My 5 Favorite Baby Shower Gifts (From a Mom of 3)

Insights and lessons

August 28, 2025

The Messy Side of Motherhood (and How I Tackle It)

Motherhood is messy. From cleaning up spilled drinks and yogurt on the walls to diaper blowouts in public (#2 on the playground slide, anyone?), you’ll see it all — and clean it all — as a mom. But here’s the good news: while the chaos is inevitable, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the […]

Frustrated baby with a bottle holding an elephant lovey.

August 26, 2025

Why Your Baby Won’t Take a Bottle (and Practices to Help)

You’re Not Alone: Bottle Refusal Is Common You’ve tried different bottles, warmed the milk just right, and even asked other caregivers to help—but your baby still seems hesitant to take a bottle. Bottle refusal is a common experience, especially for breastfed babies transitioning to bottle-feeding. Understanding why it happens can help you use strategies and […]

Grandma feeding a baby a bottle while sitting in a rocking chair.

August 21, 2025

Tips for Encouraging Bottle-Feeding and Supporting Baby’s Transition

How to Prevent Bottle Refusal: Tips for Tips for Calm and Familiar Feeding Understanding Bottle Refusal If your baby is hesitant to take a bottle—or if you want to make the transition smoother—you’re not alone. Many families face challenges during infancy, particularly when moving between breast and bottle. Using thoughtful strategies and comfort cues can […]

Woman sitting at a desk working on inventing a product.

August 19, 2025

The Girl Who Cried Invention: How I Finally Turned an Idea Into a Product

Turning Ideas into Reality Since launching Bottimals, I’ve lost count of how many people have said, “I have an idea too—but I don’t know where to start.” I’ve been there. For nearly a decade, I wrestled with ideas, prototypes, and the fear of failing before even getting started. I remember my very first product idea […]

Mom teaching her three young kids in a home classroom.

August 14, 2025

The Unexpected Job I Never Knew I Signed Up For As A Mom

Parenthood: The Ultimate Teaching Role When I was preparing for baby #1, I did all the things: classes, books, podcasts, notes—you name it. I wanted to be armed with knowledge and checklists, convinced that preparation would make me a perfect mom. Newsflash: nothing prepares you for parenthood like actually doing it. Two babies later, I’ve […]

Mom holding her newborn baby in a nursery setting.

August 12, 2025

Breastfed Two Babies—These 5 Products Saved My Sanity

My Must-Have Breastfeeding and Pumping Essentials for Moms As a mom of two, I spent nearly two years total breastfeeding—and believe me, I learned a lot along the way. From cluster feeding marathons to middle-of-the-night pumping sessions, the right tools made all the difference. Whether you’re nursing your first or juggling a newborn with a […]