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My Breastfeeding Journey: From First Latch to Gentle Weaning + Free Downloadable Breastfeeding Guides
Breastfeeding has been one of the most intimate and transformative parts of my motherhood journey. From the moment my daughter was born, it felt surreal to offer my body to feed her—but minutes afterward, skin-to-skin, she instinctively crawled up my chest and latched on. I don’t even know if she got anything, but she latched—and yes, it hurt a bit but there was something powerful in that moment that will stick with me forever.
Olivia Marie
Jul 154 min read


Breastfeeding in DC? These Local Resources Are 100% Free and Incredible
If you're based in DC and considering breastfeeding or pumping, the good news is—you have access to some of the best free support in the country. Here's a full breakdown of where to go, who to contact, and what you'll get.
Olivia Marie
Jul 82 min read


Free Breastfeeding Help You Didn’t Know Existed (But Should Have)
Breastfeeding is one of the most personal decisions a mother can make—and also one of the most rewarding, challenging, and nuanced. As a...
Olivia Marie
Jul 82 min read


The Convertible Car Seat I've Been Dreaming About: BabyArk, I'm Coming for You!
You know how some people stalk their celebrity crush’s every move? That’s me with this car seat. I’ve read the reviews, watched every video, and followed every launch update so you don't have to!
Now that we’re finally ready to move to a convertible car seat, I’m beyond excited to make BabyArk a part of our everyday life.
So, let me tell you what makes the BabyArk stand out in a sea of safety seats.
Olivia Marie
Jul 62 min read


I Had Two Tumors and a Baby—Here’s What You Should Know About Fibroids and Pregnancy
When I was pregnant, I wasn’t just growing one tiny human—I was also growing two fibroids. Yep, surprise! Alongside the little kicks and growing belly came two unwelcome guests that made themselves very much at home on the outside of my uterus. The larger of the two was about 3 cm—roughly the size of a golf ball—and for a while, we actually thought it was the baby’s foot or elbow. So let’s talk about what fibroids actually are, what to expect if you have them during pregnancy
Olivia Marie
Jul 64 min read


Pregnancy Made Me a Lemonade Addict—and Now My Friend’s Hooked Too
Whether you’re craving lemonade, watermelon, olives, or peanut butter straight from the jar—trust your body.
Pregnancy cravings aren’t random nonsense. Your body is whispering to you (or screaming, let’s be real) about what it wants. Sometimes it’s nutrients. Sometimes it’s comfort. Sometimes it’s just something that tastes really freaking good in that moment. As long as your cravings are safe, go for it. You're doing an incredible, magical, exhausting, mind-blowing thing—
Olivia Marie
Jul 62 min read


Why Coffee Saved My Pregnancy (Literally)
My OB recommended something surprising: try a small amount of caffeine. She explained that up to 200mg of caffeine per day is considered safe during pregnancy, and that it might help by gently constricting my blood vessels and reducing the headache pressure. I gave it a try. And it changed everything.
Olivia Marie
Jul 63 min read


Birth Plan 101: How to Write a Birth Plan You’ll Feel Confident About + Free Downloadable Template
As your due date approaches, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. One way to ease anxiety and feel more in control of your birth experience is by creating a Birth Preferences Plan—also commonly called a birth plan. I've created a free, editable Birth Plan Template to help make the process smoother for you. You can download it from one of the links below and customize it to suit your unique needs and values.
Olivia Marie
Jul 54 min read


Copy My Baby Registry! Streamlining Baby Prep for Lower Stress Levels Because You Deserve It
Yes! It's possible! Instead of spending hours upon hours researching and adding products to your baby registry you can just copy mine and have a HUGE head start! Everything on my public registry has been personally vetted and I either LOVE the product, or a close friend of mine does and I've heard about it so much it has earned a spot here.
Olivia Marie
Jul 31 min read


Postpartum Recovery 101: How to Care for Your Body After Birth + Free Postpartum Care Supplies Checklist
Bringing a baby into the world is nothing short of miraculous—but let’s be honest: your body goes through a LOT. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, those first few hours, days, and weeks postpartum require gentle care, a lot of rest, and more support than we often talk about.
I created this blog post to walk you through what your body truly needs right after giving birth—and how to give yourself the care and grace you deserve.
Olivia Marie
Jul 14 min read


How I Made It Through Pregnancy Without a Single (New) Stretch Mark
If you’re pregnant and wondering whether any of the creams, oils, or balms out there actually do anything—this was the one that did something for me. It became part of my nightly ritual. I’d rub it in, talk to my baby, and thank my body for what it was doing.
Olivia Marie
Jun 292 min read


How My 15-Month-Old Told Me She’s Ready to Potty Train (And I Almost Missed It)
keep a small basket of board books next to the potty, and she absolutely loves it. Honestly, who among us doesn’t appreciate a little reading while we handle our business? 😂 Once I started offering books, the potty suddenly became less scary, and she stopped running away from it. So now, after months of EC and weeks of toddler resistance, I think we’re at the starting line of something new. I’m planning to start formal potty training next week—probably moving toward removing
Olivia Marie
Jun 292 min read


Hospital Bag Essentials: What to Pack + Free Downloadable Checklist
I started building my hospital bag checklist around month two. I researched birthing methods, meditations, and medicines, trying to prepare for every possibility. In the end, I didn’t use half the things I packed, and a few items I was sure would be game-changers turned out to be totally impractical. So in the checklist I’ve created for you here, I’ve narrowed it down to what you actually need—plus a few thoughtful extras that, in my opinion, are genuinely worth the space.
Olivia Marie
Jun 274 min read


It's Time to Save BIG! Check Out My Exclusive List of Discount Codes and Promos!
Becoming a parent means suddenly needing all the things—and quickly realizing how expensive those “essentials” can be. From baby gear and nursery must-haves to toddler toys and mama favorites, I know how fast the costs can add up. That’s why I’ve rounded up a list of exclusive discount codes you can use to save money while stocking up.
Olivia Marie
Jun 261 min read


The Nesting Instinct Is Real—And My Husband Learned the Hard Way
I’ve always been a planner by nature. So naturally, as soon as I found out I was pregnant, the research phase began. I dove headfirst into baby gear deep-dives, product reviews, safety guides, and Pinterest nursery boards like it was my full-time job. But while I was always in planning mode, the nesting instinct—that overwhelming, almost primal drive to prepare my home for baby—kicked in with a whole new intensity around week 26, near the end of my second trimester.
Olivia Marie
Jun 254 min read


DC’s Best Live Shows and Theater for Toddlers Summer and Fall 2025 (Bluey, Moana & More!)
If you’re looking for screen-free fun that will leave your toddler wide-eyed with wonder, look no further than the stage! This 2025 theater season, the Washington, DC metro area is bursting with exciting, toddler-friendly theater experiences—from beloved characters like Bluey and Elmo to the magic of Disney brought to life on stage (and even on ice!). Below, you’ll find all the details you need to plan a memorable outing for your family.
Olivia Marie
Jun 253 min read


Crib? Never Bought One—Why We Skipped the Crib and Chose A Floor Bed Instead
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I did what most first-time moms do: I made a long list of things we “needed,” and a crib was right at the top. But the closer we got to her arrival, the more I started questioning it. Cribs are expensive, bulky, and not very long-term. Most kids outgrow them in a couple of years, and then you’re left figuring out what to do with furniture you no longer need.
That’s when I stumbled upon the Montessori-style floor bed concept, and somethin
Olivia Marie
Jun 253 min read


Splash into Summer: Top Spray Parks & Fountains in the DMV
Summer in the DMV can get hot—and if you’re a parent of a toddler or young child, you’re probably always looking for fun, affordable (or free!) ways to cool off and burn energy at the same time. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best splash pads, fountains, and spray parks in and around DC—including details on cost, baby/toddler-friendly features, hours, and what makes each location special.
Olivia Marie
Jun 234 min read


17 Amazing Places to Throw Your Toddler’s Birthday Bash in the DC Metro Area (With Pricing & Details)
Planning a toddler’s birthday party in the DC area can feel like a big task—but it’s also an exciting chance to create magical memories your little one will treasure (or at least enjoy in the moment!). Whether you're looking for a hands-on art experience, a sensory wonderland, a low-key park picnic, or a high-energy indoor playground, the DC area has fantastic options. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best birthday party venues for toddlers.
Olivia Marie
Jun 236 min read


What DC Families Should Know About the U.S.–Iran Conflict and How to Stay Safe During War Time
As tensions rise between the United States and Iran following a recent U.S. military strike, many of us here in Washington, DC are feeling understandably anxious. Living in the nation's capital brings a sense of pride—but also a very real awareness that we are often considered a symbolic and strategic target.
This post is meant to inform families in the DC area about the current geopolitical situation, what forms of retaliation are most likely from Iran or its allies, and how
Olivia Marie
Jun 224 min read
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