Wait until you see the “Peter Pan” family costume!

If you start now, it’s easy to coordinate an awesome family Halloween costume that will earn you tons of compliments from fellow trick-or-treaters. From Scooby-Do-themed get-ups to Star Wars family costumes, there are plenty of great ways to dress up your brood this year. For parents who prefer to be a bit more behind-the-scenes, we’ve also got the most popular Halloween costumes for kids in 2022, baby Halloween costumes you can DIY with a onesie, and cardboard box Halloween costumes (because what else were you going to do with those Amazon boxes?)

Click here and save all these family costumes to Pinterest.

Movie Theater Snack Costume

If there’s anything we can agree on, it’s that going to the movies hits differently when snacks are involved. This fun family costume takes everyone’s favorite movie theater snacks to the next level.

Mary Poppins Family Halloween Costume

This fun family costume idea could go so many ways. You could have chimney sweeps, more penguins, the Banks children, and more!

Scooby Do Family Costume

How adorable is this family costume idea? Be sure to save your big Amazon box to make your own Mystery Machine.

Cruella Family Halloween Costume

While we wait for the sequel, how about this fabulous take on one of Disney’s most iconic villains?

Related: 7 Costume Ideas That Are Based on Book Characters 

Hocus Pocus Family Halloween Costume

With the sequel coming out at the end of Sept., we have a feeling there’ll be a lot of Sanderson Sister action this year.

Greek Gods and Goddesses Costume

We are blinded by the fabulousness of this costume idea from Tell Love and Party.

Pot of Gold Costume

Good as gold! We give the green light to the striped stockings and big green hats that make these lucky little ones ready for trick-or-treating. Create a rainbow and add gold coins to a shirt, and you’ve got an adorable leprechaun family Halloween costume idea.

’80s-Themed Costume

When it comes to Halloween when in doubt, go all ’80s.

Star Wars Family Halloween Costume

The trick to this Star Wars-themed family costume is Queen Amidala‘s makeup. The rest is easily found on Amazon, like this Princess Leia, this Luke Skywalker, and this Darth Vader costume.

Related: 17 Incredibly Clever Cardboard Box Costumes 

Harry Potter Family Costume

If you have a little muggle in the house, then a family Harry Potter costume theme makes for the perfect fit!

Baby Shark Family Halloween Costume

We love DIY costumes and give a wave of approval for this adorable shark family. You and your herd of fish will be sure to see grins on fellow trick-or-treaters.

Big Bad Wolf and the 3 Little Pigs Costume

Are any of you parents of multiples? This fabulous take on the classic children’s story is a genius idea for Halloween.

Where’s Waldo Family Costume

Where's Waldo family Halloween costume
Say Yes

The search is over! We spotted this ultra-coordinated family costume over at Say Yes. It's easy to pull together from items likely already in your closet.

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys Costume

Peter Pan family Halloween costume
A Beautiful Mess

We're clapping our hands for these whimsical costumes featuring Peter Pan and his Lost Boys. Grab a little pixie dust and fly over to A Beautiful Mess for a closer look at the costumes. It's easy to re-create if you just believe! You can even make your pixie dust by clicking here.

Family Weather Costume

Studio DIY

We love the idea of your kid being the rainbow in between the sunshine and rain! Find out how to make your own version over at Studio DIY

Wreck-It-Ralph Family Costume

Wreck-it-Ralph Family halloween costume
See Vanessa Craft

How cute is this Wreck-It-Ralph group costume idea? We love how a lot of these costumes might be laying around your house. Head over to See Vanessa Craft for the tutorials for each costume. 

Labyrinth Family Costume

Brit Co

Fulfill all your Goblin King dreams with this awesome family costume. Sarah, Jareth, and baby Toby complete this perfect trio of a costume. Find out how it's done over at Brit + Co

Monster Family Halloween Costume

Tell Love and Party

Few things say Halloween more than Creatures of the Night. You'll find all the how-tos and close-ups of the spooktacular makeup at Tell Love and Party featuring Frankenstein, his bride, a mini mummy, and a baby bat.

The Sandlot Family Costume

Chris Loves Julia

The family behind Chris Loves Julia took this awesome film-themed photo for the invitation to their annual costume bash. A flashback to a favorite childhood movie, the kids may not be familiar with The Sandlot, but they'll love the fun summery costumes.

 

A League of Their Own Group Costume

A League of Their Own Family Halloween Costume
Pretty Plain Janes

Complete with a ballpark candy vendor, the family behind Pretty Plain Janes hit a home run with this movie-themed group costume.  

 

 

 

 

Stroller car seat combos are the ultimate 2-in-1 deal

Head to a baby gear shop and you’re guaranteed to find parents-to-be staring wide-eyed at all the stroller and car seat options. Even the most seasoned among us can be completely thrown off by the unbelievable number of choices in both aisles. This goes far beyond just color choices (although we agree that’s also important). There are some basic safety standards every stroller and car seat has to include, of course, but aside from those, the choices can feel endless. Allow us to introduce (or re-introduce) you to the stroller car seat combo that’ll make thing at least 50% easier.

Here’s a pro tip: opt for a travel system. This hero stroller + car seat combo is easy—well, easier—and means you just have to make one decision. Plus, buying a travel system is usually more affordable, which is always a bonus. When you’re buying the stroller and car seat together, you also don’t have to stress about compatibility or adaptors. Now, just because travel systems are easier, we never promised you don’t have any decisions to make. But, as always, we’re here to help.

Chicco Bravo Trio

Chicco USA

The Bravo Trio from Chicco is seriously popular, so if you've been boning up on your travel systems, there's a good chance you've already seen this one. So we'll make it easy on you: the Bravo Trio system is a complete winner. It's an A-frame carrier, travel system, and toddler stroller—this one grows with your kiddo, newborn to toddler (that's a major bonus). Oh, and it's a one-handed operation, moms. You won't be fighting with it in the parking lot, and it's self-standing and compact. Win, win, win. Chicco Bravo Trio ($449.99)—Buy Here!

Chicco Corso Travel System

Chicco USA

Looking for years of easy breezy travel? The Corso's got you covered. It comes with four adaptable parent-facing and forward-facing modes—four. And if you're into a little bit of luxury, multi-position reclining seat, adjustable footrest, zip-extend canopy with mesh panel, leatherette details, and lots of extra storage make the Corso one sleek stroller. There's even upgrade options, which make for a collection of 3 different Corso models. Corso Chicco ($549.99—$749.99)—Buy Here!

Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller Travel System

Chicco USA

Whether you're a serious jogger or just prefer a 3-wheel stroller model, the Activ3 system is a solid choice. It's super lightweight and easy to maneuver, plus the one-handed operation lets you fold it and lay it flat in the trunk without the struggle. Chicco Activ3 ($579.99)—Buy Here!

The Peg Perego Booklet

Peg Perego

The Booklet from Peg Perego is a parent favorite, thanks to its multi-position backrest, adjustable footrest, large basket ,and adjustable handlebars. It folds compactly and sits upright, for easy storage in small homes, closets, and cars. In this travel system, it's paired with the Primo Viaggio 4-35 car seat. The car seat base includes a built-in anti-rebound bar to maintain stability in case of a collision. The Peg Perego Booklet ($583.99+)—Buy Here!

UPPAbaby Vista Travel System

UPPAbaby Vista stroller & Mesa car seat travel system
UPPAbaby

This combo, featuring the Vista V2 stroller and Mesa car seat, is pricier than the others on this list but does come with amazing extras like a bassinet, rain cover, bug net, and more. The biggest bonus? It can be adapted to carry three kids in different ages and stages. If you have another little one or are planning to expand your family soon, this is a smart investment. UPPAbaby Vista Travel System ($1299.98)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

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 retailers.

Attention, moms on the Hill: Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned parent, you know the importance of joining a local DC-area moms group to keep you sane—and supported.

You don’t have to be a new parent to need the wit, wisdom and tried-and-true tips of a fellow mom or dad. As the saying goes, it takes a village. And, thankfully, in Washington, DC, there are plenty of villages to join! Whether you’re looking to make new friends or you (desperately) need the expertise of a topic-specific group—from homeschooling to single parenting to juggling multiples or managing complicated childcare scenarios—there’s truly something out there for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering of like-minded mamas or want to crowdsource the advice of 2,000-plus savvy mothers online (hello, 2 a.m. breastfeeding Q&A!), the DC-area moms groups cover the gamut of offerings. Ready to make some mom friends? We rounded up the best mom groups, clubs, and parenting get-togethers in the DMV that will have you connecting with your new village in no time. Dads, you’re welcome, too!

Washington, DC Mom Groups

Parents of Anacostia
Parents of Anacostia (POA) is a network of parents that live in Anacostia and engage in supportive kid-friendly activities. From book clubs, to scavenger hunts, if you are looking for a parenting community in Anacostia, POA will allow you to connect on all things kid-related!

Brookland Kids 
With almost 1,000 active members, Brookland Kids is an online meeting place for a diverse range of parents and caregivers in the NE DC area. Whether you’re new to the area, or as a parent, this is an excellent resource for finding support and friendship in your community.

MOMS Club of DC NW
This is the NW DC chapter of MOMS Club International. From book clubs and moms’ nights out to playgroups and fun daytime outings with the kiddos, MOMS Club of NW DC is a great place to connect with other at-home mamas in your community.

Moms (and Dads) on the Hill
Moms on the Hill is a private online forum where parents and parents-to-be in Capitol Hill meet to dish about the latest parenting trends, organize playgroups and family activities, and find new friends in the neighborhood for themselves and their little ones.

TakomaPAKK
Connecting parents in the Takoma Park, Silver Spring, and Prince George’s County areas, TakomaPAKK is a community-run listserv and forum aimed at helping parents find the best options for themselves and their kids. Whether you’re looking for the best local playgrounds, the most kid-friendly coffee meets, or fun family activities in the neighborhood, with more than 2,000 active members this group is sure to deliver.

U Street Tots
For families living in the U Street area of DC, U Street Tots provides an online forum where parents can meet to set up playgroups, plan special events, and dish on everything from pediatricians to preschools. A great tool for connecting with other moms, dads, and kiddos in your neighborhood, this group also supports local organizations that work to improve the community through new development projects.

DuPont Circle Parents
Boasting nearly 800 active members, this group is an online community for parents of infants and toddlers living in the DuPont Circle neighborhood.

Glover Park Moms & Dads
An online forum where Glover Park parents dish about all things kid-related, Glover Park Families is a great resource for meeting others moms and dads in your neighborhood, building lasting friendships for you and your little ones, and discovering new tricks and tips from the group’s 500 active members.

Related: 14 Things Every New DC Mom Needs to Know

Virginia Mom Groups

MOMS Club of Alexandria-Franconia, VA
Part of the Internationally recognized support group for at-home moms, MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) hosts monthly meetings throughout the DC Metro area, including this chapter for Alexandria and Franconia, VA. This group boasts educational and social activities for mamas and their little ones, and contributes to a variety of philanthropic projects throughout the community. An excellent group for meeting fellow moms and introducing your tots to new friends, MOMS Club is one of the most respected and prolific member organizations for mamas in the world, with more than 2,000 chapters in eight countries and more than 100,000 active members worldwide.

MOMS Club of Alexandria NE
This chapter of MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) serves at-home mamas and their little ones in the northeast region of Alexandria, VA. Planning all social activities on weekdays when at-home moms need support the most, this group also holds monthly meetings with informative guest speakers, a monthly newsletter, playgroups, community service projects, and much more!

MOMS Club of Alexandria-South
For at-home mamas in south Alexandria, this chapter of MOMS Club offers support, social and educational activities, and a great way to meet fellow moms and new friends for the little ones.

MOMS Club of Annandale
Designed to support at-home moms or working moms with flexible schedules, MOMS Club of Annandale connects mamas to a community of support for themselves and their little ones. Offering weekly social and educational activities, monthly meetings, guest speakers, and special-interest clubs, this group is an excellent resource for moms in need of daytime support, companionship, and community involvement.

MOMS Club of Burke-North
For at-home moms in the Burke-North area of VA., this chapter of MOMS Club International offers monthly meetings with guest speakers, member-hosted get-togethers, holiday events, a babysitting co-op, weekly playgroups, and much, much more!

MOMS Club of Burke-South
Serving at-home moms and little ones in the Burke-South and Fairfax Station areas of VA., this chapter of MOMS Club International offers local mamas a tight-knit community of support. Through monthly meetings, regular playgroups, member-hosted events, and so much more, this group helps moms stay connected with their community - and helps the kiddos meet new playmates!

MOMS Club of Reston, Sterling & Herndon, VA.
This chapter of MOMS Club International was originally Reston based, but has since expanded to include Sterling and Herndon moms. Expect mommy-and-me outings and activities, monthly meetings with guest speakers, special interest clubs, a babysitting co-op, and age-specific playgroups. A fun reason to get out of the house, this group offers a strong community of support and friendship for mamas and their little ones.

MOMS Club Stafford-East, VA. 
For at-home moms in the Stafford-East area of VA., this chapter of MOMS Club International offers all the staple services and resource of the club - in your own backyard! Creating a community of friendship and support through a wide range of activities, service projects, and special events, the MOMS Club is a great way for moms and kids alike to meet new friends and discover the best family-friendly fun the area has to offer.

Mothers of North Arlington
For mothers in northern Arlington, MONA offers support, friendship, online message boards, and a range of fun activities for mamas and tots. Hosting monthly socials for current and prospective members, this group is an excellent resource for local moms to meet new friends.

Mothers of South Arlington

Parents who are looking for playdates, babysitter co-ops and meet ups that featured qualified parenting speakers should join this group in South Arlington, VA. 

Parenting Playgroups of Falls Church
Located in Falls Church, VA., Parenting Playgroups lives up to his slogan, “Where parents learn and children play.” Featuring workshops for parents and playgroups for kids, this group is a great way to connect with the community and make new friends for you and your little ones.

Vienna Moms, Inc. (VMI)
A support group for both stay-at-home and working moms in Vienna, VA, VMI boasts more than 400 active members and a wide range of social activities. Whether it’s meeting up for a pizza party, a playgroup, or a moms-only night on the town, this group is always planning fun new events the whole family can look forward to!

Related: Make History with These DC Inspired Baby Names

Maryland Mom Groups

Thought Catalog via Unsplash

AU Park Parents
For parents who live around American University Park, this online forum is a great resource for connecting with other parents in the neighborhood. Boasting more than 500 active members, you can dish about community news, trade parenting tips, and schedule playdates.

MOMS Club of Bethesda
Part of the international organization, this chapter of MOMS Club is for mamas living in the area of Bethesda, MD. Hosting playgroups and other social events twice weekly, this group also holds monthly meetings, organizes special events for holidays, and participates in various service projects that will help you and your little ones get more involved with the community!

MOMS Club of Chevy Chase-Kensington, MD
This chapter of MOMS Club International serves primarily stay-at-home mamas in the Chevy Chase-Kensington area of MD. Offering meetings, playgroups, fun family activities, and special outings every month, this group has no shortage of things to do for mamas and their little ones!

MOMS Club of Gaithersburg
Geared to at-home mamas in the Gaithersburg area, this imprint of MOMS Club International is an excellent resource for moms looking for friendship, playmates for the kids, or a great reason to get out of the house and explore! With monthly meetings, social and educational activities, and a variety of special events and service projects, this group welcomes Gaithersburg mamas to a fun, nurturing community of support.

MOMS Club of Germantown-South, MD.
With 3-5 kid-friendly activities planned each week, there’s always something to look forward to in this chapter of MOMS Club International. Serving mamas and little ones in the Germantown-South area, the group also hosts monthly meetings, social and educational activities, fun field trips, regular special events, and much, much more!

The Wednesday Morning Group of Montgomery County
Meeting weekly during the Montgomery County school year, the Wednesday Morning Group welcomes parents, grandparents, and empty nesters alike who are looking for support, camaraderie, and intellectual stimulation. Featuring lectures and discussions, this group is great way to connect with other members of the community who share interests in a range of topics, from childrearing and education to literature and current events - and everything in between!

Wheaton Area Moms (WAM)
Welcoming stay-at-home moms and dads in the Wheaton and Silver Spring areas, Wheaton Area Moms meets regularly for playgroups, nature walks, service projects, and so much more! A fun excuse to get you and your little ones out of the house during the day, WAM also offers parents-only nights out and a book club when you need a little time away from the kiddos.

Related: Stumped by Baby Names? Classic Baby Names to the Rescue!

 

Specialty Mom Groups in the DMV Area

Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

DMV Littles for Single Moms
Single moms come together in this mighty group to share experiences and build a support system and friendships with one another. Expect plenty of playdate options (and the occasional girls night out) across the entire DC metro area.

Mocha Moms
A support group primarily for at-home moms of color with chapters throughout the Metro area, Mocha Moms welcomes any mom who shares its vision to nurture healthy families and communities. Connecting mamas of all backgrounds, income levels, races, and religions, this group empowers women who choose to devote less time in the workplace and more time with their families.

VA Homeschoolers
For VA parents who choose homeschooling for their children, VA Homeschoolers is an excellent resource for connecting with other homeschoolers in your area. Dedicated to spreading awareness, diversity, and advocacy for homeschooling, this group boasts conferences, special events, an online community and resource center, and much more!

DC Autism Parents
Offering community, education, and support to all families in the DC area affected by autism, DC Autism Parents promotes advocacy, awareness, and inclusion through a variety of classes and fun family activities. From barbeques and scenic hikes to mentorship programs and political action committees, this nonprofit organization is a great support system for families dealing with autism.

Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia
For NOVA parents who are looking for extra support and advice on everything from a new diagnosis to IEP strategies. POAC-NoVA offers a community ready to give advice and empower parents on their difficult journey.

P.A.C.E.
For more than 30 years, PACE has delivered on its mission to promote wellbeing for families throughout DC, Northern Virginia and Montgomery County. Offering groups for new and second-time moms, workshops on parenting techniques and infant care, and so much more, PACE is a nonprofit organization that connects moms to a nurturing community of motherhood experts and other like-minded parents.

Parents of Multiples
Providing support, education, and social activities for parents of twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples, Parents of Multiples has chapters in Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, VA, and Central Maryland. Hosting monthly meetings that unite parents, educators, doctors, and other experts in dialogue, this group also offers special events such as consignment sales, moms-only spa days, summer picnics, and much, much more!

Additional reporting by Ayren Jackson-Cannady and Peter Kusnic

 

 

 

“This is something that I’ve been wanting for a long time.”

Hilary Swank is a mom!

The 48-year-old Million Dollar Baby star posted a sweet Easter photo to her Instagram that revealed she’s given birth to her twins—a boy and a girl.

“It wasn’t easy. But boy (and girl!) was it worth it. 👼🏼🤍👼🏼,” she wrote. “Happy Easter! 🐣🐣 Posting from pure Heaven. 🙌🏽”

Friends, fans, and colleagues quickly filled the comments with well wishes for Swank and her family.

“Aaaaahhhh!!!!! Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️,” wrote Viola Davis. Sharon Stone commented, “God bless honey This is the most extraordinary journey ever ❣️🌹so happy for you all.”

Swank hasn’t revealed many details about the new arrivals, but it looks like she’s enjoying her time with them, as she should.

Swank shared that she and husband Philip Schneider are pregnant—and expecting twins—when she appeared on Good Morning America back in October. “This is something that I’ve been wanting for a long time and my next thing is I’m gonna be a mom,” said Swank. “And not just of one, but of two. I can’t believe it.”

Related: 12 Inspiring Movies for Women’s History Month to Watch with Your Kids

The hosts of GMA shared in Swank’s elation, who has kept the secret for some time. “It’s so nice to be able to talk about it,” she says.

Not long after, she took to Instagram to share the happy news to her own audience with a sweet video revealing her baby bump. “Coming soon…DOUBLE feature! 👼🏼👼🏼,” reads the caption.

Related: So You’re Having Twins? Here’s the Advice That’s Not in the Books

Related: Ashley Graham’s Breastfeeding New Mom Posts Are So Relatable

An hour later, Swank say down with LIVE with Kelly and Ryan to confirm the news. “I’m pregnant…with twins.” While chatting with the hosts, she admitted that twins means “double excitement.”

Swank and Schneider have been married for four years and the babies will be the first for both of them. While chatting with GMA and LIVE, she did not reveal her due date, but she did say she was far enough along to feel comfortable sharing the news.

Additionally, she revealed that both her grandmother and her husband’s grandmother was a twin. “We have twins in our lineage.” It looks like the duo have officially carried on the tradition!

The off-duty firefighter was actually involved in the accident herself, but stepped in to help a woman in need

Megan Warfield is both a career firefighter with Baltimore County and a Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Rescue & Marine (BQVFRM) member, so she knows how to handle an emergency. But even the 30-year-old, who was nine months pregnant at the time, didn’t see herself being at the center of a vehicle collision.

Warfield, who had been serving in an administrative capacity as she progressed through her pregnancy, was involved in an accident as a passenger one afternoon. On a recent appearance on TODAY, she recounted the situation.

“I started to climb in there with her, but then I was like, ‘What are you doing? You’re nine months pregnant,’” Warfield she says. “I ended up holding onto her to keep her in place because I wasn’t sure of her injuries at the time.

Related: Kaley Cuoco’s Adorable Pregnancy Announcement Doubles as a Gender Reveal

Warfield stayed by the woman’s side until Squad 213 could arrive to help extricate her from the vehicle, according to the BQVFRM Facebook page. Once the paramedics arrived (one of which was Warfield’s paramedic boyfriend), the firefighter finally decided to head to Johns Hopkins Hospital to get checked out.

According to TODAY, the accident ended up inducing labor and turned Warfield’s baby transverse. “I don’t know how I did what I did because the cramping was so bad,” Warfield said. “I must’ve just been running on adrenaline.”

Related: Hilary Swank Announces She’s Expecting Twins: ‘I Can’t Believe It’

From there, it was less than 24 hours until Megan welcomed her baby girl, Charlotte. Born on Oct. 4, she joins big siblings Ellie and Jameson.

Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Rescue & Marine took to Facebook to honor Warfield’s brave actions and said it best: “Since no good deed should go unrecognized, we wanted to highlight Megan’s heroic and selfess actions. Congratulations Momma Megan, Job Well Done”

The Flight Attendant actress shared the pregnancy news on Instagram

Kaley Cuoco is going to be a mom! The 36-year-old has announced she and boyfriend Tom Pelphrey are expecting their first child together.

“💕Baby girl Pelphrey coming 2023💕 beyond blessed and over the moon… I 💓you @tommypelphrey !!!” reads the Instagram post. The former Big Bang Theory actress also gave away more than just a glimpse into the couple’s excitement, but revealed a baby girl will be joining their family.

The actress shared photos showing a cake with pink frosting, Pelphrey holding a baby onesie, the two kissing holding “papa bear” and “mama bear” mugs, a polaroid of Cuoco’s baby bump, and a slew of images showing positive pregnancy tests. It’s easy to say the duo both look elated.

Related: Hilary Swank Announces She’s Expecting Twins: ‘I Can’t Believe It’

Tom Pelphrey, of Ozark fame, also shared the happy news on his own Instagram account. “And then it was even MORE BETTER. 🎀🎀🎀. Love you more than ever @kaleycuoco ♥️🙏♥️”

Cuoco and Pelphrey first met at the Ozark premiere back in April. The became official in May and since then haven’t shied from sharing their love for each other on social media.

Related: Kristen Bell Apologizes to Parents Everywhere for ‘Frozen’

Now that the cat’s out of the bag (or rather, we know there’s a bun in the oven?), Cuoco is emptying her photo drafts like crazy to her Instagram Stories. Apparently, the mama-to-be experienced a fair amount of morning sickness and exhaustion, judging by the snap shots of her sneaking in naps in between film takes for her upcoming action film, Role Play.

Neither Cuoco or Pelphrey have revealed the big day––aka, due date––for when baby is expected. However, judging by the many posts since the announcement just yesterday, we’re guessing we’ll get to go along for the ride for months to come.

If you have more than two kids, this study may not come as a huge surprise, but researchers in the U.S. and France found that having three or more children resulted in lower cognitive function later in life.

The study, published this week in the journal Demography, collected data from adults ages 65 and up across 20 European countries and Israel, all having a minimum of two biological children. The results showed lower cognitive abilities in both men and women. This is the first study of its kind to show causal effects of high fertility on cognitive outputs later in life.

“Understanding the factors that contribute to optimal late-life cognition is essential for ensuring successful aging at the individual and societal levels — particularly in Europe, where family sizes have shrunk and populations are aging rapidly,” said Vegard Skirbekk, PhD, professor of population and Family health at Columbia Mailman School.

There were several reason cited in the study that links to possible causes. One that that families with three or more kids causes considerable financial burdens by reducing family income. Second, the more children a woman has, the less likely she is to work full-time or maximize her earning potential. Finally, as anyone with kids knows, having children can be stressful, which can negatively impact cognitive functioning. Add to that a general lack of sleep, anxiety, and less time for ourselves, and it can be easy to see why parents of multiples are at risk.

“The negative effect of having three or more children on cognitive functioning is not negligible, it is equivalent to 6.2 years of aging,” said Eric Bonsang, one of the researchers in the study. “Given the magnitude of the effect, future studies on late-life cognition should also examine fertility as a prognosticator alongside more commonly researched predictors, such as education, occupational experiences, physical exercise, and mental and physical health,” added Skirbekk.

Of course, kids bring a great amount of joy as well. But if you’ve ever heard yourself saying, “I feel like I’ve aged ten years,” every time one of your kids celebrates another birthday, you can thank science for validating those feelings.

It’s sad news coming out of the professional soccer world: Cristiano Ronaldo’s newborn son has died. The Manchester United star shared the devastating update on Monday via social media.

Ronaldo and his girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez are both mourning the loss of their son, a twin. “Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness,” he writes.

The soccer star announced the news of Rodríguez’s pregnancy back in Oct. on Instagram and the couple would be welcoming twins this year. “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins. Our hearts are full of love — we can’t wait to meet you. #blessed.”

Ronaldo is already dad to to four-year-old twins Eva Maria and Mateo who he welcomed via surrogate in 2017, four-year-old daughter Alana Martina he shares with Rodríguez and 11-year-old son Cristiano Jr. from a previous relationship.

Support from the world has been sent out to Ronaldo, who currently plays for Manchester United. The team tweeted out their condolences on Monday in the wake of the news, in addition to several other clubs, including Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro also sent out messages of love in an Instagram post. Translated in Portuguese, the caption read, “I love you and my heart is all there on this side, ”May God take care of everything and strengthen your path more and more.”

According to CNN, United released a statement that Ronaldo will not be playing in this week’s game against Liverpool. “Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time. As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family’s request for privacy.”

 

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If you’re expecting twins, you may be wondering if there are certain considerations you need to be aware of that are different than those carrying singleton pregnancies. To help you address this, here are some common questions I hear from pregnant women expecting twins.

1. What are my delivery choices with twins? Is it possible to deliver without surgery?
In my experience, about 50 percent of twins are vertex/vertex (both head down) in the uterus. The next most common presentation is vertex/breech, with one baby head down and the other baby bottom down. The second baby can be delivered breech or turned by external cephalic version (ECV). Either option is reasonable. Twins can also both be breech, and I have delivered breech twins vaginally.  Of these three possible presentations, the breech/vertex position is considered a poor choice for a vaginal birth because of the chance of locking chins. The pregnant women I’ve treated have not exhibited this presentation, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a C-section in such cases. So in most cases, yes — it is possible to deliver twins without a C-section, and even without an episiotomy.

2. How common is it to have one twin delivered vaginally and one by C-section?
I’ve often said that birthing the first twin vaginally and the second twin by C-section is the worst of both worlds. I have never done this procedure. Management of the second twin requires patience, discernment, judgment, and luck. Of these, patience is the most important. A new mom who has a combination vaginal/C-section delivery will be more tired and sore, and will need much support at home to avoid depression. Recovery time will also be longer, from 4 to 6 weeks. To avoid the vaginal/C-section combination delivery, new moms need to know their options and discuss them with their doctor. If your babies are not vertex/vertex (both head down), what is your obstetrician’s comfort level with managing the delivery?

PRO TIP: Dads can play a big part in post-partum support. In my experience, dads attending prenatal visits and classes are more able and willing to help out after delivery. The father of the quads I delivered took an active part in caring for his babies. He told me he figured out that he changed 7000 diapers per month! Now that’s dedication and commitment.

3. What unique aspects of being pregnant with twins should I be aware of in each trimester?
First trimester: Nausea, lack of interest in food, and risk of miscarriage are all higher during the first trimester.
Second trimester: Risk of preterm cervical dilation and hypertension increase in trimester two.
Third trimester: When pregnant with twins, preterm delivery is common in trimester three. With twins, 38 weeks is considered term.

4. Does giving birth to multiples lead to higher postpartum baby blues, depression, or psychosis?
A multiple pregnancy can have everything a single pregnancy can have, and have more of it. So yes, more baby blues, more depression, and for some, more post-partum psychosis are possible. Dads are most important. They are most available to help. Stay in touch with your care provider and ensure you have a strong support system of friends and family in place for the first few months after you give birth—especially those first few weeks.

5. Can you share tips for nursing twins?
First off, know that nursing twins can absolutely be done. Most often, nursing is simultaneous and each baby gets one breast. Nursing is wonderfully adaptive. The babies can be held like a football under each arm, with the head on the breast and the body and legs to the mother’s sides and back. Most importantly, don’t worry! About the only thing that wrecks nursing is worrying and thinking you can’t. If you think it can’t happen, it won’t. Until your milk production catches up, you may need to top off the twins’ feedings with formula. Please do not worry when providing your twins with a little formula. You are not bad or inferior. Your babies must eat and gain weight.

6. Giving birth to one baby carries some risks for mother and child. Are those risks the same when giving birth to twins?
Giving birth to twins offers more risks for everything. But in my experience, it’s not twice as much risk.

PRO TIP: Don’t smoke!!!

7. Can I maintain my pre-pregnancy exercise regimen when pregnant with twins? What modifications should I make, if any?
Maintaining your pre-pregnancy exercise program depends upon what your  pre-pregnancy program was. I would avoid running five miles daily—or even one mile daily. Yoga would be better.

8. Do I need to eat more when pregnant with twins than I would with a singular pregnancy?
Although we kow the optimum weight gain for singleton pregnancies, less is known about multiples. My experience with twins indicates you should eat about 50 percent more than with single pregnancies, but not twice as much. Certainly you need the maternal volume increase, which will be about four pounds a month. There will be more amniotic fluid, more blood volume, more placenta, and more baby.

9. What should I do in terms of self-care when pregnant with twins?
Set your mind at ease by learning more about what it means to carry, birth, and raise twins. The more knowledgeable you feel, the more you will be able to advocate for yourself with your care providers, and navigate all the unique realities that having twins will present to you.

All pregnancies require an increased level of care and attention from expectant mothers. Carrying twins simply means a slightly higher level of due diligence on your part to protect your health and your babies’ health during pregnancy, delivery, and especially during their first few months of life.

Stay in touch with your care provider through each step of your journey, and don’t hesitate to ask these and other questions to help you incorporate the information into your unique pregnancy and birthing experience.

FUN FACT: With deliveries on one side of midnight and one on the other, I have had twins deliver on separate days, separate months, and even separate years (New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day)!

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