ML Interest Tag: birth-control

Ashley Graham Reveals Husband Got a Vasectomy After Birth of Their Twins

by Christina Marfice

Ashley Graham opened up about her relief over her husband’s vasectomy: “I don’t have to be on a pill, thank God”

We could shout from our soapboxes all day long about the inequity of birth control. So much of the responsibility and burden is placed on women to use invasive methods, from implants to IUDs to hormonal pills that can have some gnarly side effects. And of course, all this is happening while men have a simple, straightforward solution that they could take instead. But oops, here we are on that soapbox—instead, we’re going to let Ashley Graham take this one for today.

Graham, who gave birth to twins last year, recently opened up about how her husband, Justin Ervin, decided to get a vasectomy afterward. What’s most striking about the way she talks about it, though, is her relief.

“We’re in full vasectomy mode,” Graham said during an appearance on the Milk Drunk by Bobbie podcast. “He’s shooting blanks now. I don’t have to be on a pill, thank God.”

She went on to talk about how fast, easy, and painless the procedure was for Ervin.

“It’s so easy for them,” she said. “It really is. It’s like the easiest thing. Justin went shopping with me right after. He was not laid up in bed.”

Oh, and have we mentioned that vasectomies are reversible for the majority of men?

Graham’s confession is shedding light on an important issue we just don’t talk about enough: a vasectomy is just as fast (and far less painful, thanks to local anesthesia) as an IUD insertion, but it’s more effective, has fewer side effects, and is easier to reverse. Why is so much of the birth control burden still on women when men have such an easy option? Here’s hoping Graham speaking out helps convince more men to step up to the plate when it comes to birth control.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

11 Women Who Changed NYC Forever

by Mimi O'Connor

A few things we’d be missing without them: Grand Central, Washington Square Park, and dozens of masterpieces in our major museums

International Women’s Day is March 8, and of course, we celebrate women’s history all month long. So, we’re taking some time to recognize some of the women who have had an incredible impact on our home, New York City. These incredible New Yorkers have blazed trails, saved buildings and neighborhoods, crashed through all kinds of ceilings and often made the country (even the world!) a better place. (Because when New Yorkers have an impact, it tends to be far-reaching.) Read on for our list of women who changed NYC forever.

Emily Warren Roebling

Public Domain

That famous bridge in Brooklyn? It wouldn't have happened without this lady. Married to Washington Roebling, the chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, Emily took over when he fell ill and could no longer supervise the project. (Apparently he watched its progress from the couple's home in Brooklyn Height via telescope.) Roebling was one of the first people to cross the bridge when it was done, which she did from the Brooklyn side, holding a rooster as a symbol of victory. You can find a plaque at the base of the bridge celebrating her leadership and contribution. 

 

Shirley Chisholm

Creative Commons

Brooklyn-born Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer not just for New Yorkers, but for women and Black people around the country. An outspoken advocate for racial justice and women's rights, as a New York State Representative in 1968, she was the first African American woman in Congress, and later co-founded of the National Women's Political Caucus in 1971. In 1972, she sought the Democratic nomination for the office of President of the United States, becoming the first woman or Black person to do so for one of the two major political parties. In 1977, she became the first Black woman and second woman ever to serve on the powerful House Rules Committee. 

Margaret Sanger

Library of Congress

Founder of the birth control movement, Margaret Sanger was a nurse who spent her entire career working to give women access to reproductive health information and contraception. Publisher of a feminist magazine and worker's rights advocate, she opened the first birth control clinic in 1916 in Brownsville, Brooklyn. In 1923 she opened a clinic staffed by women doctors and social workers, which went on to become the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.  

 

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Public Domain

While of course Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was known the world over as widow of John F. Kennedy, she became a New Yorker following his death and spent the rest of her life here. She is widely recognized as being a key force in saving Grand Central Terminal, which was slated to meet the same fate of the demolished Penn Station. As part of the Municipal Arts Society's "Committee to Save Grand Central Terminal" she was a vocal advocate for its preservation. The Committee's victory and its related Supreme Court decision, the New York City Landmark Law resulted in the protection of thousands of other historic buildings throughout the city.  

Billie Holiday

Library of Congress

Born in Philadelphia and landing in New York City by way of Baltimore, Billie Holiday had no formal vocal training, but went on to become one of the most celebrated jazz singers in the world. She worked with bandleaders Count Basie and Artie Shaw, and collaborated frequently with saxophonist Lester Young, a partnership that produced some of the duo's finest work. Holiday helped integrate the nightclub community in the city in the 40s and 50 and around the country, and her style and voice had a profound effect on night life.

Jane Jacobs

Public Domain

Activist and urbanist Jane Jacobs' influence on New York was, and continues to be, profound. Author of the now-seminal urban planning text The Death and Life of Great American Cities, she famously went head-to-head with New York official Robert Moses to combat his program of "urban renewal." A resident of Greenwich Village, she is credited with helping to preserve its character and was a fierce advocate for quality of life and community-building in cities. She was instrumental in preventing the construction of the Lower Manhattan Expressway, which would have run through several downtown neighborhoods, radically changing them.  

Sonia Sotomayor

United States Government

Like her fellow Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor was born in New York City (she's from the Bronx, Ginsburg hails from Brooklyn). And while Ginsburg did do some work in NYC (she taught at Columbia), Sotomayor spent the bulk of her career prior to joining the Supreme court working in The Big Apple. Under the city's District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, she prosecuted cases for crimes such as robbery, assault, murder and police brutality. Later in her career, she served as a U.S. District Court judge for the Southern District of New York City, and helped educate the next generation of legal practitioners as a professor at New York University and Columbia Law School. After serving on the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Barack Obama appointed her to the Supreme Court, where of course she wields incredible influence on not just the people of New York City, but the entire country. She has played a key role in upholding the Affordable Care Act and same-sex marriage in the United States. 

Edith Wharton

Wikimedia Creative Commons

Born into a life of privilege, Edith Wharton used her gift as a writer to chronicle and critique the world of high society in New York. In 1921, she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, for Age of Innocence. She was subsequently nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927, 1928 and 1930. Other works of Wharton's include House of Mirth and Ethan Frome.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney

Public Domain

Born into the wealthy Vanderbilt family in 1875, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was a sculptor and art collector. She became a champion of contemporary American artists, and when the Metropolitan Museum of Art refused her donation of her considerable collection of American work, she established the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1930. She was the leading patron of American art at the time of her death in 1942, and her personal collection of more than 600 works remains the core of the celebrated museum's holdings. Currently, the influential Whitney Museum of Art is home to more than 24,000 works by over 3,500 and is a major force in the art world internationally. 

Gloria Steinem

LBJLibrary

Activist and journalist Gloria Steinem has been a leading voice in the women's movement for more than 50 years. She co-founded New York magazine, as well as, in 1972, the trailblazing Ms. magazine, where she was an editor and writer for 15 years. She has been a leading voice for women's issues and rights including reproductive health and gender equality. 

 

Dorothy Parker

Wikimedia

Dorothy Parker was one of the founding members of the Algonquin Roundtable, a group of writers, critics an intellectuals known for their keen observations and sharp wit—Parker, especially. A writer for the New Yorker, Vanity Fair and other publications, she penned fiction, poems, plays and more. Her wry, sometimes brutal takes on modern life exemplify an certain New York sensibility, and her influence is felt to this day. 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Spring Refresh: Here’s Our Guide to Mom Self Care

by Kate Cartia

This spring, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Here’s how we work mom self care into our days.

As moms ourselves, we know how easy it is to forget ourselves. We adore our kiddos and love being parents, but it can be easy to let self care fall through the cracks. Moms spend their days focused on family, whether directly or indirectly. If we stay home with our kiddos during the day, we’re focused full-time on taking care of them and our homes and everything that gets thrown at us throughout. Or, if we work outside the home, we’re trying to simultaneously do the jobs we’re paid for while remotely managing our kids. It doesn’t matter what kind of mom you are or how you spend your days; you’re balancing it all. And the only way you can do it all is to take care of yourself. When we found Hers, it completely changed our mom self care game!

Hers takes women’s health extremely seriously. And beyond taking women’s health seriously, they make access and convenience a priority. The Hers platform is a doctor-trusted, doctor-approved resource for women’s mental and physical healthcare that’s 100% online. That means no more taking time off work to refill your birth control. No more waiting weeks to get into your doctor to discuss antidepressants or treatment for the anxiety you’ve been fighting. And no more calling around to different healthcare locations hoping they take your insurance. Hers is one of our hands-down favorite ways to lean into mom self care. Here’s why.

Hers Puts Your Mental Health First

Trying to handle feeling not-so-great can be an uphill battle, especially when you're juggling work, home, kids...all of it. You don't have to do it all by yourself, though. In fact, we really encourage you not to. With Hers, you have access to options. Whether it's anxiety, depression, postpartum mental health, sleep trouble, burnout, job stress, major life changes—Hers has solutions to help you feel better. They offer vetted online therapists, doctor-trusted FDA-approved medications, and supplements, plus online consultations to determine what's best for you.

There are so many benefits to making Hers your go-to mental health resource:

  • Hers doesn't require insurance
  • Unlimited dosage adjustments
  • Unlimited online check-ins
  • Unlimited follow-ups and messaging
  • Free shipping and discreet delivery if prescribed
  • Treatment plan recommendation within 12-48 hours.* 
  • Start for $25 for your first month.** 

You deserve to feel better. And you deserve to feel better with a plan that fits your needs, on your time. Hers is a click away.

Discover how you can start feeling better with Hers!

*On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient. Between 5/30/22 and 5/29/23, providers providing psychiatric care on the Hims & Hers platform were scheduled for appointments within 12 to 48 hours after intake form submission.

**Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

Hers Knows Your Hair

Please, please don't feel alone if you find yourself starting to notice some hair loss. It's common (more than 50% of women experience it!), nothing to be embarrassed about, and treatable. That's right. There are products out there, both OTC and by prescription only, to help slow, stop, and even reverse female pattern hair loss. Hers allows you to access hair loss treatment 100% online. Answer some questions, connect with a medical provider who will work with you to find the right solution for you, and enjoy free shipping with a prescription. You'll also get unlimited follow-ups! Message a provider with questions any time. 

Learn more about Hers for your hair here!

Hers For Women's Health

Thanks to Hers, you can take control of your health! Access yeast infection treatment, speak to a healthcare professional about UTIs, and get guidance from a provider about a wide range of popular birth control pill prescription options. Once you've had your first consultation, if a prescription is appropriate, you'll get free shipping, on time refills, and rest easy knowing you have access to healthcare professionals for follow-up questions and any changes! No insurance or waiting in line required.

Check out Hers women's health here!

Hers Builds Your Ideal Skin Routine

Whether it's age spots, acne, fine lines, or just want to upgrade your routine, Hers has you covered. With customized prescription gel creams, a fabulous line of quality over-the-counter skincare, and 100% online support and direct delivery, Hers is your one-stop-skin-shop!

Find your perfect Hers skincare routine!

Hers has changed how we take care of ourselves. This Valentine’s Day, change the way you take care of you.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of Hers

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Britney Spears Shares Pregnancy Loss News after Announcement of ‘Miracle Baby’

by Julie Scagell

Fans are flocking to Britney Spears‘ social media to offer support after she announced that she and fiancé Sam Asghari had suffered a pregnancy loss.

Spears told fans via Instagram that they lost their “miracle baby” but were “grateful for what we have in the process of expanding our beautiful family.” The singer announced last month following a trip to Hawaii that she was expecting.

“It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that we have lost our miracle baby early in the pregnancy,” she wrote in the post. “This is a devastating time for any parent. Perhaps we should have waited to announce until we were further along, however we were overly excited to share the good news.”

She continued: “Our love for each other is our strength. We will continue trying to expand our beautiful family. We are grateful for all of your support. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult moment.”

The message was signed Sam and Britney.

Spears—who is mom to sons Sean Preston, 16, and Jayden James, 15, with ex-husband Kevin Federline, was thrilled to announce her pregnancy, joking that she thought she may just have a “food baby” following a trip.

“I lost so much weight to go on my Maui trip only to gain it back… I thought ‘Geez… what happened to my stomach ???’ My husband said ‘No you’re food pregnant silly!!!’ So I got a pregnancy test… and uhhhhh well… I am having a baby…” she shared with fans.

She and Asghari have been together since 2016, and fans were thrilled when her conservatorship, which required she be on birth control, was terminated late last year. The couple has been open about wanting to start a family of their own.

“I want to be able to get married and have a baby,” she told the court last year. “I was told right now in the conservatorship I am not able to get married or have a baby,” adding that under her father’s control she wasn’t even able to drive with Asghari.

Here’s hoping they have time to heal away from the spotlight, surrounded by those that love them.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Demystifying Endometriosis

By Dr. Alan Lindemann

Endometriosis is an often painful disease that is estimated to affect more than 6.5 million women throughout the United States. It causes tissue similar to that which normally lines the uterus—the endometrium—to grow outside of the uterus, with symptoms that may include excessive menstrual cramps, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow, and painful intercourse.

Endometriosis usually affects the ovaries, the tissue lining the pelvis, and the fallopian tubes. The endometrium outside of the uterus thickens, breaks down, and bleeds—as it would in the uterus—during menstrual cycles. Endometriosis can result in cysts, scars, and adhesions that cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick together. Endometriosis causes pain and problems; however, endometriosis growths are not cancerous.

It is estimated that 11% of women ages 15-44 in the United States have endometriosis. Especially common among women in their 30s and 40s, it can make getting pregnant difficult, potentially causing infertility.

Though you can’t prevent endometriosis, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it. These include ensuring that any hormonal birth control you are taking has low doses of estrogen, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and exercising regularly.

As an obstetrician, I’ve delivered more than 6,000 babies, some to women who had endometriosis. Endometriosis is a somewhat mysterious disease that, if left untreated, can prevent women from getting pregnant. Being informed about endometriosis is key in detecting and treating this disease that is debilitating for many.

Q: How does endometriosis get triggered in the body?

A: Over the years there have been various explanations. The generally accepted answer is that endometriosis is spread by retrograde menstrual flow. This means that at least some of the menstrual flow goes backward, up the fallopian tubes and out into the tissue surrounding the ovaries, instead of down and out the uterus. Why this would happen is unknown; however, it is widely believed that a predisposition for endometriosis is hereditary. So, if your mother or your grandmother had it, you may get it, too,

Q: What happens if endometriosis is left untreated?

A: Endometriosis can cause pelvic structures to adhere to each other. There are different courses endometriosis could take if left untreated. Infertility and pain are among the first symptoms. The disease can eventually cause ureters (the tubes bringing urine from the kidneys to the bladder) to close, possibly ending in kidney failure. This is why it’s important to diagnose and treat endometriosis as soon as you can.

Q: What are the early symptoms of endometriosis?

A: Pain would most often be an early symptom, but there is not always a correlation between abdominal pain and the degree of endometriosis. Some women with the most severe endometriosis have no symptoms, while others with minimal endometriosis have debilitating pain. Other symptoms include painful intercourse, infertility, bleeding between periods, gastrointestinal issues, and lower back pain.

Q: Can you have a healthy pregnancy and birth with this condition?

A: Pregnancy can occur with endometriosis. Sometimes surgery and anti-hormone medications such as Lupron can help with pregnancy. The issue of whether endometriosis interferes with pregnancy hasn’t been resolved. Some say up to 80% of pregnancies in people with endometriosis result in miscarriage (loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks). Other studies indicate miscarriage is more frequent with early endometriosis. Still others have concluded there isn’t an increased rate at all. The definitive study has yet to be done.

It’s important not to suffer in silence if you are experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis. Your doctor can help you find treatment, and potentially reverse infertility. If you are having excessive menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, or bleeding between periods, be sure to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Many women who have experienced this disease continue to live happy healthy lives. You are not alone.

Dr. Alan Lindemann
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D. teaches women and families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. In nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Visit LindemannMD.com

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Safety Tips for Teens This Summer

By Kara Reynolds

Photo: Storyblocks

Summer is almost here! The air is getting warmer, the sun stays out longer, and it’s likely your teens are getting anxious to start their summer vacation.

Your number one priority is to keep your kids safe, no matter how old they are. Summer is a time for relaxation and fun, but it can be stressful at times when you have a teenager in the house who wants to explore and soak up every bit of time they have to be themselves.

Thousands of books out there explain how to keep your home safe for an infant, but what about books or recommendations to keep teenagers safe? You can’t just put them in a playpen anymore—they have friends, cellphones, cars and a mind of their own now. To ensure your teen stays safe, check out these safety tips for your summertime teens so you can have a relaxing and bright summer!

Stress the Importance of Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

Hopefully, this tip will be off the list for next year, but it’s still valid for this year. Summertime is often associated with teens spending days on end with their friends and exploring various places. However, you must stress the prevention of spreading COVID-19.

Some states are beginning to reopen, so ensure your teen is following your state’s ordinances. Remind them to:

  • Frequently wash their hands
  • Wear a facemask
  • Practice social distancing
  • Avoid contact with those who may have the virus

Reminding them of these precautions should keep them healthy this summer to return safely to school in the fall.

Be Transparent About How Often You Want Communication

Teens seem to always be on their phones, but they tend to forget to reply to a text or call back their parents! Ensure you’re clear with how often you want them to check in with you when they’re out and about. It’s important that they know you’re one call away in case of any dangers.

Remind them to charge their phones often. Additionally, if you need an update on location changes, clearly explain that each time they leave a place and arrive at another location, you expect them to contact you.

Discuss Driving Safety & the Rules of the Road

For most teens, driving equals freedom. As your teen turns their designated driving age, they will want to be on the road as much as possible once summer hits. Whether it’s a day trip to the beach or a shopping trip with their best friend, they need to know that driving safely is crucial.

Discuss good driving habits such as wearing a seatbelt, putting the phone away and not eating in the vehicle. Any distractions, especially when teens first start driving, could be extremely dangerous.

Explain the Dangers of Substances

Although your teen has probably heard multiple times about the dangers of substance abuse, it never hurts to re-explain that to them. Teach them that peer pressure is a powerful thing and that it is 100% okay to say no. If they are in a situation where they’re pressured to use a vape, smoke, participate in drug use or drink, let them know that you are available to help.

Also, explain the long-term effects of those who delve into substances. Even though they may think it’s just one time, that one time can lead them down a road they don’t want to be on.

Get to Know the People Your Teen Spends Time With

One of the best ways to know if your teen will be safe when they are with friends is to get to know their friends. Have your teen invite their friends to your house for a few get-togethers. Additionally, you can ask your teen about their friends.

As your teen is spending time with their friends, observe them. This will allow you to better judge whether or not those people are good influences on your teenager.

Talk about Sex

It’s a tough conversation, but someone has to do it, and it’s probably best if it comes from a parent than any other source where information could be invalid. It’s a crucial conversation for all parents to have with their teenagers because many consequences can come from one sexual encounter.

Be open and honest with them. Allow them to ask you any questions they have. If they have been sexually active with someone, teach them about birth control and protection from sexually transmitted diseases.

Encourage a Healthy Diet & Hydration

In the summer, although kids are pretty active, there may be times you go on vacations and splurge on sugary treats and drinks for your teens. Although it’s okay to indulge every once in a while, ensure your teens still maintain proper eating habits to keep them energized and fueled for the day.

You should also ensure that your teen is drinking water. Water is the best drink for hydration purposes. People are more likely to become dehydrated during the summer months because of excessive heat and activity. Remind them to drink water throughout the day!

Create a Safe & Fun Summer Plan with Your Teen

Ultimately, you want your teenager to have fun during the summer. Soon, they’ll be off to college or heading into the workforce, so summer is their chance to live it up! Before summer break begins, have these conversations with them to create a safety plan for their summer.

 

RELATED: The Surprising Thing a Pixar Movie Taught Me about Raising a Teenager

Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine.  A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures.  She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time. 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Why Don’t Men Talk about Infertility?

By Brittany Stretchbery

There are several things people seem to “know” right off the bat when it comes to family planning, conception, and infertility.

  1. It’s a women’s issue, certainly not for men to discuss
  2. Infertility is all about the woman
  3. Men are along for the ride—when the woman wants a child, the couple wants a child

First you date. Move-in together. Get married. Then you have kids. In that order. At every wedding—“You’re next, when are you putting a ring on it?” from some nosy person. Chill, bro. Don’t try to press me. Then whenever someone wants to know about your sex life, they ask, “When are you finally going to have a baby?” incessantly. I always wanted to ask if they were having unprotected intercourse. But I digress.

The First Steps

First comes the “I’m not trying, but I’m not trying not to” routine. Really, I think it’s just something us guys say because we don’t want to look too eager to get into the parenting thing. Especially for younger couples, it’s easier to say that than to hear, “You have your whole life” when you say you want kids now. But let’s face it, you want kids and you really are giving it the old college try.

Mood: Great. Sex all the time, no more worrying about birth control or any of that business. Just… fun.

Should It Take This Long?

“If you have sex, you will get her pregnant.” You totally expect it’ll be quick! Two or three months tops? Surely it’ll be happening soon. Like, really soon. Let’s give it a few months. What people don’t commonly know is that your odds of conception are only 20-25% each month for the healthiest of people.

Mood: Still pretty good. Because, sex, you know? But maybe we should try something different

Ok. Really, Let’s ACTUALLY Start Trying

This is where the research comes in. Basal body temps, special lubrication, cutting the booze, eating healthier, monitoring cycles. The list goes on. So after 7-8 months, you reach “let’s actually put a plan in place” status. We’re smart people, we can handle this.

Mood: Well, this is slightly annoying. Still, sex. But now it’s planned. And that’s not so exciting.

Infertility: The Dreaded Word

After 12 months of trying, you now get slapped with the infertility title, by medical definition. We knew it was headed that way, but it still sucks going to the Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) for the first time. For the wife, it was her feeling like a failure. This goes back to the beginning rule: infertility is a women’s issue.

For us guys, our experience is different. Doctors, nurses, insurance people, etc. all try their best to include the males, but at clinics, the woman is the patient. The woman gets the tests. She has to talk to insurance because the husband isn’t a patient. For me, that was the most frustrating part. Not being talked to as a patient but as the support. Give us your sample and you can go on your way.

Mood: This is such crap. But we’re taking charge, here. Bringing in the experts. As the guy, I might be ignored a bit, but it’s worth it. Also, if you ever posted a baby picture on Facebook, I hated you and probably hid you from my timeline. You’ve since been re-added and I’ve caught up on your awesome journey through parenthood.

On to the Treatments!

Monitoring. Blood tests. Shots. Lots and lots of shots. Have you ever been jealous of someone getting a shot or blood drawn or anything? It’s a very strange experience. If I could have taken my wife’s place as a human pin cushion, I would have. No doubt. It started out gradually with just oral medication and ultrasounds, but then we got into blood tests and a trigger shot (to induce ovulation). And after that, stimulating hormone shots.

Mood: Ok, for real. I am here. Maybe talk to me a bit?

Total side note: I got to be a damn fine shot giver. Like, so good. Me doing the shots, in a way, got me more involved in the process. I was less resentful of the whole thing because I actually felt like I had a role in creating my child. But that wasn’t until basically year four of our infertility journey. Years two and three were super shitty. One failed procedure after another, a canceled IVF cycle. It wears on you.

Mood: Our second cycle of IVF was actually a great experience from my perspective. I had a role. A purpose. And everything she was doing wasn’t going to be a complete waste of time and money.

Looking Back at the Whole Infertility Experience

Obviously, I wouldn’t take it back. I have a daughter (who is now an energetic 4-year-old). Gosh, it sure was terrible at times. And other times it was just laughable. Let’s just say that our dignity took a hit between collecting samples and a million ultrasounds. 

There’s still a ton of stigma associated with infertility—and that’s the reason I am writing this today.

Yes, men can and do want families just as bad as their wives.

Yes, the woman is the patient. But I am still a willing and necessary part of the equation.

This post originally appeared on Bottles & Banter.
Brittany Stretchbery
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I work for an airline, so our our family of 4 flies everywhere on standby. Meaning, we never know if we'll actually get there. It's like travel Hunger Games. We have young kids and were never sold on the belief that you can't travel with little ones.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Can You Believe It? The Game of Life Is Celebrating Its 60th Anniversary

by Jennifer Swartvagher

The Game of Life has been a game night staple since its debut in 1960. Hasbro is excited to celebrate the beloved game’s 60th anniversary this year. Check out these little-known facts about the iconic game. 

The Game of Life

60 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE GAME OF LIFE FOR ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

 

  1. The inspiration for The Game of Life game was the word “Life” in the Milton Bradley

Company’s 1860 game, “The Checkered Game of Life”.

 

  1. “The Checkered Game of Life” from 1860 mirrored the ups and downs of Milton Bradley’s

own career.

 

  1. In 1959, Milton Bradley acquired the rights to The Game of Life game.

 

  1. In the original set of rules players could exact revenge on another player, this is not the case

in today’s version!

 

  1. “You will learn about life when you play The Game of Life” was the original television advertising jingle.

 

  1. Playing The Game of Life game is designed to parallel a person’s life.

 

  1. The Game of Life game was first introduced in 1960 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the

Milton Bradley Company.

 

  1. The Game of Life game shares its birth year with Etch A Sketch, Bubble Wrap, the first Xerox

office copier, the aluminum can, and the advent of the birth control pill in the United States.

 

  1. Hasbro acquired The Game of Life game from Milton Bradley in the year 1984.

 

  1. 351,815 copies of The Game of Life game were sold in the first year. It was considered a huge success.

 

  1. Wholesale price total was close to $1M ($982,619) total sales for the 1960 edition. The unit

price was $2.79.

 

  1. The iconic The Game of Life game spinner used today was inspired by the spinner used in “The Checkered Game of Life” 1860 version.

 

  1. The Game of Life game charted fresh territory for board games when it was first released

with a three-dimensional board and integral plastic spinner.

 

  1. The original The Game of Life game tokens weren’t made out of plastic, but they have always been cars!

 

  1. 1 hour is the average amount of time it takes to play The Game of Life game.

 

  1. Players have a 10.45% chance of landing on the “Pay Day” space and getting paid!

 

  1. The game was meant to be educational. The purpose was to finish the game with a peaceful retirement based on having made proper moral decisions.

 

  1. There are 6 car tokens for players to choose from – blue, purple, green, yellow, red, or

orange.

 

  1. There is currently 1 (in US only) available licensed version of The Game of Life game for sale.

 

  1. The Game of Life game is played in 59 countries and has been translated into 26 different

languages.

 

  1. Surveys show that the board game is owned by half of US households with kids ages 8 – 17.

 

  1. The Game of Life game is considered the most recognized board game in Japan and South

Korea.

 

  1. The board game is part of the permanent collection of the National Museum of American

History and SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION’S Archive of Family Life.

 

  1. The board game was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2010.

 

  1. In 1994, Acura developed a television commercial which focused on an Acura Integra driving along The Game of Life game path.

 

  1. $6 – Retail cost of The Game of Life game in 1960.

 

  1. $120 – Current value of the original 1960 version of the game.

 

  1. $130,000 – Salary earned by a Doctor, the highest paying career card in the game.

 

  1. $3,115,000 – The highest sum of money that a player can earn in The Game of Life game,

taking into account that the player lands on all of the spaces that give money and that the player has the highest salary amount.

 

  1. $22,300,000 – Total amount in The Game of Life game box.

 

  1. +$1,000,000,000 – Lifetime retail sales of The Game of Life game worldwide!

 

  1. In the 1960 edition of the game, Doctor (Salary $20K), Teacher (Salary $8K), Journalist (Salary $10K), Lawyer (Salary $15K), Physicist (Salary $10K), Bachelor’s Degree ($6K) were all original “To college” careers (designated by where you landed on the board, not cards).

 

  1. If you chose to skip college and go “To business,” in the 1960 version, your salary would be

$5K.

 

  1. 14 – Different types of housing options in the game for players to choose from.

 

  1. 16 – Career cards for players to choose from in the game.

 

  1. 52 – Pegs (26 Pink and 26 Blue) in each The Game of Life game.

 

  1. 134 – Spaces on the game board.

 

  1. Players can purchase automobile insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or buy stocks during

their turn.

 

  1. Players can take out Bank Loans during game play, but they must be paid back if you retire!

 

  1. How much money players earn during game play depends not only on the amount of their

salary but how often players land on your career space.

 

  1. In 1992, The Game of Life game was updated to include Life Tiles which reward players for

recycling their trash, learning CPR and saying “no” to drugs.

 

  1. The Game of Life game families play today was invented by Reuben Klamer.

 

  1. Reuben Klamer was 37 years old when he invented The Game of Life game.

 

  1. California is home to Reuben Klamer, the inventor of The Game of Life game.

 

  1. Though he resides in California now, Reuben was born in Canton, Ohio.

 

  1. The Game of Life Jr. game was launched in 2014, allowing players ages 5 and up to join in on the fun.

 

  1. In 2015, The Game of Life game was updated to include 16 new career cards inspired by kids including, Video Game Designer, Race Car Driver, Singer, Fashion Designer, and more.
  2. In 2014, Hasbro introduced Game of Life: Electronic Banking, which had an easy-pay

electronic banking unit and eliminated the use of cash in the game.

 

  1. The Game of Life Electronic Arts Mobile App launched in 2009 and The Game of Life

Marmalade Mobile App launched in 2016.

 

  1. To date there are over 2.5 million downloads of The Game of Life Mobile App.

 

  1. In 2017, Hasbro teamed up with TripAdvisor to bring vacations to the iconic The Game of Life game for the first time.

 

  1. In 2018, The Game of Life game allowed players to add a cat or dog to their family as they

moved around the board.

 

  1. The current edition of the classic game includes pets and vacations, two necessities to enjoy life.

 

  1. In 2019, Hasbro partnered with Amazon Prime to create The Game of Life: The Marvelous

Mrs. Maisel edition game inspired by the hit TV series.

 

  1. The Game of Life game has been spotted on Saturday Night Live and a number of TV shows where the game is played by the show’s characters.

 

  1. Hasbro paired with TV network the Hub Network in 2011 to air The Game of Life as a family

game show.

 

  1. In 2018, Hasbro introduced a Parody version of The Game of Life game titled; Game of Life:

Quarter Life Crisis.

 

  1. Whenever players land on a “baby” space in the game, they must add a baby peg to their car, it’s not optional.

 

  1. You can get fired or have a mid-life crisis during the game, it’s not optional!

 

  1. Players can choose to retire at Millionaire Estates or Countryside Acres, they are the only two options in the game.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Hasbro

RELATED STORIES

Hasbro Just Dropped a Ghostbusters Version of Monopoly & It’s Slimer Approved

The “Stranger Things” Monopoly Game Is Here & Will Hold You Over Until Season 4

These Etch A Sketch Mashups Are Amazing & We Want Them All

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

10 Books That Help Kids Understand & Get Through Puberty

By Common Sense Media

‌

The physical and emotional changes that come with puberty can be challenging for tweens, but these books can help. From expert guides filled with detailed biological facts to the funny Wimpy Kid installment in which Greg freaks out about zits, body hair growth, and B.O., these titles address the anxiety and confusion that boys and girls feel at this sensitive time. Don’t miss the “conversation starters” included with every pick to really maximize the benefits of sharing these terrific tomes with kids.

1. The Care and Keeping Of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls: Authored by Valorie Lee Schaefer; Illustrated by Josee Masse; American Girl Publishing, 2012

This comprehensive book is geared toward girls who are nearing—or just beginning—puberty. It covers all the basics of self-care, such as keeping hair clean and tangle-free, using sunscreen, cleaning teeth with braces, coping with acne, pampering blisters, and treating a sprain. This empowering self-care manual is perfectly targeted to young girls who are on the brink of growing up—and trying to figure out how to embrace these major changes with competence and confidence.

Recommended for ages 8 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Families can talk about body image and confidence. Are you happy with the way your body is changing? What messages in this book were most helpful to you?

  • This book gives a lot of attention to girls’ concerns about body image. Do you think there’s an ideal body type? Do you compare yourself to other girls, or models, or actresses

2. Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys: Authored by Dr. Cara Natterson; Illustrated by Micah Player; American Girl Publishing, 2012

This is a head-to-toe guide for boys on how to care for their changing body, from fighting off funky smells to cultivating healthy habits with lifelong benefits. It’s an engaging book for boys to read solo and an excellent ice-breaker for parents who’d like to be more comfortable talking about puberty.

Recommended for ages 8 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Does the casual style here make it easier to read—and hopefully talk—about subjects that might make you feel self-conscious? Is the candid language helpful? Does knowing the facts make some of this less awkward?

  • How do you feel about the way boys’ and men’s bodies are portrayed in movies, on TV, and in magazines?

3. The Period Book: A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up: Authored by Karen Gravelle; Illustrated by Debbie Palen; Bloomsbury USA, 2017

Author Karen Gravelle helps girls and their families grow more comfortable talking about periods, pubic hair, and pimples without blushing in this friendly, compassionate update of her sex-ed book, first published in 1996. It arms girls with the information they need to feel confident and capable through puberty. It’s packed with reassurance and practical advice and well served by informative and entertaining illustrations.

Recommended for ages 8 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Families can talk about the frank language and illustrations in The Period Book. Do they make it easier to discuss menstruation and puberty with your parents or friends?

  • Have you or any of your friends or classmates been involved with sexting—sending nude photos? What happened?

4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth: Authored and illustrated by Jeff Kinney; Amulet Books, 2010

The fifth book in the incredibly popular Wimpy Kid series features the same clueless, often irresponsible Wimpy Kid, but now he’s about to go through puberty. There’s talk of puberty everywhere—in health class, in Greg’s mom’s column (how embarrassing!), and even with great-grandma, who gives a secret lecture to everyone in the family when they reach that special age.

Recommended for ages 9 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Why do you think kids like Diary of a Wimpy Kid so much? Do kids find it’s easy to laugh at Greg’s antics? Do you think he’ll ever become more responsible? Would the stories be as funny?

  • Can you relate to any of these anecdotes? Where do you think the author gets it right—and where does he get it wrong?

6. What’s Going on Down There? A Boy’s Guide to Growing Up: Authored by Karen Gravelle; Illustrated by Robert Leighton; Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2017

The sexual landscape has shifted since Karen Gravelle first published this book for boys in 1998, and this welcome revision speaks to current concerns about social media, harassment, and body image. The book has a nonjudgmental tone and includes diagrams of external and internal male and female anatomy, along with straightforward, factual information on sexual activity, sexually transmitted infections, birth control, and more.

Recommended for ages 9 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Families can talk about the explicit detail in What’s Going on Down There? A Boy’s Guide to Growing Up. Does reading this book make it easier to talk about puberty and sex?

  • Do you think this book is appropriate for kids your age?

6. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret: Authored by Judy Blume; Yearling Books, 1970

Although this was first published in 1970, tweens will find that it still pretty much rings true today as a pretty realistic take on what it’s like to be a sixth-grade girl. Margaret is such a relatable character—she worries about being normal, sometimes says the wrong thing, and even hides her true feelings to be accepted by her friends. Readers will appreciate her honest narration—which will make them feel a whole lot better about that their own anxieties about growing up.

Recommended for ages 10 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Do you think a lot has changed since this book was first published in 1970? Do you feel like you relate to Margaret?

  • Margaret’s friend Nancy spreads gossip about Laura—she says that Laura lets boys feel her up and that even their teacher can’t keep his eyes off her figure. What do you think it’s like to be Laura? Do you think girls who develop early still get targeted in this way?

7. The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls: Authored by Dr. Cara Natterson; Illustrated by Josee Masse; American Girl Publishing, 2013

Puberty will always be both a little exciting and anxiety-provoking, but this easy-to-read guide makes it less mystifying by explaining exactly what’s going on—and how to roll with the changes. Written by pediatrician Cara Natterson, this tome equips girls with the biological information they need to better understand why they’re changing and how to adapt.

Recommended for ages 10 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Families can talk about the biological details in The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls. Does knowing how and why your body is changing make it easier for you to embrace it?

  • Do you feel as if you’re treating your body respectfully? What changes could you make?

8. The Girl Guide: 50 Ways to Learn to Love Your Changing Body: Authored by Marawa Ibrahim; Illustrated by Sinem Erkas; Harper Collins, 2018

Reading The Girl Guide is like hanging out in your fabulous big sister’s bedroom for a candid “ask me anything” session: It’s packed with answers to questions girls may not even think to ask about the ups and downs of growing older. Fifty short chapters take on acne, periods, big butts, hair growth — and hair removal, crushes, staying fit, bras, eating disorders, and more. Author Marawa Ibrahim is fiercely feminist and body-positive: “Say it loud and say it proud: Vagina, vagina, vagina” prefaces a two-page illustration of vaginas fashioned out of cut paper.

Recommended for ages 10 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • How do you feel about the candid tone of this book? How does it compare with more straightforward books on puberty?

  • Do you have questions about your body or your emotional health that this book didn’t help you with? If so, ask a trusted adult for information or advice.

9. It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health: Authored by Robie H. Harris; Illustrated by Michael Emberley; Candlewick Press, 2014

The 20th-anniversary edition of It’s Perfectly Normal is an unflinching and fully illustrated guide to sexual health for girls and boys that presents sexual activity as enjoyable but requiring mature, careful decision-making. It supports postponing and abstaining from sex but also provides information on contraception and abortion. It aims to arm kids with the knowledge to make informed, thoughtful decisions about their sexual behavior and relationships, and it does so with a frankness that some families will find refreshing while others may feel it’s inappropriate.

Recommended for ages 12 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Families can talk about why people often are uncomfortable talking about sex and whether It’s Perfectly Normal makes it easier. Are you more comfortable talking about sex with your family, or do you prefer learning from books like this?

  • Have you come across sexual content online or in talking with friends that are upsetting or confusing?

10. Girling Up: How to Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular: Authored by Mayim Bialik; Philomel, 2017

This fantastic book uses biology and neuroscience to answer questions many tweens and teens have about how their brains, bodies, and emotions change during puberty. Actress and author Mayim Bialik puts her Ph.D. in neuroscience to good use as she explains in detail, with anatomical illustrations, the hows and whys of puberty, from body image, coping with stress, nutrition, and school to hormones, dating, sex, and more.

Recommended for ages 12 and older.

Conversation starters:

  • Families can talk about how knowledge is power in Girling Up. Did you learn anything surprising? How will what you’ve learned help you as you grow into adulthood?

  • Why do you think a successful actress like Mayim writes books, too? Do you think she’s genuinely passionate about “girling up”? What about financial rewards?

Common Sense Media
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

This Mom’s Hilarious Tale of Poop on a Slide Will Make You Feel Better about Your Day

by Shahrzad Warkentin

There are certain moments as a parent when it literally feels like the entire universe has it in for you. No matter how bad your worst mom days are, however, it could always be worse as one mom’s hilarious viral Facebook post about poop on a slide illustrates.

Mom, Brittany Nichole Berry, took to Facebook to share her epic mom fail and let’s just say after reading this you’ll never leave the house without a full stock of baby wipes ever again. Berry’s post begins with an ominous warning, “I’ve debated on sharing this, just because it’s so embarrassing and I failed as a mother on so many different levels. But….. I think it needs to be said, if only to serve as birth control for the younger generation. Fair warning…. TMI AND POOP!”

As Berry explains she and her daughters were on an impromptu visit to the park when disaster struck. “At one point Sadie goes down the slide and then walks in front of me and I see ‘wet’ shorts. I think, ‘okay she’s peed out of her diaper, no big deal,'”Berry writes. “Then I start to change her and I realize it’s a poop-trophe.”

Every parent has experienced a “poop-trophe” moment at some point, what really set this one apart is what happened after she discovered she only had four wipes. “I start cleaning her up and there’s only FOUR wipes. This isn’t a four wipe kind of poop it’s pressure washer or open fire hydrant kind of poop. So I start looking for more wipes in the van. At this point, Sadie’s just standing there naked in an empty (thank God) the parking lot, with poop up her back in her hair, down her legs to her knees, even on her shoes, because taking her clothes off did not go as smoothly as one would hope,” she writes.

And then things really kick into fourth gear. “I turn my back, frantically searching for more wipes. Nothing. I had just cleaned out the van yesterday. I got out any and all extraneous wipes, clothes, everything. I KNOW there’s no other wipes in there, but I search anyway. Then I hear it…. that painful SQQQUUUEEEAAAKKKKK of skin getting stuck to a plastic slide on the way down. I look up and yes, of course, it’s Sadie. She’s going down the slide, butt naked, COVERED in poop, leaving a long skid mark of poop allllllll the way down on her way.”

The only saving grace is that the park has remained empty this entire time. Berry decides the only thing she can do is wrap her daughter in a blanket, buckle her and head home, but she doesn’t feel good about leaving behind a poop-streaked slide so she rushes the five-minute drive home to grab some Clorox wipes. She returns and parks the car with the kids inside and AC running and is thankful that the park is still empty.

“I get the brilliant idea to go down the slide and wipe as I go. Instead of risking a head injury I decide to go down feet first, on my stomach, holding on to the side to slow myself down with one hand and wiping with the other. This was not easy. I did not look elegant or attractive, I’m sure. I’m 254lbs of sweaty fat flopping around this children’s slide like a fish out of water,” she writes. “When I get to the bottom, I’m finally satisfied with my cleaning job. I turn and see a car parked, a family, all of them with glaring at me…. I dunno how long they were there. I never heard them pull up. They never got out of the car. I genuinely think that we’re afraid of me, after all, I was an overweight seemingly childless adult, on children’s playground equipment.”

Finally she looks down only to discover that her shirt is covered in poop. “Of course, I went down feet first. My clothes got the bulk of the poop. ” She continues, “I am NOT getting that on my seat belt. I am not getting a ticket or dying from not wearing a seat belt, no matter how short the drive. So,….. I do the only thing I can think to do….. I drive home in my bra. That family is scarred for life I’m sure…”

And that is by far the funniest poop-trophe story of all time.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Courtesy of Brittany Nichole Berry

 

RELATED STORIES

Mom’s “There’s No Trophy” Post Goes Viral & It’s Spot On

This Mom’s Viral “Squeaky Oven Dance” Is a Must-See

This Mom’s Hilarious Viral Video about Sibling Fights Is on Point

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement