TWO TRUTHS: Women's Health, Motherhood & More

152: The Lindsay Clancy trial is over. This country’s maternal mental health crisis is not.

Cassie Shortsleeve — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:27:44 GMT

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This issue is written by Cassie Shortsleeve

The judge in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Duxbury woman charged with murder in the killings of her three young children in 2023, just declared a mistrial after jurors said they remained deadlocked after days of deliberations.

Throughout the trial, women’s health—maternal mental health specifically—has become a focus of mainstream reporting. That’s a good thing: Part of the reason we started this newsletter in 2023—our second issue was an explainer on postpartum psychosis, the severe postpartum mental health condition at the center of the Clancy trial (which you can read here)—was because I had so much to say about maternal mental health, and because, in much of the mainstream media at the time, maternal health was seen as a niche issue. It is not.

The Clancy trial is over; the maternal mental health crisis in this country is not. We will need to keep talking about, writing about, and pushing for change around maternal mental health, maternal health, and women’s health. We will.

In the past few weeks, I’ve read and seen a lot of the maternal mental health coverage that’s out there. Some of it is excellent and educational; some of it is… truly despicable. Because the media we view has a profound impact on our health, and because the quality of the content we consume matters, I put together a quick recap of a few articles that I think are helping to push maternal mental health forward right now—articles that I think will help you better understand the current state of maternal mental health and what I like about each piece.

Below are eight pieces worth reading right now—and why—including:

What you need to know about perinatal mental health conditions’ inclusion in psychiatry’s “bible,” the DSM
What’s to come for the manual in coming years from an expert involved in its update
How to spot postpartum psychosis and why it could be “hiding in plain sight”
An educational opinion piece on infanticide from a leading scholar and author
A critical piece on the privilege of being ‘unwell’ in America and the great disparities that exist within maternal mental health
My biggest takeaways on what moms really need to know right now
One aspect of the maternal mental health conversation that is too often missing from content and conversations
A powerful op-ed on intrusive thoughts from a leader in perinatal medicine

»A quick note to say thank you to the many reproductive psychiatrists, therapists, and maternal mental health leaders who are taking time away from their busy days to do media interviews throughout this trial, those who have spoken to me, and to the media outlets that are covering this case and these topics with care.«

1. We need perinatal mental health conditions better represented in the DSM, psychiatry’s ‘bible.’

151: A federal appeals court just ruled that the First Amendment protects an individual’s right to AI-generated CSAM. Here’s how to protect your family.

Two Truths — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:33:21 GMT

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Special thanks to Americans For Family Values for supporting this issue and funding our reporting on women’s health.

On Tuesday, a federal appeals court ruled that the First Amendment protects an individual’s right to privately possess certain AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM, formerly and erroneously known as “child pornography”). The ruling applies to AI-generated images that do not depict a real person and are kept in the home.

When this news broke, we were in the middle of reporting a piece on “SpicyGrok,” perhaps the most well-known AI platform that’s being used to create abusive images. A bit further down in this edition, we’re sharing that story in its entirety.

This is an emerging issue that deeply affects women’s health and children’s health.

It’s all connected, it’s all disturbing, and it’s all on us—for now—to protect our children. (But hopefully, that’s changing.) Here’s what you need to know.

« Before we dive in, we want to point you to the maternal mental health resources at the bottom of this issue. Use them and share them widely. If this issue feels like too much, send it to another parent or family member who can help carry the mental load. »

First, how could this recent ruling happen?

This ruling sounds shocking—but we want to lead with one of the most important things that Judge John Z. Lee, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh District, stated.

In his opinion, Lee urged the Supreme Court to reconsider the issue of virtual abuse material of children in the age of AI, suggesting that technological advances complicated existing legal precedent.

The legal precedent in question? Two Supreme Court rulings from 1969 and 2002. One held that individuals have a right to possess obscene material in the privacy of their homes. The other found that certain virtual depictions of child sexual abuse that do not involve real children are protected by the First Amendment.

Lee’s call for the Supreme Court to reconsider the issue of virtual abuse material of children in the age of AI echoes what many of us are likely thinking:

What is the difference between a “fake” child and a “real” child when the technology used to create CSAM is being made from images of real children?

Many advocates and experts have pointed out that AI-generated CSAM is likely trained on “real” CSAM.

Seemingly safe, fully-clothed photos of children are also at risk of being used, too, as we witnessed when the Grok chatbot’s “spicy mode” was released and then immediately weaponized to digitally “undress” thousands of women and children.

It’s a very real possibility that AI-generated CSAM is being made from photos of real children—including both “normal” photos, like a photo a parent might post online, and existing CSAM.

The Washington Post reports that there’s a “decent chance the Supreme Court will take up the case,” adding that “tightening restrictions on AI-generated child sex abuse material is necessary because the growing number of synthetic images is straining a system originally created to combat explicit imagery of real children.”

So let’s dive into Grok, and begin with the basics. What is “spicy mode” and how is it being used?

While Grok is not the platform used to generate the sexualized imagery at the center of this recent court ruling, Grok is a mainstream, household-name AI platform that has drawn major attention for widespread “nudification.”

Grok is the chatbot that’s integrated into X (formerly known as Twitter), made by Elon Musk’s company xAI. Grok has a feature called Grok Imagine, which allows users to generate AI images and videos by describing what they want or using a photo as a starting point. A year ago this month, xAI also launched an additional Grok feature called “spicy mode”; it loosens Grok’s normal content filters and allows for sexualized imagery.

After Grok unveiled “spicy mode,” the chatbot flooded X with sexualized photos of women and children—specifically, it was used to create and share at least 1.8 million sexualized images of women and 23,000 of children in less than two weeks’ time, per a data review from The New York Times and the Center for Countering Digital Hate.

It’s horrifying, scary, traumatic, and illegal, as you’ll learn below—and yet, this technology is a real threat impacting women’s health. ‘Image-based sexual abuse’ is the academic or clinical term used to describe the nonconsensual creation, taking, obtaining, or sharing of intimate or sexual images of someone else, and it includes the threat to do so; a national study of young adults in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that of those who experienced image-based sexual abuse before age 18, about three-fourths were girls.

xAI initially framed “spicy mode” as a “creative freedom” feature, saying it was for “creators exploring edgier, more visually daring narratives.” Musk has also said publicly, “If it’s allowed in an R-rated movie, it’s allowed in @Grok Imagine.” Musk has said that Grok is supposed to allow upper body nudity of imaginary adult characters, not real people. Yet, in the months after “spicy mode” launched, reports began to surface that the tool was being used to generate sexualized images of real people without their consent—and that women and children were the ones primarily impacted.

What else has been happening?

In August of 2025, The Verge reporter Jess Weatherbed found Grok Imagine’s “spicy mode” produced topless videos of Taylor Swift the first time she used it—without even asking it to, with other celebs soon falling victim to the app. The app then created sexualized images of two young girls in France. A group called the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which is the official U.S. organization platforms are legally required to report this kind of content to, received more than a million reports of AI-generated child exploitation material just last year.

And while Grok has acknowledged “lapses in safeguards” that allowed for the generation of digitally altered, sexualized photos of minors, xAI has also called cases like these “isolated.” (And, FWIW, court filings allege that 90% of xAI’s own reports to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children were unusable because the company omitted identifying details such as IP addresses.)

Is there anything being done about this?

In short, yes. Governments, foreign and domestic, and major organizations like RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, have publicly pushed back on the feature, and there is already new legislation in place to ban nudification technology. There has already been so much damage done—and there is more work to be done. Here are just some updates as to what’s been happening in the U.S.:

In January 2026, a bipartisan group of 35 state attorneys general led by Connecticut Attorney General William Tong sent a joint letter to xAI demanding immediate action to stop Grok from generating nonconsensual intimate images and content involving minors. A group of Democrats on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee also wrote that the content “likely qualifies“ as child sexual abuse material.
Minnesota just had a new law take effect to ban AI apps that allow for nudification, the first of its kind in the country; a federal judge rejected xAI’s request to block it.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act is now fully enforceable and requires platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate images, real or AI-generated, of anyone within 48 hours of a valid request. The DEFIANCE Act, which would let victims sue deepfake creators directly, passed the Senate unanimously and is awaiting a House vote.
In January, after significant backlash, xAI “implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing” and limited image creation or editing to paid subscribers only. Yet, as recently as April, Grok was continuing to generate sexualized images of people without their consent, per NBC News. Also, many have pointed out that putting the service behind a paywall simply rebrands nudification as a “premium service” and is “insulting” to victims of misogyny and sexual violence.

What can I do to get informed, protect my family, and prepare my children?

First, remember that conversations about digital safety and harassment will evolve over time as technologies change, and are never limited to one specific app or issue. (If ‘Spicy Grok’ were to get shut down tomorrow, for example, this technology would still exist in other forms and we have seen—to a disturbing extent—how widely and prolifically it is abused.) Here are a few tips and resources to get started:

Communicate: The best time to have conversations about how to handle this technology is before your child encounters it. Digital consent conversations can be folded into bodily-autonomy conversations over time: Explain to kids to be mindful about their internet use and photo sharing; that even temporary photos, private accounts, and deleted posts can sometimes be copied or saved; and that turning an image into something sexualized is not a prank, but serious harassment.
Emphasize understanding: Make sure kids will feel safe coming to you if they encounter harassment or ‘sextortion,’ which is when predators use personal photos (either real or AI-generated) to blackmail or control their victims. Be sure to keep communication lines open, as kids may feel embarrassed or afraid to talk about this topic. Make it clear that your child’s safety matters most, and you will be able to help them if they ever run into trouble online. If your child does become a victim of this type of harm, make sure they know they’re not to blame and that this problem can, and will, be fixed. Common Sense Media has a helpful guide on AI, consent, and steps to take if your child is targeted.
Listen: Nicki Petrossi’s podcast ‘Scrolling 2 Death’ is for parents who are worried about social media and often covers issues like photo sharing; find new episodes here.
Pause before posting: Remember that any photo posted online can be manipulated, and children cannot consent to a digital footprint created by parents and other family members. Check out Sarah Adams, founder of ‘Mom Uncharted,’ for more on “sharenting” and other digital dangers for kids; her podcast is here.

What should I do if I, or someone I love, becomes a victim of image-based sexual abuse?

Visit: You can report and remove certain nonconsensual intimate images at takeitdown.ftc.gov, including some AI-generated content. Remember: Platforms are legally required to remove this type of content.
Contact: Psychological damage and harm from image-based sexual abuse can have devastating impacts on mental health. One review published last year found that it can cause everything from anxiety and depression to suicidality, in addition to feelings of shame or humiliation; it can also impact our relationships, trust, and more, sometimes even “mirroring” symptoms found in victims of physical sexual abuse.
Get support: If you or someone you know is dealing with image-based sexual abuse, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) is free and confidential. These organizations also offer real support and step-by-step guidance: Thorn, StopNCII, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. ❍

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Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers

Please save, utilize, and share these resources. Consider forwarding this newsletter to a mother, partner, or support person who may benefit from reading it.

150: Back-to-school with smarter wake-ups, cozy athleisure, cute kids’ gear, no more tangles & more

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:02:34 GMT

Today’s letter is brought to you by Superpower 🧬

Late August is always a little bit of a limbo: We’re still squeezing every last drop out of summer, but the signs of fall are impossible to ignore. Back-to-school agenda items are multiplying, mornings are starting to get a bit more structured, and we’re beginning to think about boots, cozy basics, and all the little things that make the transition to a new season easier.

This week’s Send Me the Link is full of things that work for right now and whatever comes next: a few smart health and wellness finds, the kids’ gear we’re already reaching for (from backpacks and booster seats to an actually-durable umbrella), a car-seat/stroller combo we loved when our kids were little, and some back-to-school shortcuts that save time and sanity. We’re also sharing fall-ready activewear, a shampoo and conditioner that smells so good, a surprisingly genius detangling brush, and plastic-free essentials for kids.

Basically: a little bit of summer, a little bit of fall, and a whole lot of things we’re genuinely using, recommending to friends, and reaching for ourselves. 🍂

» Want to know what other moms are loving and linking? Become a paid subscriber to get access to our private Send Me The Link chat, where we share even more of what we’re trying, reading, and recommending, and women across every stage of motherhood do the same. We’re on a mission to hit 1,000 paid subscribers, and you can help us get there.

» Quick thing! If you came here from a link or a forward, we’d love it if you took a second to subscribe—it’s a great way to support this work for free and makes a huge impact. Thank you!

‘Send Me the Link’ to…

🧬 This digital health company helps 6 in 10 members discover something their doctor missed by testing 100+ biomarkers—thyroid, cortisol, iron, inflammation—and delivering a personalized action plan with on-demand access to a care team. Not just results. Answers.*

☔️ A cute kids’ umbrella that won’t immediately fall apart: This colorful under $40 pick made from 100% recycled material with a two-year warranty (and UPF protection just in case the sun comes out).

⏰ We have these alarm clock-meets-sound-machines in three bedrooms in our home. They look chic, work for kids and grown-ups (no need to have your phone in your room), and have tons of different sounds to choose from. —Cassie

🥾 Fall boots for the men in your life: These are technically rain boots (they’re 100% waterproof) but are also great for the outdoors, yard work, or muddy sidelines.

🚗 We’re into booster seat days over here, and tend to move seats between cars a lot. This backless one is super easy to install and comes with two big cup holders. We also have this one with a back that’s easy to move and adjust (it has 10 different height positions). Also love this $40 blow-up booster for carpooling. —C

✈️ Speaking of…this carseat-meets-stroller was one of my favorite and most-used baby products. It doesn’t require a base, is super easy to take in and out of cars, fits down an airplane aisle, and, as of earlier this month, has a new-and-improved version with three recline positions, a larger UPF 50+ canopy, and improved shock absorption for a smoother ride. —C

👕 We used this online personal stylist service this year and last ahead of back-to-school for the kids and loved it: You fill out profiles for yourself or your kids, select which types of items you’re interested in, and a week or so later a box arrives with picks for your kids to choose from (you pay for what you like and return everything else). You also get 20% off your first order. —C

🍂 Looking toward fall with activewear items like these just-below-the-knee leggings with a live-in-it sweatshirt. —C

🫧 Dry hair has never met a better-smelling moisture shampoo and conditioner duo (no artificial fragrance either).

🎒 The backpacks we love most come in four sizes—for ages 2 through 10 and up—and two dozen different prints (aka there’s something for every kid’s unique style).

🔑 » Related: Fun back-to-school backpack charms and keychains (this one’s a lip balm, too) for the win.

🪥 You know we’re always on a mission to reduce microplastics in our homes; here’s a toothbrush for littles made with bamboo and natural bristles.

👸 I’m going to be honest: A vibrating, electronic hair brush seemed unnecessary—until my mom took it out of the box and tried it on my kids. I have a four-year-old with curly, Rapunzel-length locks that are a constant battle to keep untangled, and this was the first time I’ve ever successfully brushed through all his dry hair without major pulling and pain. The brush’s 6,000+ micro-strokes per second help gently tug tangles loose, and it also provides a built-in scalp massage. —K

🦄 These $9 sensory craft kids are the MVP of rainy afternoons and great as last-minute birthday party gifts to keep on-hand. And as always, this is the cutest craft mat that looks nice on your kitchen table.

🔥 Back-to-school season can bring out big feelings—but luckily, beloved poet and author Loryn Brantz is back with I Am a Spicy Nugget, a sweet and teachable tale about a young girl learning to gain control of herself and her emotions mid-meltdown.

» Related: Check out our interview with Brantz, who also authored Poems of Parenting:

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The kid-friendliest zinc SPF that comes in a cute, colorful tin; includes almond oil for smoothness; and stays on for 80 minutes even when kids get wet
The ultra glowy, zinc-based sunscreen that’s great alone or as a makeup base and actually leaves skin looking hydrated with zero whitecast
A simple, flattering, high-waist bikini (and the same style in a one-piece)
A new poetry collection to keep in your bag—it explores that motherhood, perfectionism, grief, ambition, and living with uncertainty
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149: ‘We cannot wait for very sick women to tell us how much they are suffering’

Cassie Shortsleeve — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:08:13 GMT

148: Disney World, part II: My formula for the perfect ‘mom uniform’ & pool-to-lunch sets

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:03:39 GMT

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» And if you’re here via a link, don’t forget to type your email below. It’s the best way to keep up with our independent journalism that supports moms and women.

Today’s letter is written by Kelsey Haywood Lucas

Doing Disney World with my kids was never high on my priority list until, suddenly and unexpectedly, it was. It happened while watching my 3- and 6-year-olds playing together—in full costume, of course—and realizing that the brief window for maximum ‘magic appreciation’ would be closing soon. They both still believe in things right now; there are questions, of course, but their baseline state of wonder and whimsy overrides the skepticism that emerges in older kids.

We hadn’t even watched many Disney movies, but it suddenly felt essential to meet Mickey and Moana, to eat breakfast in Cinderella’s castle, to see Tinkerbell soar across the night sky backlit by spectacular fireworks.

From the moment I booked the trip, I was filled with excitement—and I wanted to lean all the way in, which meant coordinating clothing for the entire family.

Do you need matching outfits at Disney World? No. Did I ever imagine that I’d be into matching outfits? Also no. But did I actually really enjoy planning fun themes for my crew of four to wear each day? I did—and all the preparation actually helped things (especially mornings) run super smoothly. Here’s everything I did to prepare…

» But first, ICYMI: I tackled our general packing list in an earlier edition of this series. Catch up here:

How I planned themed outfits for a family of four

Canva is my go-to design hack for building moodboards and piecing a design project together; you can simply take a screenshot of items you like, then use the ‘background remover’ tool to create a collage. I started with Old Navy and H&M for some solid Disney basics, but I ended up finding the most unique options on Etsy. Here’s how it all came together…

» Step 1: I started with my own park ‘uniform’

My formula: Extra baggy tee shirt + comfortable pants + cute sneakers. Covering up my chest/back/shoulders/arms in a big, breathable cotton tee protected much of my skin from the sun and kept me cool. I’m also a big fan of cotton pants in hot weather; as I often explain to my kids, you won’t be any warmer than you would have been with bare legs in the sun, but you won’t have sticky sweat dripping down your skin all day.

» Step 2: I planned one outfit theme per day and (somewhat) matched them to the park we were visiting

For my kids’ first day at Disney World, I planned a dazzling morning at Magic Kingdom: arrive early for ‘rope drop’ entry, hit a few rides in Fantasyland, then head to the castle for breakfast with the princesses. I knew this morning in particular would be filled with photo ops, so my daughter started the day in a fancy Cinderella costume that we brought from home; after breakfast, she had comfier dress and tee shirt options to change into. Everyone else in the family wore various Cinderella-themed tees.

For our days at Epcot (with a Beauty & the Beast outfit theme) and Hollywood Studios (with a Toy Story and ‘Disney parents’ theme), we followed a similar format: comfortable dresses, cotton tees, and several changes of clothes for if/when the kids got messy, wet, or sweaty. Below are links to all the key items in our outfits.

Cinderella theme (from left): “So This Is Love” tee (Note: I did size XL for an extra baggy fit) | Leggings | Cinderella costume (this one is under $30, comes with accessories and looks lovely IRL) | Blue cotton blend princess dress | “Have courage and be kind” tee (more colors available and I just love this one so much!) | Cinderella tee | Cinderella “Dad” tee | See ‘step 3’ for my sneakers

Beauty & the Beast theme (from left): “Belle’s Book Club” tee (Note: I did Comfort Colors size XL for a baggy fit; if sold out, similar here) | Gingham pants (I removed the tag at the waistband so they didn’t look like pajamas) | Yellow cotton blend princess dress | Chip tee | Kids gingham parachute pants (similar) | Beast tee (if sold out, similar here) | See ‘step 3’ for my sneakers

Disney parents & Toy Story theme (from left): Cool Moms Club tee (Note: I did size XL for a baggy fit) | Leggings | Toy Story tee (multiple colors) | Cool Dads Club tee | See ‘step 3’ for my sneakers

» Step 3: I made sure everyone had comfortable footwear

Comfortable shoes can make or break a trip—ask me how I know! Since both of my kids’ everyday sneakers were extremely worn down and/or starting to get too small, I seized the excuse to get them Disney-themed kicks. They loved stomping around in the light-up variety, and they were especially adorable when we watched the light shows at night.

» Princess sneakers | Mickey Mouse sneakers

As for me? I’m a loyal New Balance fan and recently fell in love with the 9060s; they feel like walking on clouds. You can find my pink/blue colorway here; I’ve noticed it goes in and out of stock frequently. You can also find more colors here.

» Step 4: I made some strategic swim and resort wear decisions

When planning our trip to Disney, I built in one full “rest day” to spend at our hotel. Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World has its own water park with multiple pools, waterslides, and a lazy river(!). We spent as much downtime there as possible, and it offered a relaxing escape from park chaos.

For non-park days, full-body swimsuits were our go-to. I cannot recommend them enough. The need for less sunscreen on kids means less fussing, less pausing the fun to reapply SPF, and a lower risk of sunburn. Here’s the one-piece (in multiple colorways) my kids have been wearing all summer.

For my own swim attire, I wanted a few outfits that could easily transition from pool to lunch to lounging. I love a matching set, so I aimed to recreate that with my swimwear:

My go-to outfit was an inexpensive white one-piece paired with this beautiful linen skirt. Worn together, it looked like a (slightly transparent) maxi dress (it comes in three colors: white, black, and butter). Loved it, will wear again and again.
Possibly the most beautiful swimwear I’ve ever worn? This one-piece (you can order by cup size for a perfect fit) paired with these matching linen trousers. The perfect vacay set; top it with a cardigan, and you’re ready for dinner.
I keep this cropped, zip-up rash guard handy at all times and wear it whenever I’m hanging out in direct sun; I most often wear white, but it’s available in many colors. (I’ve tried several rash guards, but I like this cropped cut the best because it looks more fitted.)

Before the trip, I worried I was going overboard with the outfits—but once we stepped inside the gates, I’m so glad we came prepared. The people-watching at Disney parks is premium, and all the outrageous outfits contribute to the magical atmosphere. While waiting in one line, we spent the entire time talking to a couple who had his-and-hers Disney villain tattoos covering their arms; their daughter was decked out in Disney pins. Their joy was palpable, and my kids’ eyes were saucer-sized as they took it all in. ❍

» Next up: The third and final installment of our Disney World series will cover the mechanics of magic-making—including our full itinerary, restaurant recommendation list, and more. Subscribe here so you don’t miss it!

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This issue may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a percentage of sales on products we mention at no additional cost to you. Items that are *starred* or marked with a [partner] label were created in partnership with the brand.

ICYMI: We recently shared our favorite sunscreens…

🧴 The past three summers, we’ve relocated to a beach town for my husband’s job. Along the way, we’ve become somewhat of sunblock snobs, particularly for mineral blocks, which leading groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics favor for kids when possible. This zinc oxide pick has almond oil for smoothness, stays on even when kids get wet for 80 minutes, and doesn’t leave a white cast. The bright container is fun and doesn’t leak (key). If you love it, you can set up auto-renew, too. —C

☀️ And here’s the sunscreen I’ve been obsessed with for myself this summer: Another mineral that adds a tiny bit of tint and glow with *zero* whitecast. I rub it all over my face in the morning and it actually feels like it hydrates, rather than leaving me dry or chalky. —K

» Read the rest of the issue here:

Recent reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers

147: The big problem with some maternal mental health content right now

Cassie Shortsleeve — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:52:21 GMT

Emiliano Ponzi/Pacific Standard

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Maternal mental health has gotten a national spotlight this week, largely due to the trial of Lindsay Clancy, the mother and nurse who killed her three young children in 2023 before attempting suicide. Postpartum psychosis—a temporary, treatable, yet severe mental health condition and psychiatric emergency—is at the center of her trial.

We covered Clancy’s story and published a primer on postpartum psychosis in the second issue of this newsletter. We also updated our conversation with reproductive psychiatrists Lucy Hutner, M.D., and Kara Brown, M.D., last week when the trial started, and Cassie has been reporting on the topic for major media outlets like Women’s Health. You can find some of our coverage below:

Today, we are writing to say that putting a spotlight on maternal mental health is a good thing. Raising awareness around perinatal mental health conditions and, specifically, sharing stories about our own experiences can help to decrease stigma, encourage others to speak up, and build the support systems we so desperately need more of in this country. Knowing you’re not alone when you’re facing a perinatal mental health condition can be healing—a big part of recovery, even. And also: Sharing stories isn’t enough. We also need to be sharing resources.

Last year, Postpartum Support International published an open letter to the media on covering maternal mental health tragedies, noting that research has found crimes committed by women, particularly those involving their children, tend to receive more graphic coverage and longer-lasting coverage than comparable crimes committed by men. The group urged basic precautions, including always listing resources such as the Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262).

We are happy and encouraged to see many major media outlets, including The Boston Globe’s live trial coverage, and many others include resources around maternal mental health right at the top of their coverage. We’ve also noticed that resources are still missing from many of the conversations going on right now. We’re reminding media brands, leaders in the perinatal space, and social media platforms speaking to maternal health that best practices for reporting on maternal health include always sharing support resources.

After all, there is potential for harm when wide-scale sharing occurs without the necessary resources that could save lives when moms consume this type of content. For example, one Instagram carousel from a major motherhood account with over half a million followers that we spotted recently used images of Clancy during her trial to take part in a social media “trend,” offering access to an educational article (which we hope was full of resources) for those who commented. While the post may have been well-intended, it landed poorly. Easily accessible resources are paramount to seeking and receiving the care someone may need.

If you’re a regular reader of this newsletter, you know that perinatal mental health conditions such as perinatal/postpartum depression or anxiety are the leading complication of birth in this country. Mental health conditions, including suicide and overdose, are the leading cause of pregnancy-related death.

Perinatal mental health conditions are also temporary and highly treatable.

As Catherine Birndorf, M.D., a reproductive psychiatrist and CEO of The Motherhood Center in New York City, told Cassie recently for Women’s Health, “Whenever I talk to a new potential patient on the phone, I tell them, ‘We do this all day long, and we can get you well.’”

» Read Cassie’s op-ed in Women’s Health published last week, The Lindsay Clancy Trial Put a Spotlight on Maternal Mental Health—Here Are Some Things We Need to Clear Up.

The maternal mental health crisis is a preventable one. Sharing maternal mental health resources can save lives, and anyone can make a difference.

These resources include:

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262)
Postpartum Support International
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988
Many more, including the resources listed at the bottom of this issue, and any issue we publish on maternal mental health.

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Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers

Please save, utilize, and share these resources. Consider forwarding this newsletter to a mother, partner, or support person who may benefit from reading it.

146: The Lindsay Clancy trial is putting a spotlight on maternal mental health—here’s what I want to clear up

Cassie Shortsleeve — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:59:29 GMT

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This issue is written by Cassie Shortsleeve

In 2023, when the Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral medication specifically indicated for the treatment of postpartum depression (we covered it in Two Truths here), Women’s Health asked me to report a piece on moms’ mental health. In that piece, I talked a lot about depression and anxiety—common perinatal mental health conditions that impact some one in five to one in seven new moms. I also talked about how far maternal mental health, as a field, has come—and how far it has to go.

This past week, the trial of Lindsay Clancy—a mother and nurse who killed her three young children in 2023 before attempting suicide—began; postpartum psychosis, a different and severe mental health condition, is at its center. We covered Clancy’s story and published a primer on postpartum psychosis in the second issue of this newsletter. We updated our conversation with reproductive psychiatrists Lucy Hutner, M.D., and Kara Brown, M.D. last week when the trial started.

Since then, at least on my feeds, the Clancy trial has been all over—especially here in Boston, where I live. It has shown us not just how far we still have to go when it comes to taking women’s health seriously, but it has reminded me of the power of the media we consume. The words we read, the videos we watch, the comment sections we find ourselves scrolling, the posts we pause on—we take all of it in. (Psychologist Tanya Cotler, Ph.D., helped us understand the power of that a bit better last summer when she introduced us to the term “collective grief” in our coverage of the flooding and deaths of 28 people, many of them children, at Camp Mystic.)

This is all to say that I think this trial has the opportunity to bring much increased awareness to maternal mental health—and that that is a good thing. Over the past week, I have seen TV news anchors sharing their personal struggles with depression live on air; I’ve heard moms opening up about their experiences with postpartum psychosis; I’ve seen so many brilliant doctors educating around the topic.

Yet, I’ve also seen salacious information spread about details of the case, aspects of the trial meant for the courtroom teased by major news outlets, strangers stringing together theories about the darkest days of someone’s life, and people conflating various postpartum mental illnesses. So while, yes, increased awareness around maternal health is a good thing, that’s only true if what we’re reading or watching or playing is accurate, informed, sensible, and, most importantly, full of resources if you need help.

So this week, I wrote another piece for Women’s Health inspired largely by much of the coverage I’ve seen about this trial, and about postpartum psychosis in media outlets and on social media.

I take all of my health reporting seriously, but my maternal health reporting is particularly important to me. As a journalist, I don’t take lightly the job of not just reporting the news but also discerning what to say, how to say it, and deciding whether something needs to be said at all.

In a digital ecosystem where everyone with a platform or a following can feel required to “weigh in” or “speak up,” my recent piece for Women’s Health, published today, is about what we should really focus on when it comes to mothers’ mental health. You can read it here.

As always, if you need mental health support, please see the resources listed at the end of this issue. 🖤

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Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers

Please save, utilize, and share these resources. Consider forwarding this newsletter to a mother, partner, or support person who may benefit from reading it.

145: Stretching summer with good swimwear, healthier hair, a beautiful poetry collection & healthy kids’ snacks

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 23:34:58 GMT

Today’s letter is brought to you by Bobbie ✨

Happy August! We’re not quite ready to let go of summer just yet: We’ve been soaking up every late sunset, pool day, beach trip, and backyard dinner we can, and this week’s edition of Send Me the Link is full of the little things that can help you stretch the season just a little bit longer, too—even if you’re in full back-to-school mode.

Inside, you’ll find sunscreens we’re loving for kids and grown-ups, a few clever ways to sneak extra nutrition and protein in for picky eaters, kinetic sand for those too-hot-to-play-outside afternoons, swimsuits we’ll happily wear until the weather forces us not to, and a scalp-care routine that’s undoing weeks of chlorine and salt water damage. We’re also highlighting a beautiful new poetry collection that’s been living in one of our beach bags, plus a motherhood-focused skincare line we wish had existed years ago.

As always, these are the things we’re actually using, recommending to friends, and reaching for ourselves. Here’s to squeezing every last drop out of summer. ☀️

‘Send Me the Link’ to…

🍼 Just another reason to recommend this organic whole-milk formula that I used with my babies: The mom-founded company has just introduced a voluntary test for spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious disease, and monthly independent screenings for more than 550 toxins and contaminants. That’s in addition to 2,000+ safety and quality checks. —Cassie*

🏖️ On unbearably hot days, we’ve been bringing the sand inside courtesy of this kinetic sand activity kit, which keeps kids busy for hours. (Worried about mess? The extended peace is usually worth a little sweeping to me, but also grab this aesthetic craft mat to keep chaos contained.) —Kelsey

🥦 It feels like my kids have been living on popsicles, snack-bar food, and ice cream all summer long, so we’ve been sneaking in 55 whole-food ingredients (kale, broccoli, spinach, beet, quinoa, and more) with this nutrition powder that tastes like chocolate. It has no sugar, and all you do is stir a scoop into milk or a milk alternative. Here’s everything that’s in it. —C

📖 You will never not find me with a book in my bag. The latest: Kaylin Weir’s debut poetry collection, Still the Eldest Daughter, exploring motherhood, perfectionism, grief, ambition, and living with uncertainty. —K

🥛 Especially helpful if you have a picky or light eater: This kids’ protein powder tastes like sweet cream (without sugar) while delivering 8 extra grams of protein. It can easily be frothed into milk or added to smoothies to help boost development and bone strength. —K

👙 I’m hanging onto summer in suits from this active swimwear company, including this simple, flattering top-and-high-waisted-bottom duo that comes in colors galore, plus a one-piece to match (this style comes in tall, too).

🏊‍♀️ I’ve been cleansing my scalp from the constant assault of sand, salt, and chlorine with this rosemary shampoo and conditioner duo—then adding a few drops of the scalp serum to encourage growth and overall hair health. —K

👄 Related: The best lip balm I’ve ever used, and a body retinol for neck, chest, hands, etc., both from the same brand I love & mentioned above. —K

🤰🏽 I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Skincare brands should do more to acknowledge the unique needs of moms. Dermatologist (and friend/contributor to this newsletter) Aegean Chan, M.D. developed her own line to do exactly that. More Than Nine is a collection of products you’ll actually reach for every day—like a creamy cleanser, gentle exfoliator, lightweight moisturizer, and do-it-all balm—designed for every stage of motherhood, whether you’re in TTC, IVF, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, or beyond. —K

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Below, paid subscribers also get the inside scoop on the most-loved links from recent issues—including…

One of the best and most-used baby/kid gear gifts we’ve ever received (add the monogram or embroidery to make it extra special!)
The comfy kids’ sandals that come with tattoo-style stickers for decorating
The hyaluronic acid supplement helping deliver softer, smoother, more hydrated skin (it’s backed by a clinical trial, too)
The oversized backpack cooler that can fit 36 cans, 22 pounds of ice, or a lot of popsicles on the soccer sidelines
An aesthetically pleasing craft mat to keep kitchen table chaos contained

» With a premium subscription at just $5 per month, you’ll never miss a link, report, or issue—and you’ll support independent journalism that supports women and moms.

144: The Lindsay Clancy trial has us thinking about postpartum psychosis again

Cassie Shortsleeve — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:02:07 GMT

143: Why 4 in 10 new moms end up in the ER with issues that could have been treated in primary care

Cassie Shortsleeve — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:36:23 GMT

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Today’s letter is reported by Cassie Shortsleeve and powered by Superpower, a digital health company that tests 100+ biomarkers to deliver a personalized action plan with on-demand access to a care team. Not just results. Answers.

As a health reporter, a lot of new studies come across my inbox. Recently, one that plainly stated the hurdles so many new moms face in finding care for themselves caught my attention.

The study was small, 353 people, but it examined what researchers called a “postpartum cliff,” painting a real-world picture of the barriers to care so many new mothers face. Published in JAMA Network Open this past May, the study found that about 4 in 10 new mothers ended up in the ER or urgent care in the year after delivery for issues that could have been treated in primary care (things like headaches, urinary tract infections, mastitis, and more). The moms in the study all already had a primary care doctor, and they had ongoing health concerns such as depression or high blood pressure.

To understand a little bit more about the “postpartum cliff”—why it matters, what needs to change so that we can get the care we need, and when and where we need it—Two Truths recently spoke with Mark Clapp, MD, MPH, one of the study’s authors. Dr. Clapp is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Mass General Hospital in Boston and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. He’s worked on—and is currently working on—a whole bunch of interesting, important studies related to plugging moms back into the healthcare system after birth. Here’s some of what he told us.

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First, what is the ‘postpartum cliff’?

In short: the timeframe after the immediate postpartum period, when there’s not always an easy transition between your OB/GYN and your primary care, and many women miss out on medical care.

Traditionally, postpartum care has meant one lone follow-up appointment six to eight weeks after delivery; then, you go back to your primary care doctor—if you have one. (Nearly 30% of U.S. adults don’t.) If you’re a newer mom, you’ve hopefully benefited from a recent shift: Postpartum care is increasingly viewed as ongoing work. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends new moms connect with their OB/GYN or healthcare provider within the first three weeks postpartum, with “ongoing care as needed,” concluding with a comprehensive visit no later than 12 weeks after birth.

But guidance and reality are two different things. In those first weeks and months, many new moms have healthcare needs and either don’t get the care we need, or don’t know where to go for it. We miss appointments. We don’t reconnect—or connect for the first time—with a primary care doctor. We’re not adequately supported to make our own medical appointments happen. Our own health starts to feel secondary to a newborn’s. And because of all of this, too many of us suffer.

About 650 to 700 women die from a pregnancy-related death (which is a death during pregnancy or the year after) in the U.S. every year, and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that about half of those deaths happen more than a week after delivery, which is exactly when care can fall away. The leading cause of pregnancy-related death in this country: mental health conditions, which some one in five to seven new moms experience—all of which are treatable.

The vast majority of these deaths, upward of 84%, are also preventable. Some 70,000 other women experience severe health complications after childbirth each year, including birth trauma, postpartum depression, high blood pressure, and infections. Getting the right care in the right places when you need it and where you need it matters.

What’s causing the ‘postpartum cliff’?

If you’ve been around here a while, you know that we write and report frequently on the women’s health gap. If you’re new here, catch up in the two pieces below.

So what’s behind it? Some of it is structural: Without support structures such as paid leave or affordable childcare, you don’t need us to tell you that medical appointments for yourself are hard to make happen.

Some of it is admittedly a real gray area in medicine. “I think that’s the real challenge,” Dr. Clapp told us. “Who is responsible for the patient’s health after the first six to 12 weeks postpartum?” While you turn to your OB for acute issues related to your birth, something like mastitis can be treated by either a primary care doctor or an OB—so whose job is it, exactly, to help? Breastfeeding, in particular, can be a tricky issue in medicine to begin with, as many physicians lack training in it. Specialists who can help support breastfeeding, like International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), don’t always take insurance and can be less accessible. Factor in hurdles such as insurance changes, a newborn’s schedule, and a shrinking supply of primary care physicians across the country, and it’s easy to see how a mom ends up in an ER instead of a doctor’s office she already trusts.

How to get the care you need

In the JAMA Network Open study, Dr. Clapp and his team found that a simple intervention helped reduce emergency room and urgent care visits for issues that could have been treated in primary care: They called and scheduled primary care appointments for people, with their consent, and sent text message reminders about appointments. In short: Researchers took the onus off moms. And it worked! Interventions like this reduced unnecessary ER or urgent care visits and, per other research of Dr. Clapp’s, more than doubled the number of people who got back to their primary care provider in that first year postpartum. Your OB/GYN may not be able to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor for you like the researchers did in that study. It’s (just part of) the reason moms need so much more support and that policies like paid leave must extend to partners, too—to offload tasks like this, that can feel onerous, onto a partner or family member.

Dr. Clapp and his team are also working to provide resources to primary care physicians about caring for common pregnancy complications, like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, that can have lingering impacts or risk factors long after pregnancy. “Often there’s no formal ‘handoff,’” he says of medical care between obstetrics and primary care, “things are just communicated through electronic notes or record transfers, but information can get lost.”

» Related:

Getting back into primary care can matter. And the “why” often comes down to something simple: trust. One large review of health studies found that patients reported healthier behaviors, fewer symptoms, a higher quality of life, and greater satisfaction with treatment when they had more trust in their provider. Seeing someone you can actually think of as your doctor—rather than someone you haven’t seen in three years—could change how likely you are to call them first.

Of course, Dr. Clapp understands the limits of scheduling nudges and education. “That doesn’t fix issues with insurance or worries about the financial implications of going to a visit,” he told us. “Or if they have transportation or childcare to go to an appointment. There is much more work that needs to be done.”

The bottom line: Reconnecting moms directly to care, then, works—and it isn’t nearly enough. That’s the part that requires bigger fixes: paid leave so that we can have time to rest and adjust to everything that comes with a new phase of life, accessible childcare so that we can actually get to our own medical appointments (maybe alone), real investments in maternal health and women’s health, and a commitment to studying it, understanding it, and treating it seriously. ❍

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142: The $20 billion plan to fix women's health, the case for a girls’ grief trip & mom rage groups

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:08:56 GMT

📰 This is Two Truths: Trending, a regular feature where we pore over the internet—making sense of the headlines + bringing you can’t-miss maternal health news—so you don’t have to.

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This week’s big number is $20 billion; that’s the amount that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and other major groups, as part of a new national strategy, are calling on Congress to invest in funding and researching women’s health to close gaps in understanding, care, and health outcomes for millions of women. It’s a major step forward for women’s health—and it’s one that, as women, we know is long overdue.

In this issue, we’ve also got links to help you better understand the scary-sounding parasite making headlines and spreading across the country, a beautiful and painful piece on grief and friendship throughout the motherhood journey, fact-checks on recent health claims, and some inspiration (like moms running for office, trailblazing doctors, and more). Don’t miss our own Two Truths stories sprinkled throughout—deep dives on many of the very topics we often talk about.

Quick thing! If you came here from a link or a forward, we’d love it if you took a second to subscribe—it’s a great way to support this work for free and makes a huge impact. Thank you!

Below, you’ll find…

The new ‘National Strategy to Close the Women’s Health Gap’ is calling on Congress to invest $20 billion in women’s health research over the next decade.
What to know about Cyclosporiasis if you’re pregnant.
The case for a girls’ grief tip.
A piece about the only female head of medical staff in the 2026 World Cup.
A simple blood test for endometriosis that could be on the way.
Two fact-checks on major medical claims, including a study on antidepressants in pregnancy and ADHD/autism and a study about fluoride in drinking water and children’s IQs
A promising new psychedelic treatment that could help symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD).
What parents actually want and what we all have in common
How your OB/GYNs’ payments are about to change and what it could mean for your payments
A state strategy that led to a major reduction in infant mortality
A support group for mom rage
Moms running for office
& much, much more!

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First up… A new ‘National Strategy to Close the Women’s Health Gap’ is calling on Congress to invest $20 billion in women’s health research over the next decade.

The strategy has been endorsed by 37 organizations and was unveiled by ACOG, the Society for Women’s Health Research, and the Women First Research Coalition in order to “transform women’s health research, care, and outcomes.” ACOG said, “This strategy is the coordinated national effort we need to ensure that women benefit from scientific discovery, medical innovation, and evidence-based care throughout every stage of life.” [Forbes]

Pregnant? Here’s what to know about Cyclosporiasis. [What to Expect]

The case for a girls’ grief trip.

141: On our minds: How to make a “summer bucket list”

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:17:00 GMT

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💭 On our minds is a new feature of Two Truths where we go back & forth about what’s on our minds—what we’re thinking about, rethinking, or talking about as women, mothers, and journalists covering health and parenting. Think of this series as the conversations we’re having anyway, written down. This week’s installment is about summer bucket lists: what they are, how to make the most of the season, and how we’re thinking about (and making) them.

Summer is a season of many things. It can be joyous, relaxing, stressful, or short; long-awaited, exhausting, peaceful, expensive; or, perhaps, if you’re a new parent, sleepless. One of our early issues of this newsletter was all about nostalgia, largely tied to this season, which, to many, is synonymous with childhood.

In America, we know that summer remains largely unsupported. Camp days don’t line up with workdays and eat up paychecks; millions of children across this country lose free, school-provided meals. Sometimes we can sneak away; sometimes we can’t. Sometimes, it feels impossible to simply keep up. We work, we play, and somehow, we figure it all out. Hopefully, along the way, there are moments where everything clicks.

Whatever summer brings for you, we’ve both been thinking a lot about how to make the time we do have with our children this summer last and linger; how to make this time work for everyone in our families. In talking about this, we realized we both do something similar, in different ways: We create seasonal bucket lists.

Below, paid subscribers will get:

A look at our love-hate relationship with the term “bucket list” (and why/how we’re reframing the concept)
The surprising way Cassie’s travel writing for Condé Nast Traveler helped her see the magic in everyday outings
How to make weekenders happier, according to research
The terms Kelsey uses to bring structure (and vibes) to her bucket list
How Cassie brought bucket lists back for her kids in a busy phase of parenting
How Kelsey integrates her inspiration list with her journal and planner
The item we’re spending a lot less time with this summer
The new item helping us be more intentional with our kids
What parents really want, according to the biggest non-governmental survey of U.S. parents of kids under six
The power of help in creating space for quality time
How to advocate for the change moms in this country need
Plus: 46 starters/inspiration/ideas—straight from our own bucket lists—to help you build your own

» With a premium subscription at just $5 per month, you’ll never miss a link, report, or issue—and you’ll support independent journalism that supports women and moms.

Read on for 47 items from our bucket lists to inspire your own…

140: A coffee smoothie with 31g of protein to fuel your summer days, a screen-free kids camera & a glowy skin supplement

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:21:13 GMT

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Today’s letter is brought to you by Ritual—a female-founded traceable supplement company 💊

Happy July! Whether you’re settling into a slower summer rhythm or simply trying to keep everyone fed, cool, and entertained, this week’s edition of ‘Send Me the Link’—where we drop the links to what we’re loving lately—is full of the little things making this sunny, sweaty season a bit easier (and more fun).

We’ve got a protein-packed coffee smoothie (think Frappuccino, but far less sugar), a hydrating skin supplement that’s giving ~glow~, and all sorts of kids’ travel gear and beach/sidelines favorites for summer schlepping. We’re also sharing a discount code for the new, nostalgia-inducing camera we’re both using to capture more memories (disposable vibes, but no waste), an aesthetically neutral mess-containing craft mat, (more!) comfy kid sandals, and other helpful finds for the month ahead.

As always, these are the things we’ve actually been using, recommending to friends, and reaching for ourselves. It’s officially peak summer—and we hope you’re enjoying it. ☀️

» Want to know what other moms are loving and linking? Become a paid subscriber to get access to our private Send Me The Link chat where we share even more of what we’re buying, reading, and recommending, and women across every stage of motherhood do the same. We’re on a mission to hit 1,000 paid subscribers, and you can help us get there.

And in case you missed it…

Recently, in Two Truths…

All subscribers… got a deep dive on the law that could allow you to work from home while pregnant or postpartum (featuring our friend ), took a look at 19 new motherhood books, learned about how to manage phone use around your kids (our enlightening conversation with Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, of Techno Sapiens) and 13 must-know facts about fertility, plus how to have a healthier home (our interview with author and activist ).
Paid subscribers… learned about the ‘postpartum cliff,’ how SSRIs affect your sex drive & why difficult people are a health problem; got bonus access to our full Q&As with leading experts, round-ups on recent must-know health news, seven journaling techniques Kelsey swears by, links we’re loving, and more.

‘Send Me the Link’ to…

💊 Despite drinking a ton of water and using all of the lotion, my skin is perpetually dry. A few months ago, I started taking this supplement, which is full of hyaluronic acid (sometimes called “nature’s moisturizer”), and within weeks, my skin felt softer and held onto moisture better (it didn’t feel immediately parched after the shower). The health reporter in me appreciates that the product is backed by its own clinical trial, too—shown to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve skin smoothness in 90 days. —Cassie*

🧴My favorite diaper and baby essentials brand—products I’ve purchased for almost seven years straight—just launched the perfect way to try out their entire range. This starter kit includes diapers in the first four sizes (which is so helpful to have when you’re deciding if it’s time to size up), plus two wipe formulas and mini editions of their skincare essentials (gentle hair + body wash, the face + body lotion, and—my personal favorite—the diaper + dry skin balm). —Kelsey

🍦We’ve told you how much we love this long-time favorite toy before. Now, in celebration of National Ice Cream Month, the retailer is teaming up with Van Leeuwen for a limited-edition summer collection inspired by Van Leeuwen flavors, with tokens for free kids’ scoops at the ice cream company’s shops.

🩴 More kids’ sandals! My kids live in these all summer long—they’re easy-on, easy-off, come in big/little kids’ and toddler sizes, tons of different colors, and most importantly, are comfortable for little feet. They also come with fun little “tattoo-style” stick-ons for decorating. —C

😴 These are the cutest little blow-up mattresses for kids. They come in a few fun prints (space and animals), with full-length side bumpers and a fitted sheet, and are good for kids ages 2+. We bring them wherever we need extra sleeping spots. —C

🎒 We initially spotted this oversized backpack cooler from a veteran outdoor adventure brand on the soccer sidelines, holding popsicles, and have been using it ever since—for travel, beach days, and everyday outings. It fits a surprising amount (36 cans, 22 pounds of ice, or all the snacks), closes tightly with a powerful magnet, and has a shell that blocks out UV rays, helping extend its life. —C

⛱️ And speaking of sitting comfortably on the sidelines (or on the beach), I recently tested—and loved—these breathable chairs with four recline positions. The backpack straps made it easy to haul them to the beach (even while wrangling two kids + all their gear) and there’s the perfect amount of pockets for drinks, shells, etc. The chair comes in a tall version, too. —K

👜 One of the best and most-used baby/kid gear gifts I’ve ever received were these monogrammed, zip-up weekender bags to keep kids’ stuff organized when traveling. My mother-in-law got one for each of my kids, and they are the perfect size (XL) to hold a few packing cubes of clothes, shoes, toiletries, and even some extras (like a pack of diapers or outerwear). The printed versions seem to be available sporadically throughout the year; monograms and embroidery are always an option. —K

🎨 I’m all about the whimsical, analog activities this summer—but friendship bracelet making and watercolor painting make a lot of mess, too. These craft mats keep the chaos contained and actually look nice sitting on your kitchen table. (And here’s the watercolor workbook that my 6-year-old and I have been using.) —K

📸 Remember the suspense and magic of a disposable camera? They’re back—kind of—in the form of this screen-free, settings-free camera that helps you stay in the moment as you snap up to 500 photos in one charge. We secured a special discount for our readers: Shop here and use the code TWOTRUTHS7 for 7% off.

☕️ Update on my adventures in breakfast smoothies: My favorite coffee shop at the beach serves the most delicious ‘coffee smoothie’ that’s essentially just a Frappuccino—so I decided to make my own, far healthier version. I combine a cup of coffee with a serving of Greek, coffee-flavored yogurt (11 grams of protein), a scoop of my favorite vanilla protein powder (20 grams of protein), and ice—then blend. (Add a dash of water or milk of choice, as needed, to get your desired consistency.) I want to try it with chocolate protein next. —K*

📚 A little something that costs nothing: a library card. If I want my kids to chill out for an afternoon, all I need to do is swing by the library and let them fill a tote. If you have a kid who isn’t reading independently yet, grab a few graphic novels; I’ve found that these keep kids captivated for way longer than typical picture books—there’s just so much to look at and process! (I’m going to do a kids’ book round-up coming soon, so make sure you’re subscribed.) —K

Below, paid subscribers also get the inside scoop on the most-loved links from recent issues—including…

File these under “cool mom style staple”: Loose, airy shorts that work from workouts to going out (just pair with a white tee and dressy sandals).
Chic, wear-with-anything designer sandals that feel like walking on clouds. (They’re also on major sale right now.)
A two-piece tank & pants set that’s perfect for any summer suiting events.
Cute Croc alternatives made by a company that focuses on kids’ foot health and development. —K
A true travel and everyday essential: The ultimate jogging stroller—available as a single or double.

» With a premium subscription at just $5 per month, you’ll never miss a link, report, or issue—and you’ll support independent journalism that supports women and moms.

139: How fatherhood changes dads’ brains

Cassie Shortsleeve — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:40:12 GMT

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Today’s letter is reported by Cassie Shortsleeve and brought to you by Bobbie ✨

Darby Saxbe, Ph.D.—clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, and professor at the University of Southern California—is one of those people other people in the field tell you to talk to. Want to understand the parental brain? You should talk to Darby Saxbe. Curious about the nitty-gritty neurobiology of parenthood? You should talk to Darby Saxbe. And also, especially now on the heels of the release of her new book, Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives, which explains how fatherhood changes men: Want to know how becoming a father changes the brain? Darby Saxbe.

I’ve followed Darby’s work—from a distance—for years. Last week, on the day of her book launch, I connected with her about what we all need to know about dad brains.

Much of what she told me—about the ways in which fatherhood shapes a male brain, how policy (or a lack thereof) connects to biology, and how patrescence impacts fathers much like matrescence impacts mothers—is below in our condensed and slightly edited conversation.

Saxbe’s work, as you learn early in her book, is inspired by her own experience in childhood, watching her father transform into a different person, and a different father, after divorce, when he stepped more fully into the role of dad.

Saxbe told me that, much like maternal health, paternal health is woefully underfunded. A lot of the science (much of which Saxbe has done herself) is preliminary, and we need much more of it. There’s also a lot we do know, proven ways to support the men in our lives—and encourage them to get the support they need—and many ways to shift the culture toward a better, more supported parenthood experience.

Two Truths (TT): There’s a line early on in your book that says you have always been fascinated by ‘how fathers tick.’ Big picture, how do fathers tick? And how far back does the experience of fatherhood trace—as in, do men’s experiences with their own fathers impact the way they father?

Darby Saxbe, Ph.D. (DS): These things can translate to the next generation in different ways, but there is a lot of evidence that difficult families of origin experiences—childhood trauma and adversity, or just dysfunctional family upbringings—can affect the way someone approaches parenting. I think it can lead to a lack of confidence about how you’re supposed to navigate this new challenge when you don’t have good models.

For the book, I talked to Mikel Jollett, who grew up in a cult. He had no concept of what an attachment figure even was, because he was raised in a group home setting. He talked about how hard he had to work to become a really good parent to his own kids. The lesson there is not that you can never create a good parent-child bond or a good parenting identity, but rather that it might be more effortful when you don’t have those models in the front of your mind of what a loving, consistent, responsive caregiver looks like.

This is especially interesting for dads because the role of fatherhood has changed so much. Millennial men, I think, are doing between triple and quadruple the amount of hours devoted to childcare compared to their fathers and grandfathers. A lot of dads don’t necessarily have examples of really hands-on father figures; maybe they had the 1980s dad who worked long hours and was home only in the evenings. It’s not that you can’t invent a new framework, but it takes more deliberate intention.

That’s kind of true in fatherhood generally. Going back to your big-picture question—how fathers tick—I think the thing that’s really interesting and distinct about fathers is the huge variability. We have this big range between primary parent to completely absentee, and where dads land on that continuum is driven by culture, policy, society, and gender expectations, but it’s also driven by men’s choices. Men can land in a really different place from where their own dad landed. I think that’s the kind of flux we’re in culturally right now—and it’s causing both a lot of tension, because people are renegotiating their roles, but also a lot of value, because people are finding these new sources of meaning.

TT: Your research shows that men undergo real brain changes in fatherhood—many of them surprisingly similar to what women experience. Is there anything that happens uniquely to men? (Testosterone, for example, drops when you become a dad, which your research suggests can be a benefit.)

DS: The testosterone piece is an interesting one. The psychosocial transition to fatherhood has some unique challenges, too—not necessarily more daunting than what mothers face, but different. For a lot of men culturally, there’s breadwinner pressure. Men are socialized to feel like they need to be providers. I was surprised when I talked to a postpartum depression specialist who said depression in men might show up as a hyperfocus on work—men withdrawing from the baby in order to spend more time working. That can look like a rejection of the family, but really, men are often just freaking out about financial pressure.

I also talk a lot in the last chapter about social support. Mothers plug into a larger infrastructure that’s been built for them—breastfeeding support groups, mommy-and-me yoga, parenting classes. Dads often feel like outsiders and might have a harder time creating community. None of this is to say that moms have it easier by any stretch. It’s more that dads might have some things to navigate that just look a little different.

TT: We hear a lot about matrescence, but it sounds like what you’re describing is that fatherhood does something comparable to men’s sense of self. Do you think couples are able to connect on that? Or does it more often become a ‘who’s doing more’ argument?

DS: There is some inevitable scorekeeping or comparison, and men’s and women’s experiences are different. But when it comes to figuring out—who am I, what matters to me, where am I with regard to my social roles and my relationships—there can be a lot of upheaval for dads. Especially now, as more men are becoming primary parents or stay-at-home parents, there’s a huge shift around what their identity looks like vis-a-vis work and career. I think it’s a similar shift that a lot of women who opt to become stay-at-home moms also go through.

When we talk about matrescence or the maternal brain, we could be talking about the parental brain—patrescence as well as matrescence. Some of these things are really universal to parenting. We want men to be more involved and more engaged as parents, so I think we need to recognize that they’re going to have struggles and face specific challenges.

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TT: How do we support the dads in our lives—and what are some warning signs that someone might be struggling?

DS: So many moms are already drowning in mental load, so I want to be clear: I don’t think it should fall on moms to also manage their partner’s mental health. We want to create a culture where men have their own awareness and their own sense of where to go for help.

That said, male depression can show up differently than it does in women. It might look like irritability, withdrawal, a hyperfocus on work, or avoiding the baby—and a lot of that is fear-based. We don’t have the proximity to newborns that earlier generations might have had, and for both moms and dads, it’s often the first time they’ve ever really interacted with a newborn. Men are frequently afraid they’re going to hurt the baby or not know what to do.

An open line of communication is really important for couples, and I’d also point to the window of intervention before birth. You’re exhausted in the early postpartum period, flooded with new feelings, so to whatever extent you can work backward from the pregnancy and start having those conversations early, do it. If you know that the birth of a baby is a risk factor for relationship quality, you can be actively working on your relationship before that happens. If you know division of labor is going to be a sticking point, you can start mapping out what you each imagine that might look like. You can talk about your values around baby care, your own family of origin, and what you want to do differently.

And for men specifically, social support is a huge protective factor for depression, and a lot of men’s primary support person is their romantic partner. In the postpartum period, she’s overwhelmed and focused on the baby, and men can feel really left out. Men need to be shoring up their own support networks: friendships, community connections, healthy outlets, so that they have a toolkit ready to go, without needing their partner to function as their therapist.

TT: The Cut recently ran a piece with the headline “Postpartum Depression Is Coming for Fathers” about postpartum depression in men. The comment section revealed that people were…mad. Some responded with statements like, “Can’t women have anything?” What do you think about that reaction?

DS: I’m very sympathetic to the argument that many moms are making. We have fought so hard to get recognition for this really challenging thing that still doesn’t have enough funding or research. Perinatal mental health is underfunded, and I totally get the frustration of feeling like, okay, now men are trying to horn in on this and take it for themselves.

But to me, it’s just not a zero-sum game. Mental health is interdependent within families. And I keep going back to this: If we really want men to step up as parents, if we really want them to go through the highs and lows of parenthood as primary or key caregivers, that’s going to come with all the challenges that moms have long faced.

“If we really want men to step up as parents, if we really want them to go through the highs and lows of parenthood as primary or key caregivers, that’s going to come with all the challenges that moms have long faced.” —Darby Saxbe, PhD

To whatever extent we insist that becoming a parent is exclusively a mom’s experience, I think we’re going back to the same stereotypes that are, ironically, the reason moms are so overwhelmed and stressed in the first place. If we decide that parenting is only for women and only mom’s job, that’s part of how moms get so isolated and so frustrated.

TT: You’re touching a bit, too, on the idea of maternal gatekeeping—this idea of, it’s easier if I just do it myself. And I think a lot of moms, especially in those early postpartum weeks, feel that acutely. What would you say to a mom who’s in that headspace?

DS: That was one of the hardest parts of the book to write and edit, actually—thinking through some of those issues. Of course, moms feel this way in the early months. You have this intense concern and anxiety for your baby, and you feel a bond you’ve never experienced before. And if it’s been a biological pregnancy, if you’re breastfeeding—which is not the case for every mom—you have this secret sauce to calm the baby down, this source of sustenance that they need. And then here comes this big lumbering man who’s maybe never held a baby, doesn’t know how to feed the baby, and you’ve had all this experience. Of course, you’re going to feel protective.

But to whatever extent we consciously or unconsciously put up those barriers, we’re ultimately hurting our own ability to rest and recover—which is what we so badly need. We don’t have the community support and kin networks we evolved to have, so there’s a lot of pressure on the nuclear family and the dad. To whatever extent we can welcome men into early parenthood, we’re benefiting his bond with the baby, we’re benefiting our own ability to get time and space, and it’s good for the baby too—it gives them a greater diversity of experiences. And that’s why I really need the policy piece to plug into all of that.

TT: You mentioned policy—things like paid leave, childcare, and maternal health. Kelsey [my Two Truths co-founder] and I are co-founders of Chamber of Mothers, where we’re deep in these fights. How do we bring more dads into these conversations?

DS: Part of it is raising the value of the care space. Men are socialized to use their time in ways that earn them status, and if care is seen as low-status, men won’t seek out opportunities to be involved in it. Getting men into the care fight is also partly about how we have these conversations—so, using inclusive language: parental mental health, parental leave, and parenting policies, not just maternity. Making sure that dads are involved in perinatal healthcare, that there are resources for them, and that we have real paternity leave policies. I even like the nudge of earmarking policies where dads get a chunk of leave specifically for them, so that we normalize and destigmatize dads taking leave.

TT: That all makes sense. Last question: What do we lose when fathers aren’t present—whether physically or emotionally?

DS: Kids lose out, first of all, because they’re losing the opportunity to have a broader range of experiences, a bond with someone who’s looking out for them, a chance to learn from someone new. There’s a lot of research linking father engagement to better child outcomes—and yes, some of that is driven by the fact that more advantaged kids tend to get more father time, and we know there’s a significant socioeconomic correlation with father involvement. But even when you control for those risk factors, you still see real benefits of having a dad in the picture.

Then there are the benefits to mom. Father involvement can take so much stress off of her. We did not evolve to parent alone and in isolation—raising a child is so much work that having another caregiver in the picture really matters.

“We did not evolve to parent alone and in isolation—raising a child is so much work that having another caregiver in the picture really matters.” —Darby Saxbe, PhD

And then there’s a third piece, which I argue in the book: It’s also beneficial to men. They grow a lot from that role. I saw my own dad grow from it.

And finally, it benefits society. One of the biggest problems we have is that we have completely feminized care—treated it as women’s work—and I think that’s exactly why we devalue it. We underpay caregivers, and we underfund the care sector. The more we see care as something both men and women can do, the more we can start to shift away from that history.

I think we just need to keep having conversations about the value of fatherhood. That’s partially why I wrote the book. If we celebrate that men can be great caregivers and great parents, I think we will start to universalize this concept of care a little bit more. ❍

» Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives is out now.

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Recent reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers

138: How to make a Father’s Day ‘forever’ journal (my easy, last-minute gift idea)

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:46:20 GMT

137: 20+ items I packed for Disney World

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:43:00 GMT

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Today’s letter is written by Kelsey Haywood Lucas and brought to you by Ritual—a female-founded traceable supplement company.

My guess is that “what to pack for Disney World” is a top search term: It’s the focus of a multitude of magazine articles, blogs, Instagram posts, and other parenting content of all kinds. When I started planning my family’s first trip to Disney World, it was top-of-mind for me, too.

Packing with small children can also be a pain point: How do I make sure I have everything I need without overpacking? How do we pack in a way that makes it easy to move around everywhere we’re going? What do we actually need? The answers to those questions will, of course, depend on you and your family—your style, your preferences, and your priorities.

After doing plenty of research—big thanks to all the parents I polled who helped me narrow down true Disney essentials—and then finally visiting “the most magical place on earth” with my own family, there are a few items I’d suggest anyone bring on their own trips.

These 20+ things made our stay a little smoother and a lot more fun. (And if you want more insider details about doing Disney with kids, be sure you’re subscribed to this newsletter—we have more installments of this series coming soon, including my guide to matching Disney outfits for grown-ups and kids (something I never thought I’d do, but it actually made getting ready in the morning smooth and seamless for all involved).

Let’s start with my picks on what basics to pack…

Stroller
If your kids can still fit in a stroller, then you need a stroller at Disney World—even if you think you don’t. Cassie flew with her double Thule stroller (shown above) for her trip in April (“gate-check for the win,” she says), but I wanted to save trunk space and opted to rent one from Babyquip. It was the easiest, smoothest experience ever; they dropped off and picked up at my resort’s valet area. (Use the code KELSEYL20 here for $20 off any order of $100+.)

Purse hooks
Speaking of strollers: We used these to hang my big tote bag, shopping bags, etc., on our stroller—oddly handy.

Stroller flair
This is one popular recommendation that I wish I’d heeded: Many people mark their stroller with a flag, sign, or tag to make it easy to find amid the sea of identical strollers parked outside each ride. (This sign or this one is what I’d order next time!) I linked some options, but you don’t need to buy anything special; you could make a handmade side (laminate it) or even bring a bunch of ribbons. Whatever will make it stand out to you—balloons and garlands work, too.

Rain ponchos
We didn’t end up wearing these, but always good to have. In hindsight, we should have worn them on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a log flume ride with a 50-foot drop—we sat in the front row and got soaked! (It was amazing and felt really refreshing, actually.)

A great multivitamin
Because traveling with kids is always exhausting—and Disney World takes it to a new level—I love this multivitamin from mom-founded brand Ritual that’s backed by its own peer-reviewed clinical trial (in partnership with Auburn University). It fills you up on key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and omega-3 DHA that you may be low on. The capsules are also pleasant to take, thanks to essential oil-infused tabs that give a nice hint of flavor. [partner]

Phone strap
I skipped the Lightning Lane wristbands (officially known as MagicBands, they’re roughly $45 per person, which didn’t feel worth it to me at $180). Instead, I just used my phone to tap us into rides; a cross-body strap keeps it handy at all times. (I bought a cheap one and it broke on my last day at the parks; I linked a better one above.)

Snap-on tripod
This tiny tripod snaps on to any MagSafe-compatible phone; pop it on a bench or table to snap a quick family pic without pulling bulky equipment. (My favorite basic tip: Just spin the camera to selfie mode and start recording a video. Have everyone stand super still, and you’ll be able to grab a screenshot for your photo; plus, the set-up moments often make great candids.)

Back-up phone charger
Between taking photos, tapping into rides, and navigating the Disney app, your battery is likely to run low—a nightmare, tbh. (Ask me how I know! I’ll just tell you: It happened to me. And I had to ask my husband for his phone every time I wanted to take a picture until we finally found a spot where I could charge up. Learn from my mistakes and take one.)

Autograph essentials
I knew we’d want to grab a few autographs, but I did not anticipate how much my kids would absolutely love meeting the characters and getting their stuff signed. (We ended up building way more meet-and-greets into our itinerary than I had originally planned—more about that coming in future installments of this series.) For each autograph encounter, we had characters sign two things:

Ornaments: I’m so glad I planned ahead and ordered these ornaments—they can be customized with your child’s name, year, and location (Disney World or Disneyland). Of all the Disney World souvenirs we came home with, I think these have the highest potential to be used and appreciated for years to come.
Autograph books: And because you know I’m always finding new ways to journal, we turned blank mini notebooks into multi-purpose autograph/junk/art/memory books. We’d leave a few pages in between each autograph, and then my kids decorated each character’s signature with stickers and drawings. (You can also tape in receipts, map pages, photos, and other ephemera from the trip.) Here’s what I used:
- Hand-sized blank journals
- Disney sticker book (heavy, but worth it to take on trips!)
- Clickable Sharpies (keep handy at all times for impromptu autographs)
- Marker set (washable always!) for artwork; also love these with erasers
- Scrapbooking tape and scrapbooking glue (these are safe for photos and documents)

Clear gel SPF for kids
It’s completely clear and smells like banana—no stickiness, no chalkiness, no rough rubbing in—making it one of the only sunscreens that my kids will apply without protest. I use the spray and face stick from the same line, too.

Hypochlorous acid spray
This super-ingredient was made famous by a cult skincare spray I’ve loved for years (a spritz to the face can soothe acne and eczema, or kill bacteria post-workout)…but did you know it’s also great as a hand sanitizer alternative that’s gentle enough for babies and sensitive skin? It’s even used as a household cleaning product. I keep a bottle in my bag at all times to clean hands, faces, tables, toys, etc. Here’s an alternative brand’s 3-pack for $12.

Hand towels
For wiping wet seats, sweaty bodies, or major messes—it’s just handy to have a few thicker, absorbent cloths handy. Bring some dish towels from home or borrow from your hotel.

Baby wipes
No explanation necessary; these are my go-tos for travel. ❍

» Coming soon: Future installments of our Disney World Series will tackle matching family outfits everyone will actually love, chic resortwear that takes you from pool to dinner, and our full itineraries and restaurant recommendation list. Subscribe here so you don’t miss it!

Want to sponsor an issue of Two Truths or learn about partnership opportunities?

SPONSOR A NEWSLETTER

Recent reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers

136: Why telling women to 'talk to their doctor' or 'advocate for themselves' is not that simple

Cassie Shortsleeve — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 23:02:51 GMT

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Today’s letter is reported by Cassie Shortsleeve and brought to you by Ritual—a female-founded traceable supplement company—through the Two Truths x Ritual Reporting Grant, which helps fund and unlock our original health reporting for all readers.

I’ve been covering women’s health for more than a decade. More often than not, articles on women’s health include careful caveats for a female reader—things like, “Always talk to your doctor,” or “Be sure to advocate for yourself.”

While seemingly innocuous on the surface, both pieces of advice have always bothered me, deserving of dissertations of their own. But what if your doctor doesn’t know the answer or hasn’t been able to help with an ongoing problem or symptoms (often through no fault of their own, but rather a medical system that doesn’t always prioritize providers or patients)? What if you’ve tried to talk to your doctor and can’t get through? And also: Why should I have to advocate for the basic care I need and deserve? And what if I don’t know how? What if I can’t?

These are big questions with complicated answers—all rooted in persistent gaps in women’s health research and healthcare, top of mind this week as Melinda French Gates pledged an additional $215 million to fund women’s health, including investments in The Menopause Society.

Today, we’re digging into self-advocacy—what it is, why it matters, and why you shouldn’t have to fight for it in the first place.

So what is self-advocacy?

Self-advocacy is the act of representing yourself; in medicine, it’s often a way to actively participate in decision-making about your healthcare or medical treatment. Ideally, we wouldn’t have to do it.

“Ideally, when patients are interacting with the healthcare system, it should be a system that is already ready and designed to do the best for you,” says Onouwem Nseyo, M.D., an OB/GYN at Sutter Health and host of the Golden Hour podcast. But healthcare systems are large and fractured and too often prioritize insurance reimbursements over optimal patient care—hence the need to advocate for yourself.

So, we hold both truths: Self-advocacy matters, and we shouldn’t have to fight to be heard or to receive basic, evidence-based care.

Why do we need to advocate for ourselves?

First, because there is very little research on women’s health or funding for it. Historically, there have been all sorts of hesitations around including, or not including, women in research, not the least of which is sexism. Only 8.8% of NIH research spending in the past decade has targeted women’s health. Much of what we know about health is built on data from predominantly white men. It wasn’t until 1994 that U.S. law required women and minorities to be included in all clinical research. Medicine has a deep paternalistic history, and the consequences of that history are many:

Women routinely have their symptoms dismissed. Take a condition like endometriosis: On average, it takes at least five years to be diagnosed.
Another startling example: For a long time, researchers didn’t really think it was possible to have a heart attack without clogged arteries—largely because… women hadn’t really been studied. (These types of heart attacks are far more common in women than in men.) That means that for years, women with chest pain and clean scans could have been told they were fine and been discharged from hospitals when, indeed, they were having a heart attack.
Reproductive choices have been restricted, and in some cases removed entirely. Access to abortion and birth control, yes, but in California alone, some 20,000 people—disproportionately Black and Latina women, as well as people with mental health issues and disabilities—have been sterilized without consent or against their will.
Common health conditions, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and migraines, disproportionately impact women. There’s little sex-specific guidance on why or how to treat them.

“Some patients come in with a general sense that their healthcare providers and settings aren’t actually going to help them,” says Dr. Nseyo, who adds that patients often feel they need to advocate for themselves to protect themselves.

That burden falls hardest on those already facing the biggest barriers. “This includes Black and Native American women in maternal health, women with disabilities, LGBTQ+ patients, non-English-speaking patients, and people living with chronic pain or obesity,” says New York City-based primary care physician Navya Mysore, M.D. “These disparities in outcomes, including in maternal mortality, reflect structural inequities and bias in the system, not individual shortcomings.”

Dr. Mysore frames it this way: Self-advocacy is a tool you deserve to have—not a burden you should be forced to carry. With that in mind, here’s how to start using it.

First, know that a broken system isn’t your fault or yours to fix—and that individual efforts are only part of the solution.

“Ultimately, the goal isn’t to get better at fighting to be heard, it’s building a healthcare system where being listened to, believed, and appropriately evaluated is the default—not something that has to be earned through persistence,” says Dr. Mysore.

Without top-down change, only so much will change. “We can’t expect to see a lot of the big-scale changes that we need for women’s health to improve on a population level without having changes to the systems,” says Morgan Edwards-Fligner, M.D., a primary care physician based in Denver, CO.

Organizations working on these issues include groups like the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association on physician payment reform; Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation and the National Women’s Health Network on women’s health research and advocacy; and Chamber of Mothers—which Kelsey and I co-founded along with several other advocates—on maternal health and support systems, plus many, many more.

The supplement industry needs a Washington wake-up call*

The regulations governing dietary supplements haven’t been meaningfully updated since… 1994—and female-founded supplement company Ritual is doing something about it. On April 30th, Ritual founder Kat Schneider joined a group of OB-GYNs, doulas, and midwives—including OB-GYN Andrea Alexander, MD (@paging.dr.dre)—to meet with U.S. Senators on Capitol Hill and push for updated federal oversight.

Their asks: a clear, regulated definition of “clinically studied” and enforceable heavy metal limits with pregnant women and children in mind.

Now they need your help! Use this link to send a letter to your legislators (it takes two minutes) and request these changes. Your actions can move the needle faster than you realize, too: A Member’s office usually only needs about 10 emails or calls on a specific issue before they assign a staffer to lead it.

Ritual is also putting research behind the mission—recently, the company published clinical results on their pre- and postnatal vitamins, contributing to and furthering the body of literature on women’s health.

Click here to get 25% off your first month of Ritual with the code TWOTRUTHS*

As for what you can do? The doctors we interviewed offered some advice around self-advocacy in medical appointments. Of course, there is privilege in self-advocacy: Not everyone feels able or safe to use their voice, and for many, the stakes of speaking up are far higher. Simply telling a woman or mother to advocate for herself falls short, too, placing the responsibility on us rather than on the systems that failed us.

And so the suggestions below are just that. “For women who have limited access to care—whether because of insurance constraints, geography, transportation challenges, or long wait times—I often encourage them to focus on the aspects of advocacy that remain within their control,” says Dr. Nseyo. “Ultimately, self-advocacy isn’t about having perfect insurance or unlimited choices. It’s about asking questions, seeking clarity, and remembering that your concerns deserve to be heard—even when the healthcare system makes that difficult.”

So, take what’s useful below, support big-picture causes where you can, and share this with other women who could benefit from this information.

6 Self-Advocacy Tools for Women

Prep with a list of questions before your appointment

Appointments are often short and fast-paced, making it easy to get overwhelmed in the moment, so coming in with a list of questions is key. “A written list helps ensure your priorities are addressed,” says Dr. Nseyo.

Know your goals and your fears

Think about your goals for an appointment and your biggest fears—and, if you’re comfortable, share those with your provider, suggests Dr. Edwards-Fligner. As women, we’re socialized to be the good patient, not to seem “too dramatic or too demanding,” and not to ask questions. Naming what you’re most worried about and defining your goals can help build trust and make the most of limited time and resources.

Aim for collaboration

Social media has changed what patients bring into the exam room. Dr. Nseyo has noticed more patients arriving with anxiety and fear, whether about pitocin in childbirth from an Instagram Reel, childbirth itself, or a general wariness toward a medical system that has historically failed women. “Ideally, any clinician will be part of that healing process—removing the antagonism from the room, making it so there’s not this need to push and fight, but rather work in commune with the providers who are supposed to be providing healing,” she says. She tries to help patients sort through what they’re hearing to figure out which pieces of information “actually fit with their own personal puzzle.”

Curiosity, our experts say, goes a long way. Questions like “What else could this be?” “What do you think of this?” or “When should we look deeper into this?” can open up a productive conversation.

If you can, find a provider who fits

It’s true: No one is going to be able to answer all of your questions or provide perfect care in a 20-minute visit, but good providers share key characteristics. Look for someone who understands your goals, is willing to collaborate, and hears your questions and concerns. Part of choosing a provider you gel with involves knowing yourself well enough to know what you value, explains Edwards-Fligner. Value convenience? You may want to choose a doctor in your hometown if possible. Value seeing the same person at every appointment? Look for a practice that supports that if you can.

And remember: Not every clinician should be your clinician. You always have the right to seek other opinions or transfer your care, says Dr. Nseyo.

Ask about all available options

Even when insurance coverage or access to providers is limited, remember: You deserve to understand what care pathways exist, explains Dr. Nseyo. “Sometimes there are lower-cost alternatives, community resources, financial assistance programs, or referral options that may not be obvious unless they are discussed.”

Don’t assume your concerns won’t be heard

Our healthcare system has real challenges—and Dr. Nseyo points out that many clinicians who work in under-resourced and underserved communities do so because they are deeply committed to caring for patients with the greatest needs. “In my experience, these providers often want to partner with patients and help them navigate barriers whenever possible.” ❍

Want to sponsor an issue of Two Truths or learn about partnership opportunities?

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*This issue may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a percentage of sales on products we mention at no additional cost to you. Starred items were created in partnership with the brand.*

Recent reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers

135: Top travel items, Disney intel, sun hats under $20, comfy kid shoes, stick-on nail art & the best basic baby monitor

Kelsey Haywood Lucas — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:46:08 GMT

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Today’s letter is brought to you by Bobbie 🍼

Welcome to the latest edition of ‘Send Me the Link,’ where we drop the links to what we’re loving lately. With ‘Maycember’ behind us, you may already be in summer mode—or, if not, very close to it. This week’s links list brings you shorts to live in this season, the (very) big baby item we both love to travel with, sun hats, swimwear, sunscreen, and work outfits.

We’ve also got the comfiest designer sandals (on sale!), organic baby formula, the stickers that make nail art easy, a case for the basic baby monitor, and kids’ shoes that support healthy growth. Here’s what we’ve been loving, linking, and passing along in the past few weeks. Happy June. 🌻

And in case you missed it…

Recently, in Two Truths…

All subscribers… got a deep dive on the law that could allow you to work from home while pregnant or postpartum (featuring our friend ), took a look at 19 new motherhood books, learned about how to manage phone use around your kids (our enlightening conversation with Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, of Techno Sapiens) and 13 must-know facts about fertility, plus how to have a healthier home (our interview with author and activist ).
Paid subscribers… learned about the ‘postpartum cliff,’ how SSRIs affect your sex drive & why difficult people are a health problem; got bonus access to our full Q&As with leading experts, round-ups on recent must-know health news, seven journaling techniques Kelsey swears by, links we’re loving, and more.

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‘Send Me the Link’ to…

Thoughtfully made for the early days of motherhood: This USDA organic formula, crafted with organic grass-fed whole milk, fewer added oils, plus nutrients like MGFM, DHA, and choline to support brain development and growth. (New subscribers get two cans for $28, instead of $56).* 🍼
My must-have item for traveling with small kids is actually one of the biggest items I’ve ever taken on a trip; it’s been with us to Hawaii and Disney World, as well as countless hikes and weekend getaways. (If you don’t need the double, here’s the single version.) —Cassie
Loose, airy, good for workouts or hanging out: These might just become your go-to athletic shorts for the summer. —C
A new mom friend recently asked me to help her choose a fancy new video monitor—but I’ll tell you what I told her: I actually prefer something a little low-tech! This one is basic, dependable, and won’t add to your screen addiction. —Kelsey
We own two of these adorable, under $20 kids’ sun hats. They have great coverage, are UPF 50+, and are super lightweight. —C
Meanwhile, my kids are both wearing this striped bucket hat and these cute Croc alternatives made by a company that focuses on kids’ foot health and development. —K
Stylish rain boots that actually stand up to storms and mud can be hard to find. We are loving these 100% waterproof ones, which come in kids’ options (here and here) and adult options (short and tall) too, which are also great for the sidelines. —C
I wore this two-piece tank-pants set to an event at the Library of Congress with Chamber of Mothers last month, and I highly recommend it for any summer suiting events you have planned. —C
We both made first-time trips to Disney World this year (become a paid subscriber so you don’t miss our full guide to Disney coming soon), and we both stayed at this beautiful property that’s tucked away from the mayhem, yet includes all the perks—like an on-site character breakfast, early access to the parks, its own water park with lazy river, and next-level service.
Speaking of summer travel: We both love this rental service for all the kids’ gear you could think of—but don’t necessarily want to tote while traveling, from carseats and cribs to toys and strollers. (If you live in a destination area and have spare gear to share, it could be worth exploring as a side income, too.) Use the code KELSEYL20 for $20 off any order of $100+.
Big skincare news, my friends: I have very sensitive, fair, finicky skin—which makes sunscreen a challenge. Just in time for summer, I finally (finally!) discovered a mineral formula that I truly love and actually want to wear on my face every day. It feels hydrating (no chalkiness) and offers just a tiny bit of glow. I wore it all day, every day at Disney World (sometimes topped with a bit of this tinted SPF). —K
Nail art brings me a lot of joy—and I just discovered a great line of stickers that make it extremely easy to get fun, sparkly tips. Try jewels (these are what I’m wearing in the photo), sparkles, ‘90s nostalgia, or dozens of other themes from wildflowers to charcuterie to schoolhouse (a great last-minute teacher gift). I seal my stickers with clear gel so they last weeks, but a regular topcoat also works. Fun for kids, too! —K
I will never not love strawberry accessories for kids. This tiny tote couldn’t be cuter. —K
Whether you have babies or big kids, I wholeheartedly recommend switching to full-coverage swimwear—less sunscreen required, less sand in places you don’t want it, and less scrapes from poolside concrete. My kids actually loved these onesie-style suits and found them easier to pull down for bathroom breaks than regular swimsuits (that front zipper is key). —K
I’ve been wearing these designer sandals for a year now and continue to be obsessed; they’re one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn and feel a little fancier than, say, flip-flops for kicking around in. Good news: They’re on major sale right now. —K

Below, paid subscribers also get the inside scoop on the most-loved links from recent issues—including…

Easy outfit idea: The 100% cotton gingham set that’s under $35 and comes in 13 colors.
A “very berry” breakfast smoothie recipe—plus the protein powder brand that’s focused on reducing and monitoring for metal contamination
The mini wood bird houses that are just over $1 each, paintable, and perfect crafts for warm days
A compulsory new novel (and Reese’s Book Club pick) that reimagines a popular fairytale through the villain’s—a mother’s—point of view
Whimsical parenting idea: The additive-free sprinkles that make everything more fun
And more…

» With a premium subscription at just $5 per month, you’ll never miss a link, report, or issue—and you’ll support independent journalism that supports women and moms.

134: 'The postpartum cliff,' how SSRIs affect your sex drive & why difficult people are a health problem

Cassie Shortsleeve — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:01:57 GMT

Today’s letter is reported by Cassie Shortsleeve.

When I first started putting together this week’s news round-up, I came across a troubling new report from UN Women: A global report of women across 119 countries found that almost half of the female journalists surveyed self-censored themselves on social media; 22% self-censored their reporting out of fear of threats, retaliation, or violence.

Today, women’s and maternal health content is regularly flagged, restricted, or shadowbanned across social media. We know that. We see it happen to our own posts all the time. Yet, seeing these new UN Women figures reminded me of the realities so many women in media around the world face—and just how important journalism by women, for women, is. We started Two Truths to create a home for the stories we felt weren’t being told, and we’re grateful that you have trusted us to deliver these pieces.

In just a few years’ time, Two Truths has…

broken big stories (see here about the first FDA-approved pill indicated for postpartum depression)
explained complicated mental health topics with insights from some of the top experts in the world (see here for a deep dive on postpartum psychosis)
broken through the noise on topics like fertility (see here for 13 things you really need to know)
brought you weekly(-ish) links to the products that are actually making life happier, healthier, and more joyful.
debated divisive topics in motherhood, like the phrase “sleep when the baby sleeps,” in detail with nuance
delivered feel-good news when times feel hard
provided endless tips on memory keeping and journaling in motherhood
and so much more!

We are committed to reporting on women’s and maternal health and writing stories about how to live well in today’s world. We also need your help to continue to do this work. So, here's what we need from you: Help us reach 1,000 paid subscribers and keep this work going.

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Here’s what paid subscribers will get access to in this issue alone:

Details on a new maternal health study most people missed—and what it means for you. I brought this study directly into a conversation with a senior member of the administration while working with Chamber of Mothers last week.
More about the new UN Women report on female journalists.
How the class of antidepressant medications, SSRIs, could be messing with your sex drive (and don’t miss our piece here on what you need to know about SSRIs and pregnancy).
The pilot flying women across state lines to get abortions.
An underreported argument about the falling birth rate that challenges much of what’s out there right now.
An important listen on why a major women’s health condition was just renamed.
The ways in which the difficult people in your life are really harming your health.

Becoming a Two Truths paid subscriber means you get full access to every issue and exclusive access to important reporting or interviews with experts. It costs $5 a month or $50 a year, and directly funds our independent journalism, reporting, research, interviews, and, yes, the links and fun stuff, too.

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Thanks for trusting in us and for your support. Now, for some of this week’s news and updates…

1. A new must-know maternal health study

133: The Tired Dad on modern-day fatherhood, what dads DM him, raising boys & why he’s not an expert

Cassie Shortsleeve — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:57:23 GMT

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Today’s letter is reported by Cassie Shortsleeve.

A friend who works in social media once told me that today we use these apps either to laugh or to learn. For Jon Gustin, founder of the popular social media platforms The Tired Dad (@the.tired.dad on TikTok with 625K followers and @thetireddad on Instagram with 1 million), it’s both.

Gustin, a 40-year-old dad of two in Nashville, started his TikTok in 2020. “I would do a lot of dad humor stuff,” he says. But after he started struggling with his own mental health, he put out a post about the stereotypes people had about dads—and how dads were actually struggling. The post got 3 million views. Gustin thought he was alone in everything he was experiencing—a common sentiment in new parenthood (and something that has always drawn us to Postpartum Support International’s tagline: “You are not alone”). He wasn’t. Neither are you, of course.

Social media has its well-documented problems, including increased feelings of isolation, depression, and yes, loneliness. Gustin’s content reminds us of the community and benefits it offers, too.

After that viral post, things “clicked” for Gustin’s content creation plans. “It was the birth of this whole new thing,” he says. The new thing was his now-uber-popular accounts, where he talks about things no one else is talking about—all while making people laugh (and also cry).

Ahead of the release of his new book, The Tired Dad: 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most—which came out last week—we sat down with Gustin to talk about:

The many truths of fatherhood
What dads in his DMs are saying
Why it’s critical to laugh out loud and be open about very real issues like suicide
Where moms and dads are missing each other in connection and conversation
Why you may not need expert advice—and what to do instead
& more!

But first…

Special thanks to the partners who support our work, including…
- Superpower. 6 in 10 Superpower members discover something their doctor missed. The digital health company tests 100+ biomarkers—thyroid, cortisol, iron, inflammation—to deliver a personalized action plan with on-demand access to a care team. Not just results. Answers.

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Two Truths: We write a lot about the many truths of motherhood—and one of those truths is that parents can often feel like they’re not speaking the same language, even if they’re feeling (some of) the same things. You cover fatherhood on your platforms. What are you hearing from dads?

The Tired Dad, Jon Gustin: I hear a lot of the same stuff, like guilt. Dads express themselves differently; sometimes, they express themselves not at all. There’s a fear of expressing themselves. Dads either don’t want to express themselves, or they fear being perceived as weak for doing so. I think men also think they’re alone in feeling the things they feel.

I also think fatherhood is changing. More dads are involved in domestic labor. The whole notion of not knowing the doctor’s name, or the teacher’s name—all those clueless dad stereotypes—that’s changing, or that’s the hope, and I see it with a lot of dads who follow me.

So is part of your goal trying to bring more dads into the parenting conversation, in general?

Yes, that’s my whole thing! I’m trying to bring dads more into the conversation of what moms are going through and what moms have been talking about for a long time, and I’m trying to motivate dads to express themselves. A tired dad is an involved dad.

That fear of being alone comes up a lot in motherhood, too. Your page is really accessible because of that: Someone might come for the jokes, but end up finding something that makes them feel like they don’t have to carry around all of these things by themselves. You’ve been really open about alcohol use, loneliness, and suicide. Why has it felt so important to speak so directly about those issues?

Because they are issues. We’re seeing suicide numbers increase. I lost a friend to suicide when I was younger. The importance of fathers is also at an all-time high, and we’re literally losing them to their mental health. If the mental health of our fathers is not in good shape, we’re in trouble. That’s a lonely place for moms, and it’s a very dark place for dads. My vulnerability can create freedom for someone else by making them feel less alone.

I think it’s very important that, as somebody who has seen mental health take lives and has seen how mental health can negatively affect the family unit, I speak up. I am someone who has struggled with my mental health in the past, too, and haven’t always dealt with my stuff.

The word matrescence describes the many ways in which motherhood changes us from the inside out. Have you found something similar in fatherhood?

Parenting put a mirror up to my life in a way that was like, “Oh, you better heal yourself, and you better figure this out, or your kids will suffer as well.” It changed my life.

Tell us more.

When I had my firstborn daughter, this panic set in of, ‘Oh my gosh, are we going to be able to do this? No one’s taught us this.’ My wife went through postpartum depression. At the time, no one explained what that was really; they just kind of said, ‘Oh yeah, she might be a little blue, but it’s no big deal. It will go away.’ Well, it seemed like a pretty big deal at the time. I felt like I was told this was supposed to be the best moment of my life, and then I found myself wondering why I also felt it was a dark time for both of us.

I also realized I was drinking too much, running from my problems, and my childhood. You find yourself thinking of all these ‘generational curses’ you want to break that you haven’t really thought about—you know? When you have children, there’s stuff that you don’t want to emulate.

In many ways, your book is a space for reflections. It’s vignettes mixed with spots where readers can pause to think about their own experiences. What do you hope your book does for people?

When my kids were born, I started writing down notes on things I wanted to work on. I want this book to be what I wanted back then as a new dad; it’s all the stuff that I’ve learned in 10 years through sobriety, through dealing with my childhood stuff, dealing with my wife’s childhood stuff, dealing with marital problems, dealing with mental health problems—everything that I had no name for. I figured things out through failure, through messing up, and through reflecting and then changing.

We live in an age of information overload, and yet so much of the most important stuff—partnership, mental health, the identity shift that comes with becoming a parent—still isn’t talked about enough. Sometimes, though, what matters most is stopping to think about what works for you and your family.

It’s true—and there’s also a lot of bad advice out there. It’s noisy, and not everything needs to be ‘expert advice.’ I don’t ever want to come off as an expert. I can’t label myself that because I’m still figuring it out day by day.

Last question: What do you think we’re still getting wrong about modern fatherhood?

I still think there is some stigma out there that dads just don’t go through some things because it’s just not talked about a lot. I think a lot of dads want to be more involved, but just don’t know how. I think there’s still an expectation for dads that I don’t think is attainable or sustainable. I also feel dads need to be more in the conversation when it comes to general parenting and emotional connection with children.

There’s a lot out there now about how we’re raising boys. My dad was a military dad, my grandpa was military, and my great-grandpa was military. There was a lot of discipline and not a lot of expressing emotions, not a lot of hugs, kisses, none of that. When my son was born, I felt an immediate need to nurture him, just like I did with my daughter.

The father-daughter, girl-dad stuff is all soft, and then the boy-dad stuff is roughhousing, which my son loves, but that’s only an aspect of it. There’s also this emotional connection and nurturing aspect that fathers can provide, which I think society is either uncomfortable talking about, is just missing, or isn’t recognizing as important as it is. ❍

» Jon Gustin’s book is available now. You can follow him at @thetireddad—and if you’re a dad reading this, or love a dad who needs to read this, send this their way and tell them to hit subscribe.

ICYMI: Here’s what Two Truth readers have been up to lately…

All subscribers… got a deep dive on the law that could allow you to work from home while pregnant or postpartum (featuring our friend Daphne Delvaux, Esq.), took a look at 19 new motherhood books, learned about “technoference” (and how to manage your phone use around kids) from our collaboration with Techno Sapiens, learned how Cassie is balancing big-picture health headlines with the hum of everyday life (including four recent reports on women’s health, and received our deep dive on gestational diabetes (including what you might need to do next). Plus, Kelsey shared details on the foot product for cracked heels she was almost embarrassed to talk about…and a grown-up tote for kids that’s perfect for carrying books and art supplies.
Paid subscribers… got a look behind some of the biggest headlines in women’s and maternal health, got access to the seven journaling techniques Kelsey uses for memory-keeping in motherhood, and got links to soups for sick days, keep-the-stomach-bug-away probiotics, and more.
Also: We’re now on ShopMy—keep up with us, and find our favorite things, there.Want to sponsor an issue of Two Truths or learn about partnership opportunities?

TWO TRUTHS: Women's Health, Motherhood & More

152: The Lindsay Clancy trial is over. This country’s maternal mental health crisis is not.

1. We need perinatal mental health conditions better represented in the DSM, psychiatry’s ‘bible.’

151: A federal appeals court just ruled that the First Amendment protects an individual’s right to AI-generated CSAM. Here’s how to protect your family.

First, how could this recent ruling happen?

So let’s dive into Grok, and begin with the basics. What is “spicy mode” and how is it being used?

What else has been happening?

Is there anything being done about this?

What can I do to get informed, protect my family, and prepare my children?

What should I do if I, or someone I love, becomes a victim of image-based sexual abuse?

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

Top reads…

Recent reads…

150: Back-to-school with smarter wake-ups, cozy athleisure, cute kids’ gear, no more tangles & more

‘Send Me the Link’ to…

149: ‘We cannot wait for very sick women to tell us how much they are suffering’

148: Disney World, part II: My formula for the perfect ‘mom uniform’ & pool-to-lunch sets

How I planned themed outfits for a family of four

» Step 1: I started with my own park ‘uniform’

» Step 2: I planned one outfit theme per day and (somewhat) matched them to the park we were visiting

» Step 3: I made sure everyone had comfortable footwear

» Step 4: I made some strategic swim and resort wear decisions

ICYMI: We recently shared our favorite sunscreens…

Top reads…

Recent reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

147: The big problem with some maternal mental health content right now

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

146: The Lindsay Clancy trial is putting a spotlight on maternal mental health—here’s what I want to clear up

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

145: Stretching summer with good swimwear, healthier hair, a beautiful poetry collection & healthy kids’ snacks

‘Send Me the Link’ to…

144: The Lindsay Clancy trial has us thinking about postpartum psychosis again

143: Why 4 in 10 new moms end up in the ER with issues that could have been treated in primary care

First, what is the ‘postpartum cliff’?

What’s causing the ‘postpartum cliff’?

How to get the care you need

Value this newsletter? Help us hit our goal of 1,000 paid subscribers

Recent reads…

Top reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

142: The $20 billion plan to fix women's health, the case for a girls’ grief trip & mom rage groups

First up… A new ‘National Strategy to Close the Women’s Health Gap’ is calling on Congress to invest $20 billion in women’s health research over the next decade.

Pregnant? Here’s what to know about Cyclosporiasis. [What to Expect]

The case for a girls’ grief trip.

141: On our minds: How to make a “summer bucket list”

140: A coffee smoothie with 31g of protein to fuel your summer days, a screen-free kids camera & a glowy skin supplement

And in case you missed it…

‘Send Me the Link’ to…

139: How fatherhood changes dads’ brains

Help pass a bill that helps families everywhere

Top reads…

Recent reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

138: How to make a Father’s Day ‘forever’ journal (my easy, last-minute gift idea)

137: 20+ items I packed for Disney World

Top reads…

Recent reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

136: Why telling women to 'talk to their doctor' or 'advocate for themselves' is not that simple

So what is self-advocacy?

Why do we need to advocate for ourselves?

First, know that a broken system isn’t your fault or yours to fix—and that individual efforts are only part of the solution.

6 Self-Advocacy Tools for Women

Top reads…

Recent reads…

Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health

135: Top travel items, Disney intel, sun hats under $20, comfy kid shoes, stick-on nail art & the best basic baby monitor

And in case you missed it…

‘Send Me the Link’ to…

134: 'The postpartum cliff,' how SSRIs affect your sex drive & why difficult people are a health problem

In just a few years’ time, Two Truths has…

Here’s what paid subscribers will get access to in this issue alone:

1. A new must-know maternal health study

133: The Tired Dad on modern-day fatherhood, what dads DM him, raising boys & why he’s not an expert

But first…

Two Truths: We write a lot about the many truths of motherhood—and one of those truths is that parents can often feel like they’re not speaking the same language, even if they’re feeling (some of) the same things. You cover fatherhood on your platforms. What are you hearing from dads?

So is part of your goal trying to bring more dads into the parenting conversation, in general?

The word matrescence describes the many ways in which motherhood changes us from the inside out. Have you found something similar in fatherhood?

Tell us more.