Cakes are staples for any celebration, from birthdays to baby showers. Only what about a newborn's circumcision? As weird and draconian as it sounds, cakes are made to mark this event, too.

Just one problem: Rather than topping these sweets with candles or Thomas the Tank Engine tracks, cakes celebrating a baby's circumcision feature screaming babies and bloody genitals. Check out this slideshow to get a glimpse at just how disturbing circumcision cakes can get.

Image via heresalink

One can only imagine how hard the decision is to give up your child. Jeaneta Bente is a 32-year-old Romanian mother of three who recently made headlines for leaving her newborn triplets at the hospital -- and if that doesn't break your heart, wait until you hear the reason why.

Jeaneta not only lives in deep poverty, but she is also illiterate. That made getting approval to put her children up for adoption a little difficult (she had to use her fingerprint since she can't read or write). From the sound of things, this mom barely gets by supporting the three children she currently has, and doesn't have family support to help her in times of need.

More from The Stir: Hospitals Should Make It Easy for Moms Who Want to Abandon Their Babies

I think it's easy to judge a situation like this, given most tend to have an "I would never" response. While I too can't imagine leaving one of my boys at the hospital -- likely never to see them again -- my heart hurts for those involved. I can only pray these baby girls not only get adopted together, but find a loving family that's able to care for them. I also hope Jeaneta is able to somehow better her situation so she can provide for her three remaining children.

Sadly, I've heard one too many stories about families giving up a child they could no longer care for. I'll never forget the years I spent mentoring young girls in Harlem and walking by a 7-year-old (boy was she a firecracker, but one of my favorites) for the last time. As I told her, "See ya tomorrow," little did I know, her grandmother would put her up for adoption.

More from The Stir: Mom & Dad Abandon Baby on Beach to Go Jogging -- Naked (VIDEO)

You might ask why people who do this had kids in the first place, but no one truly knows the entire story. I'm not condoning what they did, but simply trying to express a little compassion. Hopefully these children's journey will have a better ending than how it began.

Should all abandonment stories be judged the same?

Image via Anatoly Tiplyashin/shutterstock

When it comes to breastfeeding, what consists of your normal routine? Do you sink into your favorite chair as you look upon your precious bundle of joy, or do you whip out your phone to catch up on the latest? Well, ladies, experts now say that "brexting" robs moms of precious mother-child bonding.

I know what you're probably thinking ... what in the hell is "brexting"? In case you didn't guess, brexting is simply breastfeeding while texting -- though I'm sure it encompasses other aspects of using your phone.

It seems everyone from psychologists to lactation nurses are concerned too many mommies are too preoccupied to give their little ones the attention they deserve -- and could possibly miss important cues a baby might give.

More from The Stir: 8 Breastfeeding Positions to Make Nursing Easier on Mom

Can we talk?

OK, so I definitely do believe our society in general is so occupied with the Internet that they often miss the very moments in front of them. How many of us have bumped into people walking down the street because we were more concerned about checking Facebook, or something we saw online? Generally speaking, I think all of us could benefit from unplugging more and focusing on our households.

But does that mean a mother who uses her phone while her baby nurses is self-absorbed -- or missing out on key bonding time?

I don't know if I would go that far.

When my sons were born, I was locked and ready to tend to their every need. Don't get me wrong, I still am, but as they get older -- and we spend more time together -- it becomes easier for me to understand their needs (they also got better with communicating). Does this mean I completely ignore them? Absolutely not. Does this mean I watch a YouTube clip, or part of a show on Netflix from time to time, while breastfeeding? I'll admit it, I do.

If the phone can help a mom stay up during those oh-so-wonderful late-night feedings, who am I to judge? My husband isn't going to wake up and entertain me.

More from The Stir: 15 Memes That Capture the Hilarity That Is Breastfeeding

While I do understand the concern, I would hate for a mother to feel as if she's missing out on precious memories she'll never get back because she decided to text or check an email. Given babies nurse several times throughout the day, there's more than enough opportunities to chat and give the tea.

Now putting the phone down during dinnertime and eating together as a family, that's something that might be worth discussing.

Image via Irina Bg/shutterstock

If you've ever peered into a baby monitor at your sleeping -- or not sleeping -- child, you know how creepy that night vision nursery can seem (at any moment, you half expect a reality TV ghost hunter to show up on the screen). That's why posts marked #creepy #babymonitor are currently haunting Instagram, just in time for Halloween: It's like a social media horror movie!

And it truly is horrifying how distorted those cameras make our little darlings look, particularly when their eyes are open!!! I mean, sheesh, a baby who refuses to sleep is already scary. No matter, though -- after you scroll through these paranormal pics, you'll be up all night anyway.

1. Does this one remind anybody else of a toddler version of The Ring?? "Hey Mom, no need to check on me! I'll just hover here with my hair in my face and then drag you off to Hell!"

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Two hours later..still awake but barely hanging on. Do I let her literally FALL asleep? #momproblems #justgothef***tosleep

A photo posted by Kara Bartelt (@kara_b_) on Jul 28, 2014 at 10:46pm PDT

2. "You think you're watching me, Mom? That's funny, because I'm watching you."

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It's like she knows lol #creepy #babymonitor #babygirl #whysoserious

A photo posted by Stephanie Cadzow (@ess.a.see) on Jul 21, 2014 at 9:16pm PDT

3. Holy Mother of God, what did he do to that stuffed animal?! (If that's even what it is!)

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Baby monitors. Easily the scariest part of parenthood. #creepybaby #babymonitor #summerinfant

A photo posted by Brandi Kogut (@brandiwatfordphotography) on Jul 10, 2014 at 5:02pm PDT

4. On the one hand, definitely the cutest brain-sucking alien invader I've ever seen. On the other, GAAAAAAH!!!

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�� #paranormalactivity#brividi#paura#film#horror#babymonitor#top#solodellerisate#vorrei#vedere#voi#instatop#instababy#instalove#instasweet#tags#tags4likes#tagsforlikes#followme#followus

A photo posted by Sweet� (@sweetmigliore) on Jul 27, 2014 at 11:23am PDT

5. So I don't want you to freak out or anything, but your child has almost definitely been replaced by a Jawa.

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#somebodyswatchingme #creepy #dropcam #nightvision #elubug

A photo posted by Kris DH (@ravingfig) on Jul 28, 2014 at 9:58pm PDT

6. On the bright side, this kid would be perfect for a role on American Horror Story. 

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Night vision #dropcam.

A photo posted by Gerard Blanton (@gerardblanton) on Jun 21, 2014 at 6:25pm PDT

7. What?! NO, WHY?!?!

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You guys, forget Freddy Krueger, this is what will make nightmares. ���� #jayceds #dropcam #funbeforebabybedtime

A photo posted by heather margaret. ��� (@heatherdagger) on Apr 1, 2014 at 9:43pm PDT

8. BRB, calling the exorcist.

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#goodnight #sweetdreams #imwatchingyou #creepy #babymonitor

A photo posted by Cristiane Evans (@crisevans) on Jun 13, 2014 at 12:17am PDT

9. Before you start hyperventilating, you should know that the demonic elf-looking monster about to eat the baby is actually the kid's dad.

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Baby monitor night vision mode is the stuff of nightmares. Who is that creep with @huntermitchell14 ? ��#babymonitor #scarystuff #paranormalactivity #baby

A photo posted by Tiffany Mitchell (@tiffanyjane17) on Jun 8, 2014 at 2:56am PDT

10. Q: How many babies are in this crib? A: One baby, one imposter baby-looking creature about to turn the real baby into a zombie.

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Waking up at night cause of strange sounds coming from the baby monitor. This is what I see. #creepy#scary#baby#babymonitor#scaryeyes#freakedmeout

A photo posted by @siljewoods on May 18, 2014 at 8:24pm PDT

11. Pretty cute for a possessed upside down caterpillar from the dark side.

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That moment you catch the baby watching you..... From the other room #creepy #babymonitor #omgomgomgomgomg

A photo posted by Mad Max (@moebeens) on Mar 25, 2014 at 9:41pm PDT

Image via brandiwatfordphotography/Instagram

When faced with a crying baby that's not your own, what is your first reaction? Some might roll their eyes and throw a tantrum, but not Nyfesha Miller. During a flight with new mom Rebekka Garvison, Nyfesha's random act of kindness towards an infant is receiving tons of praise -- both from Rebekka and strangers alike.

Hoping to surprise her army hubby Nick stationed in Alabama, Rebekka decided to brave the world of flying with an infant as she and her baby daughter, Rylee, left Michigan. Met with side eyes from fellow passengers on the early AM flight, Rebekka's daughter started crying up a storm that caused this new mom to make the decision to switch seats. Call it a coincidence or divine intervention, but this choice was surely a blessing in disguise. Not only was Nyfesha a Good Samaritan who offered to hold the baby, but also an infant whisperer as she was able to get little Rylee to stop crying and sleep the entire flight! Nyfesha, girl, what's your secret?!

More from The Stir: Flying With Baby: 5 Tips for Packing an Efficient, Lightweight Carry-On

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People with small children have all been here. There's an unspoken game of "Oh dear God, please don't let my kid act up" that parents and caregivers play every time they head to a public place. Yes, babies will be babies, but for some reason, not everyone gets that memo. And sometimes no matter how hard you try to entertain and nurse a baby, it might not be enough.

More from The Stir: Traveling With Kids: A Complete Guide to the Rules Moms Need to Know

I for one am super happy Rebekka's Facebook thank-you is getting so much attention. For starters, it's super easy to assume every parent of a misbehaving child (some folks have no issue throwing infants into the mix) throws their hands up and is OK with kicking and screaming -- but that's just not the case. Aside from getting in a car and driving from Michigan to Alabama, at some point, those with little ones do need to get on a plane. One can only hope there are more angels like Nyfesha on the flight who will lend a hand instead of criticism that likely doesn't make the situation any better.

More from The Stir: 10 Tricks to Traveling by Plane With Toddlers

As a mother of two under 2, I understand the struggle (it's quite real). As beautiful as being a parent is, it can also be super taxing and stressful as you can look down on yourself when things go wrong (technically children are being children, but you know what I mean). I truly hope more people will pay it forward like Nyfesha -- or at the very least, have a wee more compassion for the situation, as this mom was likely trying her best (anyone else hate flights at 5:30 AM?).

Image via Rebekka Garvison/Facebook

It seems the jury is still out regarding women who breastfeed in public. Whether you say yes, no, or maybe so, there's one mom who couldn't care less. Jennifer Taylor is a Nevada mother of a super cute daughter named Nyomi, and has a special message for people who have issues with public breastfeeding.

"Mind your own tits."

No, really.

Aside from having photos of her nursing her almost-2-year-old reported on Facebook, Jennifer is flat-out tired of people staring at her when she needs to breastfeed Nyomi in public.

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More from The Stir: 10 Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding

As you can see, Jennifer has no problem being direct and to the point. I definitely have to commend this mom for expressing her opinion and not feeling ashamed to feed her child in public. Forty-nine states have breastfeeding laws in place to support mommies like Jennifer who don't want to rush home, or cower in a closet to provide nourishment for her kid.

Look, I get that not everyone is comfortable with seeing a boob out -- but shouldn't that issue extend beyond ladies who opt to naturally feed their child? Like Jennifer, I have to agree there is a bit of a double standard, as it seems like many are OK with those who enjoy the scantily clad life, but think breastfeeding in public is horrendous.

More from The Stir: 5 Places Moms Need to Breastfeed Discreetly

I breastfeed my son in public (I personally feel more comfortable using a cover, but that's just me) and don't think it needs to be a major spectacle. If everyone could keep calm and carry on with their day, the world would be a brighter place.

Image via Jennifer Taylor/Facebook

Every mom has an inexplicable intuition that often isn't wrong. After assisting on a surgery nearby, nurse Li Baoxia heard a baby crying hysterically. With doctors unsure of what to do, the nurse asked to breastfeed the 1-month-old boy so they could begin surgery to remove an abscess. Needless to say, it was successful.

In case you're wondering, it looks like nurse Li Baoxia got permission from the baby's father before it all went down (there's no word about the mother's whereabouts). Li gives new meaning to the concept of a "wet nurse" considering she's a new mom who had no issue "nursing" someone else's child. Had she not intervened, doctors at this Chinese hospital would've likely called off the operation (the boy was given local anesthesia but couldn't stop crying for them to begin the procedure).

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Nurse breastfeeds one-month-old patient in surgery to calm her down http://t.co/xzhIDUh1yApic.twitter.com/5p5uWXbfgf

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) October 2, 2015

Both doctors and this little boy's dad (I know the tweet says girl, but it is in fact a boy) praise nurse Li for her call to action -- and willingness to nurse a baby that wasn't her own.

More from The Stir: Would You Let Another Woman Nurse Your Baby?

Folks don't believe me when I say there's power in liquid gold.

This is such a wonderful story and shows the unexpected generosity of a stranger (even though Li is a nurse, she wasn't assigned to this baby's surgery). So long as she received permission from this child's parent, what she did was pretty awesome, considering most probably weren't thinking about the "hey, I'm hungry" cues. Now, everyone can go home happy -- including this chunky-cheeked baby boy who was likely "milk-drunk" happy.

Image via Daily Mail Online/Twitter

In light of the recent gun-related events happening across the country, many are coming to the table to discuss safety and access to weapons. While the Second Amendment isn't going away, what are your thoughts on a class that teaches moms how to carry a baby and gun?

Melody Lauer is an Iowa mom and firearm instructor (Melody also works at a parenting center) who wants parents with guns in the home to practice more safety. Back in spring, she made headlines for teaching a rare, concealed carry class that taught moms (dads too) how to safely operate a firearm with their child nearby. From the look of things, Melody's class was a hit -- often requiring multiple slots to accommodate the number of parents looking for advice.

More from The Stir: Owning Guns Doesn't Make Me a Bad Mom

Discussing guns, especially in our society, is a hot-button issue. With so many tragic situations filling up our timeline -- like the recent shooting in Oregon -- it's only natural for people to question this country's gun policies, and whether or not people should have so much access to weapons.

If you're a parent who owns a gun at home, I think a class like this definitely wouldn't hurt to attend. Melody doesn't appear to push mommies and daddies to get strapped (I'm not talking about a diaper bag) just because they have kids to protect. Guns certainly aren't for everyone, and require a high level of responsibility -- and higher level of safety to keep.

Now that I live in Oklahoma, I'm constantly surrounded by the reality that people can openly carry here (coming from the east coast, I realize it's not the showdown-at-high-noon Western I thought it'd be). Maybe it's my perception based on my environment, but I think a class that promotes safety isn't necessarily a bad thing. I myself wouldn't carry a firearm on me -- especially with my kiddos around (I'm just a nervous person as is to add a gun into the mix) -- but those who make that decision should be as informed as much as possible about potential incidents, and ways to stay safe.

More from The Stir: How to Have a Pre-Playdate 'Gun Talk' With Other Moms

Honestly, I never thought the concept of guns and babies would go hand in hand, but I guess, in a strange way, it can. Yes, there needs to be a discussion -- and more importantly, action -- about general gun control, but parents who own one (especially with babies and little children) should take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents. What better way than to learn from a firearm instructor who happens to be a mom?

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Image via KCAU-TV ABC 9 News

If your baby has started reaching for a taste of your food, it could be that she is eager to try something besides pureed peas. When it comes to your little ones' first finger-fed bites, you want to serve up something nutritious, tasty, and easy to gnash and swallow. We've found just the stuff!

From yummy breakfasts to delectable dinners, these recipes won't take long to make and will make baby smile as he feeds himself.

What are your baby's favorite finger foods?

Image via Elena Shashkina/shutterstock

Breastfeeding is beautiful; it's natural and nurturing and should be something all mothers are able to do wherever and whenever baby is hungry. These mothers believe in that so strongly that they got a tattoo to honor their experience and their journey of motherhood.

It all helps to normalize breastfeeding, to give mothers support and encouragement. These tattoos are so creative and beautiful, you are going to want to get one yourself.

Image via christie_cat_/Instagram

Becoming a parent can fill your heart with so many wonderful emotions and also anxieties -- especially once the baby arrives. Enter the infamous "baby blues." As much as society focuses on mothers-to-be and new moms, researchers now believe dads are at risk for baby blues too.

Just so that we're all on the same page here, it's important to note that "baby blues" differs from postpartum depression. With an estimated 70 to 80 percent of new moms experiencing baby blues, researchers at Canada's McGill University Health Center are now eyeing new papas -- and think we should too.

Its report in the American Journal of Men's Health reveals more than 13 percent of first-time dads -- including daddies-to-be -- showed signs of depression throughout their partner's pregnancy, which led experts to believe baby blues isn't just a "woman thing." Rounding up over 600 men, they questioned them on everything from financial stress to sleep and social support to try to pinpoint common areas of concern.

Honestly, I'm not surprised that men can and do experience baby blues. I'm happy many came forward, as most don't really like discussing their feelings. Then again, does anyone really ask a man about his emotional tank, and expect a straightforward answer for that matter?

One thing that I definitely think men don't have is a support system that allows them to come clean about any changes their new addition might cause. Think about it: At doctors' visits and baby classes, the focus is mostly on the mom-to-be and what dads can do to make her life easier. Obviously the ladies need extra TLC as we're the ones with the baby on board, but this study really has me thinking that we need to check up on our gents to make sure they're on the up-and-up when it comes to their emotional health. And seeing as researchers point out men can experience depressive symptoms linked to baby blues (they say it's not the same as depression, but still noteworthy) before the arrival of their child, it would definitely appear they're being overlooked.

More from The Stir: The Post-Baby Blues No One Talks About

In thinking about men and baby blues, I had to reach out to new dads to get their opinions -- especially since I'm not 100 percent sure some men understand what baby blues are (makes it easier to shrug off). Much to my surprise, a few came forward to have an Oprah moment with me, and discuss their feelings pre-baby and post-pregnancy (sorry, Dr. Phil, I got this).

"Becoming a father is a scary thing, and there's all types of stress that dads deal with that we're never vocal about," admits Almost Cool Dad Larry Hester. "You think about every dumb mistake you've made since childhood and wonder if you've got what it takes to raise this innocent mind." The former hip-hop journalist is now a proud stay-at-home dad to his toddler son Liam, and is quick to mention how most guys zip their lips when it comes to any baby-related stress, out of fear of being looked at as selfish. Then again, Larry says once you do realize you're stressed, you likely shrug off any feelings you might have. "Of course you don't think about it [baby blues] because the mother just pushed out a small person she was carrying for nine months."

Phil blames himself for his son Avery's being born premature. "I can't tell you how many nights I spent crying in the bathroom before he came," he admits. "I'll never forget the day my wife and I learned about the possibility of our child being born prematurely, and how much of a failure it made me feel. I felt helpless. I felt like I let my wife down." Phil and his wife have been married for years and experienced major setbacks trying to conceive. While their little boy Avery is fine (he's 4 and just as active as can be), the journey to get to where they are today hasn't always been smooth. "Looking back, I definitely think I had the baby blues -- even before my son arrived," says Phil. "As a man, you're taught to be the provider and the rock of your household. When things go wrong that you're unable to fix, it adds this stress you can't shake -- at least not until you make things right again."

And then, there's baby Ari's dad (he's still trying to figure out that whole sleep thing), who recalls how he felt after his 5-week-old daughter was born. "The first night that I arrived home after leaving my wife and newborn in the postpartum recovery room, a chill went down my spine," says Derek. "There was a distinct realization that our lives would never be the same, and I questioned whether I was truly ready for fatherhood."

More from The Stir: I Suffered From Postpartum Depression & Didn't Even Know It

"I'm not sure what this 'baby blues' thing is, but most people don't seem to care about the stresses a dad feels," said my husband.

With a 1 1/2-year-old and now 4-month-old, I've tried my best to keep up with his well-being. Having one child can be stressful enough, but dealing with a baby and a toddler would drive anyone nuts. Yet, my guy has always been my rock, taking both kids during my recovery period so I could rest and recoup. I can remember times when I told him to go out or do something solo so he could get a breather (to say he's stubborn is an understatement. We share that in common), to which he would always respond with, "No, not until you're okay."

The more dialogue we have about baby blues -- and how it can affect both a mother and a father -- the more we can hopefully help each other to get through it. In most cases, all it takes is seeking a little guidance, or having a system in place that allows you to open up. No one should have to suffer alone in silence.

Image via IMAGE LAGOON/shutterstock

Dressing up a baby for Halloween is arguably one of the biggest perks of having a baby in the first place, especially because they have no say in the matter -- and especially if you have a taste for inappropriate humor. Because what's funnier than a baby dressed up in something only an adult should wear (and maybe not even an adult)?

Full disclosure: I'm completely obsessed with dressing up my 11-month-old as Walter White from Breaking Bad for Halloween this year. I mean, come on -- what could be cuter than a tiny Heisenberg? I am the baby who knocks. It would be totally easy, too -- just a little black hat with a brim, glasses, and a drawn-on moustache/goatee! Better still if I had a toddler-sized sibling to dress up as a mini Jesse Pinkman, like this BRILLIANT MOM:

Best baby Halloween costume ever? As Jesse would say, Yeah, b*tch! (And yes, that post is from Aaron Paul's Instagram feed! Of course he loved his pint-sized doppelgänger.)

Then again, there are so many other kid-unfriendly pop culture icons that would make hilarious baby disguises. Perfect example? A diminutive Don Draper. Mom and illustrator Lori Richmond seriously knocked it out of the park with her son's Mad Men-inspired disguise:

Whew! Looks like baby Don's been partying pretty hard, but he's still raring to go! Unfortunately, you can't always count on Barbie dolls to stay on their feet:

Sometimes the bottle's your only friend, man. For real, though, if my son only had some hair on his head, I might actually give that one a try.

Another beloved TV character known for his impressive head of hair, Game of Thrones's Jon Snow, would also make a fabulous baby costume -- and even bald-headed tykes can pull that one off with this nifty wig:

Right?

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More from The Stir: 7 Baby Halloween Costumes That Scare Us to Death 

Of course, since my baby is a boy, I've been focusing primarily on male characters/celebs thus far. But little girls open up a whole new world of opportunities. Like, I can barely even think of anything more fun than taking a little Red from Orange Is the New Black out trick-or-treating:

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That chicken, though!! Or how about an "Even More Lil'" Lil' Kim?

TEE-HEE!!! Other off-color girl costume ideas I'd love to try: Baby Miley Cyrus, Baby Patsy Stone (from Absolutely Fabulous -- almost like Don Draper, except in stilettos!), Baby Fill-in-the-Blank Kardashian.

Except the truth is, as much as I love these subversively witty and demonically fun baby costume ideas, I probably won't use any of them. There are grandparents to consider, after all -- grandparents who use Facebook, no less. So in all likelihood, my baby will probably end up dressed like this guy for Halloween:

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Oh well. A slightly twisted mom can dream, can't she? 

Images via LoriDraws.com; glassofwhiskey/Instagram; Splash News

Parents, warm up those vocals: The time has come to take your singing out of the shower. A study published in the journal Infancy believes singing to a baby reduces stress and anxiety the little bundle might feel. You don't have to be Adele or Beyoncé to make your child more relaxed -- though it might help when it comes to not breaking glassware.

Isabelle Peretz -- one of the professors behind the study at the University of Montreal's Center for Research on Brain, Music and Language -- encourages parents to do more singing.

The study focused on 30 babies -- ages 6 to 9 months -- and their reactions to various sounds. Out of Mom and Dad's view, the participating little ones heard adult speech, infant speech (or "baby talk"), and singing. (Researchers used the Turkish language to prevent bias, as none of the babies were from Turkish-speaking households.) Based on the results of different experiments, Isabelle and other experts were able to conclude that infants listen to singing twice as long before showing any physical signs of distress -- thus reiterating the idea that singing to children can help them maintain their composure for a longer period of time.

Is this music to your ears?

More from The Stir: The Surprising Benefit to Singing to Your Baby

I don't have the best voice (okay, I can make dogs cry, but I can harmonize when my wine glass is full when the mood strikes), but I do love to sing. Sure it annoys my husband, but it is a great way to get my 1 1/2-year-old and 4-month-old boys' attention. Singing has also come in handy when my kids get fussy during a diaper change, or get impatient when their food doesn't come fast enough. Rather than use my "mom voice," I have no problem putting a doo-wop spin on things.

Who knew there's research to back up my endeavors?

Granted your child will cry when he or she needs something, but at least you can help delay the inevitable with a tune or two.

Keep calm and sing on.

Image via deeepblue/shutterstock

Watching baby hit her milestones -- and having fun at the same time -- warms any parent's heart. By setting up an indoor or outdoor obstacle course, you provide the perfect opportunity to get your little one busy, moving, and giggling all the way. 

We found 8 clever courses you'll totally want to replicate at home. Many are made from materials you probably already own, and they'll provide plenty of entertainment for crawler or walker -- and for you as you watch them adorably navigate your DIY designs!

Image via developingthewholechild.com

Midwest Doulas founders Staci Caspers and Justine Temke are birth doulas and lactation counselors in Minnesota. They started the campaign "Judge Less" to help all moms -- formula feeders and breastfeeders -- feel empowered; they want to put an end to the guilt and shaming. They teamed up with photographer Ashley Rick of St. Paul Photo Co. for these powerful and gorgeous images featured in their yearly calendar. Monies raised go to a great cause. Staci and Justine also shared the photos with us -- you will feel inspired.

Justine says that she and Staci were in love with Ashley's work -- she was the perfect person to capture moms feeding their babies the best that they can. The images are raw and real and will take you back to those moments of feeding your own baby. Formula. Breast. Twins. All beautiful, all are full of love.

This year, the women chose to support the nonprofit Babies Needs Boxes with the calendar profits. Babies Need Boxes provides mothers in need with a box filled with necessary items for the first years of a baby's life -- the box also doubles as a crib. For these women, it's all about support, making sure other moms feel love and encouragement, and to end the mommy war on feeding babies once and for all. Fed is always best. We should all judge less.

Take a look at the incredible photos.

Image via St. Paul Photo Co; Midwest Doulas

After endless attempts of trying to master the art of latching, you and your baby are finally starting to see eye to eye breast. If you've been on breastfeeding cruise control for some time, be prepared for a little bump in the road known as the baby's first tooth. Maybe nursing a child with teeth won't bother you, and maybe it will. Regardless, you probably felt some of these emotions once ... or twice.

You might feel ...

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1. Injured. Hello -- there's a tooth on your nipple! Pain, oh, the pain.

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2. Surprised. Sometimes moms don't realize their baby's first tooth officially made its debut. Surpriiissseee.

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3. Confused. What happened to those hard gums? Now that your baby's first tooth is here, you might be puzzled as to why you never noticed (it could still be a sprout, so don't feel too bad).

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4. Shock. Just when you come to terms with the fact that your baby has a tooth ... you find (or feel) another one. Get ready, mama; more are on the way.

More from The Stir: The Breastfeeding Mom's Ultimate Survival Kit (PHOTOS)

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5. Fearful. OMG, does this mean a future of blood and cracked nipples?! Will my nips turn into hamburger meat?? Don't overthink things. It's not like you're in a horror movie.

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6. Attacked. What did I ever do but love you? Obviously your baby doesn't mean to hurt you, so try not to feel personally attacked (I know it probably hurts).

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7. Annoyed. Wait, hold up. I brought you into this world, and this is the thanks I get? I'ma need you to keep that tooth under control, please.

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8. Hesitant. Don't be too surprised if you start rethinking formula if and when your baby starts to bite you. Even if you decided to throw in the towel, at least you gave breastfeeding a try.

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9. Anxious. Will you get bitten today, or will your baby have mercy on your nipples? Unfortunately, there's no way to tell -- which means your guess is as good as mine.

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10. Happy. My friend, did you forget about those little things in your cabinets known as bottles? You better use that lifeline.

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11. Optimistic. Hey, if you can get through this rough patch, maybe things will get better with time ... and more teeth. Now there's some wishful thinking.

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12. Thankful. Whether you quit or not, there's one pleasant reality about your child's getting teeth: solid foods. Eventually your little one won't be on an all–breast milk diet. Hooray!

More from The Stir: 15 Memes That Capture the Hilarity That Is Breastfeeding

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13. Sadness. Isn't it funny how moms can go from one emotion to its complete opposite? In the midst of your "my child just got a tooth" happy dance, it's easy for the realities of growing up to set in. Yeah, it's a tooth now, but soon it will be first steps, then potty training, then kindergarten, and then college! Okay, so maybe you do have some time between each, but face it: Your child isn't going to be super small anymore.

Image via Max Bukovski/shutterstock

If you have a new baby in your life this holiday season, congratulations! You’ve just won the gift-giving lottery! Chances are the little one is all set on everyday supplies and practical gear, which means you get to focus on “wants” rather than “needs.” Here are our 10 favorite gifts for babies age newborn to 6 months. 

What are you buying your baby this year?

(This post is part of a special project produced by CafeMedia's branded content team. We hope it helps you find something for everyone on your gift list!)

Leah Maxwell is a book editor, freelance writer, cereal addict, wife, and mom to two young boys. She has been blogging at A Girl and a Boy since 2003.

Image via The Land of Nod

This gift guide for little ones on the go was created to make sure you have as much fun giving as they do receiving. Here are our top 10 gifts for babies who will be 6–12 months old this holiday season. 

What will you be getting your baby this year?

(This post is part of a special project produced by CafeMedia's branded content team. We hope it helps you find something for everyone on your gift list!)

Leah Maxwell is a book editor, freelance writer, cereal addict, wife, and mom to two young boys. She has been blogging at A Girl and a Boy since 2003.

Image via Amazon.com

The best part about buying stocking stuffers for babies is that the babies really don't care what you get them - so you can pick what you like! Here are seven practical and fun gifts for the littlest ones on your Christmas list.

What stocking stuffers will you be getting for your baby?

(This post is part of a special project produced by CafeMedia's branded content team. We hope it helps you find something for everyone on your gift list!)

Images via Chewbeads / Drugstore.com / Gap

Perfectly orchestrated photos of celebrities breastfeeding in full hair and makeup are all well and good, but moms know the reality of breastfeeding is a lot messier -- and a lot less airbrushed! Now there's a series of photos of real moms nursing in all their unfiltered glory, and guess what? The pics are just as gorgeous as any star's selfie.

Australian artist, photographer and mother-of-two Suzie Blake was as tired as the rest of us of the ultra-glam version of breastfeeding portrayed in most viral photos, so she decided to document real moms nursing in a series called "What Does Breastfeeding Look Like?"

"When I was feeding my second son, 6 month old Xavier, I decided to take a self portrait and post it on Facebook to see if other women would be interested in being photographed in the same way. I was inundated with responses and so the project began," she says. 

"This project is about portraying breastfeeding in all its beautiful messiness. This is about tired eyes and no make up. This is about milk leaks and ratty hair."

You had us at "tired eyes!" Click through our slideshow to see the beautiful, unvarnished shots, and visit Blake's Tumblr or Indiegogo page for more info on the project.

All images via Suzie Blake/Tumblr