Bra shopping is a recipe for frustration for many women, and no wonder — between cup size, band size, material, and strap style, there’s a lot to consider when selecting the perfect bra. It’s no wonder, then, that an estimated 80 percent of women wear the wrong bra size. The obvious solution is to spend more time taking measurements and trying on bras, but some shoppers prefer ordering online instead.

If the thought of trying on bras in a department store makes you feel squeamish, you may be better suited to online shopping. Nervous about over-spending or ordering the wrong size? While online bra shopping will never replace the experience of visiting a specialty store and trying on bras, it becomes a lot easier when you follow these simple bra shopping tips:

1.  Pay Attention to Sizing Details

Parfait Elissa Unlined Wire Bralette P5012 | Parfait Elissa Brazilian Thong P5014 in Pearl White

If you’re not sure about the size of a particular bra while visiting the store, you can simply try it on and return it to the rack if it doesn’t work. This convenience does not apply to online shopping, so figure out your measurements ahead of time. Your preferred online retailer should provide detailed information regarding sizes. Have a friend help you with a measuring tape to determine which size is best for you. Traditionally, bra size is determined based on the cup and the band. Your fit may be more accurate if you conduct an in-person evaluation, so schedule one if you’re comfortable and then return home to conduct the remainder of the shopping process online.

2.  Take Advantage of Expanded Sizing Options

Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Parfait Charlotte Highwaist Brief 6917 in Red/Black

If you have a unique cup or band size, shopping at a brick and mortar store may be a recipe for frustration. Thankfully, many online locations cater specifically to women who otherwise struggle to find the right size. Opt for online retailers that provide a broader variety of sizes and styles. You’ll enjoy access to a vast range of designs, materials, and colors, which are typically frustratingly limited for women with hard-to-find bra sizes.

3.  Aim For Free Shipping and Returns

Parfait Elissa Contour Underwire Bra P5011 | Parfait Elissa Bikini P5013 in Black

There’s no guarantee that the first bra you try on will fit just right, even if you determine your cup and band measurements prior to ordering. Bra fitting is an art, not a science, so some trial and error may be needed before you find the perfect fit. If you enjoy access to a generous shipping policy, however, you can easily return unwanted items. This makes the entire experience a no-lose situation; you can take solace in knowing that you have a get out of jail free card if you choose incorrectly. If you’re not feeling confident in a particular size or material, a desirable shipping setup will allow you to order several and return all but the bra you like best.

4.  Use Sales Sections and Coupon Codes

Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Charlotte High Waist Brief 6917 in Dusty Rose/Black

If you’re a budget-conscious shopper, you likely spend the majority of your time at the clearance rack. You can find just as promising of deals when shopping online, but this may require a bit of sleuthing. Lingerie coupons allow you to make the most of your limited clothing budget, without reducing your selection. Ready to amp up the savings? Join online savers clubs or email lists, which give you priority access to special deals.

5.  Take Note of Your Favorites For Next Time

Parfait Jeanie Plunge Molded Bra 4801 | Parfait Jeanie Hipster 4805 in Panther Print

There’s something to be said for variety, but if bra shopping invariably frustrates you, it’s best to find a simple procedure that you can repeat again and again. Bookmark favorite bras that fit well, feel comfortable, and last forever. You can then re-order these bras at your leisure. Just remember: your size may shift in the meantime, particularly if you gain or lose weight.

Online shopping is not always as convenient as trying on bras at a specialty store, but it does hold a few clear advantages, such as privacy and ample time for decision-making. Enter the process with a clear understanding of your measurements and your wardrobe needs, and you’ll emerge with quality purchases that reflect your priorities and your budget.

Featured image lingerie:

Parfait Carole Unlined Wire Bra 3102 | Parfait Carole Hipster 3105 in Desert Flower

If you are trying to lose weight, you know how rewarding it is to step onto that scale in the morning and see the number get smaller. When you first start out on a weight-loss plan, the pounds can seem to melt away quickly which makes us feel motivated to stick to our game plan.

But what do you do when the scale suddenly comes to a halt and won’t budge? If you have hit a weight-loss plateau, don’t despair! Sometimes all it takes is a few tweaks here and there to get over the hump and back to losing weight again.

Read on for 7 ways you can break through your weight-loss plateau. You don’t have to do them all at once. Try one or two of these strategies:

1.  Record What You Eat

Writing down what you eat each day can be extremely useful because a lot of us underestimate the amount of food we eat. But if you aren’t tracking your food intake – on paper or on an app – how do you truly know how many calories you’re ingesting? Start recording what you eat and you could uncover the reason you’ve been unable to shed those stubborn 5 or 10 pounds.

2.  Cut Back on Carbs

Image via Pixabay

Eat less carbs. A simple thing to do is forgo the bread and baked goods which contain processed ingredients. Foods that contain naturally occurring sugars like fruits and non-starchy vegetables (think leafy greens, celery and bell peppers) are nutritious forms of carbohydrates, and a much better choice to aid you in your weight loss.

3.  Try Interval Workouts

If you’ve been doing the same workout for more than six weeks, try a new or more challenging workout to bust through the plateau. On the treadmill, push yourself by running at your normal pace for a minute or two then crank up the speed and sprint for a minute then return to your normal pace. Alternate until you reach the 30-minute mark. Not only will intervals burn more calories, your time on the machine will go by much faster!

4.  Fill Up on Fiber

Feel fuller by upping your fiber intake. Fiber is nutrient dense, can fill you up with fewer calories and takes more time for your body to digest so you will satisfy your hunger for longer. Good choices include celery, apples, almonds, brown rice or a baked potato – better for you than a bag of chips any day as long as you don’t saturate it with butter and cheese.

5.  Limit Alcohol

Image via Stocksnap

Until you are in the weight maintenance phase, it’s best to limit alcohol as much as possible. Unwinding with a cocktail at the end of the day isn’t worth the calories and worse, it may set you back in your weight loss.

Consider this: a 6-ounce glass of wine contains about 120 calories and a 12-ounce serving of beer can pack anywhere from 100 to 170 calories or more! And if you’re a cocktail kind of girl, you’ll consume even more calories if it consists of sugary mixers. Alcohol can also make you hungry and lower inhibitions, which means you’ll be more likely to grab that order of happy hour potato skins or fried mozzarella sticks. If you do choose to have an occasional drink, make it a glass of wine, which may protect your heart and prevent inflammation. Or, go with a clear alcohol without the sugary mixers like a gin and tonic or a vodka and club soda.

6.  Drink Water Before Meals and Throughout the Day

Image via Pexels

Not enough can be said about the benefits of water. Water rids your body of germs and bacteria, keeps your skin hydrated and can keep hunger at bay. Drinking a glass (or two) before a meal can also help limit your calorie intake by making you feel fuller. Sipping on it throughout the day can also reduce empty-calorie snacking. And when it comes to exercise, drinking enough water can be a difference maker in the effectiveness of your workout.

7.  Get Regular, Consistent Sleep

Late nights can sabotage your weight loss. When you don’t get the sleep your body needs, both your physical and mental health suffers. A number of studies have shown that not getting enough sleep can decrease your metabolic rate and cause a shift in your hormones to promote hunger and fat storage. Not to mention that when we’re tired, we’re less likely to make smart decisions about the food we eat.

Good habits are what make a happy and healthy marriage. Whether you are a newlywed or long-time married couple, we all want the same thing – a marriage to last a lifetime. But a happy marriage doesn’t just happen, it takes both partners to build a strong foundation or to improve your relationship and keep things fresh.

While your sex life is important too, these six daily habits focus on the little things. Practice these habits to keep your promise to each other and stay connected no matter what life may bring your way.

1.  Kiss Your Partner Before They Leave

Image via Stocksnap

No matter if you both have careers or not, make it a point every day when you leave the house for work to give your spouse a kiss. This small act will go a long way in reminding them that despite being in a hurry, they are a priority to you. Likewise, when you see them after a day at the office, greet them with a few sweet words and a kiss so they know they were missed. If you have been married awhile and this habit has slipped away through the years, it’s time to hit refresh and begin this ritual again.

2.  Don’t Assume, Ask

Image via Unsplash

If you need help with something around the house or want them to pitch in with doing the dishes, you have to ask them nicely. Assuming they will read your mind about what needs to be done will make you resentful when they don’t come through. If you ask them for help in a calm and friendly tone, they’re much more likely to oblige. And thanking them afterward will let them know that you don’t take them for granted and appreciate the little things they do for you.

3.  Laugh Together

Image via Pexels

Laugh at each other’s jokes, watch funny movies and most of all, have a good sense of humor about each other. Life can be too serious sometimes so lighten up and find reasons to laugh with your spouse. Try doing something to make them laugh especially if they are stressed out. Bring up a funny memory once in a while and it will remind both of you of the history – and the good times – that you have shared in your relationship.

4.  Show Affection in Public (or In Front of the Kids)

Image via Pexels

Be it holding hands, giving each other a kiss or hugging, showing affection in public tells them, and everyone else for that matter, that you are together and aren’t shy about showing it. If you have kids, be prepared for them to be totally embarrassed by a display of affection between you two. But subconsciously, it will set an example for them about what a happy relationship looks like and that their parents love each other.

5.  Compliment Your Partner and Mean It

Image via Pexels

Compliment their outfit, tell them they smell good or express how attractive they look. Think about how you feel when your spouse flatters you – it makes you feel instantly special and will do the same for your partner, boosting their mood in the process. Compliments need to be genuine though. Remember, they know you better than anyone so they will sense it if you don’t really mean it.

6.  Be a Good Listener

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Whether it’s pillow talk or being there to get them through a tough time or decision, being a good listener is a hallmark of a good marriage because it shows respect. While your partner may not admit it, they need to feel heard just as much as you do. So next time they need to vent about their job or the kids, hear them out. And when it comes time to make important life decisions like buying a new home or car together, moving for a job opportunity or talking about finances and budget, knowing how to listen to them will make them more likely to reciprocate.

These habits only scratch the surface. There are many habits that need to be formed for a successful marriage. But if you both are open and honest in your marriage, it will not only survive the rough patches but will make the good times the best memories of your life together.

Feature image via Pexels

After a cold winter filled with hats, gloves, and constant moisturizing, the longer, warmer days of spring are a definite relief. But, along with the zen that comes, for many of us, with warmer weather and longer days, is a reminder that we need to update our beauty routines. Afternoons spent at the beach or in the pool, tanning, and even air conditioning can wreak havoc on our skin and hair. Here are 5 simple tweaks you can use to  make your skincare routine summer friendly.

1.  Remember to hydrate.

There are a host of products from shampoos to foot creams that promise to relieve dryness. These products will help, but properly hydrating – drinking at least 8 8 ounce glasses of water each day – should be our first defense against dry skin and hair.

2.  Try a dry brush/scrub 2-3 times each week.

Many of us will use self-tanners or spray tanners in the lead-up to our trips to the beach. The thing is, tanners leave behind a residue and film on our skin that can clog pores. Use a dry body brush before showering to slough off dry skin and get rid of the residue from tanners and other products.

3.  Shower in cooler water in the hot, summer months.

We all love a hot shower, but hot water can be irritating to newly scrubbed skin; try a luke-warm shower instead. And, while showering, invest in a textured massage glove or scrubbing cloth to buff your skin daily throughout the summer. If you have really dry or sensitive skin, use a scrub with fine grains rather than rough grains.

4.  Apply self-tanners after other beauty touch-ups.

Never shave, get a mani/pedi, or color your hair just before applying your sunless tanner. The ingredients in any of these beauty treatments are likely to remove the tanner – and you’ll have to begin again later. Remember to apply tanners from the feet up, and use body lotion on your knees, elbows, and ankles before using self-tanners. This will keep the tanner from turning that fake-orange we all hate!

5.  Use a hydrating hair mask weekly.

I like masks that are rich in wheat protein because it forms a protective layer around your hair that will protect against sun exposure, and the harshness of either the pool or beach.

Bonus tip: Apply sunscreen every day, even on days you don’t think you’ll get much sun.

The summer sun, especially, can be harsh to the skin around our eyes, cheekbones, and even our ears. Protecting these areas is crucial in the fight against aging.

Using these simple beauty tweaks, you’ll be ready for a summer filled with sun and fun in no time.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard the internet buzz surrounding a gym in Great Britain and their new workout: a 45 minute nap. While may are poking fun at the new fad, some experts believe napping can improve our health. Here’s what you need to know.

We aren’t getting enough sleep. Between smartphones and binge-watching our favorite shows, girls nights, and those late meetings at the office, most of us are getting by on less than seven hours of sleep every night. And, those of us with kids, are sometimes getting by on even less.

The thing is, we need more than five hours of sleep to function well. According to sleep experts,, the average adult needs a minimum of 7.5 hours of sleep each night – and 8 hours is even better. That is because the less time we have to sleep, the less restorative is our sleep overall.

Adults have three phases of sleep: Phase One is a light doze, similar to napping on the couch on a rainy afternoon. Phase Two is more restorative, a middle type of sleep. Phase three is a deep sleep, and is the most restorative, and key to our overall well-being. Chances are, if we’re getting fewer than seven hours of sleep, more of that sleep happens in Phase One than either Phase Two or Three.

What is Napercise?

David Lloyd Gyms recently launched a class called Napercise, which sets aside time in the middle of the day just for napping. Class members go into a large workout room, but instead of stretching out on yoga mats, they dive into a comfortable bed, with a thick comforter, put on an eye mask to cut the light, and rest. The temperature in the room is set in a comfortably warm zone, usually around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For forty-five minutes, the class members nap and then wake up feeling rejuvenated, less moody, and having burned a few extra calories.

Whether this is a quickly passing fad remains to be seen. Still, who doesn’t like a nap now and again?

Your wedding day. Possibly the most important day of your life. Couples spend months—often even years—planning for just one day. The logistics, deadlines, and details can feel overwhelming. Where do I start? What needs to be done first? How far in advance should I book each vendor? If you’re starting to stress about planning your wedding, know that you don’t have to go it alone. Professional wedding planners, with industry and event planning expertise, help couples stay on schedule and on budget, while planning the wedding of their dreams. Read my tips below to learn how to find and hire the perfect wedding planner for your wedding.

Image via Stocksnap

What is a wedding planner?

A wedding planner is your own personal wedding logistics coordinator, and day-of planning expert. They are professional event planners with expertise in the wedding industry. They have relationships with wedding vendors in their service region, and know the best practices for budgeting, planning, booking, and executing a wedding event of any scale.

What do wedding planners do?

Wedding planners serve as liaisons between couples and their vendors. They help you set a budget, determine your theme and colors, review and book vendors, and plan the schedule for the wedding day itself.

What should I know before hiring a wedding planner?

You’ll want to choose a wedding planner you are comfortable with, that you can be honest with, and that you feel truly understands your vision for your wedding, and is committed to making your vision (and not theirs), a reality.

I recommend that to find the right wedding planner, you start by interviewing several candidates. Yes—interview. A wedding planner should earn your business and finding a planner you feel compatible with requires speaking with several candidates and choosing the one who best vibes with your personality, and proves they can help you accomplish your goals.

Image via Stocksnap

What questions should I ask during the interview?

Be prepared to ask specific questions to ensure the planner can meet your goals. Ask how many weddings they have planned, how they like to communicate with their clients, and if they plan to be present on the day of the wedding. Also, be sure to ask how many clients they work with at one time to be sure the planner you choose can offer you the dedicated attention you deserve.

Where should I look for a wedding planner?

I recommend that you consider hiring a wedding planner who specifically services the region where you’ve chosen to get married. For example, if you live in New York, but have chosen to get married in Los Angeles, even though most of your interactions will be via phone or email, you’ll want to choose a wedding planner who lives in California. He or she should have existing relationships with vendors in the LA area, will be familiar with the best local venues, and will have a better understanding of the average cost for services in the area, compared with an out of area planner.

What if my wedding is international?

If you’re planning a destination wedding outside of the country, consider a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings. More specifically, search for a partner who has planned several destination weddings at your chosen location and can show you a portfolio full of examples.

Image via Stocksnap

How do I hire the perfect wedding planner of my choice?

Start your search early. Wedding planners get booked just like venues, especially during wedding season. Once you find the one, ask to contract with them before they get overbooked and aren’t able to take you on as a client.

How much do wedding planners cost?

Costs typically vary by planner, but as a general rule, plan to spend 10 percent of your wedding budget on your planner. Ask about rates up front, before you sign a contract or make a verbal agreement, to be sure your budget can accommodate the planner’s service fees.

Remember that the ideal wedding planner will keep you and your goals at the center of their focus. All their recommendations should be made with your desires, preferences, and budget in mind. By doing your research and planning ahead, you’ll be able to find and hire the perfect wedding planner for your wedding that will help you plan and execute an event to remember for a lifetime.

Image via Stocksnap

Feature image via Stocksnap

Despite all of the fancy ingredients in our favorite lotions, face masks, and hair treatments, some of the best ingredients in our beauty routine can come straight from our refrigerators! Here are five must-haves:

1.  Moisturize with coconut oil.

Of course, you can cook with it – some even say cooking with coconut oil rather than vegetable oil can help us lose weight – but the real beauty of coconut oil is in it’s moisturizing properties. Use on your face to reduce wrinkles, on your knees or elbows to reduce flakiness or, my favorite, as a deep-treating hair mask. Scoop out about a tablespoon and rub it in your hands to turn it to oil, then apply to your hair. Pop on a shower cap for 30 minutes – or even overnight. Shampoo and condition as you normally would and voila! Silky, shiny, hyper-moisturized hair.

Here’s the key: use 100% coconut oil – you’ll find it in the baking aisle – rather than the stuff in hair care aisles, which not only includes processed ingredients, but will cost a lot more money!

2.  Avocado – it’s not just for guacamole any more.

Mashed avocado mixed with a bit of Greek yogurt and honey makes a great facial mask. Simply combine the ingredients until, apply to your face and let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes. Use a damp, warm washcloth to remove it from your face. Hooray! Soft, moisturized skin – without a big price tag.

3.  Bananas as a cracked heel cure.

While winter is definitely the hardest season on our feet, summer can be just as brutal. Walking around in flip-flops leaves the balls of our feet and our heels vulnerable. Here’s what you do: mash up a banana with a bit of dry corn meal, this will form a paste. Simply rub this mixture all over your feet and then sit back and relax – no walking around, you want it to really sink in. Rinse after about 30 minutes and you’ll have softer feet; after a few treatments, the cracks will be gone!

We’re all guilty of a little oversharing on social media – whether it’s what we had for dinner or the jerk who cut us off on the way home from work. But, there are some things that should never be shared on social media, both for our personal safety, and because our bosses sometimes check up on us in the social world.

1.  Your personal information.

Image via Pexels

This should go without saying, but including your full birth date, social security number, or even your phone number and address on social media is a huge no-no. This is information that stalkers, ex-besties, and even identity thieves can use to impersonate you. . .and cause you limitless amounts of stress and harm. If any of this info is available for people to see on your social accounts, take it down. Now.

2.  Your current location – either on vacation or at home.

Image via Pexels

Similar to sharing your vital information, don’t share your current location, especially when you are alone. Check-ins from your favorite bar or store are fun to share, but these check-ins can be used by nefarious types to track you down, to figure out your schedule, and to harm you. Along the same vein, don’t geo-tag pictures, or include children’s names or locations in pictures

3.  Your work woes.

Image via Pexels

Have a terrible boss or a really annoying co-worker? We all do, but taking your frustrations with them out in social media will likely only make things worse. These things can be used against you not only at your job, but competitors could potentially use this information against the company as a whole.

These rules don’t mean you should never share any information or pictures with your social network, but thing about who could see what before posting. Save vacation pictures for when you’re home, and keep your personal information private. Following these steps can help keep you safe in an unsafe world.

Feature image via Parfait

Aside from the obvious destinations of New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Portland, and Boston, we at Parfait have rounded up our favorite US destinations for the ultimate foodie experience. If you are looking for a getaway that offers delectable, creative cuisine along with gorgeous scenery and other fun activities, you might consider planning a vacation to one of these seven destinations. Be prepared to feast!

1.  Asheville, NC

Image via White Duck Taco Shop

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is an epic foodie destination taking inspiration from hearty Southern cooking with fusion influences. Nearby culinary schools flood the city with great chefs cooking with local ingredients. Stop by Tupelo Honey Café for incredible farm-to-table Southern cuisine such as fried okra, pear salad, and fried chicken. White Duck Taco Shop, Chai Pani, Double D’s Coffee and Desserts, and Early Girl Eatery are other flavorful options. Do keep in mind that in Asheville, portions are very generous.

2.  Chicago, IL

Image via Athena Restaurant

The Windy City is a perfect destination to bring along your appetite. The distinct neighborhoods have foods from all cultures, so you’ll be treated to a travel around the globe in a visit through Greektown to Devon Street (Little India) and Humboldt Park (Puerto Rico of Chicago). A few restaurants to try include La Palma Puerto Rican Restaurant, Hema’s Kitchen, and Athena Restaurant.

3.  Austin, TX

Image via Contigo Austin

Austin is an oasis of cool with its impressive live music scene, botanical gardens, and of course, food. Here you’ll find everything from traditional Sichuan (Chinese) food to a sandwich that is anything but boring. Feast at Nobel Sandwich Co., Ramen Tatsu-ya, and Contigo Austin. Though barbecue might come to mind when thinking of Austin, this city also has a thriving vegetarian and vegan scene with Counter Culture being one of the top options. To jump into the cool food truck scene, Arlo’s is a great vegan option and Hey Cupcake! is the perfect sweet stop.

4.  Maine

Image via Wicked Woopies

While this is a bit of a broader suggestion than those above, Maine is a wonderful state to visit for fresh seafood, sweet blueberries (and all things made with blueberries), and whoopie pies. The Bite into Maine food truck located in Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, and Portland serves up juicy lobster rolls with a bit of a twist — wasabi and curry flavored rolls can be found! And try Wicked Whoopies for the perfect sweet treat.

5.  St. Louis, MO

Image via Dalie’s Smokehouse

St. Louis is such an underrated destination, but its Missouri Botanical Gardens, Forest Park, and cool museums make this city perfect for a weekend break. The Gateway City has a wonderful food scene with new options popping up all the time. World’s Fair Doughnuts is an old favorite that sells hot out of the oven doughnuts, Dalie’s Smokehouse has an amazing Reuben, and Vicia is a fine dining option with beautifully prepared food.

6.  New Orleans, LA

Image via Mother’s Restaurant

You can’t beat New Orleans when it comes to either music or food. As far as food goes, you’ve got the famous — and delicious — beignets from Café du Monde. Po’boys are another obvious option that should be savored at Jonny’s Po’boys and red beans and rice is a simple and delicious choice to be savored at Mother’s Restaurant.

7.  Pittsburgh, PA

Image via Cure Pittsburgh

A six-hour drive from NYC or just a quick two-hour flight, Pittsburgh is a convenient foodie option that has even been touted as the “next big food town.” Cure is one restaurant that has been boosting Pittsburgh’s reputation as an up-and-coming food destination due to its impressive selection of cured meats infused with unique flavors as well as its creative tasting menu. Tako is another interesting option that mixes Asian flavors and ingredients into tacos; their margaritas menu is also a hit with flavor combinations like lychee and pepper.

Did your city make the list? Share with us in the comments below! 

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

If you’ve just settled into being a new mother and love to blog, you can combine the two and become what is affectionately termed a “mommy blogger”.

A mommy blogger is someone who starts and then adds written posts to a blog about her experiences in motherhood. The experiences can be positive or negative, and she can interact with those who subscribe to and read her posts. Sometimes photos and videos are added. Each blog is unique to the mother writing the blog. On one blog you may find slideshows of a mom who wants to show her baby’s development in the first year. Another blog may be more review-centered, where the mom has a keen interest in discussing the newest baby products.

There are different reasons for starting a mommy blog. Some mothers start one to document their experiences and share them with family, friends, or a wider audience, while others are seeking to connect with other moms and exchange ideas, advice, and experiences. Still others find a way to combine mommy blogging with an existing career or interest, such as fashion design, cooking, photography, or filmmaking. Mommy blogging can be either a pastime or a profession—the choice is really up to the individual.

There are many benefits to blogging as a new mother:

1.  Extra Income.

Income can be earned with a blog in various ways: Advertising, affiliates, writing guest posts for other blogs, or a paid column in a print or online newspaper. If your blog becomes a fan favorite, a contract with a book publisher could be possible.

2.  Informal Support System.

Finding that you and other new moms share some of the same situations and emotions can help you and your readers realize that you aren’t alone. You can discuss the everyday ups and downs of parenting, and seek advice from like-minded moms. Friendships formed while blogging can last a lifetime.

3.  Improved Health.

Blogging allows one to express emotions that otherwise may be bottled. This can lower stress, which is important for new moms who may be experiencing postpartum anxiety. Lower stress can lead to better sleep, improved memory, and a stronger immune system.

4.  Valuable Resource.

If you are a new mom in a unique situation, your blog could be a valuable resource to others. For example, you may be the new mother of a child with special needs, or an adoptive mother, or an older mother. These personal, practical experiences of yours may be just what a new mom needs to hear.

5.  Improved Family Relationships.

Brandon T. McDaniel, contributor to Maternal and Child Health Journal, helped conduct a study of 157 mothers who blog, and found that a majority of them reported having improved relationships with spouses and other family members. The bloggers attributed this to the social support they receive while writing about motherhood. This support fosters a sense of well-being that carries over into the marriage and other relationships.

The benefits of blogging about motherhood often depend on the blogger. Some benefits are a result of goal-setting, such as the mom who wants to use blogging to widen her network of professional contacts while building her line of organic baby food. Other benefits are unexpected, like the satisfaction a mom blogger feels when she is thanked by a reader she’s helped.