Who's Your Daddy? It's getting hot (and cute) in here.

By Cheyenne Arnold | Photo by Chloe Mackie

You’d be hard pressed to find something hotter (or something that makes you want to have MORE babies) than new dads and their babes. Which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to round up some hotties and their mini sidekicks for your viewing pleasure. Think of it as the peak of journalistic excellence. You’re welcome.

Smile, your dad is rad.
Photo by Cecile Zaibre

Not to be a creep, but your dad is hot, kiddo.
Photo by Ty Haney

Yeah, this whole situation is *doing* it for us.
Photo by Malcom Buffington

And he can read?! (Just kidding.)
Photo by Nichole Schneider

Someone call the Cute Police, we’ve got a situation on our hands.
Photo by Antonia Renteria

Not your classic “dad bod” but it’ll do. Whatever.
Photo by Mark Grgurich

You, sir, are serving us some serious 80’s dad vibes and we are, ahem, *here* for it.
Photo by The Dad Catalog

Suddenly we just want to be held.
Photo by Hannah Bronfman

File under: 😭😭😭.
Photo by Amandine Sicard

The beginning of a life long love.
Photo by Jasmine Wiens

Just two beach babes doing the beach babe thing.
Photo by Leah Bradley

Dad Porn

Mom Schwing

Meet Kate Middleton's Favorite New-Mama Jewelry Label You're welcome.

Pregnancy gifts, but make them chic, AND royal. That’s the philosophy of Merci Maman, a London-based jewelry line founded in 2007 by Beatrice de Montille that celebrates the new mama moment with personalized baubles that are stylish, sweet and actually cool. (Case in point: Kate Middleton, AKA Duchess of Cambridge, was spotted wearing a Merci Maman necklace gifted to her by her sister, Pippa, after the birth of Prince George.) From signet rings to charm necklaces, Merci Maman pieces feature semi-precious gemstones, as well as 18-karat gold plated or sterling silver pieces hand-engraved with memories, a quote, initials or special dates to create a necklace as unique as the mama who wears it. If it’s good enough for Kate….

Mom Schwing

New Look Who Dis

So Close We Can Taste It Warmer weather that is.

We’re talking (and dreaming) about spring—warmer weather, sunshine, *all of it*. We can hear the quiet whisperings and feel the imperceptible shifts in the air that come with moving into a new season and we cannot wait to be able to hang outside again with friends and family.

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Cue our new collection of dreamy dresses and easy jumpsuits to get you there, in luxe fabrics like textured hammered satin, sandwashed cupro, and structured Japanese dot jacquard with fresh florals (a hand-painted tea rose floral designed in house, for one).

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And yes, we’ve also go those closet staples for indoor moments too. It’s all tailor made for stepping into spring and we’re here for it.

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New Look Who Dis

Mom Crush

Entrepreneur Shama Hyder On pregnancy plus working motherhood

By Ruthie Friedlander

Brilliant and bubbly, with an 18th-month-old, a booming business, and baby on the way, this mama has her hands full — to say the least.

As a thriving CEO, Indian immigrant, and total powerhouse, Shama talks opting out of maternity leave, learning to prioritize her time, becoming a more empathetic leader, and staying focused and creative throughout her pregnancy.

Feeling?

All I know is that I’m due Q1 (I think in business terms) and in the home stretch! I have to say, the second pregnancy has gone by so much faster with a toddler to chase after and a company to run; I’ve barely noticed I was pregnant.

Plus, I rely a lot on my husband and have so much respect for anyone who goes through this alone. I’m beyond grateful to have a super supportive partner who grew up with a feminist mom and sisters. He makes being able to work as hard as I do and be a mom, possible.

Path to pregnancy?

I often say this is our last “planned” child, but I like to leave room for possibility for the unknown. Before trying, we’d read so much and heard from so many friends about how long it can take. Fully prepared for it to be a lengthy process, we didn’t pressure ourselves and went in with the attitude of, ‘let’s see what happens.’ To our surprise, it actually happened very quickly and naturally with both.

Knowing how many couples struggle with infertility, I’m grateful my body can even do this. I’ve never taken pregnancy for granted, given that for some women, it’s not an option, or it takes years and a lot of effort.

Experience being a working mom?

12 years ago in grad school, I did my thesis on Twitter when it had 2000 users. Then, straight after graduation, I launched my company doing marketing and PR in the tech space. Since the early days, I understood the digital landscape and even went to a magnet program for technology and media arts in high school. Working in this industry merges all my passions and is a natural fit.

Ahead of the COVID curve, we’ve been remote as a company since it’s inception. As a result, we have many parents who work for us because we’ve been flexible in that way. Plus, now that I’m a mom myself, I find I have greater empathy as a CEO. Before I was a parent, I didn’t fully understand the demands of parenthood, and while I could sympathize generally, I didn’t empathize the way I do now.

Will you take a maternity leave as a CEO?

Work is an acceptable addiction in our society, and the truth is, I feel like the best version of myself when I’m working. Overall, I’m used to going at life 100 miles an hour at all times, but I’m learning to recognize when I need to slow down for a moment.

Regarding a proper maternity leave this time around, the answer is, I don’t know. While I encourage all my employees to take the time they need and whatnot, I find it impossible for myself. In fact, I fully anticipated taking time off with my son, but in the end, I didn’t. The day after I gave birth, we had a client finishing their series A and wanted my input on it. I was like, ‘I’ve got this,’ and dove right back in. Honestly, I don’t feel like I missed out on the maternity leave front. Plus, I’m a better mom when I have multiple outlets for my energy and creativity.

Do you think it’s important for your kids to see their mom working?

I’m choosing to lead by example as a working mom. That said, I hope my kids see that mommy and daddy are both hard-working. I have to say, one of the more challenging things I’ve found is learning to set boundaries. Since we work remotely, my husband says I need to teach our son that mommy’s office is sacred and not for coming in and pounding on the keyboard. I also find setting “work hours” to be tricky and takes discipline. It’s beneficial that my husband grew up with a single, working mom and is helping me set these expectations with our son and perhaps myself as well. It’s definitely a work in progress!

Now that we’re having a little girl, I often think about what it means to be her role model. I hope she learns that you can have a career, plus a supportive partner, and be a mom. It’s not either-or. And while it’s not always perfect, looking back I hope she knows that I got up every morning and did my best.

The before, during and after legging

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Growing up as an immigrant?

I never took anything for granted. I was born in India and moved to the US when I was nine. My parents came here for multiple reasons, including political asylum and a better life for us with more opportunity. Much of my drive to succeed and give back comes from my humble roots and watching my parents work hard. My parents never cared about what grades we got; instead, they cared about our community. They taught us to give back and support the greater good because everything was about adding substance and meaning. Every day I was asked, ‘what did you do to help others today?’ As a mother myself, I believe my parenting style reflects my childhood, and I truly believe the quality of the questions we ask our kids impacts where they focus their attention and place value.

One hope?

Resilience. It’s such an important skill. When life knocks you down, so much of what happens next is dependant on how you respond to that. Looking at the world right now, with so many struggling, my hope is for all to come out stronger on the other side.

Any advice?

It’s true what they say, ‘you can’t have it all, but you may not be able to have it all at the same time.’ You have to look at life almost day by day. There are days when I really excel as a CEO, but maybe not as a mom and vice versa; I try not to determine my month or year based on one tough day in any area of my life. Plus, I’m careful not to make macro decisions based on micro-moments. This applies to motherhood and entrepreneurship. Life is all about riding the waves gracefully.

mom crush

Fashion

Maternity, but Make it Sexy Yes you can.

Ok, hear me out. I’ll be the first to admit that the thought of being pregnant (and just after) doesn’t exactly inspire feelings of “sexy.” Nevertheless, while the idea of ‘sexiness’ resonates differently with every woman when you stop and think about what our bodies are capable of…hello, making life! *Woah* no big deal. Honestly, what could be sexier? Empowering, to say the least.

Nevertheless, while this may all be true in theory, to actually feel this way is a different story—I get it. 10 months of managing a changing body followed by caring for a new babe and no sleep can take a bit of a toll. Therefore, if you’re in need of a little confidence boost, give a pair of high-waist-thong black undies or a petal pink nightie a try. At a minimum, you’ll need something for your belly-baring maternity shoot, no doubt. Ahead, the pregnancy and 4th-trimester intimate pieces we love right now. It may be just the thing you need. Trust.

Slip Into This

There’s something about slipping into a nightie that is so subtly sexy. I mean what’s not to love about easy to put on, and easy to take off!

Belly Baring

There’s pretty much nothing sexier than a button down effortlessly hanging off-the-shoulder paired with cute undies. Try a petal pink night shirt and high-waisted bottoms for that casual yet slightly suggestive mood.

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Elevate the everyday and night with a set of black underpinnings.

I'm SUPER Anxious About Having Sex for the First Time Postpartum You're not alone.

By Babe | Photo by Stocksy

Dear MD,

Q. HELP. I’m having major, MAJOR anxiety around having sex for the first time postpartum. I think I’m super tight and that it’s going to feel awful. Not to mention, I don’t even really want to have sex, but knowing that I physically can, I feel like I should.

Sincerely,

I’ll never be horny again, Philadelphia, PA.

A. “So the answer to this one is YES,” says Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, an OB-GYN based in Stamford, CT. “Have the anxiety, it is rightfully deserved. I have two feelings on this. One, is that the answer has to do with physical pain depending on how soon after you delivered. If you delivered vaginally, then your vagina is literally beat up. Even if you didn’t deliver vaginally, but you’re nursing, your vagina is less elastic, and it hurts like you’re in menopause. What’s even more important is your total lack of libido for many reasons. You’re exhausted, you’re in love with someone else, you’re nursing, and your hormones actually don’t want you to have a libido. You have a decrease in estrogen because nature wants you to spread your babies out by at least a year.

The other feeling is that I believe it’s really unfair in the modern world that there is this six week mark when you can suddenly do all the things. Go exercise! Have sex! One, it gives women the impression that they should want to, and if they don’t, then they must be broken. First and foremost, we need to educate men and partners on nature and how natural it is for postpartum women not to want to have sex. Let’s talk more openly about it. I see women at their six month postpartum checkup and they’re embarrassed to report they haven’t had sex yet. Why? It makes total sense. Let’s not put that added pressure on ourselves or our loved ones. But, if you are going to have sex, then I recommend vaginal estrogen cream. It’s completely safe and helps your vagina become more elastic and it doesn’t affect your milk supply whatsoever.”

The Debate

How Horny Are You During Pregnancy? Two moms explore both sides of the spectrum.

By Babe | Illustration by Ana Hard

In our series The Debate, our community of real moms tackle the pros and cons around common parenting choices. The truth is, like so many decisions around child rearing, there is no right or wrong answer. At HATCH, our job is to give voice to both sides of any debate, peppering real mom wisdom with the necessary facts so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.

For some of us, pregnancy is an automatic form of birth control. After all, who on earth could possibly want to bone down when they’re swollen, uncomfortable, veiny, pimply, gassy and just over it? If there’s ever a time to be the least horny person on earth, pregnancy could be it. (Postpartum would be another time. See where we’re going here?) Then, on the other hand, are the ladies whose hormones are just flaring up in all kinds of ways. We’re talking all-I-can-think-about, let’s-get-down-to-business, full-on horniness. Chalk it up to estrogen and progesterone, which increases vaginal lubrication, blood flow to the pelvic area and increased nipple sensitivity, but pregnancy could also double as a time when women are full-on FRISKY. As we do, we polled two mamas – one who couldn’t keep her hands off her partner; the other who could barely peck him on the cheek – to bring you both sides of the preggo sex coin.

Give Me Give Me Give Me More

Talia S.
Mama to Chloe, 9 months

“I don’t know when I started feeling super horny, perhaps somewhere around my second trimester. I had had a pretty easygoing first trimester and I was just feeling really good throughout. Bear in mind this was our first pregnancy, so it’s not like I was already sleep-deprived or chasing a toddler around the house. So we were able to really enjoy the pregnancy, cuddle together, nap together all weekend, which would undoubtedly lead to sex.

I didn’t mind that I was growing, or that I had this huge belly and cellulite all over the place. Pregnancy made me feel powerful and female and beautiful. I definitely felt like I was creating something magical and that made me feel aroused just thinking about it. Plus, once the lights are off, who actually cares what anyone looks like? Besides, I think all my husband actually noticed was my gigantic boobs!

I felt like my orgasms during pregnancy were really strong, which contributed to me wanting more of them! I read that there’s more blood supply around that area as well as more oxytocin, which is the “love hormone.” Either way, I loved it. Once I gave birth, it was a different story. I had a c-section and was totally out of commission for at least two months. We’ve had sex since, but we’re obviously exhausted. There was just something so magical and spectacular about that time.”

Don’t Ever Touch Me Again

Claire M.
Mama to Sophie, 13 months

“Is this even a question? There was no way. There was just no way. My body literally shut down all sex drive by, like 13 weeks. The second I gained a pouch it was over. Not to mention I was also super nauseous, constipated as hell, totally broken out and feeling the most unsexy of my life.

By my second trimester, when my morning sickness had settled somewhat, I could’ve probably explored the idea of having a semi-regular sex life. Don’t get me wrong, we did it, but it was more of a pity f*ck than anything else. I didn’t want my husband to lose all interest in me, nor did I want him going elsewhere for it (not that he would but I was feeling a little psychotic). I felt like it was my obligation to do it a handful of times throughout my pregnancy but it was few and far between. I’ve read all the Cosmo stories about women who are super horny during pregnancy. It just wasn’t me.

Now that my child has exited my body, I feel back to my semi-regular self in so far as sex drive. It’s not perfect by any means but we also have a six-month-old so I’m not putting any added pressure on myself. We do it when we can and I enjoy it way more now that I have my body back to myself than I did when I was sharing it.”

The debate

The More You Know

What Your Preggo Sex Position Says About You Which one are you?

By Babe | Illustrations by Ana Hard

Sex during pregnancy is hard. When you’re not nauseous AF, you’re likely suffering from some of the other heinous side effects that can wreak havoc on intimacy. But sometimes, just sometimes, there’s nothing better than a sweaty preggo romp, when you’re bumping bellies and embracing your sexuality like the goddess you are (not to mention those killer orgasms). So, in the spirit of silliness and fun, we rounded up the most favorable sexual positions, and took a stab and what they *might say about you.

Topper: You’re always up for a girl’s night out, or quiet night in, and you love making others happy. It’s OK that your tired, swollen quads are burning as you ride your partner’s half-hard penis because he loves looking up at your milk-heavy D-cups, and that alone brings you pleasure.

Reverse Cowgirl: You’re all about zero. f*cks. given. Besides, making eye contact during sex is so early ‘aughts. You’d rather watch yourself in the mirror over your Room & Board dresser, so you’ve got that lowkey narcissist thing going, too. (Don’t forget to hit record!)

Doggy Style: Efficiency is the name of the game. What other positions offer you access to your phone AND your clitoris? There’s no reason you can’t schedule your next haircut while being penetrated from behind. Maybe your partner’s getting you off, maybe it’s you. Who cares? Check it off your list because you’ve got Netflix to watch.

Spoon: You love a good strand of pearls, a “Sunday funday” and the idyllic notion that sex, even at 30 weeks pregnant, can be romantic. Oh you dreamer, you. You keep making that sweet sweet love. We won’t judge.

Oral: You’d rather go celibate than give in to patriarchal standards of what constitutes actual “sex.” You’re also a GODDESS who’s growing another life and you deserve total pleasure without having to move a damn muscle. Sit back and enjoy. Other sex positions, take note.

The More You Know

The Nines

Nine Preggo Sex Myths Debunked No, IT won't hurt the baby.

By Babe | Photo by Kristine Boel

There’s a lot of anxiety around sex during pregnancy. With one extra little poke you don’t know if you’re going leak cervical fluid all over your Frette sheets or if your mind-blowing orgasm will scar your baby for life. (helloooo therapy). Sex during pregnancy is ripe with assumptions, myths and opinions. And we’re here to debunk certain old wive’s tales that need some updating….see below.

It Will Hurt the Baby

This idea is a totally natural concern but truly quite the myth. Even if your partner is a Ron Jeremy stunt double, your vagina stretches during sex and naturally creates a gap of many many centimeters between the penis and the cervix. Not to mention, the cervix is closed and sealed with a thick mucus plug to protect the baby. By the way, your baby is housed inside your amniotic sac, which was designed to keep them safe and snug.

Orgasms Can Cause Miscarriage

Another totes normal thing: those little cramps you probably feel after sex. They’re just your uterine muscles tightening a bit, and, as long as you don’t have a high-risk pregnancy, they shouldn’t pose any harm. Just remember, you’ll likely feel two types of contractions during pregnancy – those you feel during and after orgasm, which are mild and eventually go away, and then labor contractions, which will be painful and come at regular intervals.

Different Positions Can Influence the Baby’s Sex

Once your partner’s sperm has fertilized the egg, the sex has been decided. If the sperm that fertilizes the egg carries an X chromosome, your baby will be a girl. If the sperm carries a Y chromosome, your baby will be a boy. It’s as simple as that. There has not been any proven effect of sex influence based on sexual positioning before or after conception.

Sex Causes Labor

So, as per our note above, You can have a contraction after sex from a hormone found in semen, and maybe if you’re close to your due date (or past it), this can push you over the edge, but not really. Yes, the same hormone (prostaglandin) is used to induce labor in a hospital, but it’s a synthetic version with a much higher concentration than what’s found in semen, otherwise your OB would’ve kept you from sexin’ the entire time.

Your Baby Will Know

Not to worry. You won’t have to pay for years of therapy beause your child remembered you having sex in utero. It’s not like when the ahem “door is closed” during Ipad time. Sure, your babe might know you’re moving, but they can’t tell whether you’re rocking out or doing pilates. Experts agree that there’s no evidence sex can cause physical or psychological harm to your child, so don’t stress it.

Oral Sex is a No No

Just because a person is preggo doesn’t mean their partner can’t go downtown. If anything, it’s all the more reason they should lavish you with orgasms. In fact, it can often be a more comfortable option than penetrative intercourse, depending on how the pregnancy is going. However, the American Pregnancy Association advises that a pregnant person’s partner not blow air into the vagina during oral because “a bubble can cause a pressure differential which may burst blood vessels near the surface.”

All Sexual Positions are Safe

By the 20-week mark during pregnancy, missionary-style sex may not be the best choice. According to Healthline, when a pregnant woman lays flat on her back for an extended period of time, the uterus’ weight can compress necessary blood flow to the rest of her body and the baby.

Pregnant Sex Hurts

Of course, some positions will be off limits because they could cause you some pain, but many women find pregnant sex to be even more enjoyable than regular sex. This is because the genitals are engorged and nerve endings are more sensitive. Also, oxytocin, a hormone with increased levels during pregnancy, fuels a feeling of lust. Some women even enjoy their first orgasms during pregnant sex.

Post-Sex Bleeding is Dangerous

Post-sex bleeding is not a cause for alarm. When you’re pregnant, your cervix becomes very soft and can start bleeding from even minimal contact. Spots of blood do not mean damage has been done to Baby. However, it’s a good idea to let your provider know if there is excessive post-sex bleeding.

The Nines

Mom Schwing

Can a Supplement Increase Your Sexual Pleasure? Rae Wellness says, “Oh, yea, baby!”

If we were to suggest a supplement to buy based on brand-story alone, Rae Wellness would likely be the one. After watching her own attentiveness to wellness drop off, co-founder and mother of two Angie Tebbe left her corporate job at Target to pursue a more holistic goal: to create a brand that provided women an accessible and affordable way to prioritize their health.

Meet Rae Wellness’ In The Mood Capsules; a twice-daily capsule that intended to “stimulate” and “fuel” your desire.

“There are many factors that affect libido,” Dr. Meredith Kapner, MD, FACOG, who has no association to Rae Wellness tells us. This, among other things, may include your own relationship with your S.O., stress, hormonal changes from pregnancy, birth control pills, and breastfeeding. “Libido can change [anytime] our body image changes,” she explains…like, say, after giving birth for example.

So, can a supplement actually help you want to “get it on”?

Thanks to a mix of blood flow supporting ingredients and stress reducing adaptogens, there is reason to believe that this one can. Blood flow, you see, has more to do with your sex drive than you may realize.

Helping increase blood flow can cause your vagina (and more importantly your clitoris) to become extra sensitive, leading to lubrication.

According to Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, OBGYN and co-founder of Tribe Called V: “There’s an entire feedback mechanism where physical stimulation of your clitoris will cause your vagina to lengthen, soften and secrete.” She continues: “If you are continuing to increase blood flow to your genitals by stimulation you are probably continuing to trigger that feedback response to your brain. That entire loop can encourage you to want to continue to be more sexually active. It’s the notion of “sex begets more sex.”

Shop Rae Wellness’ In The Mood Capsules today.

This article was written in partnership with Rae Wellness.

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