Pregnancy + Postpartum

Junior Prom: 2004 Boyfriend and I are just a couple of carefree teenagers, comfortable with each other, but truly still trying to impress each other. Flirting, holding hands, all dolled up for the prom! What he doesn't know is that...

Des Moines Moms Blog regularly highlights local nonprofits. There are so many amazing organizations in our city dedicated to looking out for the well being of all who live here. We want to feature them and share ways you and...

Down syndrome is a genetic condition where a child is born with an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Although genetic testing is available to provide detection during birth, for many moms, like Dr. Nicole Stoecken from MercyOne Grimes...

With this being my fifth pregnancy (surprise for those who don't know yet!), I know a thing or two about proper attire while pregnant. Because we have a large age gap between our kids, I had to build my...

We recently celebrated our daughter’s second birthday. I am amazed at how quickly those two years have passed! It is true what they say… time really flies the older we get, and especially once we have kiddos. As my...

Crazy hormones. Low energy. Nausea. Mental fatigue. Being pregnant definitely has its drawbacks. I’m pretty sure twice during my pregnancy the baby was turned completely sideways. It wasn’t exactly comfortable. Although I did spend the last few weeks of my pregnancy...

Des Moines Moms Blog is honored to share this guest post from local mama Megan McAtee. This article was done in partnership with UnityPoint Health Des Moines. Megan's Story When my husband and I found out we were pregnant, there was a rush...

“Where do I go when it’s time to have the baby?” This is a common question from first-time parents, and it’s an important one. The best way for parents to be comfortable with knowing where to go is to take...

This editorial series, Stork Stories, is brought to you by Des Moines Moms Blog and MercyOne. All 8 original articles from the Stork Stories series can be found here. Even before I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to have a natural childbirth. I...

What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis that provides support for a woman’s internal organs. The pelvic floor muscles serve as support muscles...