While an advance directive can’t change Adriana’s heartbreaking situation, her story is a powerful reminder of why these documents matter.

This episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast explores what advance directives are, how they work, and why every adult, especially those who are pregnant or parenting, should have one in place.

These tools can’t stop every crisis, but they can make sure you’re not silenced when it matters most.

What is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to share your healthcare wishes in case you’re ever unable to speak for yourself.

It usually includes:

• A living will, which outlines the types of care you’d want (or not want), like life support or feeding tubes
• A medical power of attorney, naming someone you trust to make medical decisions for you

You can complete these documents without a lawyer, and they’re free to access online. Most states allow you to simply download a form, have it witnessed or notarized, and that’s it. You can also update your directive at any time if your wishes change.

A great place to start is CaringInfo.org, which offers free, state-specific advance directive forms.

Why having an Advance Directive Matters—Especially in Pregnancy

While serious complications during pregnancy are rare, emergencies can happen in an instant. Whether it’s a car accident, a sudden health crisis, or an unexpected turn during birth, having a plan in place for your medical care is an essential part of preparing for parenthood.

Pregnancy is a time filled with thoughtful planning—from decorating the nursery to choosing baby names and mapping out your birth preferences. But what about your medical wishes if something unexpected happens and you’re unable to speak for yourself?

That’s where an advance directive comes in. It’s a legal document that allows you to outline your preferences and designate the people you trust to make decisions on your behalf. It’s about making sure your voice is honored.

But here’s something many people don’t realize—your advance directive might not be honored if you’re pregnant, depending on where you live.

In nine states—Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin—your advance directive can be automatically invalidated during pregnancy, no matter what it says.

That means even if you’ve made your wishes crystal clear, the law may require life-sustaining treatment to continue simply because you’re pregnant.

In 20 other states, your wishes may only be followed if a physician determines the fetus isn’t viable or wouldn’t survive even with treatment. Those states include: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Washington.

Yes, in nearly 30 states, there are regulations regarding advance directives during pregnancy.

So while creating an advance directive is still a crucial step in advocating for your care, it’s equally important to understand how your state’s laws treat pregnancy-related exclusions.

Unless, heartbreakingly, you’re in a circumstance like Adriana’s—where even your carefully made decisions can be taken away, the people you love and trust should be the ones making choices for you.

Taking time to create an advance directive and researching your state’s laws can be an empowering act of protection for both you and your baby.

Learn more here.

A True Gift to Your Loved Ones

Advance directives aren’t just for you; they’re a gift to the people you love. They offer clarity and peace at a time when everything else feels overwhelming.

And they’re not just for older people. I’ve worked with families who wished they’d had these conversations sooner.

Medical emergencies don’t care how old you are. The younger you are, the more likely you haven’t written your wishes, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

Start Today

You don’t have to wait for a big life event to fill out an advance directive.

You can start today. Right now.

Download your form, have the conversation, choose your person (or people), and write down what matters most. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be done.

Download your form, talk with your loved ones, choose the person (or people) you trust, and put your wishes in writing.

This is healthcare advocacy—and your voice deserves to be heard.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 230

Transcript happily provided upon request.

• CaringInfo.org – Advance Directives by State
• Pregnancy Exclusions for Advance Directives
• Adriana Smith’s GoFundMe

a community.

This episode is brought to you by the Size-Friendly Birth Course—an online training for birth and postpartum professionals ready to provide size-inclusive care for people in larger bodies.

You’ll get:

• 🎥 Over 6 hours of video lessons
• 📘 A 115-page editable PDF workbook with guided activities
• 🕒 6 contact hours for professional development
• 📜 A certificate of completion
• 🌐 Bonus: Access to the Plus Size Birth Circle—our exclusive online platform and mobile app for on-the-go learning and community support

Use code PLUSMOMMY for 20% off at plussizebirth.com!

The post Denied a Say: Why Advance Directives Matter—Even in Pregnancy appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Parenting a teenager is a journey filled with love, growth, awkward moments, and unexpected emotional turns. As children grow into adolescents, the role of a parent evolves in ways that are both beautiful and heartbreaking. These are seven things I’ve learned, often the hard way, since entering this new chapter of motherhood.

1. Parenting a Teen Can Feel Isolating

In the early years, parenting often came with a built-in support system.

I was surrounded by friends who were also new moms, and we shared everything from breastfeeding tips to sleepless nights. We were deeply connected, and nothing felt off-limits.

But as our kids have grown, so has the silence.

With respect for my son’s privacy, I share less about my motherhood journey now, and that shift has brought me an unexpected loneliness.

It’s not that I still don’t have close friends or fellow moms I trust; it’s that some of the things I’m navigating now feel too private to share, even with them.

I find myself walking a tightrope between needing support and honoring my son’s growing independence. And that balance? It’s isolating in a way I never anticipated.

2. The Snuggles Don’t Last Forever

There was a time when I was showered in hugs and endless affection. These days, I’m lucky if I get a quick side hug.

As a parent, I’m proud of the way we’ve chosen to raise our son—especially around body autonomy and consent. From a young age, we taught that “stop” means stop, even during tickle fights. We encouraged him to trust his own boundaries and to respect others’. Now that he’s older, hugs aren’t a given anymore. I ask, “May I have a hug?” And sometimes the answer is no.

And while that stings, I remind myself: his “no” is not rejection—it’s agency.

Sure, there are moments when I miss those spontaneous snuggles so much it hurts. But raising a child who feels safe saying no, even to me, is far more important than my want for a hug.

3. Body Stuff Gets Awkward

The truth is, the body changes of adolescence bring up a lot—for them and for us.

I’ve stumbled through conversations about hygiene, hair care, and even deodorant, trying to strike the right tone.

I want to be supportive, not critical. But sometimes my words land wrong. What I meant as a helpful reminder comes across as judgment. And while I’m trying to keep the lines of communication open, I’ve learned that how I say something matters just as much as what I say.

And then there are the bigger conversations—about puberty, consent, attraction. I’ve always wanted to be the kind of parent my child could talk to about anything, and I think we’ve built a solid foundation. But that doesn’t mean these moments aren’t still awkward. They are. Sometimes painfully so.

But I’d rather wade through that discomfort than say nothing at all.

4. Diet Culture Still Sneaks In

We’ve tried to raise our son in a body-positive home. No food shaming. No diet talk.

We model acceptance and prioritize joyful movement over weight loss goals. And yet, harmful messages still sneak in—through media, peers, even well-meaning adults.

It’s frustrating to watch. And heartbreaking. I know what it’s like to grow up with body shame, and I’ve done so much work to unpack that for myself. But it’s still hard to know how to protect him when the world around him hasn’t changed much.

Sometimes, I find myself questioning everything, especially when old thought patterns try to creep back in. But I remind myself that I’m not just parenting him, I’m still reparenting myself. And doing both at once requires a lot of grace.

5. Car Rides = Connection

I’ve come to treasure our time in the car. It’s one of the few places where my teen opens up without prompting. Maybe it’s the lack of eye contact or the safety of being side by side. Whatever it is, it works.

Some of our best conversations happen during the short drive to school or running errands. I’ve learned not to force it. Just be there, ready to listen when he decides to talk.

Sometimes he surprises me with something big. Other times, it’s small stuff. But I’ve found that what matters most is simply showing up for the conversation—whatever it may be.

6. You’re Going to Mourn the Version of Who They Used to Be While Celebrating Who They Are Becoming

I miss the days of bedtime songs and little hands in mine. I miss being his safe place…his favorite person.

And yet, there’s something so powerful about watching him become who he is now. He’s sharp, insightful, hilarious, and growing more and more independent. The pride I feel watching him advocate for himself or light up talking about a new interest is unlike anything else.

It’s complicated. I can hold joy and grief at the same time. I can long for the past while feeling genuine excitement about the young adult he’s becoming.

If you’re in this phase, you’re not doing it wrong by missing what once was. Letting go of the little version of your child doesn’t make you any less present for who they are now. In fact, it might just help you love them even better.

It’s okay to miss your little buddy. It’s okay to grieve the days when you were their whole world. Missing that doesn’t mean you aren’t showing up for who they are now. It just means you loved that version of them deeply, too.

7. They Still Need You, Just Differently

No more tying shoes or bedtime stories. Now, he needs rides, reminders, and someone sitting quietly beside him without demanding conversation.

He needs space, safety, freedom, and guidance.

Sometimes, he’ll talk my ear off about anime. Other times, I’m lucky if I get a head nod. But when he needs me, really needs me, I try to show up.

It doesn’t always look like it used to, but the need is still there.

Even if they don’t ask for help the way they used to, the need is still there. It just looks different now—less obvious, more layered. Stick around. Be the steady presence in the background. It matters more than they’ll ever say out loud.

You’re doing a great job (even if it doesn’t feel like it).

Go even deeper and feel far less alone by tuning into this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 229

Transcript happily provided upon request.

• Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture by Virginia Sole-Smith
• Dieting Does Not Work – Talking To A Dietitian About Food
• We Can Do Hard Things Audio Support

The post 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Kid Became a Teen appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experience as a two-time NICU parent, Rebecca shares practical advice and deeply moving insights for anyone preparing for birth or recovering after an unexpected hospital stay.

From NICU Parent to NICU Nurse

Rebecca’s path to becoming a nurse began after a traumatic postpartum experience. Her first child was born with a heart condition and whisked away to the NICU moments after birth.

Grieving, overwhelmed, and in physical pain, Rebecca felt completely alone. That experience drove her to become a postpartum doula—and eventually a NICU nurse.

Her rare perspective as both parent and professional allows her to offer care that’s truly trauma-informed and deeply empathetic.

What Postpartum Doulas Really Do

While many families focus on preparing for birth, postpartum often gets overlooked—especially when complications arise.

Rebecca explains how postpartum doulas provide emotional, physical, and practical support. From helping with feeding and newborn care to preparing meals and honoring cultural healing rituals, doulas show up when families need it most.

She also highlights how postpartum doulas can be essential during NICU stays and in processing birth trauma and grief.

How to Prepare for a Possible NICU Stay

While no one wants to imagine their baby needing intensive care, Rebecca gently encourages parents to prepare—just in case.

She shares three simple but impactful steps:

Have a flexible food plan: Prep meals in advance, ask for help with a Meal Train, or list out local delivery options so nourishing food is ready when it’s most needed.

Line up extended support: Identify trusted friends or family who can help with older children, pets, or your home in case of an extended hospital stay.

Choose a communication liaison: Appoint someone to update family and friends, so you’re not reliving emotional updates multiple times a day.

What to Expect in the NICU

The NICU can be overwhelming. Rebecca offers tips to help parents feel more grounded:

• Bring comfort items like a blanket, pillow, slippers, or essential oils.
• Ask for an orientation—learn what monitors do, who’s on your care team, and what to expect during rounds.
• Use a notebook or your phone to jot down questions and record updates.
• Advocate for what you need, like a more comfortable chair or privacy.

“You are part of the care team,” Rebecca emphasizes. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or speak up.”

Staying Connected with Your Baby

Even in the NICU, there are powerful ways to bond:

• Leave behind scent cloths or comforting items so your presence remains when you step away.
• Practice skin-to-skin contact when possible for both bonding and healing.
• Talk, sing, or read aloud so your baby can hear your familiar voice.
• Leave behind scent cloths or comforting items so your presence remains when you step away.

When You Have to Leave the Hospital Without Your Baby

One of the most emotionally painful experiences is going home without your newborn. Rebecca offers compassionate suggestions:

• Create a simple ritual for saying goodbye, like a special phrase or gesture.
• Take home your baby’s blanket or hat to stay connected through scent.
• Remember you can call the NICU anytime for updates—just ask about getting a security code.

Healing in the NICU and Beyond

Rebecca’s book, Navigating the NICU: A Self-Care Guide for Parents, centers on one powerful idea: your postpartum period still matters—even in crisis.

She encourages parents to nourish themselves with warming, grounding foods and to make space for emotional healing by:

• Telling or recording your birth story—unedited and unfiltered.
• Naming the grief and trauma without shame.
• Letting yourself feel everything, and knowing you are not alone.

Learn even more during episode 228 of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 228

Transcript happily provided upon request.

• Buy the book: Navigating the NICU: A Self-Care Guide for Parents
• Explore the shop and community: WeAreMarigolde.com
• Follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Rebecca Servoss, the Co-Founder and COO of Marigolde, is a nurse, writer, and mother. Rebecca has dedicated her adult life to supporting new parents through the transformation of birthing to becoming a family. She profoundly cares that all people traversing the deeply transformational experiences of birth, death, and loss, are met with a compassionate multifaceted framework that centers equity and safety. Rebecca is a Board Certified Holistic Nurse Coach and Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, and offers clients an intuitive and holistic approach to vitality and resilience while creating structure to safely explore and express their grief and reflect on their story.

You’ll get:

• 🎥 Over 6 hours of video lessons
• 📘 A 115-page editable PDF workbook with guided activities
• 🕒 6 contact hours for professional development
• 📜 A certificate of completion
• 🌐 Bonus: Access to the Plus Size Birth Circle—our exclusive online platform and mobile app for on-the-go learning and community support

Use code PLUSMOMMY for 20% off at plussizebirth.com!

The post The NICU and Postpartum: What One Nurse Hopes You Know appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Shari Stamps, a postpartum educator, doula, certified breastfeeding specialist, and cranial sacral therapist, shares essential tips for navigating the postpartum period.

Shari will teach you how to nurture your body, seek professional support, and maintain healthy relationships during this transformative time.

Planning for Postpartum

Postpartum planning for plus size families is critical for helping with a smooth transition into parenthood, yet it often gets overshadowed by the excitement of birth preparation.

Shari emphasizes the importance of this planning, with key postpartum tips including organizing a support system that encompasses healthcare professionals like lactation consultants, mental health providers, and postpartum doulas.

Practical preparations such as meal planning with warm, soft foods that aid digestion and setting up comfort tools like a bidet and peri bottle are also vital (especially for that first bowl movement).

Shari’s insights highlight how thoughtful postpartum planning can alleviate stress, promote healing, and provide new parents with the necessary resources to focus on nurturing their baby and themselves.

Nourishing the Postpartum Body

Shari explains the need for nutrient-rich foods to replenish the body after birth.

Warm, Soft Foods: Foods like congee and soups are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients.

Shari recommended the Ayurvedic diet and Chinese medicinal foods, which help keep the body warm and aid in digestion.

These foods are particularly beneficial for ensuring a gentle and healthy first bowel movement after birth, which can be a daunting experience for new mothers.

Meal Planning: Having meals prepared ahead of time can alleviate stress and ensure proper nutrition. Organize a pantry party or ask friends and family to contribute meals.

Postpartum Tips for Comfort

Shari provided several practical tips to enhance comfort during the postpartum period.

Bidet and Peri Bottle: Using a bidet can significantly improve comfort and hygiene during postpartum recovery.

Shari also recommended having a peri bottle to clean gently after using the bathroom, which can be soothing and help reduce discomfort.

Along with stool softeners and warm, nourishing food, these tools can make the first few bowel movements after birth less daunting and more comfortable.

Padsicles: A padsicle is a menstrual pad infused with soothing ingredients, such as sitz bath tea, and then frozen. It provides cooling relief and reduces inflammation.

Padsicles are beneficial for both vaginal and cesarean births to help soothe the perineal area or the c-section scar, making bathroom trips more comfortable.

Craniosacral Therapy: Shari introduced craniosacral therapy (CST), a modality she has been training in for several years.

CST works with the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and bones, to release tension and promote healing.

CST can address issues like torticollis, reflux, and oral ties in infants, as well as support postpartum mothers. Releasing stored trauma and tension can lead to improved physical and emotional well-being.

Building a Supportive Postpartum Care Team

Shari emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive postpartum care team during pregnancy, which should include mental health providers, lactation consultants, pediatric dentists, and postpartum doulas.

Mental Health Providers: Regular check-ins with a mental health professional can help manage postpartum depression and anxiety.

Lactation Consultants: Early support from a lactation consultant can address breastfeeding challenges and improve outcomes.

Pediatric Dentists: Early evaluation can identify and address oral ties and other issues affecting feeding.

Postpartum Doulas: A postpartum doula can assist with various tasks, provide emotional support, and help parents navigate the early days with a newborn.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of seeking professional support early on.

While services like lactation consultations might seem expensive, they can save parents significant time, money, and stress in the long run. Shari encouraged parents to reach out for help and utilize available resources.

Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Relationships

Shari also discussed the importance of setting boundaries with friends and family and maintaining open communication with partners.

She advised parents to check in regularly with each other, reassessing their needs and expectations as they navigate the challenges of parenthood.

Shari’s wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach to postpartum care make her an invaluable resource for new parents. Learn more during this informative podcast episode!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 220

Transcript happily provided upon request.

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• Connect with Shari Stamps via her website, Navigating Parenthood, and on Instagram.
• Size-Friendly Birth, size-inclusivity training for birth workers.

Shari Stamps is a neurodivergent mom of six and founder of Navigating Parenthood where she offers content, courses, consults, and virtual services to families worldwide, as well as in-person services to families local to Central Valley California. She calls herself a Mom & Baby Specialist because she combines her years of training and certifications to help expecting & postpartum families from a whole health, whole heart functional practice perspective.

The post Practical Postpartum Tips: From Bowel Movements to Boundaries appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Parenting can be a whirlwind, especially when faced with the unique challenges of raising children with behavioral issues, sensory needs, or neurodivergent traits. 

To shed light on this topic, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dana Abraham. 

The Four Key Ingredients of Calm the Chaos

Dana Abraham has finetuned her Calm the Chaos framework, which revolves around four essential ingredients, which she likens to the basic elements needed to bake a cake. These ingredients are:

You: This focuses on the parent’s mindset and self-care. Dana stresses that parents must take care of their own mental and emotional well-being to effectively support their children.

Connection: Building a genuine, empathetic relationship with your child is crucial. This involves showing up consistently in a way that makes the child feel seen, heard, and valued.

Understanding: Parents need to delve deeper into the reasons behind their child’s behavior. This includes recognizing sensory needs, emotional triggers, and skill gaps.

Empowerment: Collaborating with children to build skills, solve problems, and set up effective systems is essential for long-term success.

These ingredients form the foundation of a flexible, adaptable approach that can be tailored to each family’s unique circumstances.

Practical Strategies for Everyday Parenting

Throughout our conversation, Dana shared numerous practical strategies for implementing the Calm the Chaos framework. 

One critical point she made was the importance of connection in everyday moments, not just during dedicated quality time.

“It’s how you show up in a situation. It’s what you say, it’s what your body language is saying,” Dana noted. 

Simple actions like being present, listening actively, and engaging in meaningful interactions can make a significant difference.

Dana also highlighted the need for parents to create a safe environment where children can express their emotions without fear of punishment. 

This involves setting clear boundaries and providing consistent support while addressing underlying issues collaboratively.

Understanding Sensory Needs

One of the key insights Dana emphasizes is the importance of understanding sensory needs and preferences. 

Sensory processing can significantly impact a child’s behavior and daily experiences. 

For example, some children may have strong aversions to certain textures or sounds, while others might seek out intense sensory input.

Recognizing and accommodating these needs can help reduce stress and create a more supportive environment for children.

Parenting is an ongoing journey filled with highs and lows. 

By focusing on connection, understanding, and empowerment, parents can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and positive change for their children and themselves.

Learn even more during this informative interview with Dana during episode 216 of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 216

Transcript happily provided upon request.

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• Connect with Dana Abraham and get a free chapter of her book via her website and Instagram.

Dayna Abraham has become a trusted and proven leader in the parenting community. She is the founder of the popular parenting site ‘Lemon Lime Adventures’ which has accumulated over 41 million viewers in less than seven years. She is also the CEO of Calm the Chaos, a seven-figure company which offers Dayna’s compassionate framework to support thousands of parents worldwide.

The post Helpful Parenting Tips to Calm the Chaos with Dayna Abraham appeared first on Plus Mommy.

How do you help parents avoid projecting their issues with food onto their children?

Many parents want to break the cycle they experienced growing up. It’s crucial to approach this with self-compassion. 

We were raised in diet culture, and those messages are deeply ingrained. 

During high-stress times, it’s easy to default to familiar phrases and behaviors. 

Acknowledging this and striving for progress rather than perfection is key. Open communication and empathy are essential. 

Discussing body changes and normalizing these conversations can create a supportive environment for your children.

Teens and parents can both experience hormonal changes at the same time. How can this be a perfect opportunity for connection?

It’s a unique time when both parents and teens might be going through hormonal changes together (hello, perimenopause). Instead of seeing it as a challenge, it can be a perfect opportunity for connection. 

Normalizing body changes, like needing new clothes or dealing with acne, can open up important conversations. 

For example, you might say, “It’s time to go through our clothes for the new season. I’ve got some pants that don’t fit anymore. How about you?” 

This normalizes body changes and can lead to deeper discussions about how all bodies keep changing. 

By addressing these topics openly, we can create a supportive environment where teens feel comfortable discussing their own changes.

How will the AAP guidelines impact efforts to help kids foster a healthy relationship with food and body image?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends, along with therapy, that doctors offer weight loss drugs to adolescents with a high BMI starting at age 12 and evaluate those 13 and older with a high BMI for bariatric surgery.

It’s a challenging time. The AAP guidelines have made pediatrician’s offices even less safe for kids in larger bodies. 

We need to approach this with a mix of education and advocacy. 

Parents need to know that even within these guidelines, doctors need to ask permission to discuss weight.

Advocating for your child might involve setting clear boundaries with medical providers and educating them on the risks associated with discussing weight and body size.

What are some strategies for parents to set boundaries with medical providers?

Pre-written letters or scripts can be very effective. 

There are great resources available that provide templates for communicating with healthcare providers. 

Another key aspect is self-care. 

Parents should find what helps them feel empowered and prepared to advocate for their children. This could be a supportive community, specific strategies for managing stress, or even wearing an outfit that boosts their confidence.

Also be sure to do some good decompression and self-care after these appointments and find community support. 

How can we encourage adolescents to eat a variety of foods without creating a sense of restriction or fear?

It’s about balance and offering a variety of foods. 

Kids’ energy needs are high, and carbohydrates are a body’s energy source. 

Avoiding restrictive behaviors and instead focusing on providing diverse options helps them learn to trust their bodies. 

Engaging teens in meal planning can also empower them to make balanced choices. The goal is to foster a positive relationship with food and ensure they feel safe and supported.

What signs of disordered eating should we look out for in kids, and how can we address them?

It’s essential to maintain open communication and seek professional help if needed. 

Look for changes in eating habits, body image concerns, or signs of distress around food. 

Resources from dietitians and organizations focused on eating disorders can provide valuable guidance. 

Remember, it’s never too late to repair and rebuild a positive food environment for your child.

Learn even more from Oona during episode 214 of the Plus Mommy Podcast on how to raise kids to have a healthy relationship with food. 

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 214

Transcript happily provided upon request.

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• Connect with Oona via her website, Instagram, and Substack.
• The Truth About Diets and Weight Loss Drugs with Ragen Chastain
• Sunny Side Up Nutrition

Oona Hanson, an educator, writer, and parenting coach with over 25 years of experience. Oona helps parents raise kids with a healthy relationship with food and their body, supporting families through eating disorder treatment and prevention. Her work has been featured on CNN, USA Today, and Good Morning America. She lives in Los Angeles and is the mother of two.

The post How to Raise Kids to Have a Healthy Relationship with Food appeared first on Plus Mommy.

During this episode we go well beyond the basics – even addressing how a child and parent’s weight can impact the passenger safety choices families need to make.

This is an informative episode that will hopefully change the way you think about booster safety.

Booster Safety Tips

Below are some of the top topics we cover on booster safety.

Tell Your Kids Booster Safety Is Non-Negotiable 

It’s common for kids, and even adults, to push back on booster safety.

As parents, it’s our job to keep our kids safe.

Dr. Baer shares, “Help the child to understand that safety is non-negotiable. There are certain things that you will discuss ad nauseam with them, like, do they want to wear blue shirts or purple shirts. And certain things the child needs to know that there’s no negotiation.”

What makes a booster different from a car seat?

A car seat is a restraint. If there’s a car accident, the five-point harness secures the child.

A booster is a positioning device that does not restrain a child.

The booster positions the child’s body to fit better in the vehicle using the seatbelt to secure the child in case of an accident.

When should a child move from a car seat to a booster?

Kids need to remain in a car seat until at least five-years-old and a weight of 40 pounds.

There’s another benchmark that isn’t often addressed, “The most important part, which people often don’t hear at all, is that the child needs to be mature enough to sit properly in the booster.”

If your little one wiggles around a lot, they probably aren’t ready to transition to a booster. With that said, it’s critical to be aware of the weight limit of your car seat.

Are there different types of boosters?

There are two different types of boosters – high back and backless.

When does a child no longer need to be in a booster?

Most kids will need to be in a booster until 10 to 12 years of age.

The image below, developed by The Car Seat Lady, clearly shows the benchmarks kids need to meet to no longer need a booster.

All of the positioning points above are incredibly important for booster safety. One that people of all ages don’t often get right is making sure the belt is positioned on a person’s lap and not their belly.

Sadly some of the worse injuries during a car accident, especially for children, are if the seat belt isn’t on the lap.

If you’re pregnant or a person of size, you need to make sure the seat belt is tucked under your stomach so it can sit on your lap and not across your belly.

What is the best booster seat for wider kids?

While no current boosters on the market go above a 120 lb weight limit, The Car Seat Lady has a few recommendations on their website for bigger kids.

What should plus size parents know about where to position kids in the car?

With g-forces in a motor vehicle collision, everything in a car becomes extremely heavy.

Whenever possible you don’t want a child seated directly behind a plus size parent in the car. In a crash, seats in the car can recline backward for people of all sizes, but the risk increases for larger passengers.

Learn more about booster safety and deep dive into the topics above by listening to episode 117 of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 117

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Connect with The Car Seat Lady via their website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Classroom
• Pretensioners And Force Limiters Make Seat Belts Safer
• This Is What Happened After I Spoke Up About Booster Safety (episode 72 of the Plus Mommy Podcast

Dr. Alisa Baer is a board-certified pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady. In her 22 years in the field of vehicle and car seat safety, Alisa has consulted with many of the leading car seat manufacturers in the design and development of their car seats, collaborated on programs that improve how children travel in urban environments (such as Uber’s car seat program in NYC), and personally installed over 15,000 car seats. Alisa has been featured as a car seat expert in major publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and many more. She also develops the content for The Car Seat Lady’s website and popular social media channels, primarily Instagram and YouTube, which empower parents worldwide with evidence-based research and recommendations on vehicle and car seat safety.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This week’s podcast episode is sponsored by The Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen, a noninvasive prenatal screen that demonstrates highly accurate results for all patient types, regardless of BMI. Learn more by asking your care provider about Myriad’s Prequel Prenatal Screen or go to myriadwomenshealth.com. 

The post What Parents Need To Know About Booster Safety appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Disclosure: Plus Mommy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Lastly, read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

This is a book for kids age 0 – 101! The messages within it are ones we not only want our daughters to read but for all of us to believe.

The story behind Her Body Can starts with Ady! She had the desire to write a body-positive book for kids.

As a new mom, Ady shared her frustrations with finding kid’s books focused on bullying. “I’ve scoured the internet, I’ve done tons of research. And it’s really sad that the other books about self-confidence and self-love start with self-hate.”

Related: Self-Love And Raising Body Positive Kids With Amy Pence-Brown

So Ady turned to Katie, who, for nearly two years, was focusing on body positivity with her #herbodycan hashtag.

The two influencers, turned friends, came together to collaborate on this project. They wrote the book they wished they would’ve had as children!

In about nine-months, with the help of illustrator Li Liu and East 26th Publishing, the book came to life.

Beyond body-positivity, Ady and Katie want any child who picks up their book to feel included.

In addition, Katie shared, “Inclusivity was very important to us. We spent a lot of time just making sure our illustrator understood it was very important to us.”

Listen in as Katie and Ady share more about Her Body Can, and the future of Body Can Books!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 90

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Plus Mommy’s body-positive book list.
• This Is Postpartum with Meg Boggs is episode 19.
• Connect with Katie Crenshaw via Instagram and her website.
• You can connect with Ady Meschke via her Instagram and website. Zions Den Apparel is her active line.

Ady is an award-winning travel blogger and body-inclusive activewear mogul. In addition, she has been featured in national publications such as Shape and The Today Show.

Katie is a nationally recognized body-positivity and mental health spokesperson. She has featured on Good Morning America, CNN, and similarly Inside Edition. Lastly, she is the 2020 spokesperson for The Blue Dot Project.

Lastly, you can purchase Her Body Can via paperback or Kindle.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode on plus size motherhood was brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code Plus Mommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide.

The post Her Body Can Is The Body-Positive Book For Kids That We All Need appeared first on Plus Mommy.

When I was pregnant with my son, people recommended I get a bidet.

So my husband picked up a nozzle sprayer bidet and attached it to our toilet. It felt like I was using a gardening hose to wash myself down. I only tried it twice and thought bidets weren’t for me.

What I didn’t realize was how many types of bidets there are, and back in 2010, TUSHY didn’t exist.

Even though I didn’t think bidets were for me, I continued to promote the use of bidets because I know plenty of people who swear by them during pregnancy and daily life.

Related: My 300 lb Birth Story

Flashforward to 2015 when TUSHY came on the market!

I started hearing a buzz and there was no wonder with a tagline like, “TUSHY is a modern bidet for people who poop.” Yet, I still thought bidets aren’t for me.

Then TUSHY reached out and offered to send me a bidet, and I kid you not, I will never poop the same!

I quickly installed TUSHY on my toilet in about fifteen minutes and was thankful there was no garden hose nozzle involved. TUSHY is a sleek bidet attachment that connects directly to your toilet. You just sit, do your dooty, and then turn a nob to spray your booty. That’s it!

Oh. My. Goodness! I finally understood the hype, when I didn’t have to wipe (see what I did there)!

And this might be a bit TMI…but it felt good! It also felt luxurious, but only costs $79.

I’m not the only person in my house who is obsessed! My husband loves our new bidet, and my nine-year-old son said, “This is the best thing ever!”

This mom is thrilled to no longer have to deal with clogged toilets due to my son using far too much toilet paper. I wish I had tried TUSHY far sooner because every mom knows it takes kids FOREVER to learn how to clean themselves fully.

Another bonus is all the money we will save by not using as much toilet paper while also helping the environment!

I want to share, as a plus size person, I wasn’t sure if my overflowing lap would cover the nobs to turn on the sprayer, but it didn’t at all. I was able to reach down and turn it on easily.

Related: he Ultimate Guide To Disneyland For Plus Size Guests

Speaking of being plus size, not everyone can reach to wipe, but no one talks about it. I know what it feels like to struggle to get thoroughly clean because I have a bad back. When my back goes out, it takes great willpower and a few tears to get clean. Thanks to TUSHY, I no longer have to worry about pooping the next time my back goes out.

I can imagine a bidet is extremely helpful for anyone with back and shoulder issues. And let’s be honest, pregnancy is sometimes a time in your life when you can no longer see or fully reach a few different areas of your body.

If you can’t reach, a bidet can improve your hygiene.

My only complaint is that I’ve got a BIG booty, so I got a little wet beyond getting clean. Thankfully TUSHY also offers these bamboo towels to pat dry with, but you can also use your regular towel. The water used to wash your booty is clean water – it’s the same water you shower or brush your teeth with, so it’s not a big deal. 

TUSHY also offers a travel bidet so you can take care of business without needing to wipe wherever you go!

Bidets are super common in the rest of the world, and I understand why! My family is now a bidet family, and yours can be too – hellotushy.com/

The post This Bidet Is Mom Recommended And Kid-Approved! appeared first on Plus Mommy.

I needed something good to come out of a terrible situation. So I went onto Facebook and Instagram to talk about booster safety. If it wasn’t for my son being properly secured, he could’ve been far more injured or worse. A Facebook post I wrote went viral with a reach of over one million and got picked up by major media outlets from People to Good Morning America.

My Family’s Story About Booster Safety 

My husband, Chris, and I will forever be thankful we never budged on booster safety!

Starting last year in 3rd grade, our son Braeden would tell us names of friends who no longer used a booster seat. Braeden put the pressure on us even harder this year now that he’s nine.

Braeden was secured correctly in his booster, on September 15th, when out of nowhere, an SUV ran a red light, and my husband t-boned them.

When I received the call from my husband I was at home. I could immediately tell something was wrong. He said they were just in a car accident down the street from our home. He thought they were okay, but told me the car wasn’t.

I didn’t realize how major of an accident it was, and that my husband wasn’t okay until I arrived on the scene to see fire trucks and ambulances had already arrived. Unable to pull up to the scene, I pulled into a parking lot and ran!

At first, I couldn’t see my son, and I screamed out, “Where’s Braeden?!”

When I finally saw him, he was covered in something red – I must’ve looked like I was going into shock because multiple people screamed out that it was a drink.

Braeden was holding a red Slurpee that spilled all over him and the backseat when the accident occurred.

My husband and son were seated on the curb, surrounded by paramedics.

Then I turned my head to see the car, and my heart stopped. It was worse than I could’ve imagined.

Related: A Dad’s Perspective On Plus Size Pregnancy, Birth, and Miscarriage

My boys were moved to the ambulance to be evaluated, and I tried to process everything that was happening.

The paramedics said how they don’t often see kids my son’s size doing so well after an accident like this. They said he would’ve been far more injured had he not been in a booster. The paramedics praised my husband and me for using a booster.

We left the scene of the accident after I asked a police officer if the people in the SUV were okay – he told me they were. Then we spent hours in the emergency room as our family joined, and my dear friend Brianna brought us a care package.

My son’s chest and neck bruising clearly show how the booster kept my son at the appropriate height. Had he not been in a booster, the seatbelt would’ve been at his neck and face.

Things could’ve been so much worse, and while my son is doing well, my husband has a road to recovery.

Related: Plus Size Babywearing Q&A

Braeden told his pediatrician during our follow-up visit from the emergency room, “My moms says I have to be in a booster until college now, and I’m not happy about it.”

His pediatrician and I laughed. We both told him he’d be tall enough long before college, but we need to wait until he’s safe.

Braeden’s pediatrician talked about how she has treated kids with neck and spine injuries from not being adequately secured in a booster. She also warned against putting kids in the front seat too soon as airbag injuries can be terrible.

I keep telling Braeden that cool kids are safe kids! He now agrees and doesn’t complain at all getting into my car in his booster.

I wanted some good to come from this terrible accident.

We need more awareness of how vital boosters are for bigger kids – even if they don’t think they are cool! It’s incredible knowing that my Facebook post has reached over one million people with over 7,000 shares.

I’ve heard from close friends to strangers about how they are putting their bigger kids into boosters, and that makes my heart so happy.

Related: Raising Body Positive Kids

On social media, I’ve read many comments from people sharing how they were considering removing their kid from their booster. After hearing our story, they will keep their kids in a booster until they meet all the safety requirements.

My parents also want to make sure grandparents hear this message loud and clear too. They didn’t mind buying our son a booster for their car but thought we were a bit extreme. Now they are so thankful and are telling everyone they know who has kids and grandkids about booster safety.

My family is so grateful our story is making an impact and appreciate everyone who has kept us in their thoughts!

During episode 72 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, I share the story of my family’s terrible car accident, why I spoke up about booster safety, and how that message has gone viral. My nine-year-old son, Braeden, joins me briefly with a message for kids who don’t want to be in boosters. As Braeden says, “Cool kids can also be safe kids!”

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 72

Be sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Connect with a local Certified Carseat Tech to answer all your specific needs for your kid’s car seat or booster safety.
• This is a helpful resource for booster safety from the Car Seat Lady – Booster Seats.
• For those asking how you can help my family, here’s our GoFundMe link and my Venmo is Jennifer-McLellan-2.
• This is the article from Today mentioned during the episode.
• Call into the Plus Mommy Podcast with your questions and help me with upcoming episodes – 505-926-1303. I really hope you’ll call-in with questions about plus size pregnancy, motherhood, plus size lifestyle, etc.

The post This Is What Happened After I Spoke Up About Booster Safety appeared first on Plus Mommy.