066: An IVF mix-up, millenials in menopause & the placenta’s healing powers
Plus: Fighting PPD with guaranteed income, the future of male birth control & periods in the age of school shootings
Welcome to Two Truths, a bestselling newsletter & media brand exploring the many truths of motherhood, women’s health, and more — 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 and The Skimm says you should subscribe; also seen in Vox, The Bump, Popsugar & more.
Smarter Scrolling »
ICYMI: A collection of trending news, thoughtful long-reads, and other important updates…
Postpartum depression is costing the United States billions. Can cities help?
From Philadelphia to Flint, cities are experimenting with guaranteed income programs to help ease new and expectant mothers’ financial stress. [The 19th]
An I.V.F. mix-up, a shocking discovery and an unbearable choice
“Two couples in California discovered they were raising each other’s genetic children. Should they switch their girls?” [New York Times; gift link]
She had thoughts of harming her baby. To treat her, doctors kept them together.
“In specialized wards called mother-and-baby units, doctors treat postpartum psychosis while allowing women to keep caring for their children.” [New York Times; gift link]
» Related reading:
Her face was unrecognizable after an explosion. A placenta restored it.
The same qualities that make placentas so valuable during pregnancy make them profoundly useful for healing burns and wounds, too. So why do we throw so many away? [New York Times; gift link]
» Related reading:
TikTok to block teenagers from beauty filters over mental health concerns
“Social media platform under pressure to improve security as it announces plans to block under-13s from signing up.” [The Guardian]
» Related: Scarlett Johansson says no to iPhones for her kids: ‘I’d rather her wait until she’s an adult’ [Motherly]
New study explains why sleep is essential for new mothers
“A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health highlights just how important regular sleep is for our health.” [Motherly]
Home is the most dangerous place for women, says global femicide report
“Of the 85,000 women killed by men in 2023, 60% died at the hands of a partner or family member, new UN figures show.” [The Guardian]
The companies betting on male birth control step closer to approval—and into an uncertain political chapter
“For years, advocates of reproductive freedom have been waiting for the arrival of male birth control (besides condoms and vasectomies). New options are finally getting closer to market—just as the second Trump administration enters the White House.” [Fortune c/o Yahoo]
Inside a sleek hotel, new moms find postpartum pampering and sleep
“The postnatal retreat in Northern Virginia, which offers services inspired by practices in South Korea, is one of only a few to have opened in the United States.” [The Washington Post, gift link]
Getting your period in the age of school shootings
“Girls say prevention policies like backpack bans force them to hide tampons in their hair and shoes.” [The Cut]
The frenemies who fought to bring birth control to the U.S.
“Though Margaret Sanger and Mary Ware Dennett shared a mission, they took very different approaches. Their ensuing rivalry was political, sometimes even personal.” [The New Yorker]
I’m a journalist, and a mom. And when I read too much news, I am a worse mom and a less happy person.
“So I’m changing. This is what I’m doing.” [Nieman Lab]
Millennial women are ready to quit jobs due to menopause, study shows
“Menopause costs the US economy $26.6 billion every year. It’s imperative companies support women through this time, new report says.” [Bloomberg]
For beautifully crafted and endlessly functional swing sets, playhouses, kids’ kitchens, furniture, and more…
Meet 2MamaBees, a mom-founded brand that’s on a mission to empower families through purposeful play. Save 15% on everything at 2mamabees.com with the code 2Truths.
Special thanks to our partners for supporting this newsletter and supporting moms everywhere.
And We’ll Leave You With This…
A viral clip from the new film Nightbitch starring Amy Adams (based on the novel of the same name by Rachel Yoder)…and a Two Truths-approved IG comment.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
✨ 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
Want to sponsor an issue of Two Truths or learn about partnership opportunities?
This issue contains some affiliate links, which means we may earn a small percentage if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
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.