 If you’re preparing for a baby, decision fatigue can quickly set in. There’s no shortage of baby gear on the market, and it can become overwhelming to sort through all of the options. Some items are non-negotiable. You’ll absolutely need a car seat, diapers, clothes, etc. Some baby gear is more-or-less optional. I’m looking at you, Wipes Warmer. But if you’re planning to breastfeed, nursing bras are on my list of non-negotiables. Planning to pump? You might even want to add a few pumping bras to your registry. Nursing Bra 101Nursing bras look like your normal bra (they’ve come a long way in recent years!), but they provide easy access for your baby to nurse. Nursing bras can feature:
Stocking Up on Nursing BrasWondering how many you need? At a minimum, four is ideal – two for daytime use and two for nighttime. This allows you to have a fresh bra while you launder the others. As your body adjusts to nursing, you may experience milk leaks – which is 100% normal. Nursing pads can help prevent messes, but depending on how long you leak, you may opt to purchase more bras up front. You may also need different types of nursing bras: fancy ones (because why not?), sleeping ones, one for working out, and one (or two) for pumping. A tip on leaks: If you leak a lot, try a Haakaa to collect your letdown during nursing sessions. You can also double up on nursing pads. Pumping Bras Nursing bras are designed with … well… nursing in mind. While you can pump in a nursing bra, a regular nursing bra won’t hold your flanges for you. A pumping bra will though! Pumping bras are designed to secure the pump flanges in place while using your breast pump. Because the bras hold the flanges, it allows you hands-free time while you pump. How to Choose a Bra When shopping for a nursing or pumping bra, it’s tempting to choose what’s cute. However, there are many factors that make a bra awesome.
3 Reasons Why Pumping Mamas Need a Pumping Bra Nursing mamas know that nursing bras make your breastfeeding journey oh-so-easy. But if you’re an exclusive pumper (or even if pump more than you nurse), you’ll need a pumping bra.
Our Review of the Lotus Hands-free Pumping Bra  I’ve had my eye on this bra for a while, and I’m pleased to report that the Lotus Hands-Free Pumping bra didn’t disappoint. With 3 kids and 8 years (and counting) experience of breastfeeding, I have had my fair share of horrible breastfeeding bras – bras that pucker, bras that pinch, bras that dig into my shoulders. The Lotus Hands-Free Pumping bra was not one of those. When I unboxed the bra, my first reaction was: This is really a nursing bra? That’s because it’s super trendy looking. It looks like it could come out of a yoga catalog, but I digress. Gear we used:
You can find a large selection of nursing bras, pregnancy attire, and more on the Cake Maternity site. I’d love to hear from you. Do you have a favorite nursing or pumping bra? Disclaimer:
The Lotus Hand-Free Pumping bra was provided generously by Cake Maternity in exchange for a fair and honest review. We never recommend products that we don’t fully believe in. You can read our full disclosure and disclaimer here. Additionally, this blog may contain affiliate links, which add no additional cost to you, but support our blog. Thank you!
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 Guest Post by Jenna Sherman We are living in strange times, to say the least. For many parents, not only have everyday routines been completely changed, but there are the fears and anxiety that come with the uncertainty of everything that’s going on. How long will the pandemic last? What will the school year look like? What can I do to best protect my household from the coronavirus? To help you address these concerns, we’ve provided some practical tips and resources below. Get Your Child Into a Rhythm Whether your child will be attending school, homeschooling, or doing a combination of the two, it’s essential to help them establish a healthy rhythm.
Fight Those Germs Germs are always a concern when it comes to your home and kids. But nowadays, in particular, it’s important to be extra vigilant when it comes to cleaning.
Review Safety Precautions If your child will be going to school or venturing out in public for other reasons, make sure they are taking the proper precautions.
There’s no denying that this is a challenging year for parents. But by making the right preparations, you can help your household thrive during this time. Try to get your child into a good routine before school starts, make sure you are keeping your child and home as clean as possible, and explain essential safety precautions to your child. Most importantly, remind yourself daily that you will make it through this! About Jenna ShermanLove the article? You can find more from Jenna at http://parent-leaders.com/.
Guest Post by Elkyra Park  This global pandemic has forced schools and several other institutions to shutdown in an effort to protect individuals from getting the disease and stopping the virus from multiplying tenfold all at the same time. This is a bold move initiated by the authorities to curb the spread of the disease. But let’s face it, this is also a burden for working mothers. Hahaha. Sorry. I am not complaining about our family being stuck and safe at home. I am merely stating the reality that working from home while temporary homeschooling can cause disputes among family members. Imagine, your children are stuck in the four corners of your home. They can’t go out to play in the park or to the mall. They can get bored so they act out and throw tantrums just because. You, on the other hand, are busy with your work deadline so you are focused on finishing your task at hand. But little Jane is just so adamant in doing her take-home assignment. You got mad at her for bugging you and this resulted in a shouting match. You know that you could have prevented it but you are on a short fuse. What should you do? Let me share what my friends and I have done to manage temporary homeschooling during lockdown. EXPLAIN You need to open up about what is happening today. This way, your children will understand the current events and the urgent need to stay at home. Be honest as much as you can. FOCUS ON THE CORE SUBJECTS FIRST Set a realistic goal especially if you are new to teaching. Do not try to cover everything in the curriculum. Instead, start with core subjects such as English and Math first and stick to them. This way, you and your child don’t get stressed out too much. Once you have established a study routine, you can try adding other subjects. DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF Remember that not everyone can ace the core subjects so don’t be too hard on yourself. You are both in a difficult and unpleasant situation so don’t be too critical. After all, this isn’t your line of work so take it slow. Just give yourself a pat on the back for trying hard. AVOID MAKING THREATS “You have to do this or you will be grounded.” Familiar? Unfortunately, those threats won’t work today because your kids are already grounded. Have you forgotten that they have already been stuck at home for days? Instead, explain to your kids the importance of the task so they understand why they have to do this in the first place. You can cite real life examples that may involve their hobbies or favorites to pique their interest. SET A DAILY ROUTINE Keep in mind that kids are creatures of habit so they thrive well with following a schedule. Try imitating their school routine and apply them to your home schedule. Just like in going to school, add breaks to give kids some rest. Base your work time on their schedule as well. RELAX What I do is wake up earlier than the kids so I still have “me” time (even if it means skipping sleeping in to prepare breakfast and do some of my work). Why do I call this my “me” time? The reason is I still have some quiet, uninterrupted time to do what needs to be done. Those kid-free moments honestly keeps me sane. By the time we start with our makeshift school, I have done about 60% of my tasks so I have less to worry about. This is my kind of relax. Other moms engage in arts and crafts or read books in their spare time. I suggest that you do anything that keeps your mind healthy and happy. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup so take care of yourself first. Eat healthy meals and don’t forget to squish exercises into your busy schedule. Bottomline I know that juggling parenting, working, and teaching is not a walk in the park. But we are moms (parents). We rock and we survive everything life throws at us. The best suggestion I can give is to NOT aim for perfection. Just try to survive this difficult time. It is already stressful for everyone to be confined to the four corners of the home so don’t add to this stress. When all else fails, you can always turn to internet for tons of fun activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. I hope that the tips will help you with your homeschooling difficulties. I know you got this, momma. Stay strong.
People are made for happiness. Rightly then, you thirst for happiness.
When you were little, your Kindergarten teacher probably asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up. I said "Mother" or sometimes "Teacher." My classmates said things like veterinarian, doctor, astronaut, and so on.
But we missed the point, and we can thank John Lennon's mother (Julia Stanley) for showing us what we did wrong. John Lennon said: "When I was 5 years old, my mom always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down “happy.” They told me I didn't understand the assignment and I told them they didn't understand life." Whether we acknowledge or not, we all crave happiness. Sometimes we find it. Sometimes we go looking for it in all the wrong places. But regardless, we all want it -- and we all need it. So What Is Happiness Anyway?
Well, my friends, that is what we are going to find out, and we will all go on the journey together. The first Cor Domum Book Club will pursue the fundamental truths of happiness. What we learn is good for our own well-being, but also for our families.
Who, What, When, Where, Why
What You Need to Do
1. RSVP to the book club (which starts 2/14/2020
2. Order your book Ready to get your book?
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which add no additional cost to you while helping support this blog. Thank you!
 Guest article by Josh Moore from Diaper Dads Parenting is a huge responsibility. No doubt, it can be daunting for first-time parents who can still feel overwhelmed on a regular basis. Thankfully, there’s help when you need it. Tech has caught up with the needs of weary parents, providing resources like apps for myriad parental challenges—many of which can be a real godsend to first-timers struggling to find their footing. Here are some of the best and most affordable ones that you can leverage to make life easier. Ready, Set, Baby!Ready, Set, Baby! is not so much an app but an all-around guidebook for parenting. Unlike most ebooks, the nifty app format not only makes it easily navigable but also allows for videos to be embedded for your viewing pleasure. It’s clear that this app is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all your parenting questions, and you would do well, indeed, to download it even before the little one comes. How-to videos and tips are interspersed with product recommendations, so you get all the information you need whenever you need it. And at less than $10, what’s not to love? My Baby TodayBabyCenter is a well-known resource for all things baby. For this reason, you can be absolutely certain that the My Baby Today app will be a great addition to your parenting arsenal—not to mention since it’s free, it’s a wallet-friendly one. Launched in 2011, Johnson & Johnson notes My Baby Today provides daily updates and videos that provide expert advice on your baby’s development, as well as everyday tasks like feeding, bathing, and pumping breast milk. But no doubt, its best feature is its activity checklist that keeps you on top of the many development-boosting activities you should do with your baby. Baby Tracker NursingFor nursing mothers, breastfeeding apps are a real must, especially for first-timers. The Baby Tracker – Nursing app is undoubtedly one of the best ones. It’s not free, but for less than $5, you can already track even the most minute details, such as when you last breastfed your baby or the length of your last nursing session. It even tracks formula feeding, too, which is great for moms who do both. Mommy Saver: High Contrast Baby Visual StimulationScience Daily explains that exposure to the right stimulation boosts babies’ mental development. And of course, there are apps for this, too. One of which is Mommy Saver: High Contrast Baby Visual Stimulation. As the name suggests, it visually stimulates your baby with high contrast images. It even keeps it interesting with a variety of movements, shapes, and interactions. It’s completely free and doesn’t run any ads. Cozi Family OrganizerLast but definitely not least, you will need the Cozi Family Organizer to keep your family life running seamlessly, which can be a challenge when the wee ones come. For an app packed with features like a color-coded calendar, to-do and shopping lists, and family journal, it’s surprisingly easy to use, making it a truly handy app to have when you’re trying to run a tight ship. Plus, you can enjoy all its features for free, or enjoy an ad-free version for just a few dollars. Needless to say, you’ll need a reliable and updated smartphone or tablet to run all these amazing baby apps. Again, you need not break the bank as you can always find great deals when shopping online from retailers like Best Buy. They not only offer affordable gadgets, but they also have a price matching if you can find it cheaper elsewhere, they have same-day shipping, and you can get purchases shipped for free when you spend $35. You can even enjoy further savings by throwing a Best Buy promo code into the mix. Moms and dads face an amazing experience. Regardless if you’re doing it for the first or nth time, though, being a parent can be overwhelming at times. Make it less so with these cheap and helpful apps, and uncover the real joy of parenting in the process. What about you?Do you have a favorite app? Share with us! Want to see more from Josh?You can find more from Josh at his site, Diaper Dads.
Reading opens doors... and hearts
If you know me in real life, you know that I am the biggest book lover. I've devoured entire novels in weekends (I'm looking at you, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.) Even when I was in middle school, I would plow through series like Redwall in no time at all, getting completely lost in the fantasy world.
I also spent my academic career studying English literature and language. I currently teach AP English Literature online. It's 100% safe to say that I love books, reading, and all of the magic that reading can bring. So it goes without saying that I work hard to foster this love of reading in my own three children. As an English teacher, I know that books can be entertaining (i.e. commercial fiction) but they can also be tools that empower our child to do better, be better, live better. Specifically, books can help teach our kids how (and why!) to be kind. The world is in desperate need of more little children who grow up and spread love and kindness. (Somewhere along the lines of Mother Theresa's "Let no one leave you without being happier" quote.) Right? It's our job to raise up kind, loving little humans, and books can be a great asset. 9 books that teach kids how to be kind
Reading to your kids at bedtime
Reading a book at bedtime is one of the coziest times to read to your child. It's also one of the best times to choose a book with a powerful meaning like the importance of being kind. At bedtime, kids are often tucked into bed so they are quiet and receptive to the message. It also gives them time to think about the messages as they drift off to dream land.
What's your favorite book about kindness?
Do you already read at bedtime? Let us know your favorite books!
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. We only suggest products we love and use.
Guest post by B. Anne Hancock, PsyD  There’s nothing wrong with a married couple having an argument. In fact, some level of conflict is a good sign because it means the couple is communicating, rather than hiding emotions and avoiding intimacy. That said, there’s a big difference between the occasional disagreement and nonstop squabbling. Do you feel like you’re always having the same fight? Has there been a breach of trust that’s now bubbling up in little disagreements all the time? Perhaps life has been overwhelming lately, and you’ve lost sense of what matters most. Whatever the case, if you’re in a relationship where the fights never stop, you may need practical help to set a new course. Keep reading for advice on how to get to the cause of constant bickering and resolve it before it takes over your marriage. What's behind all those conflicts? Have you ever wondered why some couples communicate in a healthy way about disagreements and others get bogged down in constant fights? One important key is what they’re arguing about. For example, are you frustrated about who did the dishes last, or are you wondering if your partner truly cares about you? When you’re sparring about where to spend the holidays this year, is it about the travel plans or feeling controlled by your spouse? Couples who solve conflicts in a healthy way have learned how to look past surface issues to what’s happening underneath them. This allows them to cut to the main problem and expedites their ability to resolve it. Working through an argument Even if you understand the root issues of a fight, you still need to work through them properly. Healthy couples know not to have a serious heart-to-heart in the car before walking into the in- laws’ house on Thanksgiving. They also steer clear of poor discussion habits, such as shouting, attacking or refusing to look at the situation from another point of view. Rather, they choose times when they’ll be able to focus and communicate clearly. They look for areas of compromise. They focus on the reasons they want to be together and work towards resolution. 5 strategies for preventing bickering before it starts If fighting is the norm for you and your spouse, you may want to think about conflict prevention. Happy couples know what does and doesn’t work, and they adjust accordingly. With that in mind, consider the following strategies to prevent bickering before it starts:
In marriage, one of the most important lessons to learn is when and when not to fight. If you’ve been going through a period of major conflict, stop and think about what’s really going on. How can you and your spouse move toward, instead of away from, each other? Use the tips above to chart a new course for your relationship — and gain a more peaceful, happier life. About the author  B. Anne Hancock, PsyD is a prominent marriage therapist and founder of Wellness Counseling Center. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Hancock specializes in working with couples and families. She has a doctorate in Psychology and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Hancock always works from a wellness-oriented, non-pathologizing point of view — which means no blame, no shame. In addition to couples counseling services, Hancock also conducts personalized two-and-a-half-day couples intensives.
When I was little, there was nothing quite as exciting as hearing “Let’s go for a walk” after dinner.
Looking back, I’m sure my mom wanted to tire us out before bed, and I definitely use that trick, but a pre-bed walk is so good for your kids ... and you too! After an emotionally-rough winter, we spent the spring and summer increasing our time spent together as a family and much of the that is time spent outside. We've gotten to the point where when I say "walk", my one-year-old daughter runs to get Barry (our Maltipoo) hooked up to his leash. So it's safe to say that we all love this habit. Curious how an after-dinner walk can benefit you? 
Benefits of an after-dinner walk
Even if your little ones played outside during the day, there are still benefits to going on one more stroll after dinner.
Benefits of a late walk include:
Gear that makes your walk even better
So to be clear, you don't really need anything besides some good shoes for walking, but I've found these things make an after-dinner walk even better.
Stroller Once of the best parts about an after-dinner walk is that everyone in your family can participate. While your older kids can walk (or run), your toddler or baby may just sit back and relax in the stroller. Even if your baby isn't walking, he still benefits from the fresh air, the company, and the sights/sounds of nature. My one-year-old loves riding in the stroller; in fact, whenever we are in the garage, she points to her stroller as if to ask "Is it time yet for our walk?!" If you're in the market for a new stroller, check out the BOB Revolution Flex 2.0 Jogging Stroller. Apple Watch If you're still working on losing baby weight (ahem... me), grab yourself a smart watch and log your calories from your walk. I love my Apple watch, and you better believe, I open the "outdoor walk" each night to keep track of my progress.
Dog Gear
Our dog accompanies us on every walk, and because after-dinner walks can get dark (especially in the fall), it's a good idea to keep your dog safe with a reflective leash or harness. What about you?
Do you go for walks as a family?
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. We only suggest products we love and use.
When someone asks me, "What is the one baby product you can't live without?", I don't hesitate: it's my Ergo.
10 Reasons You Need a Baby Carrier
This is just a small dent in the reasons why I'm 100% obsessed with babywearing! 
New to babywearing?
If you're new to babywearing, it can be overwhelming trying to find a new carrier. Although I own several (and love them all), the Ergo is perhaps the easiest for beginners. This one safely allows your baby to face-forward without risking injury to the hips, and it's comfortable and adjustable, which means it can easily go from mom to dad with a few simple adjustments.
Feeling adventurous? Try a woven wrap!
Interested in a woven wrap? Check out this video to see what the Baby Wearin' Dads have to say!
While woven wraps do have a slight learning curve, they do offer a few more advantages over the structured carrier like the Ergo. I like that woven wraps offer a LOT of different options for wrapping your baby. The woven wrap can also feel more snug, and I feel that my youngest takes the longest naps when she's in this wrap.
Don't let the price scare you; these wraps are made to support your baby without sagging or fraying. Once I committed to the woven wrap, I received that it was worth every penny... once your baby starts snoozin', you'll see that they are indeed priceless. Which color grabs your eye?
Do you babywear?
What's your favorite carrier?
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. We only suggest products we love and use.
Guest Post by Leslie Campos
Becoming new parents is stressful, and the demands of a baby can be overwhelming at times.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, after the birth of a child, the negative aspects of the parents’ relationship can cause it to deteriorate very quickly. With all the focus on the little one, parents frequently don’t communicate very well, oftentimes argue more, and don’t have time for romance. Although many parents hesitate to leave their babies or young children behind, traveling together can be a wonderful way to recharge your relationship and reconnect as a couple. Prepare the Little One
Although throwing yourself full force into parenthood is a necessity with a newborn, after several months, it is time to consider getting away with your partner and focusing on yourselves. Begin by preparing well in advance. You want your baby to be completely comfortable and familiar with your sitter. A grandparent would be a great option, if at all possible. A week or so before departing on your getaway, leave the baby with a sitter for several hours — maybe even a full day — to help them get used to each other. Be sure to do some preparations yourself as well, especially if you’re a breastfeeding mother. You’ll need to pump to have milk on hand for the baby while you’re away. Don’t forget to bring along a pump that’s travel-friendly, a pumping bag filled with the essentials (storage bags, nursing pads, etc.), a spare pump, and a portable cooler to store milk while on the road or in the air.
Need a pump? Check out these supplies to make pumping-on-the-go even easier:
Leave Plenty of Instructions
Put together a notebook with all the information that you want the sitter to know — everything from emergency numbers to your baby's favorite soothing techniques. Odds are, the sitter will never have to even open your folder, but it will help put your mind at ease when you are away.
Stay Close to Home
You don't need to jet across the country to reconnect with your spouse. Staying within your state or even your own city will provide you with some “couple time” and allow you the ability to return home quickly if necessary. A staycation can also give you the opportunity to see your own area as a tourist and discover fun destinations and activities you haven’t experienced before.
Make It Short But Sweet
Communication is key to helping your relationship thrive. Even a couple of nights away will allow you an opportunity to have time to talk to each other and help you rekindle your romance. An overnight trip is a good start. However, you should try to make it a long weekend, or if you want to steer clear of the crowds, plan your vacation for a few days during the week.
Don't Spend a Bundle
The financial stress of a new baby is enough — don't add to it by busting your budget on your trip. Stay at a modest hotel, and do simple date night type activities. Going out just the two of you, like you are on a date, can give you time to talk and listen to each other. As Kindred Bravely explains, simple activities are often the best; walk at the park, go bowling, or take in a local sporting event.
Spending time outdoors together also is very healthy for your relationship. Hiking, biking, and canoeing are inexpensive ideas and fun ways to connect with your partner and with nature. According to Psychology Today, research indicates that couples who participate in joint physical activities feel more satisfied in their relationships. A quick trip can return you refreshed, invigorated, and ready to tackle everything life throws at you together as a couple. Taking time away, even just for a night or two, can help the two of to nurture your relationship with one another. The happier you are as a couple, the better parents you can be — and the more love your baby will feel. How do you connect with your spouse?
Share below some of your favorite ways to reconnect with your spouse!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you make a purchase.
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About KatieWife & Mama with a passion for peaceful parenting, natural living, homeschooling... and my daily café au lait. 
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