Kimmie Fink

When first-time expectant moms learn about the very real possibility of having a bowel movement during a vaginal delivery, they're understandably anxious. I mean, no one wants to take a dump in front of complete strangers at a moment that is supposed…

Little kids have big ears — and eyes, too, it would seem. I'm sure it hasn't escaped your notice that your kids are watching your every move. Careful observation is how children learn about the world, and there's no example more accessible than paren…

I'm not one to buy into the trope of the bumbling first-time father who can't figure out which appendage goes in which onesie hole, but even I have to admit there's a reason we all laugh at the meme of the dad "getting the kids ready for bed" (read: …

For working moms, the end of maternity leave is an inevitability. It may reach its conclusion after six weeks (thanks, America) or six months. It could be paid or unpaid or a combination. But the fact remains that if you want to keep your job, it wil…

Talking about pregnancy pain is taboo. If we're being honest, most people would prefer that us preggos pretend that we enjoy the entire experience. Our discomfort makes them uncomfortable, and that's never more true than when referring to the area be…

The fact that our now 3-year-old daughter still sucks her thumb is a point of contention between my husband and me. He's ready to try an intervention, whereas I'd prefer to let it run its course. We need to be on the same page, though, and it's a con…

Nesting — it's not just for mama birds. The urge to clean, organize, and otherwise prepare your home for the arrival of a baby is common among human mothers, too. It's not a medical condition, but that doesn't mean it's not a real biological instinct…

For a baby to show a preference for a specific person is not only normal, but an essential part of their development. Babies need to form strong attachments to their caregivers for their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. Usually, but not alw…

Every pregnancy is unique, and for better or for worse, your second pregnancy will probably different from your first. That's not to say there won't be some similarities — pregnancy follows a similar trajectory each time. You'll definitely benefit fr…

When the term Xennial — a word that describes the micro-generation born between 1977 and 1983 — came on the scene, it didn't take long before it was applied to mothers. We've been discussing millennial mom characteristics for so long, it makes sense …

Everyone will tell you that 3 is worse, but you still have to navigate the terrible (or is it terrific?) twos before you get there. If you ask someone to picture a 2-year-old toddler, they'll likely describe a charming cherub gleefully engaged in pla…

In my line of work, I've come across any number of strange and terrifying pregnancy terms, including "bloody show," "stress-induced incontinence," and "nipple hyperpigmentation," just to name a few. Given how challenging my pregnancies are (from hype…

When you're a military spouse and mom, people make assumptions. Some are favorable, and others, well, not so much. Like most groups, though, our strength is in our diversity. We don't all have direct marketing businesses (although some of us do) or y…

Skittles. Starburst. Snickers. Everyone has a favorite candy. Because this is America, people — land of the free and home of the refined sugar. For those without dietary restrictions, satisfying a chewy hankering is as close as your nearest grocery s…

Mom-shamers don't discriminate. No matter what parenting choice you make, someone will find a way to criticize your decision. It's hurtful when the comment comes from a stranger or an acquaintance, but I'd argue it's not too hard to let those comment…

In those first weeks of new motherhood, it can feel like you need an interpreter for your newborn. With their limited means of communication, figuring out what message your baby is trying to get across to you can be a challenge. With time, however, y…

The general public has developed the unfortunate habit of inserting itself into a person's parenting decisions. Perfect strangers will tell moms and dads that their child is clearly too big for that stroller, too old for that pacifier, and definitely…

Exercise is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy. Well, that's what my husband keeps telling me. He's not wrong, though, and a regular exercise routine can help alleviate pregnancy discomforts, stress, and help prepare your body for childbirth. C…

Accidents happen. When you have kids, they're something of an inevitability. That doesn't make us moms feel better, though, especially when we're the ones who are the cause of the casualty (and it happens far more often than we'd perhaps like to admi…

Returning to work after maternity leave is a challenge faced by many new moms and, in this country, it's something they often have to deal with sooner than they should. There are a lot of emotions to process, including the pull of your career versus …