"Childbirth is not the time to tough it out. The research is overwhelming: we do better when we have companionship and support. Choose a midwife who can provide this and/or look for a doula to complement your maternity care. And, don’t forget the often overlooked postpartum period. You may need more help then than during the birth. Be kind to yourself." ~Peggy O'Mara

"Stress can amplify pain, she said, so singing might relieve the stress of a laboring woman by activating the parts of her nervous system that can calm her down. “This reduces their cortisol levels, relaxes them, reduces their heart rate, reduces blood flow and allows their bodies to go with the progression of labor,” she said.

"The more that women and women’s health practitioners have knowledge of ACEs, the more modalities for prevention of high blood pressure can be prescribed during pregnancy. Our society will be filled with more peaceful birth stories for both mom and baby. Perhaps there would be a decrease in postpartum depression, too. Our world could surely use this healing."

10. She’s A Parent Educator

"This is why shared parenting by the father and other trusted caregivers is important. But with attachment parenting, instead of feeling tied down, mothers feel tied together with their babies. Attachment mothers we interviewed described their feelings: “I feel so connected with my baby.”

Do you receive the Dr. Sears House Calls Newsletter?

Check out this holiday issue

DADS Documentary - including AP Leader Thiago Queiroz!

Learning More about ACEs and Fostering Positive Childhood Experiences with Becky Haas on APtly Said, 3-part extended interview.

"It has taken me countless hours of introspection to be here now, writing about my mother’s mistreatment of me and how it affected me. I needed to clearly and fully understand that it was unnatural and wrong, and that my attempt to get close to her should not have resulted in her punishing me for it by confining me further. Then I explored the vast array of emotional issues and cultural forces that drove my mother to suppress her maternal instinct toward her daughter in particular. Finally I was able to forgive her for her cruelty and neglect.

"To say parents are struggling is an understatement. Sixty-three percent say the pandemic made the 2019-2020 school year extremely stressful for them, according to an August survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association. In the same survey, 77 percent of parents of 8- to 12-year-olds said that uncertainty about the 2020-2021 school year was causing them stress."

"The memories of the large parties and celebrations and who brought or wore what often fade away over time," she said. "But it's the feelings of togetherness and love that will always stand the test of time."

"American teens had surprisingly good outcomes during the pandemic, with decreases in depression and loneliness and only small increases in unhappiness and dissatisfaction with life. Indeed, 53 percent of teens said they have become stronger and more resilient during the pandemic. Although teens were worried about health, economic stressors, and the protests, these challenges were seemingly offset by increases in sleep time and family time. Nevertheless, depression, loneliness, and unhappiness are still at unacceptably high levels among American teens.

'Ultimately, children pick up on cues from adults, and parents/caregivers must model appropriate reactions to the events on the news. Information should be shared calmly and concisely with your child. This helps model for your child that they can feel comfortable discussing hard topics with you. Being calm doesn’t mean that parents need to hide all of their feelings – it is important for your child to see that you are human and have feelings too! It is also okay to take time for yourself to process what you are seeing before you discuss with your child.

December 2020 issue of "Breastfeeding Today" from La Leche League International

The Legacy of Persistence

Softening into Motherhood

Rooting Around: How a Nation Found Its Way Back to Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding throughout Generations

How Being an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Has Become My Dream Job