This week, we’re talking about the village. The one we dream of, the one we build, and sometimes, the one we buy — see our feature with Caroline Frazier for more.

Fun fact: Caroline and I go way back to our college days at the University of South Carolina. Go Cocks! One of my favorite late-night spots was actually named “Village Idiot”, which feels almost too perfect for this issue.

We’ll also hear about Chef Joanna Adduci Reed of The Garden Party CLT, who is helping moms serve really good food whether it’s a weekday or a holiday.

On a personal note — my second maternity leave is winding down, and I’ve been busy assembling my own “Avengers-style” village, including: an almost-full-time nanny, preschool, and very involved grandmothers (pro bono😉) — which add up to childcare costs that rival my paycheck. But in this season of mothering two young girls, I know I couldn’t do it without them.

So here’s a heartfelt thank you to the villagers who walk with me daily and especially through this postpartum journey. Whether your village looks like family, friends, neighbors, professionals, or some combination of it all, I hope this issue reminds you that we aren’t supposed to do this alone.

Cheers,
Meg

“In spite of extracurriculars being in full swing (my son plays on a travel soccer team and my daughter dances 2 days a week) I have learned to let things go, there's laundry I need to fold right this minute,  but I played a game with my kids after school and before we all went our separate ways. I always want to be present with my kids, and today I was definitely present.” – N, Charlotte Mom of 2.  

→ Your turn: submit your “gold star” moment from the week. Yes, “I didn’t absolutely lose it on the guy who didn’t hold the door for me, my huge stroller and two daughters” absolutely counts.

Remember Dr. Rachel Selman (PT/DPT/CSCS/CPSS + owner of Synthesis Performance + Recovery) — our go-to women’s health guru? This is where she answers your most pressing questions. From pregnancy surprises to postpartum recovery to “wait, is that normal?” moments, nothing’s off-limits.

Here’s what’s on our minds this week:

Q: If you could only tell people 1 thing to focus on during postpartum what would it be?

Dr. Rachel:Reconnecting to the deep core/pelvic floor - the rib cage expands as pregnancy progresses which can make it difficult to "feel" your core and pelvic floor as you get back to movement. Carrying, lifting, and raising a baby is HARD work - and they only get bigger! We need those deep postural muscles to help, and for most women that doesn't happen independently. Just like we rehab muscles after any other injury, our core and pelvic floor deserve that too. If you don't have the time or capability to see a pelvic PT in person, know that there are tons of options that can at least fill the gap while you heal. I'd also note that as you start feeling better postpartum, don't rush it! So much of the strain on these muscles is beyond what you can "see" - so just because your brain, your glutes, and your quads feel ready to get back to action doesn't mean your pelvic floor is. Medical clearance from your doctor is very different from a musculoskeletal clearance from a PT.

Have a question for Dr. Rachel? Submit it here! We’ll also do polls on Instagram leading up to the next issue.

Former NFL reporter, NFL coach’s wife and mom-of-three Caroline Frazier has moved three times in as many years — and learned the secret to staying sane: you don’t just build a village, you buy one. From a part-time nanny she calls her “lifesaver” to laundry service and grocery delivery, Caroline reminds us that we were never meant to do motherhood solo (and no medal is awarded for trying). 

Read her refreshingly honest take on creating connection — and sanity — no matter your zip code. →

When it comes to fevers — especially in those first 12 weeks — accuracy isn’t optional, it’s everything. With my first daughter, we ended up in the ER when she spiked a fever of 100.5 (100.4 is the threshold for newborns). It was scary, and looking back, I wish I’d had a thermometer I could fully trust to save myself some panic and anxiety.

Needless to say… I didn’t f*ck around for this next round of newborn parenthood. During the last month, we battled a few different return-to-preschool viruses with a newborn in tow — this thermometer was a sanity saver. 

This Welch Allyn hospital-grade thermometer is the same one used at pediatric offices and hospitals, which means no more averaging numbers from three different at-home thermometers or second-guessing which reading is right. When you need to know the right number, this is the tool you want in your medicine cabinet.

*Affiliate link! (I’ll only share products that I personally use or are highly recommended from our community!) Rest assured, this is not just random shit.

Meet Joanna Adduci Reed, a proud aunt and the private chef behind The Garden Party CLT. From weekly meal prep to stunning grazing tables and intimate dinners, Joanna and her all-female team are giving Charlotte families the gift of time — just in time for holiday hosting. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or a festive soirée, her food looks as good as it tastes (and keeps you out of the kitchen).

See how The Garden Party CLT is changing the way Charlotte eats →

“I LOVE my children, but I did not love them at first 🤷🏽‍♀️ society wants new moms entering motherhood to think it's this beautiful thing and an instant connection, and that isn't always the case, and that's normal!!” – K, Charlotte Mom of 2

Motherhood has a way of throwing curveballs no one warned us about — from the weird to the wonderful. 

 What’s one thing about motherhood that completely blindsided you? Was it the cluster feeding? The invisible mental load? The fact that Goldfish will somehow end up in your bed? Let us know — we’ll share some of our favorites (anonymously if you’d like!) so we can all laugh, cry, and nod along together.

No need for a “You Up?” text… you know we are.

Membership perks: dark circles, cold coffee, and the most honest conversations of your life.

Got a late-night gem? Send it in — we’ll feature the best ones here, no judgment.

I was practically itching to get out of the house this week. The walls were literally closing in and everyone was crying at me. I took the girls to The Book Rack to wander around the aisles, and aisles, AND AISLES of used books. Their website says 50k+ and I believe them.

Kids can help pick out new favorites, carry their very own basket of books and even purchase a sticker at checkout.

If you saw me football carry my toddler out because she didn’t want to leave… no you didn’t. Anywho, definitely escape to The Book Rack and find new stories to mentally (and emotionally??) escape to.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a perfect reminder to schedule that mammogram, check in on the women you love, and give back if you can. Consider donating to trusted organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or Susan G. Komen to help fund research, support patients, and bring us closer to a cure.

Rate Your Preparedness Levels: On a scale from Pinterest-perfect to pure chaos… how ready are you for the next wave of school events + holidays?

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I'm a hero (Type A all the way)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Moderately together (adding things to cart to panic buy at a later date)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Hanging on by a thread (Don't even know what day it is but works last min magic)

We’re so excited to launch The Pregnancy Edit — a monthly roundup designed just for moms-to-be. Each issue is packed with bite-sized tips, real talk from other moms, and the encouragement you need through every trimester.

Whether you’re growing your first baby or your fourth, this is your new go-to for support, laughs, and the kind of advice you actually want to read.

👉 Sign up to get The Pregnancy Edit
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“See” you in your inbox in two weeks!