From Closing Table to Front Door: The Steps That Settle It All

You’ve just closed on a home, and the weight of the keys in your hand feels electric. The excitement is real, but so is the responsibility. In the days right after closing, what you do next matters—not just for your house, but for your family’s safety and peace of mind. These steps aren’t about endless checklists; they’re about eliminating uncertainty before it ever gets the chance to creep in.

Going Back to School Before Rejoining the Workforce: Advice for Stay-at-Home Parents

Rejoining the workforce after years at home raising children is no small decision. The thought of returning to school first can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. You might picture yourself sitting in a classroom or logging in late at night after bedtime stories, wondering if it’s worth the effort. The truth is, choosing to invest in your education can help ease the transition and open doors you didn’t even know were there. It’s about more than just earning credentials — it’s about building confidence, regaining momentum, and shaping the next chapter of your career on your own terms. Here’s how to step into this season with clarity, confidence, and a plan that works for your life.

Baby Retractions: What Parents Need to Know (And When to Seek Help Immediately)

Important: If you see your baby’s skin pulling in when they breathe, get help right away.

What are “retractions”?

Imagine your baby’s skin sucking in between their ribs, under their chest, or above their collarbone when they breathe. That’s a retraction. It means they’re working really hard to get air.

Raising Confident Kids: Tips for Helping Children Embrace Their Strengths and Grow

Helping children grow into confident, resilient individuals is one of the most rewarding and impactful roles a parent can play. Self-confidence shapes how children view themselves, tackle challenges, and interact with the world around them. As they develop independence and a positive self-image, they become better equipped to navigate setbacks and thrive in their unique ways. For parents, guiding this growth involves a thoughtful balance of encouragement, structure, and trust. In this article, we explore practical strategies to help children embrace their abilities, foster resilience, and build the self-confidence they need to succeed.

It’s Only Business, Baby! (How To Start A Business While You’re Expecting)

Many of us have two goals in life: to have kids and to become business owners. But what happens when those two major life events coincide? Things get a little bit crazy… but in a good way. Today, Pregnant Pauses shares a few suggestions on how you might plan for both the baby and a new business at the same time.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Moms-to-Be

Written by: Josh Moore – Diaperdads.org –
jmoore@diaperdads.org

Expecting a bundle of joy brings a whirlwind of changes, including adjustments to your daily routine. One crucial aspect that’s often overlooked is oral health during pregnancy. Maintaining good oral hygiene not only benefits you but also supports the well-being of your growing baby. Today, Pregnant Pauses will explore essential tips to keep your smile radiant throughout this journey.

Beating the Heat in the Summer

No matter where you live, it gets hot in the summer! And when you’re pregnant, it seems like temperatures rise even faster. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it’s also not safe to get too hot while you’re pregnant. With these tips, you’ll stay cool and comfortable!

Spring Cleaning Projects for Pregnancy

Nesting is real.  You want to make the house beautiful and perfect for your new arrival.  However, pace yourself because you also need rest.  Here are some easy spring projects that will keep you busy.

Spring Nesting

It’s the time of year to do a thorough clean of your home – and if you’re pregnant, your nesting instincts may be kicking in soon, anyway. If you’re like us, the number of projects you need to tackle is overwhelming, so where do you begin?

We suggest making a list of things you’d like to organize in your home and then prioritizing projects. If possible, focus on one room or closet at a time. Of course, there will be some overlap but try to complete one task before moving on to the next to be most efficient.

Utilize these tips to really focus your efforts and ensure long-term success with staying organized:

• Donate things you aren’t using. Try not to get caught up in the thought that you “might” need it one day. Chances are if it’s been sitting in a closet for 6 months or more, you won’t use it.

• Find a place for everything. If you cannot find a place for it, decide whether or not you really need to keep it.

• Don’t store things on the floor. This frees up more time to actually clean since you won’t be picking things up to move them so you can sweep or vacuum.

Midwives or Doula’s?

Giving birth is a wonderful time for most families.  It is a time of closeness and bonding with newborns. It is natural to think about hiring midwives or doulas to assist in this special time.  Here is a breakdown of the differences.

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