After Babynames.org released their list of most popular baby names of 2018, we thought it would be fun to create a list of our own. We asked our audience to share their favorite names with us and got a lot of responses.

For girls, it’s clear that “R” is the letter of the year. For boys, we saw a mix of classic and unique names. Here are the results:

Girls:

1. Emilia
2. Eva
3. Ruby
4. Finley
5. Rosie
6. Vivian
7. Lorelay
8. Erin
9. Kathleen
10. Paityn
11. Riya
12. Raylighn
13. Rumor
14. Robin
15. Rebel
16. Kiara
17. Bianca
18. Brooklyn
19. Harper
20. Riley
21. Remi
22. Casey
23. Madelynn
24. Rafaella
25. Anastasia
26. Aviendha
27. Elmindreda
28. Ann
29. Melinna
30. Nerea
31. Nayeli

Boys:

1. Theodore
2. Garrett
3. Wyatt
4. Cairo
5. Trevor
6. Rylan
7. Christopher
8. Landon
9. Aethelwulf
10. Kieran
11. Bear
12. Zephyr
13. Zeus
14. Syn

Also, see our list of Popular Baby Name Roundups from Pinterest.

What’s your favorite baby name? Add to our list by leaving a comment.

Being a new mom is tough, and not just for reasons that first come to mind. Pregnancy and motherhood can take a toll on your mental health. Fluctuating hormones and lack of sleep all contribute to postpartum mood disorders. Here, we take a look at two common maternal mental illnesses that are not talked about enough: postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.

So, just how common is postpartum depression?

The CDC estimates that 1 in 9 women experience symptoms, but the data varies by state so it could be as high as 1 in 5. Either way, it’s a lot. Postpartum depression is common, but the symptoms and experience are different for everyone.

There are also certain factors that put you at higher risk – most notably a prior history of depression. “Nobody had mentioned to me that it was more common in those that suffered from depression/anxiety before pregnancy. There’s not enough information out there for pregnant moms before it happens,” says Kim C from our Super Moms Facebook group.

It’s important to emphasize that postpartum depression is different from stress or having a bad day. Every mom experiences stress or a bad day or two, but it’s important to seek help or take extra steps if you experience symptoms of depression.

Some common symptoms of postpartum depression:

• Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
• Feelings of irritability or restlessness.
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities.
• Loss of energy.
• Problems concentrating, recalling details, and making decisions.
• Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much.
• Overeating or loss of appetite.
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.

(CDC).

Postpartum Anxiety

A lesser-known condition is postpartum anxiety which can have completely different symptoms from depression. Anxiety affects about 10% of new moms.

“I wish I had known postpartum anxiety was a thing! I had heard of postpartum depression but not anxiety. Everything seemed like such a BIG DEAL to overcome but step by step things started to seem okay again. Talking with family helped.” (Lisolette D in our Super Moms Facebook group).

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety include:

• Constant worry
• Feeling that something bad is going to happen
• Racing thoughts
• Disturbances of sleep and appetite
• Inability to sit still
• Dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea

(Postpartum Support International)

Tips to cope with depression and anxiety:

1. Eat nutritious food and stay hydrated. It’s important to keep your body strong and healthy during tough times.
2. Exercise. Even if you simply go for a walk around your neighborhood, exercise has been proven to make you feel better and less anxious by releasing endorphins.
3. On that same note – get outside. Nature and exercise have calming effects.
4. Practice basic self-care. Take a shower, put on clean clothes and fix your hair up a little even if you don’t feel like it.
5. Get plenty of sleep. This can be hard with a newborn around, but it’s so important. Find more tips on this here.
6. Make time for YOU. Enlist your spouse, a family member, or a friend to look after your little one so you can get in some much needed ‘me time.’ Take a yoga class, get a manicure, or just get dinner with a good friend.  

Most importantly, find support and ask for help.

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned in this post, it’s crucial that you seek more information and help. It’s important to remember that this is common, even if it’s not talked about – and that you are not alone. Postpartum Support International provides many resources including a 24-hour helpline and weekly chats with experts. Seeking support from family members, your doctor, or a moms support group are also good options.

Do you have any additional advice on how to manage depression or anxiety? Share it with the community in a comment.

Infants face many common issues, some of which can seem overwhelming for new moms. Relieving issues such as constipation take patience and practice but we hope that this guide will make your job a little bit easier. Read on for five common (and completely normal) issues plus tips for coping.

Sleeping

The unfortunate reality is that most newborns won’t sleep through the night. The first few weeks are the hardest but it does get better. Split up sleeping schedules between you and your spouse so you’re able to get some rest. Choose a couple of nights per week for your spouse to be on night duty. Consider inviting a relative to stay over and help out.

A common complaint from moms is that it seems like their newborn is sleepy during the day but wants to stay up all night. Try to make contrasts between day and night. Make sure the house is full of light during the day. Keep it darker and quieter at night. Check out this Baby Sleep Cheat Sheet for info on how much sleep your baby needs by age.

Here are some additional tips to try:

• Try a white noise machine to soothe your newborn. Many moms swear by these!
• Use blackout curtains to create a clear distinction between day and night.
• Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it.
• Rock the baby to sleep on an exercise ball or rocking chair.

Gas/Bloating

Infants can have a hard time letting gas out which leads to a bloated belly and discomfort. The gassiness should subside after a few months. Here are some tips for relieving gas:

• Burp your baby during meals to prevent build up.
• Gently massage your little one’s tummy to get the air moving.
• Get baby moving. Lay your baby on her back and move her legs in a gentle bicycle motion to release trapped air.

Teething

Teething starts at around three months and can disrupt baby’s sleep and cause irritability. Luckily, you can help relieve some of the symptoms of teething. Teething toys can help relieve pain and inflammation. We recommend trying the best-selling Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether. It helps to gently massage sore gums. Rashes caused by excess drool are another common symptom. Try applying a natural rash balm or cream.

Dry Scalp

Dry scalp or dandruff, also known as “Cradle Cap” is a common skin issue encountered in your baby’s first year. It’s a harmless issue that typically clears up on its own. However, you can take steps to treat areas with dandruff. Wash the areas with warm water and a mild soap or shampoo then rinse thoroughly. Gently massage coconut oil (or another natural plant-based oil) into your baby’s scalp. Leave the oil on for up to 30 minutes then use an infant hairbrush or a soft washcloth to remove dandruff flakes. Repeat as needed.

Constipation

Have diaper changes become infrequent? Your baby is likely suffering from constipation. Constipation symptoms in infants can include a red face or fussiness when trying to pass a stool. Your baby’s belly may also feel bloated and hard. Usually, constipation can be relieved naturally. However, it’s time to see a doctor if you notice bloody or black stools, inflammation, vomiting or fever.

Common causes of constipation include a change in formula, dehydration, fiber deficiency, or gastrointestinal infection (Mom Junction). Before you start worrying, try some simple changes in diet:

• Increase feeding frequency
• Try a new formula
• Try a warm bath
• Feed baby foods that start with a “P” – prunes, peaches, plums, peas, and apricots (My Little Moppet)
• Massage baby’s belly with coconut oil

For further reading, check out our 9 Tips for Surviving Your First Week Home With a New Baby.