After a breast cancer survivor has had a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, she usually has new needs in a bra — that’s where mastectomy bras come in.

For the uninitiated, mastectomy bras have special built-in pockets where you can opt to insert a breast prosthesis (a form shaped like a breast) on one or both sides. This can allow you to have a more symmetrical appearance or to look and feel like “yourself” again, without having to have breast reconstruction surgery, if that’s what you want. Thankfully, lingerie brands are catching on and creating mastectomy bras that offer all the comfort and convenience breast cancer survivors need, but also aren’t absolutely hideous.

In fact, we’ve got a mix here — comfy bras for relaxing at home, stylish bras for when you want to get dressed up and even sports bras for when you feel like moving. There are bras with padding and bras without. Many even have front closures, so they’re easy to put on and take off, if you have any challenges with your range of motion. There are post-surgery bras to wear while you’re still recovering — and more stylish mastectomy bras you can switch to afterwards. While there’s plenty of variety, there’s one thing these mastectomy bras have in common: no wire.

So, check out our picks for the best mastectomy bras to see if there’s one (or a couple) that might be a good fit for you.

A version of this story was published in October 2019.

The comedian, who shares two children with Munn, made a surprise appearance at the ceremony to present the actress with her Woman of Impact Award, “in recognition of her advocacy and change-making in women’s health” following her breast cancer diagnosis last year, the outlet said. It’s the first extended remarks Mulaney has made about Munn’s diagnosis, and he took the opportunity to share more about her experience with treatment, which included five surgeries, one of them a double mastectomy.

Mulaney shared that both he and Munn were “a little nervous” ahead of her third surgery, in September 2023, because Munn had “lost a lot of blood” during the previous surgery. He recalled how Munn reached for and found a deeper strength in that moment.

Reflecting on a book she’d recently read about Jackie Kennedy and how she “never got over” her husband’s assassination, Munn said, “She always regretted that she didn’t move past it… I’m scared, but I’m taking all of this and I’m not going to let it hang over our lives. I’m moving past it.”

Those words hit home for Mulaney. “I thought, how lucky our kids are to have you as their mother, how lucky I am to have you as my partner in life.”

Earlier this year, Munn decided to share her story publicly to raise awareness not just for breast cancer but for alternate forms of screening for the disease. In her first Instagram post detailing her diagnosis, Munn explained that her mammogram had come back normal and she’d tested negative for the BRCA gene, a gene that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Seemingly in the clear, Munn nonetheless decided to take an additional questionnaire, the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment test, at the encouragement of her doctor. Her score ultimately identified her as having a high risk of the disease. That led Munn to go in for MRI, then a biopsy, before being diagnosed with an aggressive, fast-moving type of breast cancer, Luminal B, in both breasts.

It’s not your “normal” breast cancer diagnosis story (if there is such a thing), which is why Munn’s decision to speak out was so powerful, as Mulaney went on to highlight. “[Her breast cancer] was detected because she took a heretofore not-that-known test called the lifetime breast cancer risk assessment test and they found that she had a 37 percent chance of breast cancer,” he said. “And about a month later, she was having a double mastectomy.”

Munn’s motivation to share her story was “to help anyone she could,” Mulaney went on, and the impact was real. “According to the National Cancer Institute, in the week after Olivia shared the story of her breast cancer journey, there was a 4,000 percent increase in women visiting the breast cancer risk assessment,” Mulaney said. “That was the first week. Olivia saving lives by speaking her truth is not surprising to me.”

Munn has been working to shatter other stigmas around women’s healthcare too. She’s spoken openly about her experience with postpartum anxiety, facing menopause as a result of cancer treatments, and even struggling with mom guilt when the cancer affected her parenting. Her transparency has made millions of women feel seen, and we’re glad Mulaney appreciates his wife’s bravery, too.

Before you go, shop these gifts for breast cancer survivors and patients:

We all know how uncomfortable bloating is. Your jeans, the ones you can’t button fully when you’re bloated, know too. To ease the discomfort, you can turn to one of the best supplements for bloating. Different digestive enzymes and botanicals can alleviate symptoms no matter why you’re bloated — and there are plenty of scenarios in which it’s normal to have an extended belly. 

Best Supplements for Bloating at a Glance

Best Overall: Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat, $12 (with subscription) or $25 one-time purchase
Best for Regularity: HUM Flatter Me+ Pre and Probiotics, $33
Best for Gas Relief: Hilma Gas + Bloat, $36
Best for Hydration: Rhythm Girl Bye, $28
Best for IBS: Olly Beat the Bloat, $13
Best for Stress: Recess Calming Magnesium Blend, $35
Best Fiber Supplement: Nature Made Fiber Gummies, $23
Best for PMS: Moon Juice Magnesi-Om, $40

Got PMS? Maybe you’re bloated from water retention. Indulge in pizza delivery? Bloating is common if you have a gluten or dairy sensitivity. Constipation, gas, stress, and anxiety also go hand-in-hand with bloating, so it’s best to have a safe, belly-friendly supplement on your side. 

Read on for the best supplements for bloating. Don’t worry — you’ll be able to button your jeans again.

What causes bloating?

There’s no one reason for bloating. “An individual might feel bloated from a gas buildup in the intestines caused by high-fiber foods, carbonated beverages, fried foods, or foods containing the sugar alcohol sorbitol,” says Keri Gans MS, RDN, CDN, and Fractional Chief Nutrition Officer of VSL Probiotics. “Bloating can also occur from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, a woman’s menstrual cycle, side effects of medication, or due to stress or anxiety.”

Other causes of bloating include food intolerances, constipation, consuming gaseous foods (like broccoli and cauliflower), water retention, or slow digestion.

What ingredients should you look for in the best supplements for bloating?

The most important ingredients to look for in a supplement to treat bloating, Gans says, are strains of bacteria like bifidobacterium infantis, lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium lactis, and lactobacillus plantarum. “These strains have been shown to balance our gut microbiome and reduce bloating, and are commonly recommended for individuals with IBS,” says Gans. 

Another ingredient to look out for is magnesium stearate, which Gans says may help with bloating by decreasing stomach acid and relaxing stomach muscles. Natural ingredients like peppermint, ginger, fennel, aloe, and licorice may alleviate bloating symptoms too.

Ahead, see the best supplements to get your gut back on track.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Love Wellness is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. 

BEST OVERALL

Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat

$12.50

Buy Now

It’s all in the name. Say goodbye (see you never!) to bloat with Love Wellness’s Bye Bye Bloat. No matter why your belly is feeling extended, whether from PMS-related water retention to overindulging in ice cream, Bye Bye Bloat gently alleviates bloating. It’s made with a clinically proven and first-of-its-kind combination of six critical digestive enzymes as well as botanicals that provide quick relief. You’ll especially want to keep Bye Bye Bloat on hand if you’re sensitive to gluten or dairy. 

Best for: PMS, supporting digestion of gluten and dairy
Key ingredients: Organic fenugreek seed powder, organic dandelion root powder, organic fennel seed powder, organic ginger root powder, organic parsley leaf powder
Type: Capsules
Instructions: Take one or two capsules after a meal or before bedtime, up to four capsules a day

---

BEST FOR REGULARITY

HUM Flatter Me+ Pre and Probiotics

$33

Buy Now

If you struggle with constipation, HUM’s Flatter Me+ Pre and Probiotics formula will get you back on track. (I say this from first-hand experience!) Its fast-acting blend of digestive enzymes, pre- and probiotics, and an herb blend debloats you in just 30 minutes and promotes regularity within two weeks of consistent use.

The anti-bloat formula includes ginger, peppermint leaf, and a powerful blend of 18 full-spectrum digestive enzymes, including lipase, amylase, and bromelain. Together, they support your digestive health, helping break down food, increase nutrient absorption, and get it moving in your digestive system. Bloat, be gone!

Best for: Constipation, overall digestive health
Key ingredients: Ginger, peppermint leaf, fennel seed, lipase, amylase, and bromelain
Type: Capsules
Instructions: Take one capsule twice a day before two main meals. 

---

BEST FOR GAS RELIEF

Hilma Gas + Bloat

$36

Buy Now

Gas—we all get it, we all don’t like to admit it. While totally normal, gas is one of the main causes of bloating, whether after a big meal, during your period, or while traveling. (Or just because!) For relief from bloating due to gas, try Hilma’s Gas + Bloat Relief, which is packed with natural herbs that break up intestinal gas and soothe the digestive tract. It contains several anti-bloat ingredients, like peppermint leaf and anise, that target the root cause to help reduce gas production while being gentle on your belly.

“I struggle with bloating and gas and bought this before my vacation,” says one reviewer. “It worked great. I was able to eat freely, release discomfort when needed, and look great in my clothes.”

Best for: Gas
Key ingredients: Lemon balm, fennel, peppermint leaf, anise, and caraway
Type: Capsules
Instructions: Take two capsules as needed up to six times daily

---

BEST FOR HYDRATION

Rhythm Girl Bye

$28

Buy Now

Maintaining a harmonious microflora in your gut is like walking a balance beam every day. The same goes for your vaginal pH and a healthy urinary tract. Oh, the joys of being a woman! Rhythm’s Girl Bye, a peach-flavored powder that you mix with water, supports all of the above with a mix of probiotics and seven vitamins and minerals. (This includes D-mannose, which is key if you suffer from UTIs.) One drink of Girl Bye and you’ll not only be relieved from bloating, but support your immune system, vaginal pH, and urinary tract too. 

Best for: UTIs, dehydration, gas
Key ingredients: Probiotics, D-mannose, magnesium, zinc, vitamins B, C, and D
Type: Powder
Instructions: Mix with water, drink once daily

---

BEST FOR IBS

Olly Beat the Bloat

$13 $18 28% off

Buy Now

Repeat after me: digestive enzymes are your friend. That’s especially the case if you suffer from IBS. That’s where Olly’s Beat the Bloat supplement comes in handy. Its blend of digestive enzymes and herbal botanicals support your body’s ability to break down all the tough stuff that can cause discomfort, like fats, carbs, lactose, and vegetable fibers. 

One reviewer, a new mom who was frustrated with her midsection, raves about Beat the Bloat. “Within a few days of using this my stomach feels so different,” she says. “No, I haven’t lost any weight or lost any fat but my stomach is noticeably flatter so my clothes fit better. It’s magical and it makes me feel so much better.”

Best for: IBS, cramping
Key ingredients: Amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, lactase, alpha galactosidase, lipase, dandelion extract, fennel extract, ginger extract
Type: Capsules
Instructions: Take one capsule with water as needed, up to three capsules a day

---

BEST FOR STRESS

Recess Calming Magnesium Blend

$25

Buy Now

The mind-to-gut connection is no joke. One fight with your partner or one work presentation gone wrong can be the root cause of some bloating. Ease stress and anxiety with this Calming Magnesium Blend by Recess. A single serving contains half of your daily dose of magnesium, along with passion flower, L-theanine, and electrolytes, which together help calm the mind and keep you hydrated—both key to relieving bloating. The lemon citrus flavor is best for a zippy water or adding to your smoothie, or you can opt for unflavored to add it to coffee or anything else you’re sipping on. 

Best for: Stress, anxiety
Key ingredients: Magnesium, passion flower, L-theanine, and electrolytes
Type: Powder
Instructions: Mix with water, drink once daily

---

BEST FIBER SUPPLEMENT

Nature Made Fiber Gummies

$23

Buy Now

Fiber is essential for maintaining a well-oiled digestive machine. To help get your daily intake of fiber, add these Nature Made Fiber Gummies to your daily routine. They’re a convenient and delicious way to keep your digestive tract on, well, track. Each three-gummy serving provides six grams of inulin fiber, which improves digestive health and relieves constipation by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. 

Best for: Constipation, diarrhea, gas
Key ingredients: Chicory root fiber, citric acid, and lactic acid
Type: Gummies
Instructions: Chew three gummies daily

---

BEST FOR PMS

Moon Juice Magnesi-Om

$40

Buy Now

Admit it. You’re not your best self while PMS-ing. To relieve several of the woes that coincide with that time of the month, try Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om powder. It’s packed with a magnesium blend that was specifically chosen to easily absorb into the gut, and also with L-theanine, which helps provide cognitive support. (Both PMS and digestive issues can be to blame for a foggy brain.) Drink this before bed to feel alert yet relaxed, and also less bloated, since it keeps you regular.

Best for: Improving mood, regularity
Key ingredients: Magnesium chelate blend (gluconate, acetyl taurinate and citrate) and L-theanine
Type: Powder
Instructions: Mix with water, drink once daily (recommended at night)

---

Before you go, check out our slideshow below: 

Emma Lovewell gets it too. The Peloton fitness instructor welcomed her first child, Skylar, in August and has been taking her time returning to exercise (as she very well should). The influencer and author just posted her first post-baby workout to Instagram, and the caption contains a message every new parent needs to hear.

In the post, Lovewell notes that it’s considered a “general rule” that you can start working out at six weeks postpartum. Although, again, everyone is different; according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it’s usually safe to begin exercising “a few days” after giving birth if you had a healthy pregnancy and normal vaginal delivery. If you had a C-section or complications, your doctor should advise you on the timeline.

But no matter when you get the green light, it doesn’t actually mean you have to start exercising right then. As Lovewell puts it, with a cheeky winking emoji: “you can wait longer.”

“I’m choosing to take my time,” the fitness expert explained, “but also excited about getting stronger.”

In the video, Lovewell moves through three different Peloton workouts — including one of her own, a 10-minute postnatal core class! — while little Skylar plays in her seat nearby. And for the record, Lovewell did find it “weird” to take her own class, “but I thought it was cute to show Sky her mama on the screen,” and well, we can’t argue with that!

And it was a good choice anyway, because rebuilding core strength is essential after a pregnancy. Your abdominal muscles have just spent nine-ish months stretching and lengthening to make space for your growing baby, and they naturally get weaker over that time. You might even experience diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles, which can cause back pain, constipation, and incontinence — none of which you need to deal with on top of a new baby.

Strengthening your core both before and during pregnancy, then gradually adding core work back in after giving birth, are the best ways to prevent this kind of condition, experts previously told SheKnows. Kayla Itsines, a personal trainer, founder of the super-popular Sweat app, and mom of two herself, recommends new moms focus on strengthening deep core muscles, aka the muscles that stabilize your trunk and core, like your diaphragm, pelvic floor, and transverse abdominis. “I’m talking about movements that are really slow and controlled or strength holds,” Itsines previously told SheKnows.

The gentle core exercises we see Lovewell doing at the beginning of her video are good examples: modified planks and bicycles and slow leg drops from side to side, all of which encourage core activation and strengthening without getting too dynamic.

And Lovewell’s attitude sets a great example too. “These were some of my first workouts since Sky was born (besides walking, hikes, and carrying a heavy AF car seat around),” the fitness pro wrote in the caption, and she was all positives afterwards. “I felt proud of myself for moving my body, no matter how short or simple it was. Feels good to sweat and move!”

Want more workouts? Check out these free yoga flows you can do at home:

While breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women (the median age for diagnosis is 62), anyone at any age can develop breast cancer, including men. (Per the CDC, 1 out of every 100 breast cancer cases in the US is found in a man.) The numbers are scary, but getting an early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes and higher survival rates. That means things like self-exams, speaking to your doctor as soon as you feel something off, and generally raising awareness about breast cancer can literally save lives.

The following celebrities have taken on that duty. From Today show anchor Hoda Kotb to movie star Olivia Munn to the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, all of these celebs have faced breast cancer in their own lives and spoken about their experience to increase awareness and connect to millions of patients around the world who are fighting the same fight.

A version of this post was originally published in 2019.

Olivia Munn is owning her scars.

The X-Men: Apocalypse star revealed her double mastectomy scars today in a new photoshoot with Skims, after revealing earlier this year that she’d been diagnosed with and treated for Luminal B breast cancer. Since coming forward, Munn has become a strong advocate for extra breast cancer screening, including the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment test, a questionnaire that determines a person’s risk based on their medical history. Munn’s high score on the test spurred her doctors to bring her in for additional testing after her mammogram initially came back clear.

Munn waited a year before sharing her journey publicly, but now the mom of two is ready to bare all her scars — although she didn’t originally intend to. In an interview on Today, Munn revealed that she initially signed on simply to model Skims’ shapewear and leggings. “It wasn’t about my scar at all,” she explained. It wasn’t until the middle of the photoshoot, when Munn’s makeup artist was touching up around her scars, that the actress experienced a change of heart. “We got to the double mastectomy scars and they were just really hard to cover up,” Munn said, “and then I was looking in the mirror and I just thought, ‘I’m done being insecure about my scars.'”

She talked it out with the Skims team, who agreed to help Munn highlight her scars in the shoot. “It was really scary, but I feel like this is something I’ve been hiding for a long time now and it just feels like I can breathe a little bit more,” Munn explained. She was also inspired by knowing that so many breast cancer patients and survivors have the same scars and insecurities. “Skims is so iconic and associated with beauty and sex appeal, and cancer really doesn’t have that same connotation,” Munn said. “I just really hope that other women who have gone through my same path feel a little better after seeing [the photos].”

Munn has been open about the difficulty of accepting her appearance after her double mastectomy. “I just absolutely broke down,” she told People in April of seeing her body for the first time post-surgery. “I just thought, ‘What am I gonna wear?… oh my gosh, this is what I look like, and I don’t want to look at myself right now.'” She said that her appearance was “better” after getting reconstructive surgery, “but it’s not the same,” she explained. “And that’s OK, because I’m here. And I’m OK with that now, and I’m extremely happy that I had the option to have a double mastectomy… that I got the opportunity to fight… I know a lot of people in my situation don’t have that opportunity.”

Now, Munn is embracing both her scars and the strength they represent as she shares her story to raise awareness. “Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought,” she wrote in an Instagram caption sharing the Skims photos. “I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I’m sending.”

In the same caption, she wrote the word kintsugi, referencing the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with a lacquer mixed with powdered gold, which makes the cracks stand out and shimmer. It’s a beautiful technique and metaphor, as Munn seems to recognize: that there is beauty in putting ourselves back together, and our scars are a reminder of our resilience.

As part of the partnership, Skims will be donating 10 percent of the retail sales price for each bra sold in SKIMS stores and on Skims.com, excluding bralettes, to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research. The initiative lasts from October 23, 2024, to the end of the month.

Before you go, shop these gifts for breast cancer patients and survivors:

What is a suction vibrator (or, as most of us will call them clitoral stimulator or suction toys) and how does it work? Well, suction toys use the power of air (or sonic waves, in one case) to create a highly stimulating sensation on and around the clitoris. As you may or may not know, the clitoris is a bigger-on-the-inside marvel of biological machinery that people with vulvas have. Research says it has nearly 8,000 nerve endings in that concentrated area. So yeah, it is a fun lil piece of anatomy many of us have and a great target of pleasure for people who like this kind of stimulation — and it deserves all the love we can give.

So the suction toy’s ability to surround the clit and give it a wealth of strong but not abrasive buzzing — which has its place, but sometimes can be too much for this sensitive spot — is part of why they are such a hit. It’s a sensation that comes pretty close to a specific kind of oral sex (think more sucking and less licking action) and, if you’re having more than one clitoral O in a short period of time, they can be great helpers in making sure the overstimulation doesn’t veer into the side of uncomfortable (unless you’re into that, then go off). And, on top of that, they can often be used to stimulate your nipples too, which is a pretty solid two-fer.

These toys are generally on the quiet side, easy to use on yourself or a partner, rechargeable (no cords or plugs other than a USB charger) and a good number of them are waterproof.  Because of those features, they should check a lot of the modern “yes please” qualities most people are looking for in a toy. So read on for a selection of some of our favorite little suckers on the market — and we promise you this: They suck in the best possible way.

A version of this article was originally published in 2021.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Babeland is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Navigating the world of therapy for your teen or tween can feel like a big, intimidating task. You might wonder: Where do I even begin? Will my teen open up to a complete stranger? How do I know I can trust this person with my kid? The pressure to find the “perfect fit” can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to support your child through a challenging time. But here’s a secret: finding a therapist is a lot less like making a lifelong commitment and more like finding the perfect pair of shoes — you need to shop around, try them on, break them in, and see how they really fit!

Research consistently shows that the bond between a therapist and a teen is crucial for treatment success. A 2023 study in the Systematic Review of Adolescent Therapeutic Alliance in Mental Health Interventions revealed that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is a primary factor in improving mental health outcomes for teens, whether in school-based or outpatient settings. The study found that techniques like motivational interviewing and active listening were especially effective in building rapport and enhancing treatment success.

So, whether you’re navigating this process for the first time or you’re simply switching providers, take a deep breath, and let’s break down how to find a therapist who not only fits but also helps your teen thrive.

Finding a Therapist For Your Teen

What Are You Looking For? The first step is to identify what your teen needs support with. Do they need help managing anxiety, boosting self-esteem, or maybe coping with big changes like divorce, bullying, or even navigating friendships? Look for therapists who specialize in working with teens or tweens and have experience addressing the specific issues your child is facing.

Tip: Check out therapists’ bios on their websites, organization directories, or through referral from your current pediatric providers, to get a sense of their background, training, and approach. If you find terms like “CBT for anxiety and mood disorders,” “family systems therapy,” “family dynamics”, “conduct and behavior specialties,” or “trauma-informed care,” it’s a good sign that they’re serious about treating specific issues.

Shop Around: Don’t feel pressured to commit to the first therapist you meet. Yes, you can shop for your therapist! It’s perfectly okay to “try on” a few before settling on the right one. Be completely honest and respectful towards your clinician and explain the process you are in with your child. A true family-trained provider will understand that it is crucial for the kid to feel connected in order to embrace a therapeutic approach.

Tip: Ask for an introduction video call before committing. This initial chat can be super helpful, especially if your teen is feeling nervous or unsure about meeting a new therapist. It’s a casual way for them to get a sense of who the therapist is and how they communicate, which can ease some of those first-meeting jitters. If you’re unsure, you can start with a quick parent-to-therapist conversation to make sure their approach aligns with your family’s values and goals before introducing them to your teen. Remember, this process is all about finding the right fit for everyone involved!

Check for Credentials and Specializations: Ensure the therapist is licensed and trained specifically to work with teens and tweens. Look for credentials such as LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LMFT, or other recognized qualifications. If your child has unique needs (like ADHD, autism, or learning differences), finding a therapist who specializes in those areas can enhance treatment effectiveness.

A Family-Centered Approach is Key: Teens need their own safe space to talk freely without other family members in the room. But a therapist who has a family-centered approach will view the family as part of the therapeutic process, and will engage parents in ways that are supportive, respectful, and open. While the therapist will maintain complete confidentiality about what your teen shares in private sessions, they should also be willing to communicate with you about general progress and areas where you can be helpful.

For example: You might hear things like, “I think your teen could use some more downtime at home,” or “Let’s try to find more one-on-one bonding time.” This kind of feedback is a sign the therapist is committed to the whole family’s wellness and understands that improving the environment the child is part of is as important as exploring the symptoms they are experiencing.

Inclusivity and Cultural Competence: If your family has a specific cultural or religious background, language preference, or unique values, seek out a therapist who understands and respects these aspects. You’re looking for an ally, not just a provider. A culturally competent and inclusive therapist will be open to exploring how culture, religion, language, sexual orientation, and values shape your teen’s experiences, offering a safe space to address both personal and cultural challenges.

Tip: When interviewing potential therapists, don’t be afraid to ask questions like, “How do you incorporate cultural or religious backgrounds into your therapy?” or “Have you worked with families from similar backgrounds before?” This ensures that your teen is working with someone who sees and celebrates their whole identity, creating a truly supportive environment.

Empower Your Teen in the Process: Involving your teen from the start is one of the most powerful ways to ensure a positive therapy experience. Encourage them to participate in selecting potential therapists by reviewing profiles and discussing what therapy styles resonate with them. As therapy progresses, give your teen space to share feedback — do they feel comfortable and understood? Are their goals being addressed? Discussing and setting these goals together not only personalizes the process but also teaches important self-advocacy and self-awareness skills.

Reminder: Your role here is to support rather than control. Being in therapy is their journey. While it’s natural to want to guide this process, your teen needs room to express their needs, boost a sense of agency and confidence, and reinforce that their voice matters.

When Is a Therapist the Right Fit for Your Teen?

You’ll know you’ve found a good fit when your teen seems more relaxed, open, or engaged.They show interest in attending sessions and they start sharing small snippets of their progress, like “The therapist gave me this breathing exercise, and it actually helped. “It’s okay if it takes a few sessions to see these signs—trust is built over time, especially with teens!

How Do You Know It’s Not the Right Fit?

If it feels like a struggle for your child to open up after several sessions, or if their discomfort with the therapist isn’t improving over time, it may not be the right fit. Notice if your teen frequently dreads sessions, becomes more withdrawn afterward, or shares that they feel misunderstood. Also, look for signs like worsening behavior issues at home or school, or a growing sense of hopelessness. Trust your instincts, and theirs—therapy should be a safe space where they feel heard and supported, not one that adds stress or anxiety.

What to Do If Therapy Isn’t Working Out For Your Teen

Sometimes, even after trying, it’s clear the match isn’t right. Maybe your teen doesn’t feel connected, or the therapist’s approach just doesn’t seem to be clicking. That’s totally okay! Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you don’t notice progress, start by having an honest chat with your teen—ask how they’re feeling about the sessions. Sometimes, a small tweak in the approach or even a different type of therapy can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to loop in the therapist too; they might offer helpful suggestions or even refer you to another professional who’s a better match.

Above all, don’t let bumps in the road get you down! Keep searching until you find the therapist who truly “clicks” with your teen. It might take a bit of time, but the effort will be worth it. Your family deserves a compassionate therapist who sees you as part of the solution. So, lace up, be patient, and remember: your teen’s mental wellness is always worth the journey!

Welcome to Family Reset, a monthly column and must-go destination for all parents seeking guidance (and grasping for some sanity) in the wild adventure of raising children. Behind this compelling and candid read is New York psychotherapist, writer, editor, and “mommyyy” Zuania Capó, (or just call her Z), a compassionate, multicultural, and integrative therapist passionate about supporting families to thrive and connect. Armed with a touch of wisdom, insightful tips, a witty spirit, tons of honesty, and a sprinkle of humor, she is here to help you navigate the complexities of parenthood while prioritizing your well-being.

Family Reset is not just a source of advice; it’s a vibrant community where parents can find inspiration, share their stories, and realize they are not alone in the exhilarating roller coaster ride of parenting. Have questions? Want answers? Get ready to hit that reset button and connect with Z at zcmentalhealth@zuaniacapo.com.

Before you go, check out our favorite mental health apps:

It’s no secret that having a baby can come with a long to-do list. From setting up the nursery to learning how to properly install a car seat (I can’t believe they’re just going to let us drive off with a newborn!?) to stocking up on diapers, wipes, and onesies, the list can feel endless.

And yes, we know becoming a mother is amazing, hello, your body just grew a whole human, but we also know you may not be ready to do it again so soon. Which is why you may consider adding a birth control plan to that postpartum to-do list.

The good news is that there are birth control options that can be started right after you give birth including intrauterine devices (IUDs).

So, if you’re considering an IUD for birth control post-baby, here are some questions to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Some things to know about getting an IUD after giving birth

Doctors usually say to wait four to six weeks after having a baby before having sex again. For some people, that might still be too soon, while others are ready to jump back in earlier.

The timing of starting birth control in postpartum is something you and your healthcare provider should discuss, but if your goal is to prevent another pregnancy, you should have a plan in place and birth control might be a part of that plan.

“Typically, it is helpful to discuss contraception options during pregnancy so the options can be weighted and so there is a plan of action once the baby gets here,” says Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, OBGYN and women’s health expert.

While progestin only oral contraceptives are an option that can be started around three weeks postpartum, an IUD can be inserted immediately following birth or in the days before you go home. It can also be inserted at your six-week appointment.

“The potential benefits to having your IUD placed immediately postpartum is that it is usually taken care of without the need for an extra visit,” says Dr. Shepherd.

And if you’re hesitant to get an IUD immediately following birth, you can wait and have one inserted at any routine postpartum check-up.

Why an IUD may be an option

When you’re welcoming your baby into the world, it’s understandable to prioritize their safety and well-being, making it hard to focus on anything else – let alone birth control. That’s why an IUD, like Mirena^® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system), may be a great birth control option for you.

The Mirena IUD is a hormonal, estrogen-free option that is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and lasts up to eight years.

For busy moms, Mirena may be a great low-maintenance birth control option. After insertion, you need to check for the threads once a month to make sure Mirena is still in place. The risk of perforation is increased with insertion after delivery if Mirena is inserted while you are breastfeeding, or if you have recently given birth. The risk of expulsion is increased with insertion after delivery.

Unlike pills or a patch, you don’t have to remember to take anything when you resume sexual activity. Mirena eliminates the responsibility of taking a daily pill—that’s 2,920 daily pills over eight years vs one Mirena IUD. You will need to do a thread check once a month to make sure Mirena is still in place and your healthcare provider can show you how.

The birth control you select should be what’s right for you, and for some busy moms who do not want to worry about remembering to take a daily pill, an IUD may be a good choice. During your next pregnancy check in visit, discuss your post-partum birth control plan with your provider so you can simplify your to-do list and focus on your new little human.

INDICATION FOR MIRENA
Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or excessive bleeding after placement, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If Mirena comes out, call your HCP and avoid intercourse or use non-hormonal back-up birth control (such as condoms or spermicide). Mirena may go into or through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems.

Pregnancy while using Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.

Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.

Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

Mirena does not protect against HIV or STIs.

Only you and your HCP can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena is available by prescription only.

For important risk and use information about Mirena, please see the accompanying Full Prescribing Information.

Visit Mirena.com to learn more.

Dr. Shepherd has provided paid consultation services to Bayer in the past but is not being compensated for this information.

PP-MIR-US-1045-1 09/24

With the holidays fast approaching, you might be wondering what to get your stressed-out and anxiety-riddled friends and family members. Or hey, maybe you’re looking for some pre-holiday self-care gifts for yourself. We don’t blame you — everyone needs a little treat this time of year! Self-care might seem like a luxury, because self-care gifts sometimes come with a higher price tag, but we’re here to tell you that these gifts don’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful. And just because self-care has “self” in it, doesn’t mean that it’s selfish to pamper yourself or encourage your friends to do the same! Giving someone a gift you know they’ll enjoy, and that might make their life a little better and more comfortable — or indulging in the same for yourself — is a pretty great feeling. 

Unfortunately, many of us aren’t able to whisk our friends and family away to an exotic spa vacation to unwind. But we’ll tell you a secret: the best self-care gifts out there are affordable because the last thing little luxuries should do is stress you out when the credit card bill comes in. We’re talking $50 or less, to be exact, and that’s totally worth it if you ask us. 

Here is a list of the best self-care gifts under $50 that you can give at any time of the year. Yes, that means birthdays, the holidays, when someone isn’t feeling well — any time they can use a little extra TLC. The only problem? These self-care presents are so affordable you might wind up keeping them for yourself. Consider yourself warned! From the chicest period products to some luxe skin-care items, your life is about to get a whole lot more chill. Of course, that’s totally fine and you deserve it — so maybe just order a few to begin with. 

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Love Wellness is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.