The passing of time guarantees dust collecting and little piles of clutter forming in your most inhabited spaces. Every so often, it’s necessary to assess your own mélange of untidiness with a good rummage through the accumulated mess, both literally and figuratively. The change of seasons—like, now—has always been splendid in motivation to look at things differently and make proper adjustments to suit the time and circumstance.

October’s medicine is focused on establishing a level of personal orderliness in our environments and inner workings to support the phase of growth we find ourselves in now, as individuals and as a collective. And with Mercury in Libra from October 4 to October 22, collaboration and compromise are key to striking a balance empowering progress in the micro and macro. Indeed, power is at an all-time high this month, particularly once Mars moves into intense Scorpio on October 12. Unrelenting stamina heats up probing focus toward something very specific, but that won’t be enough to get what we want.

On October 14, a solar eclipse and new moon in Libra initiate a six-month cycle of growth delivered in a parcel of dynamism and wrapped with a silky ribbon of grace. We have a chance to make lasting changes in our lives with true peace and easy beauty as the end result. But in true Libra fashion, a fine balancing act of sorting and synthesizing the positives and negatives—the dark and the light—is required to realize our vision, along with commitment and effort. In re-balancing, we can recognize that these natural partnerships are on the same team, rather than adversaries.

Throughout the month, the past wrestles to make peace with the future. The Sun and Mercury both enter Scorpio on October 22, the sign most capable of making an imagined reality manifest in the physical. A lunar eclipse paired with a full moon in material-minded Taurus hits on October 28, beginning an emotionally intense cycle of extreme culmination. Passions related to lack and the imbalance of unmet or ignored needs may feel enormously magnified and tender, creating a crisis of sudden awareness. We will need to feed the fire by acting on these primal impulses to achieve resolution. But first, seek counsel with the ghosts nudging you to find a steady and effective path toward destiny, rather than lashing out.

October Legend:

October 4: Mercury enters Libra
October 8: Venus enters Virgo
October 10: Pluto turns direct in Capricorn
October 12: Mars enters Scorpio
October 14: New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Libra
October 22: The Sun enters Scorpio, Mercury enters Scorpio
October 28: Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Taurus

The post October 2023 Horoscopes appeared first on MOTHER.

Got a special mama-to-be in your life? You’re in luck! Below, we’ve culled together some of our favorite baby shower gifts of the moment. Some of them big purchases (stroller, high chair) and some smaller treasures that you can give on their own or bundle together. Enjoy!

For non-material gifts—be sure to read these 20+ Things You Can Do To Help A New Mother!

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If you haven’t heard of the new kidswear label Milk Teeth yet, chances are you’ve seen it. Filled with pint-sized,  graphic-heavy knitwear and bold and baggy bottoms, the mix-and-match line has become an instant hit with many a “cool mom” coast-to-coast. Today we’re getting to know the founders of the label—Rebecca Calavan and Catherine Newell-Hanson—a little bit better. The Los Angeles-based mamas (who have 3 kiddos between them) have a medley of relevant skills they’ve brought to the table—including stints in fashion styling, interior design, photo and video production, e-comm, and marketing. Which might explain why their brand, launched in the early days of the pandemic, is off to such a promising start. Check out their latest obsessions—including their brand-new knits—in their Mother Essentials lists below!

Rebecca Calavan, Mother to Charlie, 3

Tomato Seeds. “We planted tomato seeds as a family and now we’re overrun with them. My toddler ‘harvests’ them and has clearly forgotten they’re healthy based on the amount he’s been consuming. This set is fun since you can grow all the ingredients you need for your own tomato sauce.” Tomato Sauce Seeds, $14, Tac Tile Mountain.

Retrospec Bike. “My husband told me we had no place to store it and I would never ride it, so my dedication to this bike is partly out of spite. It’s classy looking but affordable. I made the mistake of thinking my 3-year-old and I could go riding together, but halfway through he decided he would rather take off his shoes and fill them with dirt, and I had to transport him and his bike back to the car. But that’s what the sturdy rear rack is meant for, right?” Kinney Mixte City Bike, $299.99, Retrospec.

All-In-One Screen Cleaner. “Maybe the lamest thing on this list, but I swear you’ll fall in love with this gadget. I’d like to blame my toddler for the sticky fingerprints on my laptop, but I’ve definitely contributed my fair share.” BoYata Screen Cleaner Kit, $12.49, Amazon.

OK Sea Salt. “I went on vacation (alone!!) to Nova Scotia, so maybe I was so blissed out to be child-free that I fell in love with everything, but they were selling this sea salt at a farmers market, and it’s the best.” OK Sea Salt, $14, Reliquary.

Riverside Tool + Dye Painters Pant. “In this house, we believe tie-dye hides all stains. I live in these, there’s a bunch of colors.” Hand Dyed Painter’s Pants, $148, Riverside Tool + Dye.

Milk Teeth Strawberry Cardigan. “My son Charlie is not the easiest ‘over-the-head’ kind of dresser, so we wear a lot of cardigans. Our new ones for Fall are super-soft and stretchy, and have the toddler seal of approval.” Strawberry Cardigan, $54, Milk Teeth.

Mondo Mondo Ring. “I bought this as a placeholder after my wedding ring went missing, but it’s stuck around. There’s a 14k version if you’re feelin fancy.” Suede Ring in Brass, $250, Mondo Mondo.

Objects for Objects Candle Holder. “I love this brand by designer Leonard Bessemer. I’ll wait to invest in a chair until there’s zero risk of finding it decorated in un-washable marker.” Seymour Candle Holder, $55, Objects for Objects.

Acrylic Keychain. “I lost my keys one time too many, and instead of getting an Airtag, I’ve been punishing myself with this oversized gas station bathroom style gem.” Key Q Oversized Key Chain, $9.95, Amazon.

Bailey Hikawa Ishi Case. “The most practically impractical phone case. She also makes toilet seats if yours needs a glow up.” Ishi Phone Case, $149, Hikawa.

NTS Radio. “The DJs are great and you’ll discover a Prince deep cut you never knew existed and feel instantly cooler than everyone when you strategically time the rolling down of your windows at school pickup.” NTS.live/radio.

Perfect White Tank. “I’m always on the search for something I can buy in multiples.” Artfish Ribbed Tank Top, $19.99, Amazon.

Poog Podcast. “One of my fave podcasts, I’m now an official Poog hag. Also highly recommend both Kate and Jacqueline’s one-woman theater shows.” Poog via iHeart Radio.

StickHers. “My house is full of dudes and StickHers help me remind them of an important universal truth: cement mixers and velociraptors can be non-binary. Our friends in L.A. started this company and we love their mission.” StickerHers, $20, Milk Teeth.

Catherine Newell-Hanson, Mother to Leonora (“Leo”) 5, and Clover, 3

A Fancy Robe. “I have two! I can’t get out of bed without a cozy robe. Since moving to L.A., I’m a big baby who can’t be cold anymore. Really, though, this helps ease the transition downstairs to start breakfast at 6 a.m. And I love stripes in all forms.” TELKA Striped Robe, $205, Net-A-Porter. Dusen Dusen Striped Robe, $138, MoMA Design Store.

Nip & Lip Balm. “Though I’m no longer breastfeeding, I love Balm de Nips as my lip balm. Made by our brilliant pals at Swehl.” Swehl The Nips Duo, $22, BabyList and Swehl.

Canned Matcha. “I have this in the fridge at work. Could I make my own matcha lattes? Probably! Do I want a treat in the afternoon that takes no time to prepare? Yes! I’m weaning myself off of having too much coffee, and this is the boost I need, with less jitters.” Minor Figures Oat Matcha Latte, $35 for 12-Pack, Minor Figures.

Majo Ideas. “I love these thoughtfully-designed art activity packs for kids, designed by moms. We’ve just started this new one, FLORA. They are just the right amount of structured, and just the right amount of loose, for my 5-year-old, and I’ve gotten fully absorbed myself.” MajoIdeas.com.

Numerous Large Totes in Bright Solid Colors. “I’m a schlepper. Aren’t we all? I like having bold, solid color tote bags to throw everything in—laptops, library bags, extra layers, snacks! Somehow the bright monochrome takes a giant bag from feeling sloppy to looking intentional. You can’t not also get the mini-sized one for your kid to carry pebbles, old stickers, and loose raisins in! Then, if you need a really big one, these are great, too. Comically large (insert Succession joke here!).” Bull Denim Oversized Bag, $39, Los Angeles Apparel.

Smiley Necklace. “A very special everyday necklace, made by a friend and fellow mom.” Joie Smile Necklace, $3700, De Cosmi.

Milk Teeth Swirl Sweaters. “New chunky cotton knits from our Fall collection. These are cut like a sweatshirt and are machine-washable, so they are as easy and relaxed as they look. My girls are into matching at the moment and telling people they are twins, even though one of them is clearly older and a foot taller. They think wearing the same sweater is enough to fool people, so these will help them keep up the ruse for the rest of this year.” Swirl Sweater, $54, Milk Teeth.

Voice Memos. “My favorite way to stay in touch with friends and family who are also time-poor due to having small children, or are in a drastically different timezone. It’s the only way I’ve found that helps me feel like I’m communicating consistently, it’s low-stakes and rewarding!”

Solo Dog Walks + Audiobooks. “After a day of total inactivity, our dog seems to urgently need a long walk the second the girls arrive (loudly) home from school. I’ve started taking him for long walks whilst my husband cooks dinner and gets the girls ready for bed. I do the morning school run and then rush to start work, so I love this time to walk and think. It’s meditative, and sometimes I like to listen to an audiobook as I go. Shoutout to the Libby library app and the L.A. Public Library!”

Floating. “I almost cried with relief when I learned that being ‘touched out’ is a real thing. I half-jokingly requested ‘for no-one to touch me’ for Mother’s Day, and I received a gift card to Pause Studio in L.A. I’ve booked in a few flotation sessions—you’re suspended in body-temperature super-salty water in the dark. It took a moment to adjust but then my muscles—and even my over-active inner monologue—actually relaxed. I’m hooked. I had the best night’s sleep I’ve gotten in the past 5 years afterwards.” PauseStudio.com.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on photographer NICKI SEBASTIAN, Duster co-founder MELISSA MAGSAYSAY, Herman Miller creative director KELSEY KEITH, chef VALERIE GORDON, artist ERIN JANG, Chicago party mom KRISTEN KAZA, Hedley & Bennett founder ELLEN MARIE BENNETT, Mochi Kids founder AMANDA STEWART, chef CRISTINA KISNER, chef CAMILLA MARCUS, artist CAROLINE Z HURLEY, Just Date founder SYLVIE CHARLES, food icon AMANDA HESSER, Prickly Pear founder MONA BAHRAINI, Solace Summer founder MEGAN BRE CAMP, Wonder Valley co-founder ALISON CARROLL, OZMA designer HEIDI BAKER, author TIFFANY ROSE SMITH, HEIDI BAKER of OZMA, and PHOEBE SUNG of Cold Picnic.

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With the autumnal equinox upon us, the first day of fall is officially here! Which means, if you’ve got a baby on the way in the season ahead, we’ve got some stellar fall baby names to consider. (If you’ve specifically got an October baby on the horizon—these moody Halloween Baby Names might also appeal!) The baby-naming experts over at Nameberry have put together a robust list of over 100 names that are inspired by nature’s crispest chapter. From the classic—Autumn—to cozy options like Maple, Leaf, Birch, Branch, Briar, Laurel, and more—check out over 100+ fall baby names below. While they’re split up between “boy” and “girl” categories, many of these monikers can go any which way.

(For more baby-naming inspiration, check out the Top 10 Baby Name Trends for 2023). 

Fall Baby Names For Boys:

1. Adam
2. Archer
3. Ash
4. Barric
5. Birch
6. Bram
7. Branch
8. Briar
9. Bruno
10. Casper
11. Cedar
12. Cormac
13. Crispin
14. Dunn
15. Finn
16. Forester
17. Forrest
18. Garner
19. Hawk
20. Honor
21. Hunter
22. Ichabod
23. Jayden
24. Kale
25. Leaf
26. Linden
27. Lugh
28. Maize
29. Miller
30. Oak
31. Octavius
32. Oliver
33. Omri
34. Phoenix
35. Pine
36. Poe
37. Radley
38. Redmond
39. Roux
40. Russell
41. Rust
42. Scorpio
43. Septimus
44. Shaqir
45. Treat
46. Woodrow
47. Woody
48. Zikomo

Fall Baby Names For Girls:

1. Akiko
2. Amber
3. Anona
4. Apple
5. Arista
6. Aspen
7. Aster
8. Aurelia
9. Auretta
10. Autumn
11. Baize
12. Blair
13. Bruna
14. Carmine
15. Ceres
16. Chrysanthemum
17. Crimson
18. Crisanta
19. Dagan
20. Daphne
21. Demeter
22. Elvira
23. Eve
24. Flavia
25. Gaia
26. Ginger
27. Goldie
28. Grania
29. Harvest
30. Hazal
31. Hazel
32. Jora
33. Juniper
34. Keziah
35. Kiona
36. Laurel
37. Libra
38. Lilith
39. Luna
40. Maisie
41. Maple
42. Marigold
43. November
44. Oakley
45. Octavia
46. October
47. Olive
48. Olivia
49. Omaira
50. Opal
51. Orla
52. Ottavia
53. Persephone
54. Pomona
55. Raven
56. Rhea
57. Rory
58. Rowan
59. Ruby
60. Sabrina
61. Saffron
62. Samantha
63. Samhain
63. Sapphire
64. Scarlett
65. September

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Born and raised on Maui, and now residing on Oʻahu, connecting to Hawaiʻi has always been top of mind for mom-of-two Amber Thibaut. This started when she gave her sons—Kaiea, 11, and Taj Kanoa, 9, their names. “As a Native Hawaiian māmā, it was important to me that each of my children have a Hawaiian name to connect them to our culture, just as I do. Kaiea means ‘rising sea’ in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, or the Hawaiian language. This name was chosen for him as we felt that he would lift up those around him, just as a rising tide. And he sure has. Our 9-year-old is named Taj Kanoa. Kanoa means ‘the free one’ in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. He came charging into the world 4 weeks early and from that moment has been a vibrant, free thinker ever since!”

It was the birth of her youngest that gave Amber the idea for her business—Coco Moon—a collection of super-soft blankets, quilts, and baby essentials infused with the spirit of Hawaiʻi. “I first got the idea for Coco Moon Hawaiʻi when Taj was about 6 weeks old. At the time, I would often use my favorite, bright pink pareu, or sarong, in lieu of a baby blanket. Late one night as I was nursing Taj, I found myself wondering why I repeatedly reached for the pareu instead of one of the many baby blankets we had around the house. I realized that it was because of all the baby blankets I had, none represented our island way of life. I longed for a baby blanket that was connected to the Hawaiʻi I loved, where a sense of community, beautiful arts and traditions, and devotion to ʻohana (family) are woven into all we do. In essence, Coco Moon was born that night.” Get to know more about Amber, her family, and her business in her MOTHER ESSENTIALS list, below!

Surfing As Often As Possible. “Just as with anything else that is truly for ourselves as moms, it can be tricky for me to make time to surf. But it’s the one thing that truly fills my cup, so I have made a promise to myself to prioritize that time whenever there is a decent swell in the water. I am so much happier after I surf and when mom’s happy, everyone is happy.”

Working Out. “When I can’t get in the water, I make it a point to work out at least three times a week. I am happier and think clearer when I’m moving my body regularly and recharging my mind in the process.”

Greenlight App and Debit Card. “As my kids are getting older, they’re craving more independence and time with their friends, which is also associated with wanting to have their own spending money. We love this app because we can tie chores, extra studying time, and other activities to earning and deposit those earnings right onto the card. We love that it’s created transparency into earning and managing their own money.” Greenlight.com.

Coco Moon Throw Blankets and Quilts. “After hearing time and again about our customers ‘borrowing’ their baby’s blankets for themselves, we created a ‘big kid’ version that everyone in our house loves. They’re generously sized, luxuriously soft, and the perfect weight that’s not too hot, which is particularly important with our tropical weather.” Coco Moon Throw Blanket, $60, Coco Moon.

Hobonichi Techo Planner. “We are in a very busy season of life at the moment, with each of my boys playing on two different basketball teams and a soccer team. While my Google Calendar houses the full schedule for both Coco Moon and family life, I find it easiest to pull out the most important notes for the day in a written planner. I add personal notes around carpooling duties, practice times, as well as my top 5-6 priorities for the day in my planner. Doing so helps me stay hyper focused on the most important things of the day (and not confuse what time to pick up the kids that day!).” Hobonichi Techo Planner, $23, Hobonichi Techo.

Simple Habit. “After a busy day, my kids can sometimes have a hard time winding down. We tried meditating in bed with them and it has totally transformed our nighttime routine. We love the ‘Body Scan for Deeper Sleep’ meditation to help them release any built up tension in their bodies or anxieties on their minds.” SimpleHabit.com.

Mohala Eyewear. “Polarized sunglasses are a must in our bright island sun. The lenses on these are some of the best I’ve found and this inclusive brand makes frames for all face types, meaning that these shades are super comfortable and won’t slip down your nose or rest on your cheeks.” Hana Sunglasses, $189, Mohala Eyewear.

Coco Moon Robe. “Wearing a beautiful, soft robe around the house is a tiny daily luxury that I really enjoy. I’ll often pair it with my fuzzy pink house slippers from Olukai to really get into the lounge vibe.” Bamboo Robe, $68, Coco Moon.

Espresso Bites from Big Island Coffee Roasters. “These look and taste like a chocolate bar, but they’re actually made almost entirely of Hawaiian coffee. Each bar has the same amount of caffeine as 3 espresso shots, so I’ll often have an afternoon bite of one of these in lieu of a cup of coffee. But I’m a caffeine weakling, so I have to be careful to just have a little bite so I’m not up all night.” Espresso Bites, $24, Big Island Coffee Roasters.

Meli Wraps. “We have completely eliminated plastic wrap from the kitchen by using these wraps in their place. They are totally reusable and a great option for storing leftovers, half a papaya, sandwiches, and more.” Beeswax Food Wrap, $21.99, Meli Wraps.

Indoor Basketball Hoop. “We clearly are not a ‘no-ball-in-the-house’ kind of family! My kids absolutely love playing on this mini hoop, which mounts on the wall and is super sturdy. It keeps them active and playing ball even when it’s too hot outside.” Elite X9 Mini Basketball Hoop, $269.99, Indoor Hooper.

Yogi Super Antioxidant Green Tea. “I don’t like to drink coffee too early in the mornings, but I do love the routine of making a cup of tea. This green tea is my daily go-to. It’s got a hint of sweetness to it and much less caffeine than a cup of coffee, which helps to ease me into the day.” Yogi Green Tea Super Antioxidant 4-Pack, $15.96, Amazon.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on photographer NICKI SEBASTIAN, Duster co-founder MELISSA MAGSAYSAY, Herman Miller creative director KELSEY KEITH, chef VALERIE GORDON, artist ERIN JANG, Chicago party mom KRISTEN KAZA, Hedley & Bennett founder ELLEN MARIE BENNETT, Mochi Kids founder AMANDA STEWART, chef CRISTINA KISNER, chef CAMILLA MARCUS, artist CAROLINE Z HURLEY, Just Date founder SYLVIE CHARLES, food icon AMANDA HESSER, Prickly Pear founder MONA BAHRAINI, Solace Summer founder MEGAN BRE CAMP, Wonder Valley co-founder ALISON CARROLL, OZMA designer HEIDI BAKER, author TIFFANY ROSE SMITH, HEIDI BAKER of OZMA, and PHOEBE SUNG of Cold Picnic.

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For today’s MOTHER ESSENTIALS column, Jordan Karim brought us through her day-to-night routine as a busy mom of three and founder of halal-certified, clean skincare brand Flora & Noor. Originally created to cater to her own skincare needs and her son’s eczema, Flora & Noor products are vegan, alcohol-free, free of animal by-products, Leaping Bunny Certified, and especially great for those with melanin-rich skin and chronic skin conditions like melasma, eczema, and hyperpigmentation. Below, check out what MOTHER ESSENTIALS keep Jordan—and her kiddos Amirah, 5, Rami, 4, and their newborn sibling—going, from sun up to sun down.

Oatmeal & Shea Body Butter. “My little ones and I start our morning routine with showers and after we lather our bodies in Flora & Noor’s Oatmeal & Shea Body Butter. My son has eczema and it does wonders for him and it keeps our skin moisturized throughout the entire day despite having incredibly dry skin.” Oatmeal & Shea Body Butter, $26, Flora & Noor and Amazon.

Vitamin C Collection. “As a busy mom, my skincare routine is simple, effective, and quick using Flora & Noor’s Vitamin C Collection. The Boost & Brighten Vitamin C Cleanser, Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner, Super Glow Gel Moisturizer, and Bright Side Serum work together to give me cleaner, brighter, tighter, and hydrated skin.” Vitamin C Collection, $120, Flora & Noor and Ulta.

Restoration & Renewal Kit. “Since watching me get ready, my little ones love facial massages, so we all treat ourselves to an at-home spa treatment using Flora & Noor’s Restoration & Renewal Kit. The 100% authentic jade stone facial roller and gua sha are cooling and soothing and help to relieve puffiness, tone, and sculpt my face, and it’s fun for my little ones!” Restoration & Renewal Kit, $38, Flora & Noor.

Smoothies. “For breakfast, I love making smoothies with my kids! It’s super fun and healthy for everyone, plus you can’t go wrong with a delicious drink and a dose of vitamins.”

Daniel Tiger. “During breakfast and before school, my kids always watch Daniel Tiger. It’s their favorite show and he has much better manners than Bluey!” Daniel Tiger via PBS.

Serving Beauty Podcast. “After school drop-off, I love to start my day listening to my favorite podcast, Serving Beauty with Kitiya King on Apple Podcasts. Listening to other beauty founders and their journey is motivating and gets me going and inspired for the day.” ServingBeautyPod.com.

Bubble Tea. “After school pick-up, we go for a treat because we celebrate the small wins in life such as getting through the day! We are obsessed with bubble tea and boba and love trying different local small businesses.”

Grandma Check-In’s. “Family is everything, so my kids and I both call my mom twice a day to catch up.”

Khan Academy. “No matter how busy I am, I will always make time to study with my kids. Khan Academy is our go-to because the learning games are fun, motivating, and enjoyable for me too.” KhanAcademy.org.

Shahid. “To wind down, I use Shahid, an Arabic streaming platform to watch most of my shows. It also has kid shows and programming, too!”

Bedtime Stories. “Every night before bed is storytime. Two books my kids are loving right now are Carmen Agra Deedy’s The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! and How Kofi Amero Became the Hero of Amero by Kya Johnson.” The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!, $15.49, Amazon and Bookshop. How Kofi Amero Became the Hero of Amero, $26, Amazon and Bookshop.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on photographer Nicki Sebastian, Duster co-founder MELISSA MAGSAYSAY, Herman Miller creative director KELSEY KEITH, chef VALERIE GORDON, artist ERIN JANG, Chicago party mom KRISTEN KAZA, Hedley & Bennett founder ELLEN MARIE BENNETT, Mochi Kids founder AMANDA STEWART, chef CRISTINA KISNER, chef CAMILLA MARCUS, artist CAROLINE Z HURLEY, Just Date founder SYLVIE CHARLES, food icon AMANDA HESSER, Prickly Pear founder MONA BAHRAINI, Solace Summer founder MEGAN BRE CAMP, Wonder Valley co-founder ALISON CARROLL, OZMA designer HEIDI BAKER, author TIFFANY ROSE SMITH, HEIDI BAKER of OZMA, and PHOEBE SUNG of Cold Picnic.

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Across the country, nearly every child is now “back to school,” which brings with it a new season of routine for both kids and parents. Sartorially speaking, what to dress your kids—and yourself—for everyday drop-offs, pick-ups, and everything in-between is often top of mind for us. Which is why we’ve asked some of our favorite mamas coast-to-coast to share and break-down their tried-and-true Back-To-School style. Check out our first inspiring subject, below!

The Mother: Mariama Wang, San Francsico-based mom of a 2nd grader and 3rd grader

Did you do “back to school” shopping this year?
“Yes. We shopped at Nike, Mini Rodini, Hanna Andersson, Primark, Tea Collection, and Cotton-On Kids this year. I like these brands because I’m able to combine pieces of what I like and what my boys like. For example, they get the athletic sweat pants from Nike and Primark, and I will pair it with a Mini Rodini tee and Tea Collection hoodie and they will complete their look with their basketball sneakers.”

What kind of things were you looking for?
“My boys are very much into sports/athletic brands these days because of their active involvement with sports. They love going for solid baggy sweat pants, b-ball shorts, leggings to wear under their shorts, and thermals for short sleeve shirts. Meanwhile, I like brands that are playful, retro, quirky, with fun prints. So, I’ll look for items that are similar to what they will gravitate towards that have fun and whimsical patterns on them.”

Do you have a Back-To-School shopping philosophy?
*My BTS philosophy is I don’t make it a major event because I know the brands that I like and I’ll shop throughout the year opportunistically. When I go shopping with the boys, I let them pick out what they like. Of course, they always  run over to me asking for my advice, which means they appreciate my style.” :)

Do your kids have an opinion on what they wear?
“OMG my oldest son definitely has an opinion! And his style is Nike, Nike, Nike hands-down and he does not want me interfering. I’m in constant negotiation with him when it comes to his style, so we made an agreement that we each get to pick an item for his school fits going forward. Sometimes if I’m lucky he’ll wear what I have already picked out because he does not want to look for something to wear. My youngest usually just goes with the flow and never fights me. Since school started in mid-August they really have been styling themselves.”

When it comes to your Back-to-School style as a mom, what are you going for?
*My BTS style is chic and simple. My boys school is about a 5-minute walk from our home. I’m always cutting it close for drop-off time. So I usually have to find something quick to put on and  jumpsuits or mom jeans (paired with a cotton crop-top and a lightweight jacket or cardigan) are my go-to pieces. It’s always fun to finish off my look with a pair of socks, sunglasses, and clogs or kicks.”

Mariama wears a Babaa sweater, Zara top and jeans, No. 6 clogs, and Weld MFG socks (left). Her jumpsuit is from Everlane (right).

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What are the best Labor Day Sales 2023 has in store? We’ve rounded up some of our favorites for the whole family below—including timely Back To School clothing sales, discounted backpacks, lunchboxes, school uniforms, and more. Happy shopping!

Adidas: Take up to 55% off sale price and full price with code september.

Aliya Wanek: Shop wares up to 70% off.

Anthropologie: Take up to 40% off furniture, outdoor, candles, bedding, and more!

Boden: Take 30% off everything with the code Z9F9.

Carolyn Suzuki Goods: All orders receive a free gift!

CB2: Take up to 40% off, and up to 70% off clearance.

Clare V: Get free ground shipping on orders $100+

Coyuchi: Take 20% off Effortless Essentials, and get free shipping on $300+ in purchases.

Crate & Barrel and Crate & Kids: Shop thousands of items at up to 55% off.

Dodo Banana: Shop deeply discounted PJs in the Outlet section.

Ergobaby: Take 25% off all bouncers.

Everlane: Take up to 60% off over 200 styles.

Evereden: Up to 25% off site-wide.

Famous Footwear: Use code BACK2SCHOOL2023 for discounts.

FREDA Salvador: Take 20% off the brand’s iconic sneakers.

Gap: Up to 70% off select items.

Girlfriend Collective: Take up to 2o% off site-wide. Plus, score a recycled backpack of your choice if you spend $125+.

Hanna Andersson: Take up to 40% off everything.

Hansel From Basel: Enjoy 20% off with the code hardlyworking20.

HATCH Collection: Take 25% off almost everything with code LABORDAY.

H&M: Shop a variety of sale items, plus other discounts for members. And: check-out the recently opened Halloween Shop!

Janie + Jack: Enjoy up to 70% off select styles and an extra 20% off sale styles.

J.Crew: Take an extra 60% off sale items and 40% off everything else, with code SHOPNOW.

Jenny Pennywood: Check out the brand’s new potholders!

Lady Falcon Coffee Club: Score free shipping worldwide!

Lulu & Georgia: Take 20% off site-wide, including markdowns.

Madewell: Take 30% off pre-fall styles, plus an extra 40% off sale!

Maisonette: Take up to 40% off over thousands of items, plus check out the ever-popular Halloween Shop!

Mango & Mango Kids: Take up to 30% off everything with code EXTRA30.

Marimekko: Take an extra 20% off all sale items.

Miles + Milan: Take 25% off Back To School Basics.

Mochi Kids: Take 20% off Mochi Kids Apparel (excluding preorders) with the code LABORDAY. Plus, ALL sale items are now 50% off in the sale section.

Neighbor: Take 20% off all outdoor furniture and accessories.

Nike: Save up to 50% off on select styles.

Noble: Take 50% off new sale selects.

Our Place: Score 40% off the Cookware Set, an exclusive Cast Iron Set, and more!

Outdoor Voices: Take up to 70% off in the OV Extra section.

Parachute: Take 15% off mattresses this weekend only.

People I’ve Loved: Knock 20% off everything with code SEPTEMBERSALE20.

Pottery Barn Kids: Score up to 70% off toys, gifts, play furniture, and more!

Pact: Shop the entire site in an End of Season sale, this weekend only.

Piccolina Kids: Score 35% off site-wide.

SeaVees: Take up 60% off select styles for men and women.

Sephora: Get up to 50% off top brands.

Summer Solace: Free shipping for $175+.

Tea Collection: Take 20% off site-wide and an extra 30% off sale!

The Children’s Place: The entire site is up to 80% off!

Toki Mats: Shop the Imperfects and Sale section for nice discounts.

The Tot: Take up 40% off all Hart+Land Essentials.

The post Labor Day Sales 2023 appeared first on MOTHER.

The pewter shards of summer’s sharp light soften into the golden tilt of autumn as September creaks its hinges open to the fresh possibility of becoming who you are. Summer was no bed of roses. Instead, many awakened to the thorny awareness of imbalance and disrespect in our relationships and approach to giving and receiving love, both from ourselves and others. Ouch. But after a season spent confronting and tending to the sting of these emotional wounds, fall makes it clear that it’s time to unravel the bandages and get back on our feet.

A new resilience is the crown jewel of September when Venus finally stations direct in Leo on September 3, solidified by a commitment to authenticity. We’ve had time to get clear and precise about our core values, and now we need to turn those standards into bold actions. Moving through the world with loud self-respect may jar critics. Some of us may be regarded as unwelcome strangers. Double ouch. What loving guidance would you give the children in your life when faced with the necessary trials of growth? Take your own advice, and above all remain loyal to your truest self.

Committing to loving yourself is certainly work, but it doesn’t have to feel like it. A new moon in Virgo on September 14 highlights the harvest of joy that is possible through acts of self-respect—inherent forms of self-care. Mercury turns direct in Virgo the very next day, ensuring that our boundaries and priorities are clearly articulated through our habits. 

A full moon in Aries on September 29 ends the month with a few fiery and unpredictable curveballs. Again, consider this a test of self-growth. Whatever happens, dealing with it will likely be a solo job. An entrepreneurial spirit can only strengthen your resolve.

September Legend:

September 3: Venus stations direct in Leo
September 4: Jupiter stations retrograde in Taurus
September 14: New Moon in Virgo
September 15: Mercury stations direct in Virgo
September 23: The Sun enters Libra
September 29: Full Moon in Aries

The post September 2023 Horoscopes appeared first on MOTHER.

It’s simply a fact: everyone who meets Nicki Sebastian loves her. This includes us—and every single mom whom Nicki has photographed for MOTHER over the past several years. It’s no surprise then that so many folks poured heaps of support onto Nicki—and her family—when she was suddenly diagnosed with leukemia in 2020. Thankfully, her cancer is now in remission and her unbreakable spirit is shining brighter than ever. Below, the Los Angeles-based photographer, witty pun-lover, and mother of two (Cami, 10, and Cece, 6) shares her current Mother Essentials of the moment.

My Favorite T-Shirt. “I love this cheeky tee and everything illustrator Emily Miller creates—but the shirt now has special significance given the turn my life took after my cancer diagnosis. I wear it with pride (and with a colorful midi-skirt and sneakers) often!” Rodeo Tee, $22, Emily Elizabeth Miller.

Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara. “I’ve been wearing eye makeup on a daily basis since 8th grade (I never leave the house without a solid cat-eye). So, trust me when I tell you I’ve wear-tested every mascara on the market over the past 25+ years—and this one checks every box and then some: clean, lengthening, curling, thickening, buildable and miraculously non-clumping no matter how many coats you apply!” Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara, $20, Sephora.

Everyday Humans Sunscreen Glow Oil. “I purchased this on a whim before a sun-soaked vacation, and now I wear it daily and religiously all over my body, regardless of outdoor exposure. It’s a dry oil that’s somehow not one bit greasy, yet incredibly hydrating—and the bergamot notes and trademarked glowy blend make me look and feel like I’ve spent a day peeling oranges in Capri and not sitting hunched over my laptop in a two-cat household.” Everyday Humans Sun Glazed SPF 30 Sheer Body Glow Oil Sunscreen, $20, Amazon.

7 Virtues Orange Blossom Perfume. “Humble brag alert: I’ve been told that I smell good when hugged, and beyond a basic shower (which happens less frequently than I’d like to admit), I credit those compliments to this fragrance and this fragrance alone. The ingredients are super clean and sustainable, and the company’s founder is an activist at heart who is working to raise funds and awareness to rebuild war-torn nations and empower young women across the globe.” The 7 Virtues Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum, $55, Sephora.

STATE Bags Suitcases for Kids. “We recently traveled for almost a month as a family with only one carry-on each—and not-so-secretly, I wish mine was as cute as the luggage that STATE makes. Yes, they’re an investment, but nothing brings me more joy than seeing my girls pack their own bags, fold and re-fold the contents with zero complaints, and willingly carry their own luggage around the world—and STATE makes it all possible. Plus, the company was founded by dear friends with the biggest hearts and a give-back mission that makes each purchase a real do-good-feel-good buy.” Logan Suitcase, $225, STATE Bags.

LOOP Canvas Needlepoint Kits. “When I was in the hospital in treatment for a month at a time, and I finished Netflix entirely, LOOP needlepointing became my therapy in more ways than one. The patterns are fit for any design-savvy aesthete, the whole process is at once calming and gratifying, and the end result is always frameable (I made one for each of my girls, and they hang in their rooms as a reminder of the strength we find within ourselves in the most adverse of situations). Also, for those doubting their skills, these kits are perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike!” LoopCanvas.com.

Normal Family by Chrysta Bilton. “I love a gripping memoir as much as the next person, but my goodness, this book had me completely entranced from start to finish—so much so that I’m still thinking about it months and months later, and I recommend it to anyone who will listen. I feel so lucky to know the author on a personal level, and I can attest that she is an extraordinary human with an astounding story that will leave you in awe of all that she has endured.” Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met My 35 Siblings, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.

CaraKits. “Now that I’m a lifetime member of the Worst Club Ever (the Cancer Club), I’m often asked for advice on how to help or what to give someone who is newly diagnosed and/or undergoing treatment—and one of my go-to responses is CaraKit boxes. The founder is a survivor herself, and the kits include products that are comforting, practical, and treatment-safe—and everything offered has been vetted by doctors, nurses, and patients themselves. In a sea of adult coloring books and pink ribbon mugs, these boxes are a genuine way to offer some meaningful support to those who have been affected by the unthinkable.” CaraKit.com.

Midland Shop Smokehouse Candle. “My dear friends Paige and Kelly are the owners of my favorite LA boutique, Midland, and their brick and mortar stores embody this impossible-to-classify signature scent that is so memorable and delicious that I often wait as long as possible to wash any clothes that I’ve purchased from them because I never want it to wear off. But, as of recently, they’ve managed to capture said scent, delight our olfactory receptors, and give us the chance to bring it into our homes with a line of eponymous candles—and Smokehouse is my personal favorite.” Smokehouse Candle, $44, Midland Shop.

Heather Taylor Home Tissue Box Covers. “It’s no surprise I’m wholly obsessed with anything and everything HTH (she’s been a client and pal for years), but never have I ever imagined myself ogling a tissue box cozy! Fast forward to now, where I have one in every room of our home—and now I don’t have to subject myself to Kleenex’s stock designs that haven’t been updated since I blew my nose in middle school.” Tissue Box Cover, $38, Heather Taylor Home.

Meduse Sun Jelly Sandals. “I picked these up at Clare V a few weeks ago, and I can’t put into words how nostalgically happy they make me! The kelly green hue provides a perfect pop when paired with a navy striped shirt and cut-offs (my daily uniform), and putting them on my feet immediately transports me to humid and bored east coast summers in the 90s.” Meduse Sun Jelly Sandals, $35, Clare V.

Here and Now Framed Print. “I suppose I’ll plug my best-selling print that hangs front-and-center in the entry of our home. I shot this on film between rounds of chemo during a walk on the beach with family, and the message couldn’t have been more significant to me at that time (and every day henceforth, quite frankly).” Here & Now Print, $150, Nicki Sebastian.

Koala Eco Kitchen Spray. “Nothing brings me a sense of calm like wiping a surface, and I swear by this Koala Eco spray—it’s plant-based, eco-friendly and smells like an Ojai orange grove! My only qualm is that it’s so addictively good that I spend the majority of my days cleaning counters instead of tackling more pressing needs!” Lemon Myrtle & Mandarin Essential Oil Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner, $13, Amazon and Koala Eco.

Lucy Michel Ceramics. “Our house is peppered with Lucy’s masterpieces, as they’re the ideal mix of form and function. Sign up for her periodic site drops to snag her iconic snack plates or bowl/mugs—each and every piece is thoughtfully created by a mom of two who can throw like no other and who also could moonlight as a professional comedienne; she does it all, folks!” Green Gingham Vase, $68, Lucy Michel.

DyeKween Floral Printed Bandanas, Socks, Scrunchies. “Flowers are my love language (and a symbol of strength and grace and beauty in a world full of so much of the opposite)—and DyeKween founder Amanda de Beaufort is truly masterful with the ways in which she uses them. Her unique and toxin-free dye techniques in effect create mini botanical paintings on everything from socks to eye masks to scrunchies!” Floral Printed Organic Cotton Bandana, $50, DyeKween.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on Duster co-founder MELISSA MAGSAYSAY, Herman Miller creative director KELSEY KEITH, chef VALERIE GORDON, artist ERIN JANG, Chicago party mom KRISTEN KAZA, Hedley & Bennett founder ELLEN MARIE BENNETT, Mochi Kids founder AMANDA STEWART, chef CRISTINA KISNER, chef CAMILLA MARCUS, artist CAROLINE Z HURLEY, Just Date founder SYLVIE CHARLES, food icon AMANDA HESSER, Prickly Pear founder MONA BAHRAINI, Solace Summer founder MEGAN BRE CAMP, Wonder Valley co-founder ALISON CARROLL, OZMA designer HEIDI BAKER, author TIFFANY ROSE SMITH, HEIDI BAKER of OZMA, and PHOEBE SUNG of Cold Picnic.

The post Mother Essentials: Nicki Sebastian appeared first on MOTHER.

Last week we welcomed one of our favorite Madrid-based mamas—Marta Bahillo—to the Bay Area, with not one, but two events to celebrate the mother of 4 and her cult-followed knitwear line, Babaà. We kicked things off with a pop-up shopping experience at Kamperett (including all-day drinks by WYNK and lush florals by Matilda’s Bloom Box), and kept things going with a fireside chat with Marta about her business, life, inspiring motherhood ethos, and more. Our evening event was brought to life with wine by Valley, bites by moonbowls and Beehive Cheese, Deux Cranes chocolates, tabletop wares by Year & Day, and the very best attendees.

Check out 30+ Babaà x Kamperett x MOTHER party pics below!

The post 30+ Babaà x Kamperett x MOTHER Party Pics! appeared first on MOTHER.

What does an art-obsessed mama lean on for her day-to-day must-haves? Jeanine Jablonski is here to tell you. As the Senior Director of ILY2, an extraordinary new commercial gallery which opened in Portland earlier this year, art is life for both Jeanine and her kids August, 4, and Roe, 7, who are often seen gallery-hoping alongside their mom on Instagram. Below, the talented and passionate creative—whom we were so happy to meet in face-to-face at our Portland event—fills us in on her current and colorful Mother Essentials. Prepare to be inspired!

Art! “As Senior Director of ILY2, my first recommendations are obviously going to be artists to be looking at and collecting. I’m currently looking at and working with Pacific Northwest-based artists Paige Powell, Ido Radon, Melanie Flood, and sidony o’neal. I’m also actively working with clients to place ceramic works by Leena Similu (my dear friend/incredible artist/fellow mama), Nicole Ondré, and Bri Ruis. I also covet many of Bonnie Lucas‘ Untitled works from 1978/79, likely my next personal art purchase.”

New Eve Fowler Editions. “ILY2 just released two editions by Eve Fowler, and they are incredible. I just bought them for my own collection and have encouraged everyone I know to do the same! At $400 for the pair, it’s a prodigious, affordable investment in work by an important L.A.-based artist. We have some prints remaining, but not for long!” Eve Fowler Prints, $250 each of $400 for a pair, ILY2.

Front-Facing Parenting. “As a working mom in the art world, I’ve made it an underlying priority these last seven years not to hide that I’m a parent. There can be opacity around this in my profession, but I think it’s important for the mirror neurons of others to see you can do parenting and career! ILY2’s Founder and Creative Director Allie Furlotti and I make this integration a priority always.”

Soho House Portland. “Soho House is coming to Portland and I’m excited for this up-leveled moment in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been working on artwork for their collection in the new Portland house, and it’s very clear it will be a welcome aesthetic addition to our city (Google the renderings—the pool!) Opening in the Troy Laundry building in SE Portland this fall.” 

PICA a.k.a. Portland Institute for Contemporary Art. “PICA has been the rock in Portland’s contemporary art ecosystem with its core of powerful women Artistic Directors mounting important exhibitions (like o’neal’s recent Enchiridion: aisle, spine, resort) and its annual internationally-recognized Time-Based Art (TBA) Festival, while supporting the full spectrum of Portland’s artist community. I’m excited to see what new Executive Director Reuben Roqueñi will bring forward in the years to come.” PICA.org.

MADRE Linen. “Jeanie and Shay are magic moms based here in Portland, and their linen wares are so good. I have the napkins in MAÍZ (the most gorgeous deep blue), which elevates weeknight dinners with my family. Next up for me is a MADRE tablecloth—my 7-year-old loves to set a fancy table for dinner, and I’m here for it.” MadreLinen.com.

Hand-Me-Downs. “Clothing shopping for my kids brings me a lot of joy (Bobo Choses and Animals Observatory are faves—check out Avec El in L.A. next time you are there!) but I also love them wearing clothes with a history. My best friend McKenzie in Vermont has kids several years older than mine, so she has been sending boxes since my oldest was an infant. Seeing my kids in an item that her girls have worn feels so special and keeps us connected.”

What’s Cooking at 10 Garden Street and What’s Cooking in Flowerville by Felicita Sala. “The kids and I love these books; both the aesthetics + the simple recipes, which are easy to make together. My 4-year-old, August, loves to go through Sala’s beautifully illustrated ingredient lists for each recipe. Sometimes we make the recipes into songs!” What’s Cooking at 10 Garden Street, $13.90, Bookshop & Amazon. What’s Cooking in Flowerville, $13.90, Bookshop & Amazon.

Consignment Shopping. “Portland has upped its consignment game in the last few years, with three fantastic woman-owned shops here that are thriving: Vein of Gold, Deep Lake, and the new Emily Katz-owned Circle Round.”

Bread + Roses Market. “This SE Foster spot is on my way to grab my youngest at Montessori and wow, what a Portland gem. It has everything you need. I sometimes shop based on a mood or an ingredient and cook from there, and this place is ideal for that. Truffle pate on toast corners with crudite was one recent dinner the kids loved, inspired by shopping here. It’s right across the block from Hammer + Jacks, a fave toy store.” BreadandRosesMarket.com.

ONINO. “A small batch chili crisp that’s the best on everything! Really. It’s better than any I’ve tried. I just saw that a fave Portland breakfast spot, Sweedeedee, now carries it in their pantry, or you can order direct.” OninoBK.com.

Tibi. “This brand has been game changing for me in the last year. I love their Stella cargo pant, their suiting, their knits. The idea is that you are building a wardrobe to last, and I want so much each season. My most recent addition is the Nylon Asymmetrical Balloon Skirt, and my list of fall wants is growing. Tibi founder Amy Slimovic is fascinating, and recently released a book, The Creative Pragmatist.” Tibi.com.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on Duster co-founder Melissa Magsaysay, Herman Miller creative director KELSEY KEITH, chef VALERIE GORDON, artist ERIN JANG, Chicago party mom KRISTEN KAZA, Hedley & Bennett founder ELLEN MARIE BENNETT, Mochi Kids founder AMANDA STEWART, chef CRISTINA KISNER, chef CAMILLA MARCUS, artist CAROLINE Z HURLEY, Just Date founder SYLVIE CHARLES, food icon AMANDA HESSER, Prickly Pear founder MONA BAHRAINI, Solace Summer founder MEGAN BRE CAMP, Wonder Valley co-founder ALISON CARROLL, OZMA designer HEIDI BAKER, author TIFFANY ROSE SMITH, HEIDI BAKER of OZMA, and PHOEBE SUNG of Cold Picnic.

The post Mother Essentials: Jeanine Jablonski appeared first on MOTHER.

In the not-so-distant past, the primary narrative around breastfeeding was that it’s both “easy” and “natural” to most mothers. Thankfully, hordes of women who have had contrary experiences have been speaking up and sharing their stories of late, changing the narrative and normalizing struggle. One such mother—of 3 children—is Daniela Procopio, who took her own journey in mind when founding SOLMA Tea, the first ready-to-drink lactation tea supplement designed specifically to make increasing milk production easier and more convenient for breastfeeding mothers. Read about her breastfeeding experience below.

For as long as I could remember, I always wanted to be a mother, and when I became pregnant with my first, I knew right away that I wanted to breastfeed. I had heard amazing stories from other moms and learned about the many benefits it brings to the baby.

But quickly after giving birth, I learned about the flip side of breastfeeding—and the absolute pressure cooker it could become emotionally and physically. I wasn’t prepared for the difficulties I would face or the ups and downs of the postpartum period. It was quite a shock to realize that breastfeeding—which is often represented as completely natural and beautiful—had its challenges. I wasn’t ready for the moments when things didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped—both in terms of the physical discomfort and the emotions of feeling as though I was failing.

While my daughter was able to latch on fairly quickly, I experienced excruciating pain in every initial breastfeeding session. I was fortunate to receive support from a lactation consultant during my hospital stay, and I discovered that many women experience pain during the first week or so of breastfeeding as their bodies adapt to the process. I began hearing the term “sixty second sizzle” used to describe the pain during the initial minute of latching; it felt like my nipple was going through some kind of grinder.

The lactation consultant reassured me that there could be an adjustment period while my body acclimated to breastfeeding, but I couldn’t help but have a love/hate relationship with nursing. I dreaded the experience every time and would feel guilty about it.

Fast forward a few weeks: my daughter and I had gotten into a good rhythm and the sizzle drastically decreased to a “ten second burn.” My husband would always joke that he would know when I was nursing because we would be in the middle of a conversation and I would just abruptly go silent and when he’d come to check on me, there would be a bead of sweat on my upper lip.

When we finally had the hang of breastfeeding itself, another wrench was thrown into my routine: I returned to work. I was so ready to be there mentally, but I was having a hard time producing enough milk. I was having to pump around the clock in order to produce enough milk to send my daughter to daycare with. I used to head into the office quite early in the day, so I would need to wake up no later than 3:30 AM in order to pump, get ready for work, and feed my daughter before leaving for the day. I was just making enough to send her to daycare with breastmilk every day, and the first time I had to travel for work, I realized my supply wasn’t enough to provide her with milk while I was gone.

The amount of pressure I felt to exclusively breastfeed was driving me to near exhaustion, and the realization I would need to supplement with formula crushed me. As new moms, our bodies are adjusting to a number of changes during the postpartum stage to include an influx of hormones. Adding in a narrative that suggested that if you weren’t exclusively breastfeeding, then you weren’t doing “it” right, was debilitating to me.

How could I measure myself to this impossible standard? What chance did I have to be a good mom if I couldn’t produce enough milk to cover the days that I was away from home? What did it say about me if I was a mom who wanted to pursue her dreams both inside and outside the home? Was I being selfish? Was I the problem? My body was not doing what it was supposed to be doing, and I felt like a failure. When I turned to other mothers for support, it was clear that I was not alone in my journey, and I discovered that countless other moms had experienced similar feelings. Their words of encouragement played a crucial role in alleviating my sense of isolation and had a huge impact on my mindset as a mother. I began to view my experience from a different perspective and recognized that the challenges I faced were not exclusive to me. I was able to shift my mindset and approach my role as a new mom with newfound resilience and optimism.

Overtime, I was able to let go of the rigid standards I had set for myself surrounding breastfeeding and what it meant to feed successfully. I began exploring options that worked for me in increasing my milk supply, and I was thrilled to find helpful products that supported me on this journey. Being able to find resources and solutions made me feel empowered and inspired to start something of my own, which is how I came up with the idea for SOLMA Tea—to help replicate what was successful for me and other moms, but in a new way.

In my role at SOLMA Tea, I have the privilege of interacting with new moms every day, and there are a few messages I have for them as they embark on their baby feeding journey. Each postpartum journey is different and you shouldn’t measure your worth based on how the journey is going for you. Fed truly is best. If you decide to embark on the breastfeeding journey, it may hurt while you and your baby both get used to it, but there are resources that you can reach out to, and sometimes all you both need is time to adjust. Being a mom is the greatest privilege in the world AND it’s important you make yourself a priority and continue to chase after your dreams, and the things that make you, you.

Whenever I offer guidance to other moms, I make a conscious effort to avoid the discouraging statements that once kept me feeling hopeless during my early days of motherhood (like, you have to exclusively breastfeed for six months in order for your baby to get the benefits). Creating a kinder, more realistic picture of breastfeeding begins with the stories that we tell one another. Discussing breastfeeding as a part of an overall journey to motherhood—one filled with ups and downs and one that everyone addresses differently—is key to creating a positive experience for other mothers.

Are you a mother with something to say? SEND US AN EMAIL to be considered for our “MOM TALK” column.

The post When Breastfeeding Doesn’t Go As Planned appeared first on MOTHER.

Check out the new National Geographic x West Elm Kids collection. (West Elm Kids)

Reports are saying Rihanna had her baby and it’s a girl. (MediaTakeOut)

Easy access to the abortion pill is now in question—and it’s heading to the Supreme Court. (Axios)

Ashley Olsen is a mom to a son named Otto. (TMZ)

Riley Keough revealed her baby daughter’s name: Tupelo Storm. (Los Angeles Times)

Mothers helping mothers—it never gets old. (NPR)

An absolutely devastating account of surviving the Maui fire. (The Daily)

Ways to help Maui right now. (Google Doc via Kenna Reed)

After just 30 days of e-cigarette use, teens face significant respiratory symptoms. (CNBC)

In case you missed it—Ciara is expecting her 4th! (Instagram)

50+ back-to-school fashion styles we love…and backpacks! (MOTHER)

How to (actually) talk to kids. (Vox)

Sonnet James is having a 40% off sale of mom-friendly wares. (Sonnet James)

Reformation’s having a 30% off sale. (Reformation)

How’s your August horoscope shaping up? (MOTHER)

The post West Elm Kids x National Geographic, & More Motherlode News! appeared first on MOTHER.

From the Coolest Lunchboxes and Backpacks to the Best School Uniforms, we’ve got you covered for #BTS season. Below, we’re rounding up some of our top picks for Comfy Clothing for Back To School! These sweet options prove you no longer need to sacrifice style for comfort.

The post Comfy & Cute Clothing For Back To School appeared first on MOTHER.

We’ve already filled you in on the Coolest Lunchboxes for Back-to-School, and now we’re delivering the best backpacks for kids! From sophisticated solids for big kids to playful prints for littles, we’ve culled a variety of crowd-pleasers below. Including mini-versions for the Pre-K crowd, and roomier options for elementary, middle, and high school needs. Which is your fave?

The post The Coolest Backpacks for Kids appeared first on MOTHER.

Check it out—Rihanna’s new maternity bra collection for Savage x Fenty is here! (Savage x Fenty)

How you can help the many families of Lahaina, Hawaii, devastated by wildfires. (Google Doc via Kenna Reed)

The FDA approved the first pill to treat postpartum depression. (USFDA)

How parents’ mental health suffers right alongside their children’s. (CBS, Time)

The founder of “house dress” brand Duster on her current must-haves. (MOTHER)

Shop it: Gabby’s Dollhouse x LEGO! (Amazon)

Mini Rodini x Wrangler is live. (Mini Rodini)

Giada De Laurentiis has a new line of pasta and it is delicious. (Giadzy Pasta)

The cutest and coolest lunchboxes for kids. (MOTHER)

School cafeterias are trying to become more appealing to students. (NPR)

Meet the Guinness World Record holder for breastmilk production and donation. (USA Today)

Score 20% off nursing and postpartum basics by Ingrid & Isabel. (Ingrid & Isabel)

Tea Collection is having a big Back To School sale. (Tea Collection)

Hanna Andersson has a new line of gift-able layette pieces for newborns. (Hanna Andersson)

Da Brat debuted her son, True Legend, publically. (Instagram)

More kids are being exposed to toxic e-cigarette nicotine. (New York Times)

The post Rihanna’s Maternity Bra Collection, Supporting Hawaii, & More appeared first on MOTHER.