058: Motherhood belongs at the Olympics
Plus: Kamala Harris on paid leave and affordable childcare, heavy metals in tampons, what to do about tick bites & the celeb who loves co-sleeping
Welcome to Two Truths, a bestselling newsletter & media brand exploring the many truths of motherhood from journalists & maternal health advocates Cassie Shortsleeve of Dear Sunday Motherhood & Kelsey Haywood Lucas of Motherspeak. Two Truths is rooted in the healing & affirming principle that two (or more) things can be true. It’s a “best parenting Substack” per Motherly; also seen in The Skimm, Vox, The Bump, Popsugar & more.
News… & Other Things You Need to Know
1. The Paris Olympics start today and some headlines suggest that these Olympics may be the friendliest yet to moms. Here are a few things to know:
Thanks to mom and Olympian Allyson Felix and Pampers, for the first time, Olympic Village will have a nursery for athletes who are parents. “Felix, who holds a record 20 World Championship medals and 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds, has teamed up with Pampers to create the first-ever Pampers Nursery in the Athletes Village at the Paris Olympics,” reports CBS News. “This nursery will offer a space for Olympic moms to bond with, nurse and play with their babies, helping to alleviate some of the pressures of competition.”
“Bring the Babies” — a joint effort by Olympian Alysia Montaño’s non-profit &Mother, Clif Bar, and Bobbie — will work to “offset travel costs for USA Olympic and Paralympic mothers traveling to Paris this summer with their children and caregivers. The goal? To ensure Olympian moms can focus on winning gold, not on fundraising to cover the cost of bringing their family.” Athletes receiving support include Quanera Hayes and Elle Purrier St. Pierre of Team USA Track & Field, Mallory Weggemann of Team USA Paralympic Swim, and Sarah Newberry Moore of Team USA Sailing.
Olympians are teaching us a lot about the body’s limitations and strengths in pregnancy. Medical professionals know exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial. Yet guidelines remain vague, leaving professional and recreational athletes in the dark. In a new article for WebMD, Cassie explores how those who test the limits help steer the research, too, and includes interviews with pro athletes and medical experts alike. A preview: “Olympic athletes push the envelope on what’s possible for pregnant and postpartum bodies—and push for more research, which is crucial.”
2. President Biden dropped out of the 2024 Presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic Party’s nominee; the move has brought motherhood and women’s rights front and center for the election.
After former President Trump and President Biden were not able to provide suitable responses about affordable childcare in this country at the Presidential debate last month, at her first presidential campaign rally, Vice President Harris championed affordable childcare and paid family leave, stating, “We believe in a future…where every person has affordable healthcare, affordable child care, and paid family leave.” Of course, Vice President Harris has long favored family-first policies; back in 2019, she ran on six months of paid family leave.
» Related reading:
Kamala Harris’ Candidacy Just Brought Reproductive Rights To The Top Of The Ballot via Women’s Health
The Momala Economy: The candidate caregivers have been waiting for via The 19th
‘Kamala Harris on Paid Leave, Affordable Childcare, and Maternal Health’ via Chamber of Mothers
3. Many tampons have trace amounts of lead and other toxic metals in them, per a new study — but that’s not the full story.
A now “viral” study identified 16 different kinds of metals — including arsenic, nickel, and lead — in 14 different brands of tampons, including organic ones. It’s unclear exactly how the metals made their way into the tampons. The cotton used to produce the tampons could have been exposed via pesticides or simply via the soil, or some metals may have even been added on purpose; zinc, for one, has antimicrobial properties, as noted in this New York Times piece, which explains a lot of the nuance to this study. But here are three TL;DR things to know:
(1) Specifically, this study found about 0.12 micrograms of lead in the tampons tested. To put that in perspective, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that women “of childbearing age” should have blood levels below 8.8 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. While cumulative tampon use over time (i.e. all day every day for a week or so per month for years on end) does matter, the study did not assess whether or not the metals present in tampons could be absorbed by the body and pose a threat. Therefore, the authors wrote: “It is critical that future studies evaluate the potential for metal leaching from tampons and uptake into the body.” The FDA classifies tampons as a Class II medical device and said it would review the study and take any necessary actions.
(2) You might be still wondering whether or not you should continue to use tampons, and the answer to that question is, well, entirely up to you. It’s worth remembering, of course, that we are exposed to metals like the ones found in this study in other places throughout our day-to-days, like via plastic water bottles, paint, or even the air we breathe in. We liked this video from OB/GYN Jennifer Lincoln, M.D. for more of a breakdown on the answer to that question.
(3) The biggest thing this study did, in our opinions, is call more much-needed attention to the unacceptable lack of research on women’s health. Though tampons have been around since the days of ancient Egypt, this was a first-of-its-kind study. This research underscores, yet again, the dire importance of studying women’s health and taking it seriously.
[partner content]
4. Natural Cycles° is an FDA-cleared birth control app created to help women through their fertility journey — from preventing pregnancy or trying to conceive, through following a pregnancy and recovering postpartum.
The company is on a mission to empower women to better understand their health, and we’re thrilled they’re an official partner of Two Truths.
Natural Cycles° is a leading women’s health company that created the first and only FDA-cleared natural birth control app.1 Instead of using hormones or invasive procedures, the app can determine your daily fertility status through the data you input (aka details about your period) and body temperature (a rise in basal body temp can confirm ovulation, and it’s actually very easy to track). So if you want to get pregnant, you’ll learn your most fertile days; and if you don’t want to get pregnant, you’ll learn which days are safe for unprotected sex (Green Days) and which days you need to use protection or abstain (Red Days).
In addition to NC° Birth Control and NC° Plan Pregnancy, the Natural Cycles° app features more specialized modes to support you in your journey: NC° Follow Pregnancy is for users who wish to track their progress and follow their baby’s development, while NC° Postpartum is a guide through the physical and mental changes after childbirth. There’s also a recovery section within the app for anyone experiencing the physical and/or emotional symptoms of a pregnancy loss.
» Click here to learn more — and use the code twotruths to get a free Natural Cycles° thermometer and 15% off your annual subscription.
5. Ticks are out in record numbers this summer, cases of tick-borne diseases are on the rise, Lyme disease is preventable and mostly, it’s treatable, too. Here’s more about what you need to know.
Blacklegged ticks—about a third of which carry Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in this country—have “exploded in population,” according to a piece in The Boston Globe. Lyme disease has all kinds of symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and a rash often described as a bull’s eye target. Usually, it is treatable with antibiotics, though left untreated, it can spread to areas like your joints or nervous system, leading to long-term complications. The best way to prevent Lyme is to prevent tick bites. That means avoiding woody areas where ticks live, using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents, and checking yourself and animals for ticks. Also important: knowing how to remove a tick. If you find a tick on you, it’s fine to toss it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that although some groups offer to test ticks for different diseases, “in general this is not recommended.” What is recommended: following up with your doctor if you notice any rashes or fevers.
6. Kourtney Kardashian revealed via an Instagram story that she has safely co-slept since 2009 and the internet exploded.
A few important truths here: The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend bed-sharing with babies, noting that the practice can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and pose dangers to babies; about 61% of parents report bed-sharing with their baby according to some data from the CDC; and babies sleep, and have slept, in different ways all over the world for millions of years. Many who bedshare utilize what’s called the ‘Safe Sleep 7’ — a collection of practices that includes breastfeeding, placing a baby on their back on a firm mattress, not smoking, having “no soft mattress, no extra pillows, no toys, no tight or heavy covers” and a sleep space that’s “clear of strings and cords” with “gaps firmly filled.”
ICYMI: More headlines of the month—women’s health on the ballot, baby product recalls, paid leave petitions, mother-daughter dates at Wimbledon & more
New Scorecard Offers State-by- State Ranking of Women’s Health and Reproductive Care via The Commonwealth Fund
‘Childless cat ladies,’ Jennifer Aniston, and Swifties take on JD Vance via The Washington Post
Glamour and Paid Leave for All Deliver Historic Petition to Capitol Hill via Glamour
Hatch recalls nearly 1 million power adapters sold with baby sound machines due to shock hazard via The AP
Princess Kate Specifically Brought Princess Charlotte to Wimbledon to Fulfill “A Long Held Promise” via Marie Claire
Send Me the Link
‘Send Me the Link’ is a special feature of Two Truths where we share the products, services, apps, experts & extras that make life better, brighter, more beautiful, or all-around easier. (We don’t think you need a lot of ‘stuff’ in motherhood, but this stuff is the good stuff.) Here’s the link to…
This extra-wide “chair and a half” glider is perfect for moms of multiples; both my kids can comfortably snuggle in for story time. —Kelsey
This 3D floral AirPod case brings me an inexplicable amount of joy every time I open it. —K
My littlest lives in these $4 tank onesies all summer. —Cassie
This $19 clarifying kids shampoo & conditioner set that tames, soothes, and protects chlorine- and salt-sodden hair. —C
This light-up busy board satisfies my son’s insatiable need to play with light switches, buttons, keys, and cords. —K
GUEST LINK: “I feel good about stashing all our summer snack bags with these fruit snacks, which have Omega-3s and choline included to support kids’ brain health. (I always pack one for me too!) —Jessica D’Argenio Waller, editorial director at Motherly and certified nutrition specialist
What We’re Reading
For when you need some perspective:
» Sandwich by Catherine Newman. “I moved this summery novel — which follows one mom’s week at the beach with her grown-up kids as she reminisces about their younger years — to the top of my TBR pile when author, journalist, podcaster, and
For when you want to get hooked:
» Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on behind the scenes of influencer families…and if you appreciate a good missing-person thriller (but one that isn’t so scary it’ll disturb your sleep)…Muenter’s debut page-turner will keep you guessing to the very end. (It’ll also change the way you look at child influencers forever.) [Psst: Also check out
For when you need to escape reality:
» One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. If you want to dip your toes into the romantasy world but can’t commit to an 8-book series, this dark duet is the perfect place to start. It’s a slow-burn, gothic, Austen-esque fairy tale filled with magic and monsters.
For when you need some kitchen inspo:
» More is More by Molly Baz. “I’ve been making my way through Molly Baz’s latest cookbook — and won’t be stopping anytime soon. Stock up on shallots and burrata and start with the Dilly Beans.” —Jessica D’Argenio Waller
Words That Resonate
« In this new feature, we share some of our top posts — and the reactions and conversations they spurred. » As one of Kelsey’s most popular posts of all time, this musing on ‘motherhood as a personality trait’ has racked up millions of impressions, earned over a hundred thousand likes/comments/shares, and been reposted all over the internet. Are you embracing your ‘mom era’ right now, too?
“Having raised a son to adulthood, I feel that mum era never actually ends, the job and the joy continues in different ways. Your self identity learns to grow around it, like a vine hugging a tree 💜” —@adoor_onceopened
“In my mom era while also attempting to manage/balance a full time career that involves traveling and time away from them… and damn, it is hard. 😭” —@_kaylee.gordon
“Feel this so much. When people ask me what I do I don’t even mention my business which I’m so passionate about (and squeeze into my few available hours) I just say ‘I’m a mama’ it just feels like the truest thing.” —@nicola.lopezrabkin
“A million times this.” —@mydreamyspaces
And also...leaning hard into the ‘mom era’ isn’t for everyone:
“I’m a woman. With multiple different facets within my personality. I’m not just a mom. I’m a woman who is also a mom. I’m a hiker, bookworm, wife, cocktail lover, best friend. My whole personality could never be mom or I’d lose my mind. 😬” —@winsomelytravel
✨ Thanks for reading! To support this work (done between naps, after bedtimes, and before school pickups), please consider upgrading to a paid subscription (it’s just $5/month or $50/year to get the premium experience — every single issue, exclusive content and giveaways, access to the full archive of content, and more). You can also hit the heart button to tell us you enjoyed this issue, share it on social media (don’t forget to tag @twotruthsmotherhood on IG), or forward it to a friend. We appreciate you. —Cassie and Kelsey
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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
SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WITH POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL (PSI). PSI is a global champion for perinatal mental health that connects individuals and families to the resources and support needed to give them the strongest and healthiest start possible. Visit postpartum.net for information on perinatal mental health disorders, access to 30+ free, online support groups, an online provider directory, the PSI HelpLine, local support coordinators, a perinatal mental health discussion tool, specialized support resources, and more. Call the PSI HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-944-4773 for basic information, support, and resources. Support via text message is also available at 800-944-4773 (English) and 971-203-2773 (Español). Remember: You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
Natural Cycles° is for ages 18+ and does not protect against STIs.
Ordered my Natural Cycles thermometer today, thanks for the recommendation and the discount code!