ByMom

The Best Hands-Free Pumping Bras for Busy Moms (So You Don’t Have to Hold the Pump All Day) If you’re pumping regularly, you already know how exhausting it is to sit still holding pump flanges for 20–30 minutes at a time. Between caring for your baby, working, and trying to function on very little sleep, pumping can feel like one more thing demanding all your attention. What made the biggest difference for me was switching to hands-free pumping bras . Once I did, pumping became far more manageable — I could relax my arms, multitask, or at least not feel physically drained every session. Why a Regular Bra Isn’t Enough Most nursing bras aren’t designed to hold pump flanges securely. Before switching, I dealt with: Slipping bottles Weak suction Sore wrists and hands Being stuck sitting still the entire time A proper pumping bra solves these issues by holding everything in place comfortably and securely. What to Look for in a Good Pumping Bra From experience, the most important things are:...

  Embracing Your Postpartum Body While Finding Your Balance Mama, let’s take a moment to appreciate something amazing—your body just did the most incredible thing ever. It created, carried, and delivered a whole human being! That’s not child's play; that’s a superpower. So before you think about ‘bouncing back,’ take a deep breath and give yourself some love. Now, I know how it feels. You look in the mirror, and your body doesn’t quite feel like your own. You love your baby, but you also want to feel good in your skin again. The real question is: how do you do that while juggling sleepless nights, diaper changes, and endless feeding sessions? Let me share my story with you. I had a full-time job, two little ones, and zero time for the gym. I tried home workouts, but let’s be real—when you’re waking up every three hours to feed a baby, the last thing you want to do is a burpee. My husband, who loves running, suggested I try it. So I did. I ran every other day—until I didn’t. Life ha...

  Why Daycares Are So Expensive in Taiwan: My Experience and Insights Finding quality childcare in Taiwan can be a challenge, especially when it comes to cost. I personally paid NTD 21,000 (approximately USD 700) a month for each of my children to attend a private daycare , which, while on the lower end for private options, still made a significant dent in my monthly budget. Here’s why daycare in Taiwan can be so expensive and why I chose the daycare my kids attend. The High Cost of Daycare in Taiwan Daycare in Taiwan is costly, especially in private facilities. The NTD 21,000 (USD 700) per month I paid for each of my children’s daycares is considered on the lower end for private daycares, but many other private options can easily reach NTD 30,000-40,000 (USD 1,000-1,300) per month . So, why do private daycares charge so much ? The high cost stems from several factors: Quality of Care : Private daycares often provide higher quality care, with more attention to each child's ...

Why Foreigners Prefer to Give Birth in Taiwan: Cost-Effective and High-Quality Care Giving birth in Taiwan is often described as a foreign professional's dream. With subsidized health insurance, skilled doctors, and incredibly kind medical staff, it’s no surprise that many expatriates choose to have their children here. In addition to these benefits, foreigners paying labor insurance can receive financial support equivalent to their one-month salary during maternity leave, which is a huge relief for many families because they still receive their full salary as well. Many foreigners choose Taiwan for childbirth because of its world-class medical care, affordability, and supportive healthcare system. The doctors are highly trained, with many having studied or practiced abroad. The nurses are attentive, and the overall hospital experience is smooth compared to many other countries. More importantly, the cost of childbirth, even with additional services, remains significantly lower th...

How Overwhelmed Moms Can Set Realistic          Parenting Goals and Practice Self-Care Motherhood is both a beautiful and demanding role. Between managing the household, taking care of the kids, and maintaining a career, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, setting achievable parenting goals and prioritizing self-care are essential steps to not only surviving but thriving as a mom. One of the key strategies for thriving as a mom is setting small, realistic goals . Instead of trying to accomplish everything at once, focus on one or two manageable tasks each day. Whether it’s establishing a consistent bedtime routine, setting aside time for yourself, or working on a family project, achievable goals can give you a sense of accomplishment and help reduce feelings of burnout. MindBodyGreen ( mindbodygreen.com ) is a great resource for tips on setting intentional goals that align with your values as a mom. Equally important is self-care , which is often overlook...

Virtual Birth Education: The Future of Preparing for Labor and Delivery The excitement and anticipation leading up to childbirth can be thrilling, but it also comes with plenty of questions and concerns. Preparing for labor and delivery used to mean attending in-person classes or reading through countless books. However, in today’s digital age, virtual birth education is becoming an increasingly popular and convenient way for parents to prepare for the big day. One of the key benefits of virtual birth education is flexibility. Expectant parents can take classes at their own pace, anytime and anywhere, making it easier to fit learning into their busy schedules. Programs like Lamaze International ( Lamaze.org ) and The Birth Hour ( thebirthhour.com ) offer comprehensive online courses that teach everything from relaxation techniques to birth plans, pain management strategies, and how to handle common birth complications. These programs are designed to empower parents with knowledge, ...

Postpartum Care Innovations: What Every New Mom Should Know Bringing a new baby into the world is one of the most beautiful and challenging experiences a mom can go through. However, the postpartum period can often be overwhelming. Thankfully, postpartum care innovations are making it easier for moms to recover physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the most significant innovations in postpartum care is the use of wearable technology for pelvic floor recovery. Devices like the Elvie Trainer (available at Elvie ) have revolutionized the way moms can strengthen their pelvic muscles after childbirth. This compact device uses biofeedback to guide moms through personalized exercises that improve muscle strength, promote better bladder control, and help with overall recovery. The ability to track progress and receive instant feedback can make a huge difference in a new mom's recovery journey. Another vital innovation is the perineal care kit , which is designed to help moms heal...

How to Avoid Burnout as a Parent: A Guide to Staying Healthy and Happy Parenting can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but let’s be honest—it can also be overwhelming. As a parent, you juggle a million things at once: taking care of your kids, managing your home, and possibly balancing a career. All of this can leave you feeling drained and stretched thin. I’ve been there, too. As a mom with a full-time job and two little ones, living in a foreign country, I’ve had my share of moments when I felt like I was running on empty. But here’s the good news: it’s possible to avoid burnout and find ways to recharge. You don’t have to do it all by yourself, and it’s okay to ask for help and take breaks. Below are some tips to help you keep your balance and stay emotionally and physically healthy while being the amazing parent you are. 1. Prioritize Self-Care: It's Not Selfish, It's Necessary It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that caring for yourself is selfish when the...

Am I a Good Parent? Yes, You Are—And Here’s How to Be Even Better If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I a good parent?” then know this: you care , and that is the first and most important step. Parents who question themselves, reflect on their actions, and strive to do better are already doing great. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and we all have our ups and downs. But the fact that you care enough to ask this question proves that you are already a good parent. So, let’s talk about how to be even better—while maintaining respect for your kids and finding that all-important balance with me time . 1. Be Present—And Be Ready to Listen One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to be present. This means not just physically being with your children, but emotionally engaging with them too. It’s easy to get distracted by phones, work, or even our own busy thoughts. But taking the time to really listen to your child, even when they’re talking about something small or sill...

Tips on How to Be a Super Mom: Embracing Your Strengths and Asking for Help Being a mom is one of the most beautiful, yet demanding roles we can take on. It’s the kind of job that requires endless patience, love, and energy—especially when you’re juggling a full-time career, managing a household, and raising kids in a foreign country. I understand this firsthand as a mother of two living in Taiwan, working full-time as a teacher, and trying to balance everything while staying sane and healthy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So, how do you manage it all? How do you become a "super mom"? Well, I’ve learned that it’s not about being perfect. Instead, it’s about understanding your strengths, asking for help, and taking small steps toward balance. Here are some tips that have helped me, backed by professional advice, to be a super mom without burning out. 1. Embrace Imperfection and Prioritize Self-Care First off, it’s important to understand that perfection is not the goal . No o...

Dear Moms: It's Okay to Ask for Help – You Deserve It Dear Moms, I want to start by saying   that you  are doing an incredible job. I know how challenging motherhood can be—especially when you're doing it away from family and familiar support systems. As a mom myself, living in Taiwan with two young children and working as a teacher, I understand how overwhelming it can feel at times. It often feels like the needs of everyone else come before your own, and by the end of the day, there’s nothing left for you. But here’s the thing: It’s okay to ask for help. I know it can feel like you should be able to do everything on your own. We are often taught to be self-sufficient, to push through, to keep going no matter how tired we are. But the truth is, none of us can do it all alone, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Living in Taiwan, far from my extended family, I’ve had to find new ways to support myself and my family. And one of the best decis...

Staying in Shape While Breastfeeding: Simple Tips for New Moms Being a new mom is a beautiful, busy time, and it’s easy to forget about yourself while caring for your baby. But taking care of your health is essential, not just for you but also for your little one. Staying in shape while breastfeeding is possible with the right balance of exercise, nutrition, and self-care. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay fit and feel your best. 1. Start Slowly and Listen to Your Body Your body has just gone through a lot of changes, so it’s important to ease into exercise after childbirth. Start with light activities, like walking or gentle stretching, and pay attention to how your body feels. As your energy and strength return, you can gradually increase the intensity. 2. Make Walking Part of Your Routine Walking is one of the best ways to stay in shape while breastfeeding. It’s easy on the body, and you can even bring your baby along in a stroller. Try to aim for 20-30 minutes of walking ...

Tips for Fast Recovery After Having a Baby: Your Guide to Self-Care Giving birth is an extraordinary experience, but it can also be physically and emotionally challenging. Whether you've had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, postpartum recovery requires care, patience, and attention to your body’s needs. As a new mom, it's crucial to focus on your own recovery while also adjusting to the demands of caring for your newborn. Here are some essential tips to help you recover as quickly and comfortably as possible after giving birth, along with trusted resources for professional advice. 1. Rest and Recover Prioritize Rest : Your body needs time to heal, and rest is essential for recovery. Try to nap when your baby sleeps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends so you can rest. Sleep When You Can : Newborns tend to keep irregular hours, so getting quality sleep may be difficult. However, when your baby is sleeping, take advantage of that time to rest as m...