You want to do WHAT to my WHAT?
Circumcision rates in the U.S. are dropping, according to a study in JAMA Pediatrics. Looking at 1.5 million babies, researchers found rates fell from 54% in 2002 to 49% in 2012, with the biggest decline among white infants.

The important bits
For those who don't know, circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, often done for health or religious reasons. Medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics say the benefits outweigh the risks, pointing to lower chances of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and some STIs, including HIV.

Still, many parents are saying no. One reason could be the cost. Between 2002 and 2012, 17 states had stopped Medicaid from covering routine circumcisions, making it harder for low-income families to afford.

Another big factor? The growing distrust of medical advice in general.

What's it all mean?
Social media is becoming the new doctor's office. One recent study found that younger parents are much more likely to Google their child's symptoms or ask for advice on social media before going to the doctor's office or emergency room.

🌳 Snoop Dogg couldn't handle pregnancy
The nation’s top OB/GYN group is warning pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid cannabis. Many pregnant women use it to ease nausea, but new research links prenatal exposure to preterm birth, low birth weight, newborn intensive care, and later issues like ADHD, anxiety, and poor impulse control. A major review found cannabis nearly doubled the risk of low birth weight and raised preterm birth rates by 50%. More here.

🥪 Teachers are buying food for students in need
Back in the good ol' days, students would bless teachers with red apples, but these days? It's the other way around. Nearly half of teachers say they’ll spend their own money on food for students this year, according to a new survey by the American Federation of Teachers. Educators already cover supplies like books and pencils, but many also keep snacks on hand as child hunger rises. Cuts to SNAP could worsen the problem, leaving more kids without meals at home or school.

🍼 Your breastmilk is changing as you read this
A new study has revealed that breast milk shifts throughout the day, carrying “biological signals” that may help guide babies’ sleep and development. Researchers found melatonin levels peak at night, encouraging rest, while cortisol levels are highest in the morning, promoting alertness, mirroring natural hormone cycles in adults. What does this mean for your pumping routine?

☝️ A new worrisome parenting trend just dropped!
A current social media trend features parents posting cheerful photos of their kids with the caption: "Posting this in case my kid tells a therapist one day about their rough childhood.” Here’s why it has some therapists concerned.

🧮 Can you solve these convoluted elementary homework assignments?
Good luck! You'll need it!

The start of school (yes, I realize we’re a couple weeks in now!) can feel like a time to overhaul and start fresh.

“This school year all lunches will be homemade, I will have something different every day, and we will not waste food!”

But the reality is that sometimes focusing on just ONE food goal at a time is the best way to see results. If you’re looking to make a change that sticks, try this worksheet to help you identify the one food goal to tackle first.

Parents are discussing which "old-school" family habits they want to bring back.

Last week, we asked you when was the last time you went to the mall, and there was a tie for first place between "Several months ago" and "One month ago."

In this episode: Co-parenting isn’t easy (even when you really really love your partner!) and no two parents bring the same history, habits, or instincts to the table. This week we’re talking with Dr. Emily Racic about why parenting styles often clash, how family of origin shapes our responses, and what it really takes to parent as a team.

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