Motherly Stories

5 camping safety tips for parents, from an emergency medicine doctor

What to know before you go, from managing bug bites to heat illness to sunburns.

Right before he sets off for college, my teen wants to hang out with me—be still my heart

This wouldn’t be remarkable for any reason other than he’s 17. And given that he’s now a driving, almost adult, I see the mailman more predictably than I see my son. Since he wasn’t feverish, I claimed it as the only thing it could be: A Sunday miracle.

6 expert tips to help you meet your breastfeeding goals

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn't mean it's easy.

Meet the mom changing the script on working motherhood in Japan

Shoko Fujiwara wants women to live life the way they want to.

From postpartum depression to opioid addiction—and how I found my way back

I was so good at hiding my addiction that nobody knew. But I needed help.

Here’s to the ‘middle moms’ who are navigating motherhood between preschool and prom

Middle moms are straddling two worlds.

To the teen girls at the swimming pool

Don’t worry; this isn’t going to be one of those letters.

Exactly how to talk about hygiene with tweens

Smells like tween spirit.

No, my life didn’t ‘start’ the day I became a mom

Technically speaking, it ended.

If you don’t live near your village, here’s how to create one 

Do whatever it takes to get the support you need because raising children is not easy and you shouldn’t have to do it on your own.

A mantra for mamas: ‘It’s safe to let the love get bigger’

Mothering is a daily, moment-to-moment spiritual practice.

Embracing my ‘fire’—even if it embarrasses my teen

Just the other day my son said, “You know, Mom, I’m generally not embarrassed by you.”

Spring’s yellow: A wistful season of beginnings and endings

As color blooms back into the city and the cold wanes, I feel a familiar sadness take hold. Every year, the same deep heartache.

Sometimes Mother’s Day is complicated—just like motherhood

Mother’s Day is just that—a day. It is not motherhood. 

How AI can be a parenting tool for teachable moments

A mom of three and Microsoft engineer shares how she uses AI tools with her own family—and how they help relieve some of her mental load.

Gentle ways to wean off the pacifier or thumb-sucking, from a pediatric dentist

Breaking the habit doesn’t have to be harsh.

Barre with a C-section scar: My body may be different—but it’s stronger than ever

I check my heart rate; higher, but still normal. I’m shaking. I’m doing it. I’m different. I’m the same.

To my partner: One day, we’ll miss all of this

But right now we have all this. All this beauty. All this wonder. All this joy. Right at our fingertips.

Yes, my 2-year-old does chores

I’m teaching her responsibility all with the goal of ultimately showing her that families (and communities) work best when everyone does their part.

Hyperemesis gravidarum specialist argues for greater investment in women’s health

Dr. Marlena Fejzo’s discovery of the gene that causes extreme morning sickness spurred the launch of a new clinic specializing in its treatment.