Acelleron Medical Products

Category: Self-care

Blood Pressure and Pregnancy
Instances of high blood pressure during pregnancy are on the rise. If diagnosed with high or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, it is important to work closely with your healthcare team and self-monitor at home to minimize risk to both parent and baby. Here are some tips to help prevent and manage hypertension.

Blood Pressure Concerns During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are certain blood pressure disorders to be aware of.
- Gestational hypertension, or high blood pressure during pregnancy, can decrease blood flow to the placenta, meaning less oxygen and nutrients get to your baby. It can result in low birth weight and develop into a more serious condition called preeclampsia.
- Preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that includes high blood pressure and protein in the urine after the 20^th week of pregnancy. It can also affect other organs, which can be serious for both parent and baby.
- Eclampsia is a rare but severe complication of preeclampsia involving seizures.
- Low blood pressure is more common during pregnancy. While low blood pressure typically isn’t a large cause for concern, it could be the result of an underlying health condition.
It’s important to monitor and manage these conditions to minimize risk to both mom and baby. Additional care should be taken when pregnant with multiples. As with all medical conditions, it is important to get a diagnosis from a trusted healthcare provider and follow the guidance provided.

Managing Blood Pressure

If blood pressure becomes a concern during pregnancy, there are steps that can be taken to manage blood pressure disorders at home alongside the care of a healthcare provider.

Preventive measures can be taken to reduce the chance of blood pressure disorders. Even if there is already a diagnosed blood pressure disorder, the same measures can be used to help manage blood pressure levels and lower the risk of further complications from high blood pressure.
- Reduce salt intake
- Eat a healthy diet
- Monitor weight gain
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress and anxiety
- Do not drink, smoke, vape, or take illicit drugs; avoid secondhand smoke
- Follow healthcare providers’ plans (appointments, home monitoring, medications when prescribed, prenatal vitamins)
Home Monitoring

The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with hypertension (high blood pressure) to help determine the effectiveness of treatments. For pregnant women, it is especially important to monitor high blood pressure to catch early stages of preeclampsia.

There are a couple of ways to obtain a home blood pressure monitor.
- Blood pressure monitors can be obtained at any time (pregnant or not). Some insurance plans cover blood pressure monitors with a prescription, and your healthcare provider can fax an order to us.
- Blood pressure monitors can also be purchased out of pocket through Amazon or your local pharmacy.
Measuring Blood Pressure At Home

To effectively manage your blood pressure, the first step is knowing your numbers. Following these instructions will help you get the most accurate reading:
1. Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol, smoke, or exercise 30 minutes before your reading. If needed, empty your bladder beforehand.
2. Rest for at least 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Sit still and do not talk.
3. Relax in a chair with your back straight and supported, legs uncrossed, and feet flat on the floor.
4. Take at least 2 readings, 1 minute apart, in the morning before medications and in the evening before dinner.
5. Be sure to use a monitor that is validated and calibrated. A proper size cuff should feel snug with just enough room for two fingers to fit between the cuff and your arm.
6. Rest your cuffed arm on a flat surface at heart level, with the cuff placed above the bend of the elbow and tubing aligned with the inside center of the arm.
7. Share the results with your provider. Ask them what blood pressure levels are healthy for you and what to do if/when your measurements are not within the desired range.
Adapted from “Blood Pressure Measurement Instructions” Copyright 2020 by American Heart Association

For more information, read this article from the American Heart Association’s about Having a Healthy Pregnancy.
December 1, 2022
Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

I recently traveled on a plane. With children. While pregnant! Even though the trip was a blast, it was also a lot to handle while pregnant. Before traveling, I made sure to prep to make it as comfortable as possible.

For a bit of background, I wasn’t newly pregnant during the trip. Being midway through pregnancy meant there was an obvious bump, complete with the physical effects of said bump. With a handful of children in tow and an itinerary that required quite a bit of walking, I knew planning in advance was important.

Here are 5 tips for traveling while pregnant

1. Talk to your provider

Discussing your travel plans with a healthcare provider is a great way to start your overall planning. Run through your ideal plans. Discuss things like timeframe, destination, and method of transportation. Confirm the safety of your plans, especially flying in late pregnancy. Be flexible where needed.

2. Help your blood flow

Compression socks provided amazing relief on my flights! When sitting for a long period of time while pregnant, blood flow in your legs can be restricted. This can intensify the further along you are. Compression socks improve blood flow and reduces discomfort and swelling. If you haven’t been wearing compression socks regularly during pregnancy, practice putting them on ahead of time. Believe it or not, there is a special way to do it!

3. Support your bump

During this pregnancy, my bump was a bit larger compared to my other pregnancies at a similar timeframe. This had me worried about how uncomfortable my back would be with the amount of walking I anticipated doing, as well as sleeping without a pregnancy pillow. To give my bump extra support, I used a pregnancy support band on days where there was more standing and walking on the schedule. Not only did the band support my belly, but it also provided my back with relief. In fact, the pregnancy support band made my back feel so much better that I even continued to wear the band after my trip!

4. Massage it up

This one is free and can be an independent or group project! Massage is also a great opportunity to finally make use of all the lotion that the hotel provides! Once my children and partner were settled for the night, I gave myself a really good foot and calf massage before going to sleep. This was comforting and a big help with reducing swelling in my lower legs. It also made my feet ache a little less each following day.

Personally, I am an independent foot massager, but feel free to get a partner or kiddo in the mix! Having a helping hand takes some of the awkward bending out of the picture.

5. Rest, snack, hydrate, repeat

Rest seems so obvious, but it is also frequently pushed to the side. When on vacation with children, it is extremely easy to push yourself through discomfort and fatigue to give your kids the best adventure possible. Yet, taking a few minutes here and there can be great for them and gives you a much-needed break to let your body catch up to all the excitement. Make breaks fun with simple activities or games. Being seated is a priority here! Have a variety of healthy snacks for both you and the kids on hand. Bring water bottles, refilling them when needed, to stay hydrated. Repeat any combination of these as many times as needed.

Maternity compression through insurance

Both the compression socks and maternity support band were recommended to me by my provider. Since these items may be covered through insurance, I wanted to get them through a company that would handle the insurance for me. Thankfully, Acelleron did just that.

If you need maternity compression items, there are a few reasons I would recommend getting them from Acelleron.

Quality

Acelleron offers high quality products from Motif Medical that hold up well with travel, washing, and growth through pregnancy.

Sizing

Did you know that compression socks and maternity support bands have specific sizing? The pregnancy support band is relatively easy to figure out with the online sizing guide, but compression socks are a bit different. Acelleron and my provider made sure I not only used the correct size for my foot and leg, but also the appropriate amount of compression. If I did this on my own, I would have stood in the drug store’s compression section for far too long looking at all the options and likely still would have purchased the wrong thing!

Ease

Ordering through Acelleron means they do the work! They confirm correct sizing, they help you find out if your insurance covers these products, and they ship them to you. Keep in mind, a prescription is likely needed from your doctor if your insurance provider does cover them, and Acelleron can request this on your behalf.

Get the process started by answering three simple questions.

Looking to get your breast pump through insurance? Get started here.

Written by Brittany Regan Fisher, Certified Lactation Counselor, Regional Account Coordinator at Acelleron, and mama.

March 7, 2022
Top 10 Podcasts for Parents

Between cluster feeds, diaper changes, and sleepless nights, sometimes all a new parent wants to do is take a minibreak. Sometimes even a seasoned parent needs a little pick-me-up. Thankfully, even if you are glued to the couch and bleary-eyed from the craze of having a new baby, or a pro at this whole parenting thing, there are plenty of podcasts to offer a little mental boost. Check out these top 10 podcasts to keep you entertained and informed.

That New Mom Life

A short but focused venture featuring 12 episodes, That New Mom Life from Parents.com focuses specifically on the first few months after having baby. Body changes, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, intimacy, and easing back into work are some of the topics they touch on. It’s a very targeted window, and just what a new mom after baby could use.

Miraculous Mamas

Taking an in depth look at motherhood, pregnancy, childbirth, and a variety of other topics that impact women’s lives, Miraculous Mamas takes a straightforward approach. Getting real about fertility, birthing, milk supply, infant sleep, menstrual cycles, and so much more, these are unfiltered discussions from a familiar landscape.

The Mom Hour

Designed by moms, for moms, The Mom Hour has real conversations about experiences the hosts, and many moms, have had. Not only does this podcast provide tips for pregnancy, new moms, toddlers, little kids, and older kids, it also dives into encouragement and support with discussions about body positivity, healthy habits, and work/life balance. The cohosts help moms feel better about where they are and the job they are doing.

First Class Fatherhood

Talking about fatherhood, from the perspective of fathers, First Class Fatherhood is looking to change the narrative on fatherhood and family life. Host Alec Lace interviews “high profile” dads, from sports legends to TV personalities. They break down how fatherhood has transformed them, along with the bright spots, the crazy times, and the moments that melt your heart. It provides unique and unexpectedly open discussions on what fathers’ experience through all stages of a child’s life.

The Longest Shortest Time

For something more adult oriented, The Longest Shortest Time has unfiltered stories from a variety of parents discussing all kinds of situations. It is often not for kids’ ears. That’s part of what makes it appealing though. It’s real. It’s raw. It talks about so many of the topics that parents face but may not broach in conversation. Sperm shopping, getting pregnant, babies, couples, sex, sleep, kids, and loss, this podcast has a wide range of real life talk to make you laugh, cry, and escape for a few minutes.

Mom and Dad are Fighting

Looking for a little comedic relief? Mom and Dad are Fighting can give you a few laughs that you otherwise wouldn’t have had. This podcast runs the gamut from toddler to teen, and all things in between. Potty training, screen time, medical fears, play dates, picking your battles, and how to enjoy long car rides with the whole family, there is enough to keep you occupied for hours. All with a little bit of humor to help get you through these milestones and situations. As you understand from their disclaimer, this podcast also isn’t the best for little ears. So, keep this to headphones or when baby is napping.

One Bad Mother

Another one that isn’t exactly meant for little ears, One Bad Mother IS specifically for moms. From relatable mortifying moments, to shattering gender roles, to a whole slew of parenting topics, it’s a refreshing take on what the stereotypical “mom” should or shouldn’t be and some of the challenges parents face with a whole lot of humor mixed in.

Best of Both Worlds

Balancing parenthood and a career can be challenging. Best of Both Worlds takes this topic head on. Cohosts Laura Vanderkam and Sarah Hart-Unger are devoted to both their families and their careers. They share tips on how to successfully navigate both. With interviews from well-known guests such as Heidi Murkoff, the author of “What to Expect When You Are Expecting,” and answers to listener questions, this podcast can offer a little support to those looking to navigate the workplace and caring for a family.

PediaCast

If you are interested in something with a medical approach, PediaCast is a good option. Pulling from his own experience as a pediatrician, interviewing pediatric and parenting experts, as well as fielding questions from parents themselves, Dr. Mike discusses just about every medical topic or situation you can think of. Have another question? Try submitting it to have your specific topic discussed.

Life Kit: Parenting

For some more practical, science-based insight, NPR’s Life Kit: Parenting Edition has you covered. This podcast has discussions ranging from pregnancy through the teenage years. With lighthearted topics ranging from picking out a baby name and reading to your children aloud, to more pointed conversations about mental health and social issues, Life Kit provides thought provoking and insightful talks for all stages of your child’s life.

February 11, 2022
Exercise After Baby
You’ve just had your little one. Congratulations! Even if your baby isn’t on any kind of schedule, you are itching to get back into some sort of exercise routine. Maybe you are still waiting for the big day, trying to understand how to get back into the swing of things after baby. You find yourself asking, “When can I start working out? What exercises are safe after pregnancy? Where exactly do I start?”

Your body, mind, and breastfeeding with exercise

Benefits of Exercise

Working out is more than just losing the baby weight. It can help you start to get back to a sense of normalcy, gives you some much needed “me” time, and sets a great example for any older children you have. Getting back into a consistent workout routine also provides a number of both physical and mental benefits, which are crucial for moms recovering from childbirth.

When your caregiver gives you the approval to introduce exercise back into your routine, you’ll likely begin to see the following benefits:
- Reduced symptoms of postpartum depression and baby blues
- Relieved stress
- Improved sleep
- Boosted energy levels
- Healthy weight loss
- Increased cardiovascular health
- Strengthened and toned muscles, helping abdominal area return to pre-baby state
Exercise and Breastfeeding

Many breastfeeding moms are concerned how exercise will affect their milk supply. The short answer is, it won’t. Kellymom.com, an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and trusted resource for breastfeeding moms, provides some peace of mind. Studies have found no difference in milk production or nutrient composition when moms exercise regularly. Contrary to popular thinking in the 90’s, there is also no indication from recent studies that suggest babies reject milk after mom works out, whether the exercise is moderate or exhaustive (high intensity). Moms can feel confident that exercising will not negatively impact their breastfeeding efforts.

When to start?

First, it’s important to get approval from your doctor before you begin any sort of exercise regimen after baby. In many cases, providers, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, agree it is okay for women who have had an uncomplicated, vaginal birth to engage in certain exercises as soon as a couple of days after delivery. This guidance may change if there were complications or a c-section. Before you are discharged from the hospital you can ask the attending physician when you can start working out again, or you can call your OBGYN to get clarification before your return visit. Once you get the go ahead from your doctor, you can start to work on the exercises below.

Exercises

Kegels – Locate your pelvic floor muscles. Pretend you are stopping the flow of urine or tightening up against a tampon. Contract and release a few times to become aware of these muscles. Now that you have located them, tighten them for 5 – 10 seconds. Relax them. Repeat. For added variation and effectiveness, you could use the award-winning Elvie Trainer, a device that connects to an app on your phone and guides you through targeted exercises with trackable results.

Pelvic tilts – Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and your arms at your sides. Inhale, on the exhale draw your abs in and tuck your pelvis under slightly. To add even more intention to this move, do a kegel while you tuck your pelvis in. Hold for 5 – 10 seconds. Release and repeat.

Glute bridges – Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor hip-width apart. Inhale, on the exhale draw your hips and abs up, lifting your hips off the floor into a bridge, hips and back in a straight line. Squeeze your glutes as if you are pinching a penny between your butt cheeks. Release to the floor and repeat.

Heal slides – Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor hip-width apart. Draw your abs into the spine. Inhale and flex one of your feet. As you exhale, slowly push your flexed heel away from your body until your leg is extended, engaging your deep abdominal muscles. On the inhale, return to starting position, using your deep abdominal muscles to bring your leg back in. Alternate sides.

Forearm planks – As you start to regain core strength, you can progress to more intensive abdominal exercises such as different plank variations. Lie face down on the floor with your elbows directly beneath your shoulders, forearms in front, and palms on the floor. Tighten your abs as you raise your legs and core off the ground, keeping neck, core, and legs in a straight line. Modify by keeping your knees on the ground. Hold for 30 – 60 seconds. Repeat.

Side planks – Slightly more advanced than the forearm plank, is the side plank. From a forearm plank, shift your weight to one elbow, place your other hand on your hip, or point it up towards the sky. Stack your feet. Lift your hips so your neck, back, and legs are in a straight line. To modify, put the bottom knee on the ground. Hold for 30 – 60 seconds. Repeat.

Forward lunges – From a standing position, take a long step forward. Lower your back knee to the floor. Keep your front leg at a 90-degree angle, making sure your knee doesn’t go past your toes and the weight is in the heel of your front leg. Raise back up. Stay on one side or alternate between sides to increase balance and cardio.

Squats – Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Lower your butt as if you are going to sit in a chair, keeping your knees behind the toes. As you lower, keep the weight backwards through your glutes and draw your pelvic muscles in, doing a kegel. Come back up to standing position, push your glutes forward and squeeze your lower abs. Repeat.

Seated and standing marches – Sit at the edge of a chair with your feet hip-width apart, back tall, and spine straight. Lean back enough so you feel your core engage but not too far that your spine is no longer in a straight line. On the exhale, slowly bring one foot off the floor a few inches, hold, then release back to the floor. Alternate sides. Progress to standing marches.

Cardio – Strength training will help you regain muscle, tone, and increase balance. Cardio will help you lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy. There are many ways to get cardio in. Dance, swim, do a kickboxing routine, jump on an indoor cycle or go for a bike ride, use a rowing machine, put your baby in the stroller and go for a walk or light jog. The important thing is to get moving and get your heart rate up.

Things to keep in mind
- Get approval from your caregiver to begin an exercise routine
- Warm up and cool down
- Progress slowly but steadily
- Nurse or pump before working out for comfort
- Wear a supportive bra
- Stay hydrated
- Stop if you feel pain, start bleeding, or leak fluid
- Your balance may be off while you are breastfeeding or pumping
A note on Diastasis Recti

Abdominal separation, also known as diastasis recti, is when the right and left sides of the abs or “six-pack” muscles widen and no longer connect. As one of the main contributors to the “mummy tummy”, it’s important to identify and correct diastasis recti. Certain exercises such as sit-ups and crunches can actually increase the separation, having the opposite effect of flattening the tummy area. For more information on how to diagnose and correct diastasis recti, read “Diastasis Recti in Pregnancy: Ab Separation Cause & Treatment” from What to Expect, talk to your healthcare provider, or a personal trainer.

Remember, your body just went through the amazing process of growing and giving birth to a baby. Give yourself, your body, and your baby time and grace.
May 19, 2021
The 4 Steps to Maternal Mental Wellness
Having a new baby…the happiest time in a woman’s life.

Not always.

1 in 5 women will experience anxiety or depression either during pregnancy or the first year of baby’s life. In fact, mental health issues like postpartum depression are the MOST COMMON complication of pregnancy and childbirth, turning joy into sadness, loneliness, confusion, regret, and guilt.

I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety after my son (the second of my three children) was born 17 years ago. We had a very scary C-section, he wanted to be held all the time and refused to take a bottle, and I was exhausted and overwhelmed as I struggled to care for a newborn and a toddler. I ran away from home; all I wanted was to find somewhere that I could sleep for a year or two. I told my husband I wanted a divorce, truly believing my family would be better off without me. Our little family struggled for six months until my husband finally found a doctor who understood what I was going through and started me on the path to recovery.

To all the new mothers who are struggling, please know that you are not alone, that you are not to blame, and that with help, you will be well. If you need help, contact Postpartum Support International (www.postpartum.net, 1-800-944-4773, text 503-894-9453). Specially-trained staff and volunteers can provide support and information about local resources.

Maternal mental health issues can occur any time during pregnancy or the first year postpartum and can include anxiety, depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder. Maternal mental health issues are bio-psycho-social illnesses, meaning that the root of the illness is often multi-factorial. It is crucial that a new mother (or pregnant woman) experiencing these illnesses understand that they are not her fault.

Symptoms of maternal mental health issues include those commonly associated with depression (feeling sad, hopeless, alone) and anxiety (feeling overwhelmed, worried, fearful). In addition, women experiencing maternal mental health issues often say they are exhausted but can’t sleep; feel like they are drowning; experience significant rage, often focused on their partner; feel like they are the worst mother in the world; and feel guilty for having these feelings. Many women have scary intrusive thoughts of hurting themselves or their babies. Please note that having thoughts does NOT mean that you are going to act on them.

It’s not just postpartum. It’s not just depression.

Some of the well-known risk factors for maternal mental health challenges include personal or family history of anxiety or depression; sensitivity to hormone changes; lack of social support, especially from partner; traumatic birth; and major life stressors such as a new job or financial stress or the illness or death of a loved one. Certain groups of women are at increased risk for experiencing mental health issues during the childbearing years, including women who are low-income women of color, have a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit, or have a previous experience with a maternal mental health issue.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.

Fortunately, maternal mental health issues are often temporary and treatable. The path to wellness includes a combination of self-care, social support, therapy, and medication.

1. Self-care. New mothers need to recover from the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. Being a new mother, caring for a newborn, and maintaining home and family are challenging, especially if mom feels anxious or depressed. Moms should focus on:
- Sleep. Getting 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep is the most effective, least expensive thing a new mother can do to start feeling better. Brainstorm with partner, friends, and family how to maximize sleep. Note: sleeping too much or not being able to sleep when baby sleeps may be signs of more serious depression or anxiety.
- Nutrition. New moms should eat every time baby eats. Water and a high-protein snack (yogurt, cheese stick, nuts) are good mini-meals. Family and friends can stock a feeding station for mom and baby.
- Exercise. Gentle exercise – such as a walk around the block – can have terrific benefits. The combined effect of change of scenery, fresh air, Vitamin D from the sun, and endorphins released in the body can have a positive impact on mood.
- Time off. No other job is so demanding, requiring being on duty 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. New moms need time off to recharge and rejuvenate, especially if feeling overwhelmed. The challenge is to identify and meet those needs, whether it’s taking a shower, reading the newspaper, or talking with an old friend.
2. Social support. New moms often feel the need to connect with other new mothers, especially if experiencing anxiety or depression. Being at home with a newborn or young child can be socially isolating, compounding feelings of sadness. Peer support groups offer non-judgmental listening, support, and encouragement from others experiencing similar issues. Leaders of these support groups are caring, empathetic, and have survived these illnesses.

3. Talk therapy / counseling. New moms may need to address topics such as their role as mother, changes in relationships, and communications with partner. Talking with an objective third party – a social worker, psychologist, or professional counselor – can help put things in perspective.

4. Medication. Sometimes medication is needed to lessen anxiety or depression. Several medications commonly used to treat anxiety or depression are widely considered safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. These medications can be prescribed by primary care physicians, obstetrician/gynecologists, or psychiatrists.

How can you help someone struggling with a maternal mental health challenge? Here are a few ideas:
- ASK a new mom how she is doing. Really look her in the eye and ask about HER – not about the baby.
- NORMALIZE her experience. Let her know that she is not alone, that lots of women have a tough time in the transition to motherhood, and that help is available.
- HELP by offering to take the baby so she can take a nap, take a shower, or take a break. Do a chore: cook dinner, fold the laundry, do the dishes, walk the dog.
- CONNECT her with help. Tell her about Postpartum Support International, an organization with volunteers in all 50 states who provide support and resources. (postpartum.net, 1-800-944-4773, text 503-894-9453).
New mothers deserve to be happy and healthy. And happy, healthy moms make happy, healthy families.

Guest post written by Adrienne Griffen, MPP, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA.org), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health of childbearing women in the United States. Adrienne is also the founder of Postpartum Support Virginia (PostpartumVA.org).
October 24, 2019
Great Podcasts for Moms

With the number of podcasts listeners on the rise⁠—Statista reports that the average number of monthly podcast listeners amounted to about 67 million in 2017, and is due to increase to 132 million by 2022—there’s a podcast out there for just about everyone and any interest. From parenting to gardening to cooking to music and more, podcasts are a great alternative to reading a book or watching a screen, especially when there are little ones around and you need to multitask. So whether you’re in the car running errands, on the couch pumping tomorrow’s milk supply, or maybe taking advantage of naptime to kick your feet up and relax, here are our favorite podcasts for moms.

Best Podcast for Expecting & New Moms: Common Sense Pregnancy

Hosted by women’s health expert and labor nurse, Jeanne Faulkner, Common Sense Pregnancy offers honest insider advice for moms navigating pregnancy, labor, birth, and parenthood.

Best Podcast for Working Moms: Like a Mother

Named to U.S. News’ list of “Top 15 Personal Finance Podcasts,” host Emma Johnson gets candid in her interviews with women (including celebrities, national experts, entrepreneurs, and call-in guests) about money, business, career, parenting, feminism, dating, and sex.

Best Podcast for Foodie Moms: Didn’t I Just Feed You!

Whether you love to cook or not, the reality of having kids is that they need to eat—a lot. In their weekly podcast, co-hosts Stacie Billis and Meghan Splawn are determined to help make meal time more fun and less stressful for busy parents. In each episode, they offer advice on everything from meal planning and coping with picky eaters to dining out with kids and real-life wellness for families.

Best Podcast to Connect with Other Moms: Coffee + Crumbs

Coffee + Crumbs is more than just a podcast; it’s a creative, online community that support mothers around the world through the power of shared experiences and artful storytelling.

Best Overall Podcast for Parents: The Longest Shortest Time

This award-winning series celebrates parenting in all its ups and downs. From telling funny stories to tackling difficult issues, it is “a parenting show for everyone.”

As every mom knows, it can be difficult to carve out “me time” when there are small children to take care of. And while we love a good read, podcasts can be listened to on-the-move, making them a more versatile option. Plus, they allow you to become part of a larger conversation with other moms just like you, and offer support and helpful resources for navigating the lifelong journey that is parenting.

Happy listening!

August 12, 2019
Summer Date Ideas for Parents of Infants & Small Children

Following the birth of your child, going out on a date with your partner may not be high on the priority list, but it should be. According to Psychology Today, date night is not a luxury; it is a necessity. By carving out enjoyable time as a couple at least once every other week or so, your friendship and emotional connectedness are enhanced—two key components of a healthy relationship. But with infants or small children in the mix, finding that time can become more difficult, and not to mention, expensive if there’s a babysitter involved. With those factors in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best summer date ideas for parents of infants and small children. Whether you have an hour or all day to spend together, that time is crucial to the health of your relationship and will ultimately benefit you, your partner, and your family. Remember, you’re a team!

Date Night At Home

Especially if you’re breastfeeding, going out on a date might sound like more hassle than it’s worth right now. To keep things simple but still romantic, order dinner (or breakfast or lunch!) from your favorite restaurant, set the table with your best dishes, and light some candles. Or, if the weather’s nice, take it outside and dine al fresco! Avoid the impulse to plop in front of the television, and leave your phones in another room. Of course, keep the baby monitor close by, but focus on each other and your meal. The dishes can wait until morning, too.

Exercise Together

Grab the jogging stroller and go for a run or walk together. Or, if yoga’s more your speed, find a free class online and get your Zen on as a couple during naptime.

Game Night

After the kids are in bed, pop some popcorn and pull out your favorite two-player game like Scrabble, Jenga, Checkers, Chess, or Cribbage. Or, head to the backyard and play some cornhole while sipping on your favorite summer drink . There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to help set the mood.

Pick Your Own Fruit

Strap on the baby carrier and find you inner farmer! Strawberries, peaches, and blueberries are ripe for the picking during the summer months and make for a fun date activity. Afterwards, enjoy the fruits of your labor with some homemade whipped cream for dessert.

Movie Night

A movie night is always a great date idea, and summer is the perfect time to catch a good flick. Plus, with streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime adding new titles nearly every day, you can opt to go out to the movie theater or watch in the comfort of your home. Check out our recent post, The Best Summer Movies for Adults and Kids, for hot new releases and favorite summer classics.

Escape Room

If you’re looking to get out of the heat and have an exciting adventure (and can leave the kids with a family member or babysitter for a few hours), an escape room puts players in a real-life escape game where they must work together in a race against the clock to solve a series of increasingly challenging puzzles. It’s a test of teamwork and communication, and is sure to strengthen your bond. Find a location near you.

As your family grows, it’s important that your relationship isn’t placed on the back-burner. Spending time together, whether it’s at home or out on the town, is key to staying connected, and with just a bit of thought, you can plan a special and inexpensive date this summer.

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July 15, 2019
Top 10 Reads for a Busy Summer

According to Inc. Magazine, the 10 Top New Year’s Resolutions for Success and Happiness in 2019 include eating healthier, exercising more, and spending more time with friends and family—just to name a few. The same study found that of the sixty percent of us who make New Year’s resolutions, only about eight percent are successful in achieving them. So, if you’re finding that over six months into 2019, you’ve haven’t quite reached your goal, rest assured that you’re in good company. The seventh most popular resolution on the list is to read more, and while story time is certainly beneficial for children of all ages, something tells us that isn’t exactly what seventeen percent of people making that resolution had in mind back in January. The reality is, however, that it can be difficult to find time to read, especially with a new baby or kids around. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top ten reads for a busy summer to enjoy whether you have five minutes or two hours to spare.

How to Skimm Your Life by theSkimm

From the creators of theSkimm, a daily news digest intended to be read in minutes, How to Skimm Your Life covers everything from personal finance, to career, to stress management, to global politics, and more in language that’s accessible and relatable (and often pretty funny, too).

Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan

In her honest—and not to mention, hilarious—reflections of what it means to be a “not so perfect mom,” Bumni Laditan reminds us that “there’s no way to be perfect, but many ways to be great.”

Where the Crawdads Sing by Deila Owens

With its place on the New York Times Best Sellers list for thirty-eight weeks and counting, Where the Crawdads Sing tells the gripping tale of a woman who survives alone in the marsh only to later become a murder suspect. It’s a coming-of-age story meets crime mystery, and is sure to be a page-turner.

Best American Short Stories 2018 edited by Roxane Gay

The most recent compilation of the country’s finest short fiction, Best American Short Stories 2018 is the perfect choice if you’re pressed for time but still want the satisfaction of reading a complete work.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

The former First Lady’s memoir documents her journey from living as a child on the South Side of Chicago, to her experience juggling responsibilities as an executive and mother, to her time spent at the White House. Told with honesty and humor, Becoming is eye-opening and inspirational, and deeply powerful.

The Complete Book of Clean: Tips & Techniques for Your Home by Toni Hammersley

In her eco-friendly guide to cleaning your home, Toni Hammersley offers tips for establishing routines, making schedules, and DIY green cleaning solutions to help keep every area of your home neat and naturally safe (which is especially important for curious crawlers and new walkers!).

Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Designs by Cindy Elsharouni

Whoever said coloring is for kids needs to pick up a box of crayons. In fact, studies have shown that coloring as an adult actually reduces stress and can help improve your mood. This bestselling coloring book for adults includes over sixty unique and relaxing designs of gardens, animals, mandalas, paisley, and more.

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

Named one of the best books of 2018 by The New York Times, Tara Westover’s memoir tells the unbelievably true story of her quest toward knowledge, which takes her from rural Idaho to Harvard University—despite not stepping foot inside a classroom until she was seventeen years old.

The New Yorker Encyclopedia of Cartoons: A Semi-Serious A-to-Z Archive edited by Bob Mankoff

With nearly ten decades worth of New Yorker cartoons, this collection is organized by subject with insightful and comedic commentary by Bob Mankoff—making it the perfect addition to your coffee table.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Helen Hoang’s new take on the romance novel is at the same time insightful and sexy, and reminds us that love isn’t always logical.

Reading is a lot like travel: it can bring us to new places, introduce us to new people, and offer us new perspectives. No matter if you’re going on vacation or staying home this summer, a book brings adventure with every page

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June 24, 2019