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Life Kit's guide for moms and moms-to-be Thinking about getting pregnant or just given birth? Life Kit's episodes on maternal and reproductive health can help you understand your menstrual cycle, navigate pregnancy complications such as postpartum depression and pregnancy loss, and help you prepare for another pregnancy.
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Life Kit's guide for moms and moms-to-be

Photograph of a table set up with a romantic dinner with flowers and a candle. Two plates hold spaghetti and a baby's hand reaches into the frame.
Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

New parents, no time or energy for sex? Here's how to keep the romance alive

Between 3 a.m. feedings and hormonal changes, it can be hard for couples to get in the mood after baby arrives. But that doesn't mean you can't show love and desire in other creative, playful ways.

Keeping intimacy alive after having a baby

Listen · 22:26
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In 'The Unexpected,' Emily Oster tackles the emotional toll of difficult pregnancies
Mary Long/Getty Images

Life Kit

In 'The Unexpected,' Emily Oster tackles the emotional toll of difficult pregnancies

The economist made a name for herself using data to challenge the accepted rules of pregnancy. Now, she's returning to the topic with a book on how to navigate its complications.

In 'The Unexpected,' Emily Oster tackles the emotional toll of difficult pregnancies

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Pregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you
LA Johnson/NPR

Perspective

Life Kit

Pregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you

Pregnancy is hard work – for the body, mind and soul. There are seemingly endless resources for all the physical and logistical aspects of pregnancy but far fewer for renegotiating your sense of self. Life Kit spoke with author and journalist Chelsea Conaboy about how pregnancy impacts the brain and how to embrace the changes that parenthood brings.

Pregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you

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This is the period talk you should've gotten
LA Johnson/NPR

Life Kit

This is the period talk you should've gotten

We asked two experts how they would give the period talk. Here are six pieces of advice — including the science of periods, management techniques, and how to know when something is wrong.

This is the period talk you should've gotten

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What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby
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Life Kit

What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby

Having a baby is one of the biggest and most expensive life changes a person can experience. Farnoosh Torabi, editor-at-large at CNET Money, shares what you need to know about budgeting for a baby.

What you need to know about preparing financially for a baby

Listen · 22:08
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Raising kids is hard work. The way we think about it can shift how we value mothering
Simone Martin-Newberry for NPR

Life Kit

Raising kids is hard work. The way we think about it can shift how we value mothering

Raising kids is among the most essential work humans do, and yet it's rarely valued as skilled labor. Angela Garbes, author of Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change, guides us through a shift in mindset to help give mothering the value it deserves.

Raising kids is hard work. The way we think about it can shift how we value mothering

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How to decide if freezing your eggs is right for you — and where to get started
Sol Cotti for NPR

Life Kit

How to decide if freezing your eggs is right for you — and where to get started

Freezing your eggs can open doors for your fertility. It's also emotional, time-consuming and expensive. Here are some things to think about before you decide to freeze your eggs — and what to know if you do, including how much it costs and how to prepare for the process.

How to decide if freezing your eggs is right for you — and where to get started

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Beyond delivery: How a birth plan can prepare you for all four trimesters

Having a birth plan can prepare you for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Bee Harris for NPR hide caption

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Bee Harris for NPR

Life Kit

Beyond delivery: How a birth plan can prepare you for all four trimesters

For expectant parents, navigating pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum can raise a range of emotions. There are so many things to think about and prepare for, and knowing where to start can feel daunting. But a birth plan can help!

Beyond delivery: How a birth plan can prepare you for all four trimesters

Listen · 22:57
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The emotional roller coaster of being a new mom
Lindsey Balbierz for NPR

The emotional roller coaster of being a new mom

Becoming a mother is a huge, complicated life transition that can rock every fiber of a person's being. Here's how to cope with the ups and downs.

The emotional roller coaster of being a new mom

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Baby Names Are Overwhelming. Here's How To Narrow Your List
Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

Baby Names Are Overwhelming. Here's How To Narrow Your List

Picking a name for a baby can be overwhelming. With all the possibilities out in the world, it can be hard to even begin to choose. On this episode of Life Kit, host Diana Opong speaks with baby naming experts for a framework that can help.

Baby Names Are Overwhelming. Here's How To Narrow Your List

Listen · 21:45
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What to do if you — or someone you love — is going through pregnancy loss
Bee Harris for NPR

Life Kit

What to do if you — or someone you love — is going through pregnancy loss

Despite how common pregnancy loss is, families often suffer in silence. In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, Life Kit teamed up with the hosts of the podcast docuseries NATAL to share stories from parents who have experienced loss, and expert advice about how to support loved ones through grief.

What to do if you — or someone you love — is going through pregnancy loss

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There's never a 'right' time for a baby — but these questions can help you decide
Julianna Brion for NPR

Life Kit

There's never a 'right' time for a baby — but these questions can help you decide

Whether you've always wanted to be a parent or not, starting a family is a big decision. Experts talk through what to consider.

There's never a 'right' time for a baby — but these questions can help you decide

Listen · 24:12
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There are so many types of birth control. Here's how to choose what works for you
Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

There are so many types of birth control. Here's how to choose what works for you

Between pills, patches, IUDs, implants, shots and condoms, picking a form of birth control can be overwhelming. It involves understanding how birth control works, your preferences, side effects and more. We lay out the facts so you can choose the contraception that works for you.

There are so many types of birth control. Here's how to choose what works for you

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What is postpartum depression? How to recognize the signs and get help
Loveis Wise for NPR

Life Kit

What is postpartum depression? How to recognize the signs and get help

One in seven women experiences postpartum depression. But it's easy to feel alone — especially when you're told having a baby is supposed to be blissful. This episode helps both struggling moms and loved ones identify the symptoms and find treatment.

What is postpartum depression? How to recognize the signs and get help

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