I couldn’t wait to see Suzie’s face light up when she saw the nursery, the dinner I’d cooked, the photos I’d framed for the mantle. She deserved joy after nine long months of back pain, morning sickness, and an endless carousel of my overbearing mother’s opinions.

It was the culmination of every dream I’d had for us.

I waved to the nurses at the station as I hurried to Suzie’s room. But when I pushed through the door, I froze in surprise.

My daughters were sleeping in their bassinets, but Suzie was gone. I thought she might have stepped out for fresh air, but then I saw the note. I tore it open, my hands trembling.

“Goodbye. Take care of them. Ask your mother WHY she did this to me.”

The world blurred as I reread it. And reread it. The words didn’t shift, didn’t morph into something less terrible. A coldness prickled along my skin, freezing me in place.

What the hell did she mean? Why would she… no. This couldn’t be happening. Suzie was happy. She’d been happy. Hadn’t she?

A nurse carrying a clipboard entered the room. “Good morning, sir, here’s the discharge —”

“Where’s my wife?” I interrupted.

The nurse hesitated, biting her lip. “She checked out this morning. She said you knew.”

“She — where did she go?” I stammered to the nurse, waving the note. “Did she say anything else? Was she upset?”

The nurse frowned. “She seemed fine. Just… quiet. Are you saying you didn’t know?”

I shook my head. “She said nothing… just left me this note.”

I left the hospital in a daze, cradling my daughters, the note crumpled in my fist.

Suzie was gone. My wife, my partner, the woman I’d thought I knew, had vanished without a word of warning. All I had were two tiny girls, my shattered plans, and that ominous message.

When I pulled into the driveway, my mom, Mandy, was waiting on the porch, beaming and holding a casserole dish. The scent of cheesy potatoes wafted toward me, but it did nothing to soothe the storm brewing inside.

“Oh, let me see my grandbabies!” she exclaimed, setting the dish aside and rushing toward me. “They’re beautiful, Ben, absolutely beautiful.”

I stepped back, holding the car seat protectively. “Not yet, Mom.”

Her face faltered, confusion knitting her brow. “What’s wrong?”

I shoved the note in her direction. “This is what’s wrong! What did you do to Suzie?”

Her smile vanished, and she took the note with shaking fingers. Her pale blue eyes scanned the words, and for a moment, she looked like she might faint.

“Ben, I don’t know what this is about,” Mom replied. “She’s… she’s always been emotional. Maybe she —”

“Don’t lie to me!” The words erupted, my voice echoing off the porch walls. “You’ve never liked her. You’ve always found ways to undermine her, criticize her —”

“I’ve only ever tried to help!” Her voice broke, tears spilling over her cheeks.

I turned away, my gut churning. I couldn’t trust her words anymore. Whatever had happened between them had driven Suzie to leave. And now I was left to pick up the pieces.

That night, after settling Callie and Jessica in their cribs, I sat at the kitchen table with the note in one hand and a whiskey in the other. My mother’s protests rang in my ears, but I couldn’t let them drown out the question looping in my mind: What did you do, Mom?

I thought back to our family gatherings, and the small barbs my mother would throw Suzie’s way. Suzie had laughed them off, but I could see now, too late, how they must have cut her.

I started digging, both literally and metaphorically.

My sorrow and longing for my missing wife deepened as I looked through her things. I found her jewelry box in the closet and set it aside, then noticed a slip of paper peeking out beneath the lid.

When I opened it, I found a letter to Suzie in my mother’s handwriting. My heart pounded as I read:

“Suzie, you’ll never be good enough for my son. You’ve trapped him with this pregnancy, but don’t think for a second you can fool me. If you care about them, you’ll leave before you ruin their lives.”

My hand shook as I dropped the letter. This was it. This was why she’d left. My mother had been tearing her down behind my back. I replayed every interaction, every moment I’d dismissed as harmless. How blind had I been?

It was almost midnight, but I didn’t care. I went to the guest room and banged on the door until Mom opened it.

“How could you?” I waved the letter in her face. “All this time, I thought you were just being overbearing, but no, you’ve been bullying Suzie for years, haven’t you?”

Her face paled as she scanned the letter. “Ben, listen to me —”

“No!” I cut her off. “You listen to me. Suzie left because of you. Because you made her feel worthless. And now she’s gone, and I’m here trying to raise two babies on my own.”

“I only wanted to protect you,” she whispered. “She wasn’t good enough —”

“She’s the mother of my children! You don’t get to decide who’s good enough for me or them. You’re done here, Mom. Pack your things. Get out.”

Her tears fell freely now. “You don’t mean that.”

“I do,” I said, cold as steel.

She opened her mouth to argue, but stopped. The look in my eyes must have told her I wasn’t bluffing. She left an hour later, her car disappearing down the street.

The next weeks were hell.

Between sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and endless crying (sometimes the babies, sometimes me) I barely had time to think.

But every quiet moment brought Suzie back to my mind. I contacted her friends and family, hoping for any hint of where she might be. None of them had heard from her. But one, her college friend Sara, hesitated before speaking.

“She talked about feeling… trapped,” Sara admitted over the phone. “Not by you, Ben, but by everything. The pregnancy, your mom. She told me once that Mandy said the twins would be better off without her.”

The knife twisted deeper. “Why didn’t she tell me my mom was saying these things to her?”

“She was scared, Ben. She thought Mandy might turn you against her. I told her to talk to you, but…” Sara’s voice cracked. “I’m sorry. I should’ve pushed harder.”

“Do you think she’s okay?”

“I hope so,” Sara said quietly. “Suzie’s stronger than she thinks. But Ben… keep looking for her.”

Weeks turned into months.

One afternoon, while Callie and Jessica napped, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unlisted number.

When I opened it, my breath caught. It was a photo of Suzie, holding the twins at the hospital, her face pale but serene. Beneath it was a message:

“I wish I was the type of mother they deserve. I hope you forgive me.”

I called the number immediately, but it didn’t go through.

I texted back, but my messages didn’t go through either. It was like shouting into a void. But the photo reignited my determination. Suzie was out there. She was alive and at least a part of her still longed for us, even though she was clearly still in a bad place. I’d never give up on her.

A year passed with no leads or clues to Suzie’s whereabouts. The twins’ first birthday was bittersweet. I’d poured everything into raising them, but the ache for Suzie never left.

That evening, as the girls played in the living room, there was a knock at the door.

I thought I was dreaming at first. Suzie stood there, clutching a small gift bag, her eyes brimming with tears. She looked healthier, her cheeks were fuller, and her posture was more confident. But the sadness was still there, hovering behind her smile.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

I didn’t think. I pulled her into my arms, holding her as tightly as I dared. She sobbed into my shoulder, and for the first time in a year, I felt whole.

Over the following weeks, Suzie told me how the postpartum depression, my mom’s cruel words, and her feelings of inadequacy had overwhelmed her.

She’d left to protect the twins and to escape the spiral of self-loathing and despair. Therapy had helped her rebuild, one painstaking step at a time.

“I didn’t want to leave,” she said one night, sitting on the nursery floor as the girls slept. “But I didn’t know how to stay.”

I took her hand. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”

And we did. It wasn’t easy — healing never is. But love, resilience, and the shared joy of watching Callie and Jessica grow were enough to rebuild what we’d almost lost.

When Pope Francis died, the Roman Catholic Church lost not just its first Jesuit pontiff and first leader from the Global South, but also a reformer who transformed its leadership structure in ways no other modern pope had.

The College of Cardinals will now gather in the Sistine Chapel to begin the sacred process of selecting the next pope. 135 cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor — 108 of them chosen by Pope Francis himself.

The conclave, a series of closed-door votes, will continue until one name achieves the required majority. However, this time, the outcome is more difficult to predict than ever. Though most of the voting cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis, they do not fall neatly into progressive or traditionalist camps.

In just over a decade, the late Pope dismantled long-held traditions by appointing cardinals from places previously overlooked — such as Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and South Sudan — while bypassing historically influential sees like Milan and Paris.

What’s more, for the first time in history, non-Europeans make up the majority of voters — opening the door to the possibility of a pope from Africa, Asia, or the Americas.

His aim was clear — to make the Church more representative of its global following. Among those traveling to Rome is 45-year-old Mykola Bychok, a Ukrainian-born bishop from Melbourne.

Recently made a cardinal, Bychok is now Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic official and the country’s youngest cardinal. He is also the first Australian cardinal since George Pell and only the eighth in history.

The next pontiff will inherit a Church at a crossroads — and his election could redefine Catholic leadership for generations.

The names gaining attention will need to be both spiritual leaders and public figures. The list of “papabile” — men considered “pope-able”— is long and unusually open-ended this time. The top contenders include:

• Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70) – The Vatican’s Secretary of State and a key diplomatic figure, Parolin has been described as a frontrunner. Though he emphasizes diplomacy, his stance on same-sex marriage has drawn criticism.

• Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle (Philippines, 67) – Dubbed the “Asian Francis,” Tagle is a pastoral leader known for empathy toward marginalized groups. He may rally strong support from Asia, where the Church continues to grow.

• Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Congo, 65) – The Archbishop of Kinshasa and a vocal cultural conservative, Ambongo is a respected leader in Africa, which remains a vital region for the Church’s expansion.

• Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson (Ghana, 76) – Known for his energy and social engagement, Turkson has previously been a leading contender. He supports reforms but holds traditional views on many issues.

• Péter Erdő (Hungary, 72) – A potential compromise candidate, Erdő is respected across European and African circles. He has navigated difficult political climates and Church reforms effectively.

Reinhard Marx (Germany, 71) – A progressive voice on LGBTQ+ issues and Church governance, Marx’s past handling of abuse cases could impact his prospects.

• Robert Prevost (USA, 69) – With ties to both North and Latin America, Prevost is seen as a reform-minded leader, though past allegations during his time in Peru may be a concern.

• Robert Sarah (Guinea, 79) – A favorite among traditionalists, Sarah is known for his doctrinal rigidity and long-standing service, though his conservative views may limit his appeal.

• Michael Czerny (Canada, 78) – A Jesuit and close ally of Francis, Czerny is well-regarded for his work in human development and with migrants, but two Jesuit popes in succession is considered unlikely.

• Marc Ouellet (Canada, 80) – Though ineligible to vote due to age, Ouellet’s experience and conservative-modern blend make him a perennial mention.

• Angelo Scola (Italy, 83) – Once a strong contender, Scola’s age and recent focus on aging may hinder his chances, though his relationship with Francis remains notable.

Cardinals will be weighing several factors in choosing the next pope. Theology, geography, and personality will play critical roles in the decision-making process.

Pastoral theology — Pope Francis’s hallmark — emphasized compassion, inclusion, and real-life application of doctrine over rigid enforcement. As U.S. Cardinal Robert McElroy noted, the late Pope’s greatest contribution may have been his pastoral approach to theology.

Cardinal electors also face geopolitical and cultural challenges, from clergy sexual abuse scandals to the Church’s role in issues like migration, climate change, and war.

With such diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, many of the cardinals will be meeting for the first time. Pre-conclave congregations will be essential in helping them evaluate candidates, particularly those less familiar to the broader College.

For a new pope to be elected, two-thirds of the cardinal electors — at least 90 votes — must coalesce around a single candidate. With such a diverse and globally sourced electorate, the direction of the Church remains wide open.

Will the cardinals choose continuity with Pope Francis’s progressive ethos or a return to tradition? Will the next pope come from Asia, Africa, or the Americas? Will his leadership style echo the late Pope’s grassroots charm or lean toward administrative control?

Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is a usually harmless, yellowish bump or growth that shows up on or near the corners of your eyelids, close to your nose. It happens when cholesterol builds up under the skin.

While xanthelasma isn’t dangerous on its own, it can sometimes be linked to other health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, or thyroid issues. Having xanthelasma could also mean you’re more likely to have heart problems or high cholesterol in the future, even if your levels seem normal now.

About half of the people with xanthelasma have high cholesterol, usually because of inherited conditions or liver problems. You can lower your risk of xanthelasma by managing your cholesterol, treating diabetes and high blood pressure, stopping smoking, and keeping a healthy weight.

While xanthelasma isn’t harmful on its own, it can be a sign of other health issues. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice to keep your heart and cholesterol in check. With the right treatment, xanthelasma can be managed. If it worries you, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Angular cheilitis

Angular cheilitis is when the skin at the corners of your mouth becomes inflamed, cracked, or sore. It’s often a sign of another problem, like an infection or vitamin deficiency. The condition is common in older adults and can happen due to things like aging, wearing dentures, or mouth conditions.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to address potential underlying causes like vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins), iron, or zinc, which can make the condition worse.

It’s important to take steps to maintain a balanced diet and address any underlying health issues, as this can reduce the risk of developing angular cheilitis. If the condition persists, it’s best to seek medical advice for appropriate treatment and to check for any vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Melasma

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown to gray-brown patches, mostly on the face. These patches often appear on the cheeks, chin, nose bridge, forehead, and above the upper lip. Women are more likely to develop melasma than men, and it’s commonly seen during pregnancy. Women who take birth control pills or hormones are also at higher risk.

It’s often linked to hormonal changes. The pigmentation usually fades after giving birth or stopping the pill. Stress can also trigger melasma.

The condition doesn’t cause harm, but it can be a source of self-consciousness. Treatment options are available, and seeing a dermatologist can help guide you on managing the condition. An interprofessional team, including dermatologists and other healthcare providers, can work together to improve diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.

Milia

Milia are tiny, white or yellowish bumps that appear on the skin, often around the eyes, cheeks, and sometimes on the forehead or other areas. They are made of keratin, a protein in your skin, and form when this protein gets trapped under the skin.

Although they can look like acne or pimples, they are not the same. Milia can appear after skin trauma or the use of steroid creams, but the exact cause is not always known.

Milia are usually harmless and may disappear by themselves, especially in babies. If they don’t go away, or if they’re near the eyes, a doctor might need to remove them carefully. If there are many bumps, your doctor may check for other possible conditions.

Diagnosing milia is simple, and doctors usually do this by looking at your skin. If needed, they may refer you to a skin specialist. It’s important to visit a doctor if you’re concerned or if the milia don’t go away on their own.

Before you go, check out another article where we highlight 9 health signs your feet could be showing about your body.

What Actually Determines Br.east Size

Genetics: Just like your eye color or the shape of your hands, your br.east size and shape are primarily inherited.

Hormones: Female hormones, particularly those active during puberty and pregnancy, play a big role in br.east development.

Fat Content: Since br.easts are largely made up of fatty tissue, weight changes can significantly affect their size.

Lifestyle Factors: Diet, physical activity, and even stress can have indirect effects, but none of these are direct indicators of intimate health.

Bigger Br.easts = Better Health? Not Quite
Many people still associate larger br.easts with vitality, hormonal balance, or better reproductive health. But this idea is more fantasy than fact. Scientifically, there’s no proven connection between br.east size and fertility, hormone levels, or internal wellness.

What truly supports a woman’s health includes:

• A consistent menstrual cycle
• Balanced hormone levels
• Nutritious eating habits
• Regular physical activity
• Routine medical care

So while popular culture often glorifies br.east size as a marker of femininity or health, the science simply doesn’t support that link.

Can Body Shape Reveal Intimate Health? Another Misconception
There’s also a common assumption that visible physical features can somehow reflect a woman’s intimate well-being. This view is deeply flawed. The human body is far too complex to be reduced to external appearances.

What actually impacts intimate health and comfort includes:

• Proper hygiene
• Staying hydrated
• Emotional well-being
• Physical fitness and core muscle strength

These factors play a far more meaningful role in overall well-being than br.east size ever could.

Why Do These Myths Still Exist?
It’s surprising how long these outdated ideas have stuck around, but a few key reasons explain their persistence:

Cultural Traditions: In some cultures, physical traits are still seen as symbols of fertility or character.

Media Influence: Movies, advertising, and social media often promote unrealistic ideals of the female body.

Lack of Education: Without clear, accessible knowledge about the human body, misinformation can easily fill the gaps.

The Truth About Women’s Health
Rather than being guided by myths, it’s better to focus on habits that truly support your well-being:

• Eat a balanced, varied diet
• Stay active regularly
• Care for your mental and emotional health
• Seek professional guidance when needed

Every woman’s body is different, and that uniqueness is something to be celebrated. Br.east size is just one aspect of physical appearance—it doesn’t define your vitality, health, or womanhood.

In Summary: Your Body, Your Truth
Science makes it clear: br.east size is not a measure of a woman’s internal health or quality of life. What matters is how you care for your body and mind, how you stay informed, and how you embrace your path.

Every woman carries her beauty, strength, and rhythm. The key is to move forward with confidence, care, and self-respect.

Meaning of having small br.easts

Are you worried about having small b.reasts? In this article, you’ll learn a lot about what this really means and the advantages you have.

First, we’d need to define what we mean by having small b.reasts and large br.easts, and how to rule out which ones are considered normal. In this assessment, the first thing to consider is the proportion of the breasts to the woman’s physical structure (height, shoulder width, weight, etc.); second, the current trend, whether small, proportionate, or large. As a general rule, we could say that a size under 85 is considered small, and a size over 100 is considered large.

However, although it has always been assumed that the image of a woman with breasts above a size 100 is more aesthetically pleasing, the current trend is to seek naturalness: we can even say that small breasts are in fashion. So, do having very small breasts have their benefits? Let’s see.

Advantages of having small breasts

As we mentioned, naturalness is currently sought in beauty, so there are several advantages to having small breasts, beyond the aesthetic ones, that must be acknowledged immediately:

First of all, we must mention something essential: over time, your breasts won’t sag, as larger breasts tend to lose firmness with age.

Furthermore, you won’t have as many back problems, at the base of the neck and even in the shoulders, as those with a larger bra size do. Believe it or not, there are numerous cases of back problems associated with breast size.

Another important advantage is that, when going for a breast check-up, it’s easier for the specialist to examine the area if the patient has smaller breasts. This will make breast cancer screening easier for women with smaller breasts.

Why you should not touch boys’s adam’s apple???

The Adam’s apple is a sensitive area on a man’s body, so avoid touching this area, and make them more sensitive.

This explanation highlights the sensitivity of the Adam’s apple, a noticeable part of the throat structure, especially in men. The Adam’s apple is formed by the thyroid cartilage surrounding the larynx, which can be quite tender to the touch because of its proximity to the vocal cords and other vital structures.

Touching this area can lead to discomfort or a ticklish sensation and, for some, may even feel intrusive. The phrase “make them more sensitive” likely refers to how unwanted or repeated touching could heighten awareness of the area, making the sensation more pronounced and uncomfortable. It serves as a gentle reminder to respect personal boundaries, particularly in such delicate areas of the body.

Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.
That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

According to resources.healthgrades.com, though it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

The three-month-old was born with Goldenhar Syndrome, an extremely rare condition affecting his face, heart and breathing.

The condition means Vinnie was born with one eye and a small jaw, as well as one of his ears being on his cheek.

“It’s such a big deal to most people but it’s inside that counts. His soul is so perfect,” said Rhys.

More than £3,000 has been raised online to help fund trips to London where the couple hope Vinnie will be given a prosthetic eye.

Rhys added: “It’s the biggest blessing we’ve ever received and we can’t thank everyone enough.”

“Obviously we had no knowledge of what it was and what it meant,” said Rhys, from Bridgend, remembering the moment they received the diagnosis.

“It was scary because we just didn’t know where we were going to go from there.”

Through charities and social media groups, Rhys and Grace have only been able to track down one other family impacted by the condition.

“In one of the groups, there’s another baby there who’s got Goldenhar Syndrome – he has one eye and they were told that they were the only one in the world.”

Vinnie’s care means the family are often away from home, spending time at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

An appeal for the family has raised more than £3,500.

Mr James said he would “probably be in debt” as a result of the trips, if it was not for the donations.

“Money can dwindle really fast when you’ve got to be travelling around all the time.”

Mr James said the support from his church had made the biggest difference.

The newborn also has a tracheostomy and is fed through a tube meaning he requires around the clock care from his loved ones, including his “caring” six-year-old sister, Myah.

“She’s getting used to the care. She’ll watch and learn. She’s so caring.”

When Vinnie was born Myah had questions about her baby brother’s condition, but quickly understood, said Mr James.

“I don’t think she sees him any different to anyone else.

Despite having a lot on their plate, Rhys said he and his partner were determined to do all they can to spread Vinnie’s story.

“He’s changing so many people’s lives, including ours, bringing so many people together.

“He’s already got a charm about him.

“I just want him to inspire people.”

A Viral Moment: The Heartwarming Hug
Amber Wright, a devoted mother and supporter, decided to share a special moment with her son, Brixton, on Instagram. Brixton, a promising young football player, had just finished a game in Utah, and Amber wanted to capture his triumphant spirit. The video she posted showed Brixton lifting his mother off the ground in a warm embrace, a display of pure joy and love. Amber wrapped her arms and legs around him, embodying the pride and happiness that comes with seeing a child achieve their goals.

The video quickly spread across social media, amassing thousands of views and countless comments. For many, it was a beautiful representation of the bond between mother and son, especially in the context of sports, where parental support plays a crucial role in a young athlete’s development.

Mixed Reactions: Support and Criticism
As the video gained traction, the internet became a battleground of opinions. While a significant number of viewers lauded the emotional connection between Amber and Brixton, others questioned the appropriateness of their display of affection in a public setting.

Supporters of the heartwarming hug praised the genuine love and encouragement it represented. One user commented, “My son is six and calls me beautiful all day long. Boys love their mamas, nothing wrong with that.” Another added, “Leave this family alone. They just hugged. Why does it matter how it looked to everyone else and what it really meant for these two? We as people need to do better and worry about what’s going on in our own lives.”

However, not everyone was pleased with the display. Some critics felt that the hug was overly affectionate for a public event, sparking debates about appropriate behavior between parents and children in the spotlight. These dissenting voices added complexity to the viral moment, highlighting how subjective perceptions of public displays of affection can be.

Originally shared on the Danish Facebook page Forældre og Fødsel (Parents and Birth in Denmark), the image shows a powerful moment of connection: a father and his young son giving life-saving warmth to premature twin girls through the “skin-to-skin” method, also known as kangaroo care. And though the post is several years old, it’s found a fresh wave of love and attention as it’s recirculated online.

In the photo, the father lies with one fragile infant resting peacefully on his bare chest. Beside him, the boy—no more than five years old—gently cradles the second twin, his small arms encircling her tiny body. The room is still, calm, intimate. Everyone’s eyes are closed, and the image radiates a kind of serenity that’s hard to describe but impossible to ignore.

What makes the photo even more impactful is the science behind it. In recent years, Scandinavian hospitals have begun to rely more heavily on the kangaroo care method for premature infants—a practice that encourages direct skin contact between newborns and their parents (or, in this case, siblings). This isn’t just a touching family gesture—it’s a medically backed method proven to improve health outcomes for babies born too soon.

Research from the National Institute of Health has shown that kangaroo care significantly reduces pain in premature infants and supports more stable heart rates and breathing patterns. It’s believed that the warmth and comfort from a parent’s skin can mimic the womb environment, easing the baby’s transition into the world and even lowering the risk of infection compared to hospital exposure.

According to Swedish Professor Uwe Ewald, one of the leading advocates of the practice, “Skin-to-skin contact helps the baby to breathe better. The child becomes more calm and gains weight faster. Research shows that parents’ bacterial flora – compared with hospital bacteria – reduces the risk of serious infections in these delicate children.”

The results have been remarkable. In just a few years, neonatal wards across Scandinavia that implemented this technique saw premature infant survival rates climb from 30% to a staggering 70%. And behind those numbers are stories just like this one—moments of raw, human connection where healing begins not with medication, but with closeness.

This single photo, reposted by organizations like NINO Birth, has struck a chord for exactly that reason. It’s a quiet yet powerful reminder of what family love looks like in action: warm, patient, healing.

So if this image moved you even a little, take a moment to reflect on what it represents—not just a medical practice, but the enduring power of love, presence, and touch.

What do you think about the “skin-to-skin” method and this incredible photo? Let us know in the comments.

And if this story warmed your heart, don’t forget to share it—someone out there might need a reminder of just how powerful our smallest gestures can be.

Definition: Know what a stye is—an inflamed oil gland along the edge of the eyelid, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Bacterial Infection: Understand how bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, can contaminate the oil glands of the eyelids, causing stye formation.
Poor Hygiene: Focus on the importance of good hygiene practices, such as regularly cleaning hands and getting rid of makeup before bedtime, to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
Other Factors: Consider additional risk factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and underlying health conditions like blepharitis or rosacea, that may put at risk of individuals to styes.

Treatment Options:

Warm Compresses: Suggest applying warm compresses to the affected eyelid several times a day to help relieve swelling, boost blood circulation, and enhance drainage of the stye.
Eyelid Hygiene: Support gentle eyelid hygiene using mild soap or baby shampoo to wash the eyelid margins and get rid of debris or crusted discharge.
Avoidance of Irritants: Recommend wearing contact lenses or eye makeup until the stye has resolved to prevent further irritation and potential exacerbation of symptoms.
Medical Intervention: Consider the potential need for medical intervention, such as prescription antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics, in cases of persistent or severe styes that do not respond to home remedies.

Treatment of Styes – Earlam and Christopher

By exploring the causes, risks, and treatment options for styes, women over 45 can take immediate steps to prevent and control these irritating eye conditions.

Remember, while most styes resolve on their own with conservative measures, looking for medical advice may be necessary for persistent or recurrent cases.