The Transformative Changes of Pregnancy and Early Motherhood

In this month's column for The Life Change Network, I write about the emotional journey that mothers take during pregnancy and early motherhood and offer some suggestions on how to make the most of this truly transformative time. Here's a brief excerpt:

The months before birth represent an opportunity for tremendous personal growth and development—an opportunity for you to become more in-tune with your body, to prepare for the challenges of labor and birth, and to start thinking about the type of relationship you would like to have with your baby.

You can read the rest of the article here.

Teens and Mindfulness

Teen Brain Benefits from Mindfulness Training by Ann DouglasOne of the things I love most about my job is the thrill I experience when I stumble across a piece of research that really speaks to me in a powerful way. That's what happened for me a couple of weeks ago, when I came across this study about teenagers and mindfulness. I knew, as soon as I read it, that I wanted to write about it -- and I did in my most recent column for The Toronto Star (published in yesterday's paper).

I asked child psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton, social worker Shelley Hermer, parent Cathy Kerr, and teenager Sarah Weredynski to provide me with additional insights on the research -- which they did. You can read the article here.

Parents and Parents-to-be on Pinterest

If you've checked out the social media website Pinterest, you've no doubt discovered that there is a massive (and growing) community of parents and parents-to-be eagerly swapping advice on everything from pregnancy to breastfeeding to baby play ideas to mindful parenting to positive parenting to (misc) family to gardening for kids -- and so much more. (If you can think of a kid-related topic, someone is pinning on that topic.) 

Having a Baby Pinterest Board by Ann Douglas (annmdouglas)Early childhood educators/teachers, homeschoolers/unschoolers, childbirth educators, doulas, breastfeeding activists, environmental activists, non-profits, and others working to create a better world for chlidren also contribute to the huge mix of valuable information available via the site.

It is a great place to connect with others who share the same passions as you do, whether you're interested in books, creative upcycling, or you're simply looking for a few thought-provoking words to kickstart your day.

Just one word of warning. The site is just as addictive as it is inspiring. Have fun with it -- if you dare.

And if you're already pinning on Pinterest and you're pinning on topics related to pregnancy and parenting (or of interest to families with young children), perhaps you could share some of your favourite boards -- either ones that you've created or ones that you've spotted -- in the comments section below. I'd love to check out some of your favourites.