Motherly

What does the cow say? —12-month-old
Motherhood is a strength. We say that motherhood is the ultimate superpower. Your toddler? Well he says, "mamamamamamamamamama." (Our favorite word.) One of the best parts of life with your one-year-old is finally getting to hear what's going inside that cute little head. Lots more talking, coming right up!XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Time to upgrade your diaper bag? We love Pottery Barn Baby's on-the-go bags for busy mamas—so classically styled that nobody will even know they're made for lugging diapers! Fawn Design's diaper bags work as crossbody bags or backpacks for hands free-momming. Both = LOVE. Baby this week: Your growing toddler loves to learn animal names and the sounds they make. Try this: A simple animal names board book provides ample opportunity to teach animal sounds—now go make your best barnyard noises, mama!

Getting so big! —9 month old
Mom like a champion today. Baby isn't the only one who's growing up. Look at you—in charge of an sweet tiny human who trusts and adores you completely. When did you both get so big? Mother. Superhero. Changer-Of-The-Diaper-While-Baby-Wiggles-Away Extraordinaire. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. You more than earned a reward for rocking #momlife this week. May we suggest Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams—an artisan ice-cream ? delivery service that is 100% pure yum. Because you're worth it. Baby this week: Around 9 months most babies start to pull to stand. Try this: Encourage baby's standing (she may start in her crib, so make sure it's at the lowest setting) and you'll soon find her cruising across low-level furniture. Catch her while you can!

It’s perfection —your 5-month-old baby
They say a mother's work is never done. We say—hire a once-a-month house cleaner, put your MIL on laundry duty, make your partner give you a night off, and take a break to do something that YOU love. Just for you. Just for fun. A mother's work is never done—unless she says, "I'm clocking out!" and makes it happen. The time to practice self-care is now. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Wondering what to do with your precious day/night/hour off? Try our new mother's self-care checklist for some inspired ideas. Baby this week: Baby is starting to jabber! Try this: Respond to her conversation as if you know exactly what she's saying. And although she's more likely to belt out "dada" before "mama," bond this week by telling her all about her lovely mother. "Mama is going out to dinner with her friends!"

Putting my big girl pants on —9-week-old-baby
We're not ones to brag—but you made a human with your body, gave birth and kept her alive for two straight months? You're kind of a big deal. ? Motherhood gives you superpowers—supersonic hearing, efficiency at work, the ability to change a diaper in the dark, and a depth of love you've never known. What you do with those newfound powers? Well, that's entirely up to you. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Not quite back to pre-pregnancy pants yet? (Neither are we.) Look chic during this transition period with a few new pieces from LeTote, a clothing subscription service that lets you rent an amazing everyday wardrobe. Use code MOTHERLY25 for $25 off your first month's membership. Baby this week: You'll start to soon see the beginning of hand-eye coordination. Try this: Promote coordination—Help your tot gently stroke a household pet, dangle a textured, crinkly toy for those little hands to swat, or lay baby on an activity gym and let her reach for overhead toys.

Girl power edition ♀️
We do not fear the future, for the future is female—and full of inspiring men who stand beside us.

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New Year, New Bump Sweepstakes
Get ready to have the best year ever—here’s $4k in prizes for your 2017 bundle of joy ✨

We’re Hiring a Brand Partnerships Intern!
Our ideal candidate is someone with an equal love for witty editorial and reader-focused partner sponsorships.

New Year, New Bump Sweepstakes Rules
We teamed up with Pregnant Chicken, Pregnancy Magazine, DockaTot and Nameberry to celebrate that (adorable) growing bump! ✨

Rest up, mama —22 weeks pregnant
Being a sleepy girl with a busy life is hard. Sleep when the baby sleeps, they say. Well, are you lying down? Because now your sleepy little baby now has distinct periods of activity and rest, and may even react to loud sounds like your dog barking or fave workout music playing. (AWWW! ?) You may also be noticing your own body changing—stretch marks, weight gain and slightly swollen hands and feet. So take the break that you deserve from all this human-growing work, and schedule a Babymoon for the next 10 weeks. Rest and recharge, lady. Your baby will be here before you know it. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Worried about COVID? Here's everything we know so far.

Ready to go ⏰ — 41 weeks pregnant
How pregnant am I? Too pregnant. We know—you can't stand the wait. ⌚️ (We can't either!) But the countdown is now officially on, so use your bonus days pre-baby to slow down, sleep and envision your little one in your arms. Any day, baby will make his debut into the world. While you are not technically overdue until 42 weeks, we know it already feels like baby is late (you're grounded!) and your medical provider will likely start talking to you about induction planning. Your body is ready for labor, and we're just sitting here waiting for the mysterious, miraculous process to officially begin. Baby will be here very soon!XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. If you want to learn and practice labor coping skills, it's not too late to take Motherly's on-demand video birth class, which comes with bonus mp3 birth meditations you can use during labor. Deep breaths, mama! You've got this. ❤️ And remember, update your Motherly profile with baby's birth day as soon as she's born so we can send you super-accurate details for life with your newborn.

Now’s your moment ⌚️ — 42 weeks pregnant
It's go time. We agree—you've been pregnant long enough. You've survived morning sickness, leg cramps, food cravings, due dates and impatient family members. YOU. ARE. READY. By this time, baby is fully developed and the lifespan of the placenta, which provides nutrients to baby, is running out. If you've waited this long, it's now time to give that little one some extra help entering the world—with the assistance of your medical provider. Go have a baby, you wonder woman! ✨ XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Update your Motherly profile with baby's birth day as soon as she's born so we can send you super-accurate details for life with your newborn.

Find your sparkle ✨
In this week between holiday celebrations and big dreams for 2017, we hope you find the good stuff. The real stuff. The stuff that makes you sparkle. ?






