Becoming a blended stepfamily can be fraught for everyone involved. How can your family build trust, function more smoothly and ultimately grow closer? In this episode, NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy shares research on stepsiblings and blended families that can make this process easier.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Pregnancy complications — like miscarriage, preterm birth or postpartum depression — are incredibly common. But expecting parents can often feel alone if they are experiencing these conditions, or like a second pregnancy is out of reach. This episode, Emily Oster, co-author of 'The Unexpected', on how to deal with complications when they arise, and make your next pregnancy a little smoother.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Approximately one in four adults has a fear of needles, according to the CDC. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. Researchers developed a five step plan to prevent what they call "needless pain" for kids getting injections or their blood drawn. NPR's Short Wave talks with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, who works with a team to implement the plan at his own hospital, about how to eliminate pain during shots.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

About 1 in 5 high school seniors say they have vaped nicotine in the past year. Even though smoking cigarettes is less popular than it used to be among teens, e-cigarettes are common, highly addictive and harmful to lung health. Here's how to talk to teens about vaping and how to help them quit.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Chewing, choking hazards, high chairs – oh my! Starting solid foods with your little one can be as stressful as it is special. A pediatric dietitian and a pediatrician discuss menu choices, allergens, safety and schedules to help you and your little one succeed with solids.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Looking to travel this spring with your little one? These tips and tricks can make the journey not just manageable, but enjoyable. Travel experts explain how to navigate packing, air travel and tourism with a kid under age 2.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

It's tricky to talk to younger kids about sex. This episode helps parents get past the confusion and embarrassment around sex education so they can raise healthy, responsible kids. This episode originally aired December 17, 2019.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Becoming a mother is a complicated life transition. That postpartum feeling of being on an emotional rollercoaster, not recognizing your body in the mirror and thinking that you've lost yourself is all part of the process. This episode offers guidance for mothers on how to get their footing, manage expectations, get support and prioritize time for themselves. These insights are also great for people who are in their support network.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Overdose deaths among teenagers have skyrocketed in the last few years due to opioids like fentanyl. Experts say drug education that focuses on harm reduction, an approach that focuses on safety rather than abstinence, could help save lives. Here's how to start the conversation with young people and how to respond in an emergency.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Firearms are the number one cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. Parents can take life-saving precautions to protect children — whether or not you own a gun.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy