Women Deserve Better

Women Deserve Better: For us, that means better information, better support, and better choices. Life brings challenges. We bring empowerment, because we’ll never underestimate women.

Bethanie Ryan

Job Search Resources and Networking 101

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Finding a job can be both a time-consuming and frustrating task, but there are many resources to help make it easier. The internet will be your best friend with your search, but it will also be your enemy. There are many great resources online and now many jobs opening are also posted online, but the internet can also seem overwhelming and is full of scams. There are useful … [Read more...] about Job Search Resources and Networking 101

Interviewing for Jobs As a Parent

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As a parent, re-entering the job force may seem daunting, especially if you don’t have experience balancing a family and career at the same time. Before you begin your job search, you may want to think about what requirements you want your job to possess. For example, you might decide whether working full time or part time works better with your schedule. Additionally, you may … [Read more...] about Interviewing for Jobs As a Parent

Taking Care of Yourself While Pregnant in College

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While pregnant, you have a higher need for vitamins and minerals, so eating nutritious food is more important than ever. Choose foods high in nutrients, avoid added sugars and saturated fats, and consider taking prenatal vitamins and supplements. For prenatal care options, talk to your general practitioner or visit a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) for more … [Read more...] about Taking Care of Yourself While Pregnant in College

What Are Your Rights with a Large Company?

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In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Large Company?

What Are Your Rights with a Medium-Sized Company?

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In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Medium-Sized Company?

What Are Your Rights with a Small Company?

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In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Small Company?

Vacationing on a Budget

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Even while on a budget, traveling with your family can be very possible and fun! All that is required is a little research and planning ahead. Consider visiting a small town (as opposed to a big city) or national, state, and regional parks as affordable travel destinations. Camping can also be an inexpensive yet fun travel idea. To reduce the price of camping/hiking gear, check … [Read more...] about Vacationing on a Budget

Celebrating on a Budget

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You already know when birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special dates are coming up, so plan and budget the celebrations in advance. Think about the important things: what are you celebrating? Where? Whom would you like to invite? What do you want to eat: snacks or a full meal? What activities or decorations will enhance the experience? Should there be gifts, and if … [Read more...] about Celebrating on a Budget

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Family Fun

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Thought it was impossible to go out with the family without spending a fortune? Think again. Local zoos, aquariums, and museums often have hours with discounted rates or free admission. Additionally, young children can often get in for free. Memberships are a great option for families that frequent a place and often offer extra perks when it comes to parking, food, or … [Read more...] about 6 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Family Fun

How to Save Money with Hobbies

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Many hobbies can actually save money while providing entertainment that can be shared with both friends and family. Cooking, needlework (knitting, cross-stitch embroidery, crocheting, sewing, etc.), carpentry and mechanics, and gardening are just a few examples of money-saving hobbies. Many of these require an investment to get started, such as ingredients for recipes, seeds … [Read more...] about How to Save Money with Hobbies

5 Tips for Planning and Budgeting for Meals

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Nutrition is a hot topic that has everyone running to Pinterest and recipe books for cheap, easy, and kid-friendly recipes. Families with busy schedules often find themselves having to compromise healthy and inexpensive meals for a quick dinner so they have time to pick up a second shift at work or make those nightly basketball and soccer practices. While a quick stop at a fast … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Planning and Budgeting for Meals

How to Care for a Child with Special Needs

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Newly diagnosed? In other words, has the baby you’re carrying been diagnosed with a medical condition in-utero? So many feelings swirl in reaction to such news. So, what now? What do you do when you receive such unexpected and challenging news? First, take time to grieve your loss — because it is a loss. The loss of the dreams and expectations you had for your child is an … [Read more...] about How to Care for a Child with Special Needs

Money Management 101

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Handling finances doesn’t require an MBA. There are basic skills that make you a savvy financial manager. This section contains a group of articles that cover money management topics everyone should know. Topic #1: Cash Flow – otherwise known as your BUDGET = Income vs. Expenses What is your income? Start with your take-home pay. If you get the same paycheck each period, … [Read more...] about Money Management 101

How to Start a Military Career

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A military career can be an excellent opportunity for many women seeking a career. There are various branches of the military to consider, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard. Joining any branch of the military is a serious decision, and it is not a field to enter into without careful thought and consideration. However, it also important to remember … [Read more...] about How to Start a Military Career

8 Tricks to Handling Debt

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Using credit is a normal part of life. Financing a car or large household items, using student loans for your education, or taking out a mortgage to purchase a home are things people do every day. Good money management requires that you know when and how to use credit wisely. The article on “Your Credit Rating”  can help you make the right decisions. But if you find yourself … [Read more...] about 8 Tricks to Handling Debt

How to Find Child Care in Your Community

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Finding child care can be one of the most challenging tasks all parents take on. It’s not always easy to know where to find the highest quality care in your area. Even beginning the process can be a daunting task. There are, however, resources to help! Child Care Resource and Referral, known as CCR&R, are agencies that keep a database listing of child care centers, … [Read more...] about How to Find Child Care in Your Community

Where to Find Help Paying for Housing

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Learning to navigate confusing systems while also trying to cope with change can be hard, but asking for help is not only OK—it is a sign of strength. Our society often doesn’t make it easy and is quick to judge, but a lot of people need help and a lot of people want to help. You are not alone. Each new challenge you conquer will make you stronger and, in the long run, will … [Read more...] about Where to Find Help Paying for Housing

An Insider’s Guide to Your Credit Rating

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Your credit rating comes from many sources—for example, from companies that have rented or leased goods or services, your bank, your landlord, and most often from a credit report. The most important elements of your credit rating are your Credit Report and your Credit Score. We will briefly explain both of these to you and point you to sources where you can learn more. The most … [Read more...] about An Insider’s Guide to Your Credit Rating

How to Find Employment and Training Programs

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You may have a job now, but perhaps it isn’t what you want to do long term. Or maybe it won’t pay enough for your new family. Don’t panic! There are actually many communities that offer a wide range of employment and training programs. These are programs that offer on-the-job training and preparation for careers in a wide variety of fields from health care, industrial, and … [Read more...] about How to Find Employment and Training Programs

13 Study Tips for Parents

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Studying always takes time. Whether someone is trying to pass a high school equivalency exam or attempting to finish a thesis, the key element is time. The trick is finding it when you have a child, or multiple children, and you are probably working while going to school. Here are a few tips from a woman who completed two degrees while rearing four children and who also has … [Read more...] about 13 Study Tips for Parents

How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions

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When preparing to go to your employer to make your job harmonize better with your situation as a parent, keep in mind that any changes will be more attractive if you can demonstrate that the new policy will benefit the company. And preparation here is key. First, know what policies are already in place. Talk to human resources or get a copy of the policy manual to study. It … [Read more...] about How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions

Online School As an Option

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Going to school as a parent or while pregnant can seem daunting at first, but there are many options available to make school affordable, convenient, and flexible in both time and location. School may also seem pointless or overwhelming, but the long-term benefits will reward you for your work. Online school is an option with endless opportunities, not only for college … [Read more...] about Online School As an Option

Is Transferring Schools Better for You?

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College is part of life for most Americans, including mothers. Unfortunately, it can sometimes seem as if higher education just isn’t a place for mothers to be. But is that really true? Actually, no. There are a lot of options out there for mothers who want to attend school. In addition to traditional classes, you could attend night classes, or go to an online school.  But … [Read more...] about Is Transferring Schools Better for You?

What to Consider When Choosing Cable, Internet, and Phone

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Living in the 21st century, instant communication is easier than ever before. Yet with increased availability comes increased anxieties, especially with the cost of communication being so high. When weighing your cable, internet, and television options, the following tips may be useful. Cable The price of cable has been rising at four times the inflation rate, putting the … [Read more...] about What to Consider When Choosing Cable, Internet, and Phone

Financing Your Education

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Though college can be expensive, there are many resources available to you. With grants, scholarships, and loans all available and with different eligibility requirements, the options can seem very overwhelming. Here is a quick look at ways you can make your education more affordable. Where to find help: If you are not aware of the resources your school has to offer … [Read more...] about Financing Your Education

Carpooling Tips and Tools

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  An affordable and helpful option to get from point A to point B is carpooling, also sometimes referred to as ride-sharing. This can be very helpful when traveling with children or traveling with lots of stuff. The best and safest way to find someone is through friends, the people you already know and trust, and their recommendations. Ways to find them online include … [Read more...] about Carpooling Tips and Tools

Tips and Tricks for Using Public Transportation

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One thing to consider when planning for the future is transportation. If you live in a city, public transportation could be your best choice. The American Public Transportation Association has a very helpful website to show you what public transportation is available in your city. Just a few clicks on their site will lead you to the public transportation options in your … [Read more...] about Tips and Tricks for Using Public Transportation

Should You Breastfeed?

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The decision of whether to breastfeed your child or to use formula is a very personal one. Before your child is born, you may have a plan to breastfeed or not. When your child is born, that plan may totally change—and that’s OK, too! Here are some things to think about as you decide what is best for you and your baby. Reasons to breastfeed: Breastfeeding is an inexpensive … [Read more...] about Should You Breastfeed?

How to Get Health Coverage for Your Child with Special Needs

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Depending upon your child’s condition, regardless of your income or whether or not you have health insurance for your child, there is a way to get your child covered by Medicaid or SSI to help with medical costs that may not be covered by primary insurance. Even if you have decent insurance, there are plenty of medical costs that insurance won’t cover but are essential for … [Read more...] about How to Get Health Coverage for Your Child with Special Needs

When and How to Start Your Baby on Solid Foods

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Starting your baby on solid foods is an exciting time and an important step in his or her growth. Once your baby is 4 to 6 months old, it is usually time to start introducing solid foods into his or her diet. But all children are different and are ready for solid foods at different ages, so it is helpful to know what to look for when deciding if your baby is ready for solid … [Read more...] about When and How to Start Your Baby on Solid Foods

How to Find Activities for Kids with Special Needs

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Children with disabilities want the same things as any other child their age. They desire to feel included and exercise their independence. And like most children, their activity interests are diverse: playing sports, visiting parks and playgrounds, attending summer camps, hanging out with friends, and so on. But routine childhood activities can be both physically and mentally … [Read more...] about How to Find Activities for Kids with Special Needs

How to Interview for Jobs When Pregnant

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Being pregnant can add new urgency to finding a job and will often change your priorities in your job search. It is unethical and illegal for a potential employer to ask if you are pregnant or to discriminate against you because of it. If you are asked about it or feel you have been discriminated against, you can report it to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. … [Read more...] about How to Interview for Jobs When Pregnant

What You Need to Know about Paternal Support

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A father can be incredibly important to the mother of the child as well as their child. His active participation in their lives can enrich everyone’s on many levels—including his own. In many cases, without his financial support, women and children are more likely to live in poverty. Of course, every situation and relationship is different, and there may be circumstances in … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about Paternal Support

How to Apply and Qualify for School Meal Programs

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School meal programs provide low-income families with free or low-cost meals for children both throughout the school year and during the summer. The programs include breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and summer meals for children all over the United States. These programs allow parents the option to feed their children healthy, affordable meals, regardless of their socioeconomic … [Read more...] about How to Apply and Qualify for School Meal Programs

Where to Find Help with Student Loans

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What do you do when the time comes to start repaying your student loans? What do you do when you are having difficulty paying student loans? Are there any programs to help you pay your loans, defer your payments, or get forgiveness from these payments? These are big questions, and as you know, there are many students and former students struggling to pay student loans. There … [Read more...] about Where to Find Help with Student Loans

When Paternal Involvement Isn’t an Option

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Unexpected pregnancies can bring about a lot of emotions. Besides navigating all your own feelings, we often have to deal with the expectations of others, which can place a lot of pressure on you. Even though there are all kinds of families in our society, there is still a common stereotype that all children must have a biological mother and biological father in their lives … [Read more...] about When Paternal Involvement Isn’t an Option

What Are Au Pairs, and How Do They Save You Money?

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Parents today have several options when it comes to hiring child care, such as nannies, day cares, or babysitters. An additional lesser-known alternative, hiring an au pair, can be a wonderful and very cost-effective solution for families with an extra bedroom. Au pairs are young adults from another country who live with a host family and provide up to 45 hours per week of … [Read more...] about What Are Au Pairs, and How Do They Save You Money?

Breastfeeding 101

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Here are some of the basics when breastfeeding is just getting started, those things that almost all new mothers have questions about: How do I make enough milk? Milk production is not based on how much water you drink, how much protein you eat, whether or not you are pumping in addition to nursing (in normal situations), on what you eat or drink, or on whether you are … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding 101

6 Common Breastfeeding Questions Answered

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CAN I… Take medication while breastfeeding? During pregnancy, you may have been told to be wary of any medication use since it will go through to the baby. This is true, in most incidences. However, the breast actually filters more of the medications than the placenta does, allowing more medications to be used during breastfeeding. Have you been prescribed a medication or … [Read more...] about 6 Common Breastfeeding Questions Answered

Tips for Furnishing Your Home

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Finding a home and making it your own can be one of the most rewarding—or stressful!—accomplishments. When you have young children, keep in mind that sturdier, more durable items will withstand some wear and tear. While there are many places to buy new furniture for your home or baby’s use, there are also some great places to take advantage of gently used … [Read more...] about Tips for Furnishing Your Home

Your Rights As a Birthmother in the Workplace

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Being a birthmother can be difficult, and one part of that difficulty can be navigating the minefield at work. How to discuss it with your co-workers? How to discuss it with your boss? Are you entitled to the same benefits as your co-workers who do not place their child for adoption? A mother who places her child for adoption is still entitled to the same benefits at work as … [Read more...] about Your Rights As a Birthmother in the Workplace

How to Find Child Care As a Student

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An important part of finishing your education is having the child care you need in order to attend class, study, or work. This may take the form of a generous family member, spouse, or partner, or it may mean day care or a babysitter—or it could be a combination! Finding child care that is both safe and affordable will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on what you … [Read more...] about How to Find Child Care As a Student

Student Housing for Pregnant Women and Families

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Finding housing as a student mother can be difficult and stressful. The more you know, the easier it will be to find a place to live with your child(ren). Here are some tips for finding safe and affordable housing as a student parent. First things first: Title IX protects your right to keep your current housing through your pregnancy. Talk with your campus’ Title IX … [Read more...] about Student Housing for Pregnant Women and Families

Your Rights As a Pregnant Student & Mother

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While there are many things about being pregnant and about becoming a mother that may not be very clear, the law is very clear on your rights. As a pregnant student and as a mother, you are protected by the law. Title IX is a law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity in every educational program that receives federal funding. You may have heard about it in relation to … [Read more...] about Your Rights As a Pregnant Student & Mother

Building a Support System at School

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Parents carry a lot of stress. Students carry a lot of stress. It makes sense that you, as a student-parent, would also carry a lot of stress. Whether you are pregnant unexpectedly or intentionally, married or single, an undergrad or grad student, close to home or far away, building a support system to help you through your pregnancy and as a student-parent will be beneficial … [Read more...] about Building a Support System at School

How to Talk to Professors about Your Pregnancy

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Although there is no law requiring you to disclose your pregnancy to your professors, you will need to do so in order to make use of the protections established by Title IX. Make sure you know what your rights are, so that you can both prevent and recognize academic discrimination stemming from your pregnancy. Remember that your professors may not have experience with having … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Professors about Your Pregnancy

Will Breastfeeding Hurt?

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OUCH!! We’ve all heard it… breastfeeding is painful, right? All those terrific friends, family, neighbors, and even total strangers who tell you they had pain or cracked or bleeding nipples for six days, six weeks, or six months. Yikes! What, exactly, is normal then? The research and extensive experience of mothers, lactation consultants, and health care professionals show … [Read more...] about Will Breastfeeding Hurt?

Your Housing Rights: Leases, Landlords, and Children

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What are my rights? Housing discrimination does occur, which is why it is good to know your rights. Under the Fair Housing Act, there are things that are illegal for landlords and realtors to do. You cannot be discriminated against based on the following: Race or color National origin Religion Sex Familial status (families with children) … [Read more...] about Your Housing Rights: Leases, Landlords, and Children

Tips for Buying Your First Home

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Thinking about buying your first home? Here are some information and good sources to look to when preparing to purchase a home. Owning a home may or may not be the right choice for you, but if it is a goal, with careful planning, a lot of patience, and good advisers, it’s a very achievable dream! When Planning to Buy Your First Home: Figure out how much you can … [Read more...] about Tips for Buying Your First Home

6 Options to Consider When Preparing for Childbirth

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There are many different options for bringing your child into this world. Obstetricians have completed four years of medical school, and then have trained an additional four years specifically to deliver babies and provide women’s care. Family practice physicians have also completed medical or osteopathic school, but their training in delivering babies may be more … [Read more...] about 6 Options to Consider When Preparing for Childbirth

10 Ways to Save on Monthly Expenses

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While rent or a mortgage payment is often the biggest expense a household may have, utilities can be a significant expense as well. These can include gas, electric, water, and trash removal. Some of these costs may be included in rent, so check with your landlord. While trash removal is usually a set monthly cost, other utilities are based on your usage. Utility companies … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Save on Monthly Expenses

What Is Prenatal Care?

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Before the baby comes—and if possible, before you become pregnant—talk to your doctor about your health status, and get information on how to stay healthy during your pregnancy. Your health care provider may suggest vaccines: Some of the common vaccines for pregnant women are pertussis (whooping cough) and the flu shot. You may also need to get a vaccine for … [Read more...] about What Is Prenatal Care?

7 Questions to Ask When Considering Where to Live

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Everyone needs a place to call home, and on a tight budget, housing costs can seem staggering. However, with some creativity and flexibility, you can find affordable housing and create a home of your very own. The first thing to consider when deciding where to live is the location. Ask yourself these questions: Do I feel safe in this home and this neighborhood? … [Read more...] about 7 Questions to Ask When Considering Where to Live

5 Tips to Get Kids’ Clothes for Less

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Cheap doesn’t have to mean shabby! Cutting costs on clothing for your children doesn't mean that your kids can’t enjoy nice, clean, and up-to-date clothes. It just means that you’re not paying full price store tags for clothing that your child will grow out of in a blink of an eye! Here are some tips and tricks from a few savvy shoppers: Check out Thrift Stores and … [Read more...] about 5 Tips to Get Kids’ Clothes for Less

8 Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician

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Whether you are a new or experienced parent, having a pediatrician that you know and trust is incredibly valuable as you welcome a new baby to your family. When making this important decision, it’s important to think about both the doctor(s) in the practice as well as the nurses and the office staff.   Often, you will find that the other people at your pediatrician's office are … [Read more...] about 8 Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician

How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Pregnancy

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THE FACTS: Talking to your Employer about a Pregnancy What the Law Says: Your Rights The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) forbids discrimination based on pregnancy when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits—such as leave and health insurance—and any other term or condition of … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Pregnancy

What Do I Need to Breastfeed?

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Baby carriers, baby slings, breast pumps, nipple shields, nursing bras, hands-free bras, nursing clothing, nursing covers, nipple creams and lotions… so much to think about and make decisions about! New mothers are not expected to be the experts on all of these various items that can come up in everyday conversations about parenting and breastfeeding, or that you see in all the … [Read more...] about What Do I Need to Breastfeed?

Support Us

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If you would like to support our work, there are several ways to get involved. Donate. Help us to reach more women with the tools to build a sustainable and meaningful life for themselves and for their families. Donate here.Share Your Story. Have you faced a challenging issue and have advice or inspiration to share with others? We’d love to consider your story for the … [Read more...] about Support Us

About Us

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Women Deserve Better: For us, that means better information, better support, and better choices. Life brings challenges. We bring empowerment, because we’ll never underestimate women. Women Deserve Better® is a compilation of practical resources and inspirational stories from women and men who have faced challenging issues and are willing to share their unique … [Read more...] about About Us