5 Things You Should Know Before Going to the Delivery Room

Erica Loop
Apr 16, 2017

The last nine months have been leading up to this day. It’s your baby’s birthday, and you’re, well, scared out of your ever-loving mind. The delivery room is a totally new space to you, and you’re not exactly sure what to expect. You’re not alone. Every first-time mom feels the same way. You’re not sure who should be there with you (other than your S.O., of course), if photo opps are actually acceptable, and what all those gizmos and gadgets are doing. Don’t stress. Read on for what you need to know about labor and delivery day!

1. Your Invite List: Childbirth is a special, intimate experience. That means you don’t need a stadium-sized audience. Before the big day, you need to decide who’s invited into the labor and delivery room, and who’s not. There’s no shame in cutting your list and keeping it to a bare minimum. Many mamas are into an intimate experience that only includes a plus one (AKA the S.O.). If you want your mother, MIL, sister, BFF, or someone who isn’t your birthing partner there, ask the doc how many people are allowed in the room. Some hospitals have policies limiting the number. Another thing: Consider who you want (and don’t want) to see you spread-eagle pushing another human being out of your body.

2. How to Give Clear Instructions: No, not to the medical staff. They already know what they’re doing. You need to give instructions to anyone who is joining you in the L + D room. This might include cell phone rules (you don’t need your BFF’s dog bark ringtone interrupting your thoughtful breathing), food or drink issues (you won’t be able to eat and drink, so you might not want your mom noshing on a big fat burger), or how many people are allowed in at one time.

3.The Right Time for a Photo Opp: The doctor’s telling you to push, the nurse is holding your legs up in those cold, cold stirrups, and your S.O. is down there (you know where) with the camera poised and ready to take a pic of your baby making an entrance. NOPE! Delivery room dos often don’t include cameras. Yes, you want to capture this special moment, but you might not want to show all of it. Before your delivery day, you should decide when it’s okay to pick up the camera. Your partner shouldn’t be manning the camera when they’re supposed to be holding your hand or cheering you along.

4. The Gear: Birthing balls, bathtubs, and other gear are often part of the delivery process. Knowing what the gizmos, gadgets, and other types of birthing stuff are can make this day much easier. You’ll know exactly what to ask for and when to ask for it.

5. Who’s Who: Scrub-clad people with hospital name tags hanging from lanyards around their necks are running in and out of your room. Who are these people? Well, there’s your doc or midwife, but you can recognize them. Then there are the nurses, nurse’s assistants, medical assistants, anesthesiologists, medical students, residents, interns, and possibly even a student nurse or two. Yep, you’ve got an entire medical team behind you right now. Even though everyone is there to help you, not knowing who’s who is kind of confusing and a little nerve-wracking. If you’re not entirely sure who someone is or what their job is, just ask!

Who’s coming into the delivery room with you? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Milo Ventimiglia Is A "Sweet And Attentive" Father-To-Be, And Duh!!!

Norman Mailer, I'm pregnant! This might be a memorable line from an equally memorable Gilmore Girls episode, but it's now also a reality for one of the show's stars because Milo Ventimiglia is expecting his first child! The actor married model and entrepreneur Jarah Mariano in the fall of 2023 at a tiny, private ceremony (a move that was very Jess Mariano of him), and on September 29, Jarah announced she's pregnant!

Milo Ventimiglia and Jarah Mariano just showed up at Brian Bowen Smith's ‘Joyride’ exhibit at Studio CT in California, and one source tells People Milo was “sweet and attentive to his wife throughout the whole event.” Duh!!

He “seemed very proud to be with her" while Jarah looked "radiant and glowing," as she always does. “Milo was kissing her and whispering into her ear," the source continues. "They were just genuinely lovely together.”

Is Jarah Mariano pregnant?

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A post shared by Jarah Mariano (@jarahm)

Jarah Mariano/Instagram

Yes, Jarah Mariano announced her pregnancy with an Instagram post featuring a surf session with Milo Ventimiglia. In the photos, Jarah is sitting on a surfboard wearing a brown bikini top, polka dot bikini bottoms, and a pink lei. "Baby on board!" she says in the caption.

After his time on Gilmore Girls, Milo played patriarch Jack Pearson on NBC's This Is Us, and told US Weekly in 2017 that "I think I’m built to want a strong family unit. “It will happen when it happens. I’m not out seeking it. It’s just kind of, I’m present in the space in my life that when it presents itself and it’s right, I’m sure it will work out.”

And it looks like it worked out at the exact right time.

Does Milo Ventimiglia have a wife?

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A post shared by Jarah Mariano (@jarahm)

Yes, Milo Ventimiglia & wife Jarah Mariano got married in the fall of 2023, and Jarah recently posted some new photos from the special day. "Last year I married my best friend," she says. "There aren’t enough words that exist to describe all the special qualities that make him who he is. AlI can say is that I am grateful for the life that we have together and the happiness that we have created🤍 Aloha wau iā 'oe my husband Milo."

"Things are good," Milo told Extra in February 2024. "We've had relationships that have come and have gone and then you get to a point where you kind of meet your match and meet someone that inspires you in a way different than anybody else...I'm grateful for her and I’m happy to have arrived in this moment, so married life is nice."

If you're loving the celeb baby news as much as we are, check out the latest news on Hilary Duff's Baby #4!

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Your Ultimate Guide To Holiday Shopping In 2024

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

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Steph And Ayesha Curry Just Shared The First Photo With Their New Baby Boy

Steph and Ayesha Curryhave had a busy year after announcing they were expecting their fourth baby in the spring. Now the loving couple have another reason to celebrate, because their fourth baby was born in May, and we couldn't be happier for them! The couple just shared a super cute photo of their entire family together, and we're truly swooning.

With 12 years of marriage under their belts, they're one of the few celebrity couples that have stood the test of time, carefully balancing their beautiful family with their ever-burgeoning careers.

Here's what we know about this fab family!

When did Ayesha Curry share her pregnancy announcement?

Camila Falquez / Sweet July

Sweet July, Ayesha's magazine, shared her sweet pregnancy announcement on Instagram on March 1, 2024 in celebration of its first digital issue. Singer Ciara — who welcomed her fourth baby at the end of last year — commented, "Yay yay yay! ❤️❤️❤️," while other fans also expressed their excitement.

How old are Ayesha and Steph Curry's kids?

Noah Graham / Getty Images for Eat. Learn. Play.

Ayesha and Steph have two daughters named Riley (11) and Ryan (8), alongside their son, Canon (5), and the newest addition, son, Caius (4 months).

How long have Ayesha and Steph Curry been married?

Theo Wargo / Getty Images

Ayesha and Steph Curry started dating in 2008 and have been married since 2011. Last year Steph Curry shared a touching anniversary post on Instagram that shared the wonderful moments of the 12 years they've been husband and wife. He said, "I’m thankful for every experience we have shared together. The highs, the lows, the ways life has brought us closer together through it all." Excuse us while we grab tissues!

How does Ayesha Curry feel about their growing family?

Miikka Skaffari / Getty Images

In the digital issue of Sweet July, Ayesha detailed her thoughts surrounding her pregnancy and the decision to grow her family. She said, "...last year, we looked at each other and agreed we wanted to do this again. For me, the decision came from always finding myself looking around and feeling like somebody was missing."

What has Steph Curry said about their growing family?

Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

Although he hasn't publicly shared a statement with any outlets, Steph shared the cover of Sweet July's digital issue on Instagram and captioned the pic, "Vol. 4 ❤️👀😍." All we can say is: oh baby!

Have Steph and Ayesha Curry chosen Godparents for their fourth baby?

© 2024 Netflix, Inc.

Ayesha Curry as Heather with Lindsay Lohan as Maddie Kell in "Irish Wish"

When Lindsay Lohan revealed that Steph and Ayesha Curry chose her as the fairy Godparent, we could hardly contain our excitement because it feels like an unexpected, but needed connection. Although nothing has been 100% confirmed, Ayesha hinted that this may be the case!

During an interview with Andy Cohen to promote the upcoming movie Irish Wish, Ayesha talked about the excitement of working with Lindsay and whether she'll share a special bond with her then-expected baby. She laughed and told Cohen, "...we typically wait until after the baby is born to make these decisions."

Lindsay quickly chimed in and said, "You just reminded me of in Feud, the new Truman Capote [show] where everyone wants to be the belle of the ball and you just put her on the spot..."

As exciting as it is to know if Lindsay will be the Godmother, we can understand Steph and Ayesha's desire to take their time while making this kind of decision. Hopefully they'll share the news with everyone whenever they decide, but just know that our bet is on Lindsay!

Where has Ayesha Curry been spotted recently?

Bryan Bedder / Getty Images for Netflix

Ayesha Curry is proving to be one hot mama, and we're 100% here for it! As reported by People, she was seen rocking a sultry lace-up dress by Dolce & Gabbana at a screening of Irish Wish and she looked absolutely radiant. Also, the moments where she spotted cradling her baby bump are too precious to ignore.

It may not seem like much, but seeing pregnant moms-to-be wearing stylish outfits makes us feel giddy.

Have Steph and Ayesha Curry welcomed their new baby?

Ayesha Curry / Instagram

Baby Curry is officially here as of May 2024! Ayesha Curry excitedly shared news of her and Steph's newest addition on Instagram earlier this year before revealing little one's name: Caius Chai.

She captioned the picture, "Our sweet baby boy decided to make an early arrival!! He’s doing great and we are finally settling in at home as a family of 6! So grateful!"

Ayesha Curry / Instagram

Ayesha recently took to Instagram to share the very first photo of their new family of 6. With new baby Caius in her arms, the caption for the photo reads: "My little family. So grateful" Obsessed! This family looks so sweet.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more entertainment updates, so you never miss a thing!

Lead image via Bryan Bedder / Getty Images for Netflix.

This post has been updated.

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When Is Starbucks' Red Cup Day?

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.

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18 Thanksgiving Crock Pot Recipes You Can Make This Year

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.

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