093: Our new ‘mom uniform’, healthy stashable snacks & an iPhone white noise trick
Plus: Must-have mattresses, swim stuff we can’t survive without, two must-download mental health apps & more
Welcome to Two Truths, a bestselling newsletter & media brand exploring the many truths of motherhood from journalists & maternal health advocates Cassie Shortsleeve & 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.
Happy July! It’s high summer, and we’re kicking this week off with a list of links: some of our favorite stuff of the season.
Some of it is new—a meditation app gifting three months free (!), the digital platform supporting moms’ mental health—and some of it is classics we come back to day after day, year after year: the mattresses one of us has all over the house, the kids’ swimwear we’ve used since the newborn days (plus the new piece we wished we’d started using sooner), the outfit we turn to to avoid that I have nothing to wear feeling.
This week, we have our go-to nutrition bars for when you’re on the go (they’re organic!) because we’re guessing you’re on the go a lot, the new easy place to find our favorite formula (IRL or online), a tote for all of your mom things (because, stuff), puffy keychains (because, of course), and more.
Mostly, this week, we hope you have a little time to simply be — and we hope this stuff helps you find some calm, have a little fun, and make summertime just a little bit sweeter (and more streamlined, of course).
—Cassie & Kelsey
‘Send Me the Link’ to…
After the postpartum night sweats on baby number three faded, we upgraded to this mattress that comes in every size—from twin to California King—and we’ve never slept better. You can find it in retail stores around the country, or browse even more options online. We also use these for the kids; read more on how we make bedtime better here.* —Cassie
I’ll mourn the day my kids grow out of the UPF 50+ swimwear from this company we’ve used for years. The products are practical (snaps at the bottom of suits beyond the diaper years), the patterns are sweet, and suits with sleeves or pants save you time with sunscreen. —C
Speaking of swimwear: Can’t believe I didn’t try these sooner, but UPF50 “swim leggings” are now our go-to; they cut down on sunscreen, sand rash, and poolside scrapes. —Kelsey
These terry towel robes are another summer MVP—whether we’re at the beach, pool, playing outside, or just need a quick and cozy cover-up. —K
I’m not big on “bars” for nutrition, but recently I’ve been loving these organic protein ones that come in tons of different flavors if I’m on the go or in a pinch. —C
I’m all for a solid sound machine, but I wish I knew that your iPhone could play background white noise, too, when my babies were really small. Here’s how. —C
Keeping this pretty journal/sketch book in my bag at all times—more on why here or below. —K
It’s a rare day that my girls will wear something I pick out, but we have two of these sweet pink eyelet collared denim jackets, and they’ve become popular picks amongst my three. —C
Important personal update: I have a new mom uniform! You may remember this gray sweatsuit that everyone constantly asked about (and I couldn’t stop wearing this winter). It’s been replaced by this smocked seersucker dress, which is so comfortable and breezy. Tip: Top it with a cropped tee or sweater! —K
A splurge, but I have never worn more comfortable shoes than these sporty-dressy hybrid sandals that work with pretty much everything in my summer wardrobe. (Currently on sale here for $100 off in a few sizes.) —K
Here’s the exact equation to recreate my “mom things” tote, which is a customized version of L.L. Bean’s iconic ‘Boat and Tote’ carry-all: zip-top, size medium, black, regular strap length, “thin script” font. —K
New parents these days will never have to know a world without 360-degree rotating car seats, and I really love that for them. This seat swivels to face you when you’re wrangling your child into their seat; then, it can be turned to ride either forward- or rear-facing depending on your preference. So convenient. —K
New & noteworthy:
My very favorite high chair for kids of all sizes just released a new range of pretty hues—think: petal pink, mint green, a color called “cloud wash,” and more. —K
You might remember the mini roller bags we used for the kids on a family trip halfway around the world. Well, now that company has launched a full kids’ product line, complete with backpacks, lunchboxes, pencil cases, and “pluffy” bag charms (because we’re big into keychains over here these days). —C
My first job in magazines was at Glamour under an editor named Suze Yalof Schwartz. She went on to found this meditation app, which is currently running a mid-year reset with three months free. —C
Trained perinatal mental health specialists built this new digital community, which hosts expert-led support groups, private forums for Q&As, and free downloadables including scripts for tricky conversations.
You can now add this favorite formula I used with my girls to your cart IRL or online at Costcos around the country. —C
My favorite diaper brand just released an MVP for potty training season: flushable wipes—made with clean ingredients—that are septic- and sewer-safe. Use the code “motherspeak20” here for 20% off your first order. —K
Recent reads…
💭 Maternal desire: The missing element of mental health for mothers
😴 13 ways we’re making bedtime better
💯 How I read 100+ books in the last year as a work-from-home mom (part 2, free with no paywall!)
📚 18 brilliant books about motherhood & 25 questions to bring you closer to your mom
🤰🏽 70 affirmations to use in labor and birth
✨ Thanks for reading & thank you for supporting this work (done between naps, after bedtimes, and before school pickups). 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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This issue may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small percentage if you make a purchase — at no additional cost to you, of course. *Starred content was created in partnership with Saatva; click here to learn more.
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.