as a forever family. With a gender-neutral theme and questions and prompts for both domestic and international adoptions, it can be adapted for any kind of adoption, including foster to adoption families. Designed for adopted children from infant through elementary age, so it does not need to be a baby book. By Mellanie Kay Journals. All ages.
This sweet book features Mama Bear and her baby bear, Barley, who wants to know about how his mama wished for him. It tells the story of Barley’s adoption, including explaining how Barley's birthmother loved him enough to know that she could not be the mama she wanted to be, and so she made sure that Barley would have the best mama. And that is how they came to be a beautiful, happy, snuggly family. Written and illustrated by Marianne Richmond Ages: 2-5.
Sharlie Zinniger's cheerful, rhyming book is told from a triumphant child’s point of view, and tells the story of his adoption from start to finish, and demonstrates the true love at the heart of any adoption. Inspired by the author’s own adoption process with her two sons. Bright, colorful illustrations by Tiffany Cunliffe. All ages.
The Story of My Open Adoption: A Storybook for Children Adopted at Birth
Leah Campbell introduces the concept of open adoption in this rhyming, illustrated book that tells the story of Sammy the Squirrel. Sammy has been adopted by Mom and Dad Rabbit, and the Rabbits are taking Sammy to meet his first family. The book includes a space for kids to draw their own family and a list of resources for parents and kids alike on the topic of adoption. It’s a story about not one, but two families who love Sammy very much. Ages: 3-5
Authored by actress Jamie Lee Curtis and enchantingly illustrated by Laura Cornell, the duo behind the New York Times bestsellers Today I Feel Silly and I’m Gonna Like Me, this book celebrates the joy an adopted child brings to a family. Ages: 4-8.
Inspired by her own family history, author Christine Day tells the story of Edie, a curious young girl who wants to know more about her Native American heritage. All she knows is that her mom was adopted by a white couple. But then curious Edie discovers a box hidden in the attic, with letters and photos of a mysterious woman who looks just like Edie. Wanting to know more about this woman, and hoping to learn more about her own heritage, Edie uncovers a menagerie of family secrets. A beautiful and powerful book about identity, adoption, history, and the truth. Ages: 8-12
Jaden is sure his parents must think they made a mistake when they adopted him. At age 11 his behavioral issues—stealing, hoarding, lighting fires—must be the reason they are all traveling to Kazakhstan to adopt a new baby. To replace him, Jaden is sure, even though he knows they love him. When they arrive they discover the baby they had intended to adopt has already been placed, and while his parents are focusing on one of the other babies, Jaden starts bonding with a little three-year-old toddler named Dimash. And this connection helps Jaden understand the power of love to transform our lives. Ages: 10 and up.
Makeda is 11, adopted, and black. She loves her white parents and sister and knows that they love her, but it doesn’t change the fact that Makeda often feels like an outsider, except when she’s with Lena. Lena is Makeda's best friend and she is also adopted, and black. When Makeda’s family moves from Maryland to New Mexico everything changes. The story of Makeda finding her place in the world is beautifully written by author Marima J. Lockington, who draws upon her own experiences with her adoptive white family. Ages: 9-11
In this book for older teenage readers, Grace, who was adopted at birth and raised an only child discovers that she isn’t an only child after all. When Grace puts her own baby up for adoption, she begins to look for her birth family and discovers she’s actually a middle child, with two bio siblings. Maya, her younger bio sister was adopted into a big family. Joaquin, her older bio-brother, stayed in the foster care system until he was 17. There are not very many books on the topic of adoption and foster care geared toward older readers, and this one is a must-read. Author Robin Benway is not only a New York Times bestseller, she also won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature for this book. Ages: 13-17
