Top 10 Pacifiers of 2026: Finding the "Quiet Button" Safely

Every baby is different. One of mine only accepted the classic "cherry" shape, while another would only take the most high-tech orthodontic silicone. I’m Veronica, and after five kids and countless late-night runs to the pharmacy, I’ve realized that the "best" pacifier is the one your baby actually keeps in their mouth—and the one their dentist won't hate later.

In 2026, we have incredible options that mimic breastfeeding and protect the natural development of the palate. Here is my curated list of the top 10 pacifiers that actually work.

Top 10 Self-Development Courses to Supercharge Your Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is a marathon of dirty diapers and sleepless nights, but it can also be a rare window of "mental recalibration." I’m Veronica, and with five kids, I’ve used my leaves to learn everything from nutrition to digital marketing.

You don't need a 4-year degree to reinvent yourself. In 2026, the best courses are "micro-learnings"—short, impactful, and designed for busy people. Whether you want to return to work with a new promotion in sight, start a side hustle, or simply improve your mental health, this list of the top 10 self-development courses is for you.

Top 10 Life-Organizing Apps to Hack Your Mental Load

If my brain were a browser, I would have 457 tabs open at all times. "Did I sign the field trip slip? When is the baby’s next checkup? Is there enough milk for breakfast? Did I reply to that client email?"

I’m Veronica. Managing a household with five children while maintaining a professional life isn't about being a "superwoman"—it’s about having the right systems. I don't try to remember everything anymore; I let my phone do it for me.

When searching for the top 10 life-organizing apps, you need tools that are simple, shareable, and actually reduce your stress. Here are the 10 digital lifesavers I use to keep our "family machine" running smoothly.

Top 10 Maternity Essentials That Will Save Your Sanity: A Mom of 5’s Honest List

If you walk into a baby store, they will try to convince you that you need a wipe warmer, a diaper genie, and five different types of swaddles. After raising five children, I can tell you the truth: The baby needs very little, but the mother needs a lot of support.

I’m Veronica. By the time I had my fifth child, I stopped buying "cute" things and started investing in "functional" things. If a product doesn't save me 15 minutes of sleep or reduce my stress level, it doesn't stay in my house.

When you look for top 10 maternity essentials, you shouldn't be looking for toys; you should be looking for tools. Here is my "battle-tested" list of things that actually made my life easier, from the first child to the fifth.

How to tell colleagues you are pregnant? Navigating the Office News

So, the boss knows, the paperwork is filed, and now you’re looking at your team. These are the people you spend 40 hours a week with. They are your support system, your project partners, and sometimes, your work family. The question of "How to tell colleagues you are pregnant?" is about balancing your personal joy with professional consideration.

I’m Veronica. Throughout my journey with five children, I’ve had to announce pregnancies to small tight-knit teams and large departments. I’ve learned that the "news" isn't just about the baby—it’s about how the team will function while you’re gone.

In this guide, we’ll explore the etiquette of sharing your news, how to handle different reactions, and how to ensure your coworkers feel like partners in this transition, rather than just people being left with more work.

How do I inform about maternity leave? From Verbal News to Formal Notice

So, you’ve shared the happy news with your boss over a cup of tea (or decaf!). The smiles and congratulations were wonderful, but now comes the part that often feels daunting: the formal notification. You’re likely wondering, "How do I inform about maternity leave in a way that protects my rights and sets clear boundaries?"

I’m Veronica. Across my five pregnancies, I’ve navigated various HR systems—from small startups to large corporate machines. I’ve learned that a clear, professional, and timely formal notice is your best insurance policy for a stress-free leave.

This isn't just about HR paperwork; it’s about creating a "contract of trust" between you and your employer. In this guide, we will break down the timeline, the essential details you must include, and provide you with ready-to-use templates that make the process as simple as checking off a grocery list.

How do I professionally say I'm pregnant? Grace, Confidence, and Career Control

There is a unique mix of emotions when you’re standing outside your manager’s office, ready to share that you’re expecting. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, that little voice in your head might be whispering: "Will they think I’m less committed? Will I be passed over for projects?"

I’m Veronica, and I have had this conversation in various corporate settings five different times. I have learned that the answer to "How do I professionally say I'm pregnant?" is not found in an apology. It is found in your presentation.

When you share your news with confidence and a plan, you reinforce your value to the company. You aren't "delivering bad news"—you are informing a partner about a major life transition. In this guide, I will show you how to time your announcement, what exact words to use, and how to keep your professional reputation shining brighter than ever.

What happens if you get pregnant again on maternity leave? Double the Joy, Double the Planning

There’s a specific look people give you when they find out you’re expecting again while you haven't even finished your current maternity leave. It’s a mix of surprise and "how do you do it?" I’ve seen that look many times.

I’m Veronica, and with five children, I’ve experienced the unique whirlwind of "back-to-back" pregnancies. When that second (or third, or fifth!) line appears on the test while you are still changing diapers for your current baby, your mind immediately starts racing. You ask yourself, "What happens if you get pregnant again on maternity leave? Do I lose my job? Do I get paid twice? Do I even have to go back to the office at all?"

First, take a deep breath. This is more common than you think, and the "Maternity Bridge"—moving from one leave directly into another—is a path many of us have walked. In this guide, we’ll simplify the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of being pregnant again while you’re already on leave.

Can I accept a new job while on maternity leave? How to Pivot Without the Panic

It happens more often than you think. You’re at home, rocking the baby, and suddenly an opportunity pops up on LinkedIn, or a former colleague calls with a "dream role." Or perhaps, in the quiet (well, semi-quiet) moments of maternity leave, you realize that your old 9-to-5 with its long commute simply doesn't work for your new life.

I’m Veronica. With five children, I’ve had to reinvent my professional life several times. I know the gut-wrenching guilt that comes with thinking about leaving your current employer while they are technically "holding your spot." You ask yourself, "Can I accept a new job while on maternity leave? Is it legal? Is it ethical? Will I lose my pay?"

The short answer is: Yes, you absolutely can. But, like everything in motherhood, it requires a solid plan and a bit of "mom-strategy." In this guide, we’ll walk through the legalities, the financial risks, and the professional way to say goodbye to one chapter and hello to the next.

What to say to a mother on maternity leave? The Ultimate Guide to Supportive Words

There is a strange phenomenon that happens when a woman goes on maternity leave. Suddenly, everyone around her seems to forget how to speak naturally. Colleagues become awkward, friends worry about "bothering" her, and extended family members offer advice that hasn't been relevant since 1990.

I’m Veronica. Over the course of having my five children, I have received hundreds of messages while on maternity leave. Some made me feel seen, supported, and loved. Others made me feel isolated or—let’s be honest—annoyed.

When you ask, "What to say to a mother on maternity leave?", you are really asking: "How can I support her without adding to her mental load?"

Whether you are a boss, a best friend, or a neighbor, your words have power. In those early, sleep-deprived weeks, a well-timed text can be a lifeline. In this guide, I will share the exact scripts, the "golden rules" of communication, and the things you should absolutely avoid saying. Let’s make sure your message is the one that makes her smile.