 This week's guest blogger is Lauren Hogg—wife, mom, certified lactation counselor, and co-creator of LactSafe. If you have ever wondered which medications are safe to take during pregnancy or while nursing or pumping, LactSafe may be an answered prayer. Through a simple, streamlined app, you can search a medication's safety—including general info, common brand names, safety ratings, potential side effects, and effects on milk supply—and get a clear, research-backed answer in about 60 seconds. As a doula, I get questions about medication safety all the time, so I was thrilled to connect with Lauren to learn more about what she is building and the impact her work is having on mothers every day. 1. Tell me about yourself.
Hi! I'm Lauren, a mom of three kiddos from Richmond, VA! My background is in anthropology, and since college, I have spent my professional life working at a non-profit and, for the past decade, for a breastfeeding and maternity e-commerce brand. I am also a Certified Lactation Counselor. I'm a homebirther, have been breastfeeding babies for almost 6 years now, and I'm a firm believer in making empowered and informed decisions for themselves and their families, especially when it comes to birthing and breastfeeding. When I'm not fully engrossed in parenting or work, I like to go for a walk in the woods, ride my bike, craft, or watch birds! 2. How/why did you build LactSafe? LactSafe was built after a series of moments where I could have really used it. Each instance really pushed me to work with my husband to co-create the app. Instance one: When my firstborn turned one, I had to have two major surgeries, and I remember vividly being concerned about whether certain medications were safe to take while breastfeeding and not really getting a clear answer. Some said pump and dump to be safe, others said it was fine. It was confusing. Instance two: When I was pregnant with my third baby, I was given inaccurate advice from an EMT about which medications were safe to take while pregnant and breastfeeding for a sinus infection. I knew his advice was incorrect because I had been a CLC for years, and also had been working on LactSafe, so I was pretty familiar with the medications he was talking about. Nonetheless, I remember being so flabbergasted because if I hadn't had that background knowledge, what would I have done? That experience led me to instance three, which is more of an ongoing pattern. As a CLC, I've heard so many times folks ask whether a certain medication is safe to take. As a CLC, the response is to check LactMed and talk to your provider. But from personal experience, when you're down bad with a sinus infection or recovering post-surgery, the last thing you have the capacity to do is read through a bunch of medical jargon when you really just want a clear answer on whether you can take this medication while breastfeeding. I've been in those situations, so I 100% get it. You're in so much pain, baby has to eat, and you don't want to give up on your breastfeeding goals. With my husband's help (he built the entire app from start to finish, and who I am co-creating with!), this is when we decided it was time to get LactSafe out into the world! My goal for this app is to be a tool that makes medication safety easier to understand and gives parents the confidence to start conversations with their providers, because I've also heard horror stories about people ending their breastfeeding journeys over medications that the research actually says are fine. 3. What is LactSafe's mission or main focus? LactSafe's mission is to make evidence-based medication safety information easy, fast, and friendly for breastfeeding and pregnant families. Our vision is a world where every parent can make confident health decisions. 4. What are the best and most challenging parts of being an entrepreneur? Time and energy! I hate that this is such a cliche answer, but as a working full-time parent with three very active kiddos, finding the time to really invest the energy I want into LactSafe has become really hard. That said, remembering being postpartum and struggling to know if I could still breastfeed my baby post-surgery, and thinking about how I know I'm not the only one struggling with this problem, is what encourages me to keep going. I feel very passionate about this project, and I'm excited to dive back into LactSafe's mission now that the kids are back in school and we have a routine down. :) 5. Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years? Gosh, it would be an ultimate dream to have LactSafe become the resource providers automatically hand new parents, the way I wish someone had handed it to me. In 5 years I'd love for it to be trusted enough that it's just part of the standard of care, built out with tools like patient insights dashboard and custom provider builds, and known widely enough that no parent has to sit in that scary, confusing moment I was in wondering if they can still breastfeed. Ultimately, if this thing dies tomorrow I'd be happy just knowing it helped at least one other person in their lactation journey! 6. Who do you follow or admire in the breastfeeding/lactation community? My midwife, Nancy. When I think back to my breastfeeding journey, she really encouraged me to keep going. I appreciate her keeping it real with me and telling me to stick it out. Breastfeeding is beautiful, but it can also be a labor of love and hard work. 100% worth it, but any breastfeeding person would be lying if they said it was all rainbows and sprinkles! Having that support system has been huge. 7. Tell me about your most recent business win. I recently launched a pilot for LactSafe for Providers and have been having providers sign up. To me, that shows there's a real need in this space and validates the reason LactSafe exists. 8. Please share any upcoming events or programs you will participate in, or any special offerings for new providers. We are still offering an early sign-up beta program for providers! If you sign up, you'll get a custom URL referral link. We're also working on launching a patient insights dashboard and a custom build of LactSafe with your brand. More details to come on those latter two, but we are still accepting folks into the beta!
0 Comments
 In 2026, families in North Carolina and all across America face a rapidly evolving landscape when it comes to growing their families and caring for children. With higher costs of living, inflation driven partly by tariffs, healthcare costs rising sharply and continuing maternal health challenges, planning for everyday life and family expansion means understanding more than just diapers and cribs. It means understanding economic realities and health care considerations that affect every step from conception to raising kids.
The Impact of Inflation and Tariffs on Everyday Living in 2026 Unfortunately, inflation isn’t over and tariffs compound it. Though inflation has somewhat eased from its peak years, the ripple effects continue. Tariffs on imported goods, particularly from China, Mexico, and Canada, have pushed prices up on basic household goods, groceries, and baby products. Estimates suggested that recent tariffs could raise food prices by about 2.6% overall, with fresh produce increasing even more, potentially adding nearly $4,000–$5,000 annually to a typical household’s grocery bill. Industry analysts expect tariff-driven cost pressures to impact healthcare supply chains as well, meaning some equipment and supplies used in hospitals may become more expensive and guess where those additional costs are going? Yep, right to you. Even modest increases in everyday prices matter greatly when you’re budgeting for rent or mortgage, utilities, childcare, transportation, and rising health insurance premiums. The Real Cost of Childbirth in America Fact: Bringing a baby into the world is expensive. According to 2025 estimates, the average hospital cost for a vaginal birth in North Carolina was about $14,700 without insurance, with out-of-pocket costs (after insurance) of about $2,750. In contrast, a C-section typically costs 50–75% more than a vaginal birth. Severe complications increase costs substantially with complicated deliveries totalling many thousands more in combined hospital and physician fees, especially with readmissions. Even with insurance, some families pay $3,000–$5,000 or more out-of-pocket for delivery and newborn care. And if complications arise, like a NICU stay, costs can easily exceed $10,000 or more. The impact of hospital delivery costs ripples through family budgets, causing financial strain and debt. It also influences decisions about where and how to give birth, including increasing interest in home births. In North Carolina, home births have nearly doubled since the pandemic, partly because families are seeking alternatives to expensive hospital bills. High costs may also deter some families from seeking early or consistent prenatal care, which can worsen health outcomes. And of course we can't talk about childbirth without mentioning the ongoing maternal health crisis. It continues despite efforts to improve standards of care, including federal proposals aimed at improving hospital maternal care, although such programs can be costly to implement. In North Carolina specifically, maternal health funding has been boosted with federal investments (Medicaid expansion) aimed at expanding access to care, growing the health workforce and supporting perinatal mental health, which is a positive but still limited step. But with health care subsidies now expired and average premiums on the ACA marketplace nearly doubling, basic health care needs for families hang in the balance and may leave many families putting plans to expand on hold. How Families Can Plan Ahead Families expanding in 2026 should build a family budget that accounts for reality and prepare in these areas: 1. Understand the Full Cost of Raising Children
2026 brings both challenges and uncertainty for families in America, especially here in North Carolina. Economic pressures like tariffs and inflation affect everyday living costs, while maternal health risks and childbirth expenses underscore the importance of proactive planning, budgeting, and advocacy. Growing a family isn’t just about preparing a nursery, it’s about understanding the financial landscape and health realities that shape your first years together. With thoughtful planning and community support, families can navigate these challenges and build a strong foundation for the future.  Photo by Raleigh Skyline Nearly twenty-two years ago, I moved to Raleigh for college, not knowing that it would become home. As someone who has spent my entire adult life here, I have met some amazing people and had some life-changing experiences in this beautiful city. One of the main reasons I decided to stay here was the family-friendly amenities, not to mention, the great sense of community. I've seen Raleigh change a lot in the past couple of decades, but I have absolutely no regrets about making such a permanent change. If you’re thinking about growing your family and want more than just a place to live, Raleigh should definitely be at the top of your list. This vibrant, fast-growing (and I mean fast) city combines quality of life, economic opportunity, family-oriented accommodations and a culture of community in ways few other cities can match. Here’s why people are increasingly choosing Raleigh as the place to put down roots, raise their children and invest in community. Nationally Recognized Quality of Life Raleigh was recently ranked the #6 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026. Not only does Raleigh have safe neighborhoods and lower crime rates than many similarly sized metros, but it also offers job security, shorter commuter times, accessible health care and abundant outdoor recreation, giving families comfort and peace of mind. This kind of environment helps children thrive socially, emotionally and physically. A Thriving Economy and Strong Job Market Raleigh’s economy continues to outperform many U.S. cities. It consistently ranks high due to job growth in tech, healthcare, biotech and education. Because of this, families can look forward to stable employment opportunities, stronger household incomes and the ability to balance professional and personal life. For many couples, this stability makes it easier to plan for children and secure family support services like doulas, child care, camps & extracurricular activities, and even higher education. Unmatched Work–Life Balance Last year, Raleigh ranked #4 nationally for work-life balance, highlighting its affordable cost of living, flexible work options (including remote and hybrid roles), and abundant green space per resident. For many parents, this balance is critical and means more meaningful family time, less stress during pregnancy and early parenthood and better integration of supportive services (like doulas, nannies and elder care for aging parents). High-Quality Schools and Education Families often cite education as a top priority and Raleigh does not disappoint. The Raleigh-Wake County area regularly ranks among the top cities in the nation for public school quality and overall education outcomes. Our strong education ecosystem boosts property values, attracts family-oriented communities and creates opportunities for children to excel from early learning through high school. Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Major Cities With an average of 50+ people moving to Raleigh each day, housing is always being developed. And while Raleigh’s housing market has grown, it still offers better affordability than many large U.S. metros like New York, D.C., or San Francisco, especially when you compare total living costs and quality of life. Currently, home prices in the Triangle area remain significantly lower than in larger coastal markets. Many families find that their quality of life improves as housing costs decrease relative to their income, leaving more money left for monthly expenses like childcare, groceries and activities. This affordability can also free up resources for important family-building expenses like savings & emergency funds, family enrichment activities and travel. Growing Healthcare Infrastructure Families with young children often prioritize access to strong pediatric and maternity care. Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle region, which is building North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, a major development that will expand pediatric services and access for families. This kind of long-term health investment complements supportive services like prenatal and pediatric care, ensuring families have more options for comprehensive care. Family-Focused Neighborhoods for Every Stage of Life Whether you’re a first-time parent or planning your forever home, Raleigh and its surrounding suburbs offer diverse living options. Each of these areas has unique advantages while staying connected to Raleigh’s economic and cultural core.
A Community That Values Family Support Raleigh has developed a community culture centered on families that includes support networks for new parents, group activities, festivals & family events, robust parks, trails, outdoor spaces and countless family & parenting resources. Whether you’re seeking support for your first baby or enrolling children in after-school programs, Raleigh offers the social fabric that nurtures families, not just houses. Choosing where to raise your family is one of life’s biggest decisions. Raleigh stands out not just for its rankings and statistics, but for the real lived experiences of families like mine who move here seeking support, balance, community and opportunity. From economic stability and educational strength to outdoor living and family resources, Raleigh provides a foundation where children can flourish and parents can build the life they’ve always dreamed of.  NC State Fair in Raleigh Want to learn more about Raleigh? Here are some interesting facts that just may persuade you to settle here sooner rather than later.
 The Honest Truth: parenting is hard. Not just “I’ve-been-up-all-night” hard, or “my-toddler-just-flushed-my-keys” hard. I'm talking next-level hard. And while sleep deprivation, mystery stains, and the eternal search for matching socks play their part, there's one sneaky culprit that makes this whole parenting thing truly bananas:
Everyone suddenly becomes a parenting expert. Yep. The real reason parenting is so hard? It’s not your baby. It’s your great aunt Carol, your neighbor Sharon, the random barista who just “has to say something,” and don’t forget the infinite scroll of contradictory advice from Instagram moms who look like they haven’t ever had spit-up on their sweaters. The real reason parenting is so hard is because everybody has an opinion on how YOU should parent YOUR child(ren). How Sway?! You bring your baby to the park and someone tells you they’re underdressed. Another tells you they’re overdressed. One stranger says co-sleeping is the only way, while another gasps in horror that your baby isn’t in their crib at 7:03 p.m. sharp. If babies came with instruction manuals, every page would be written in a different handwriting—with conflicting advice in the margins. Welcome to the wild ride of unsolicited parenting wisdom. But here’s the thing no one tells you enough (unless you’ve got that one cool friend who keeps it real): You’re allowed to ignore the noise. In fact, you should. Because the truth is, nobody—not your mom, not your pediatrician (okay, maybe a little bit your pediatrician), and definitely not that Facebook mom’s group—is raising your baby. You are. And you’re going to get a lot of things right. You’re also going to mess some stuff up. That’s called parenting. It’s not a mistake, it’s how it works. Every cry, every giggle, every midnight panic-Google (please don't Google) builds your parenting muscle. You don’t learn how to parent by reading all the blogs (yes, including this one—ironic, I know). You learn it the old-fashioned way: by doing it. By trial. By error. By rerouting. And by trusting that little voice inside you that says, “Okay, I’ve got this. I think.” So, the next time someone offers you the tip that “saved their baby’s sleep/feeding/sanity,” smile politely. Say “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” And then do whatever the heck you think is right. Because you're not raising their baby. You’re raising yours. And you're doing great—even if your shirt is inside out and your toddler just ate a crayon. Hang in there, trust your gut, and remember: no one knows your baby like you do. Someday you’ll get to give your own unsolicited advice. Just think of it as a rite of passage.  Parenthood is a rollercoaster—equal parts joy, terror, and mystery odors. Some days you're crushing it and other days you're barely hanging on and giving it just enough to keep everybody alive. The truth? Raising kids is weird, messy, loud... and absolutely hilarious. If you know where to look (hint: everywhere), the humor in parenthood is not only real, it's what will keep you sane. 1. The Comedy is in the Chaos The toddler tantrum over the “wrong” color cup. The six-year-old logic that explains how underwear is optional at school. The teen who’s suddenly embarrassed by the way you breathe. These moments are comedy gold—eventually. Maybe not in the moment, but give it time. Or a group text with your best parent friends. Need reassurance? Check out “Sh*t My Dad Says” by Justin Halpern, which began as a Twitter account and evolved into a hilarious memoir of growing up with a brutally honest (and unintentionally funny) father. It’s a reminder that even the most off-the-wall parenting moments make for the best stories later. 2. Lower the Bar (And Your Expectations) Perfection is a trap. Let go of the Pinterest-worthy bento boxes and embrace the chicken nuggets. Your child will survive mismatched socks and cereal for dinner. The real parenting wins are surviving Target with toddlers or managing to drink your coffee before it gets cold. For a perfect dose of reality, “Toddlers Are Aholes: It’s Not Your Fault” by Bunmi Laditan delivers a painfully accurate (and funny) look at life with tiny, irrational dictators. She reminds us all that it’s okay to laugh at the absurdity of parenting life—because that’s what it is: absurd. 3. Kids Say the Darndest (And Most Terrifying) Things Children are unfiltered little truth bombs with a gift for mortifying their parents in public. Their questions, observations, and bedtime stall tactics are often unintentionally hilarious. Take comfort in “I Heart My Little A-Holes” by Karen Alpert, a laugh-out-loud collection of parenting mishaps, awkward moments, and brutally honest truths. Alpert’s self-deprecating style gives all parents permission to laugh at themselves—and their offspring. 4. Celebrate the Small Wins Did you remember picture day? Amazing. Got your child to eat something green? You’re a wizard. Laughed at a poop joke? Welcome to the club. Parenthood is built on these small victories and the ability to find joy (or at least sarcasm) in them. For inspiration, revisit “Go the Fk to Sleep” by Adam Mansbach, the picture book for grown-ups that perfectly captures the bedtime battle—and your inner monologue. Bonus: there’s a version read by Samuel L. Jackson that deserves a spot in the Parenting Hall of Fame. 5. Share the Struggle Some of the funniest parenting moments come from swapping stories with other sleep-deprived grown-ups. Community is key. Whether it's a mom group, a dad podcast, or a 2 a.m. Reddit thread titled "Is this rash normal?", laughter connects us. Don’t miss “How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids” by Jancee Dunn, which tackles the relationship side of parenting with humor, honesty, and actionable advice for keeping your sense of humor—and your marriage—alive through the trenches. Parenting isn’t a sitcom, but it sure has the material for one. So the next time your kid draws a mustache on the cat or announces loudly in public that “Mommy tooted,” take a breath and laugh. These are the moments you will retell at their graduation party... or wedding... or to their therapist. After all, if we can't laugh at parenting, we’ll probably just cry into that day-old coffee. And that’s just no fun.  More Humorous Books to Keep You Sane:
|
About the AuthorKelly Collins Archives
August 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed