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Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Kim Kardashian’s 10 Best Motherhood Quotes


As a mom of four, Kim Kardashian has talked about the importance of family, humbleness and the joy of watching of her kids grow into their own individual persons.

View this story on Romper


Accidental Shootings By Kids Rose During The Pandemic


Gun safety advocates are sounding the alarm about a disturbing rise in accidental shootings by children, which they believe to be linked to both a surge in gun sales and pandemic-related school and child care closures. Recently released data from Everytown for Gun Safety shows the number of accidental shooting deaths caused by children rose 31% in the first 10 months of the pandemic compared to the previous 10 months.

“Every year, hundreds of children in the United States gain access to unsecured, loaded guns in closets and nightstand drawers, in backpacks and purses, or just left out,” Everytown for Gun Safety noted in a report released Monday. “With tragic regularity, children find these unsecured guns and unintentionally shoot themself or someone else.”

But, according to Everytown, soaring gun sales early in the pandemic combined with the closures of schools and child care centers around the country led to more and more children spending more and more time at home with unsecured firearms. In fact, Everytown has said researchers recently estimated the number of children living in U.S. households with at least one loaded and unlocked gun had increased from 4.6 million in 2015 to 5.4 million in 2021. And as a result, the number of accidental shooting deaths by children has also jumped.

Data from Everytown has shown that from March to December 2019 there were 98 unintentional shooting deaths by children. During those same 10 months in 2020, the gun safety advocacy group counted 128 deaths.

Everytown for Gun Safety has been tracking accidental shootings by children since 2015 after realizing there was no centralized database tracking such tragedies. Between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2020, Everytown’s #NotAnAccident Index has recorded at least 2,070 unintentional shootings by children younger than 18. A total of 765 of these shootings have resulted in deaths while 1,366 have resulted in injuries.

And although data is not yet available for 2021, recent headlines make it clear accidental shooting deaths by children have happened. In August, The Washington Post reported a 21-year-old Florida mom was shot and killed by her toddler while on a Zoom call after the toddler had found a loaded and unsecured handgun in the home. Also in August, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported a 2-year-old in Wisconsin had been shot and killed by his 4-year-old brother after the pair were left unsupervised in a bedroom with a gun.

According to Everytown, teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 are the age group most likely to be both shooters and victims in accidental shootings by children. The second most likely age group are preschool-aged children 5 and younger. And while children do sometimes accidentally shoot adults, it’s more likely that they shoot other children. According to Everytown, 91% of people injured or killed in accidental shootings by children are also children.

What’s more, accidental shootings by children often have a long-term impact that extends well beyond any immediate injuries or death. “When a child gets their hands on a gun and unintentionally injures or kills themself or others, the physical and psychological trauma is long-lasting, affecting the victims and their families, the child who accessed the gun and their family, and the extended communities of both,” Everytown noted in its recent report. “And yet this type of entirely preventable tragedy occurs roughly once per day in the United States.”

To help prevent accidental shootings by children, Everytown has urged families to practice secure gun storage and recommended public officials explore public education campaigns and laws related to accidental shootings and secure gun storage.


The Best Deals From The Carter’s/OshKosh Labor Day Sale 2021


Back to school shopping is never really done. You may make a mad dash to the mall a few weeks before school, but inevitably it will become apparent within days of classes starting that you really should have grabbed your kids another pack of undies or a few more T-shirts. Thankfully, the Carter’s and Osh Kosh Labor Day sale is here to save the day.

With 50% off the entire site and store beginning September 1 through September 6, these are deals you truly cannot sleep on. We’re talking items like $8 leggings, $7 baby sneakers, and $12 joggers. You can get a three pack of socks for $11! So what should you get from Carter's & Osh Kosh Labor Day sale to capitalize on the savings? This list has you covered with a drilled-down look at the very best deals.

And if you want to try your luck at scoring even more fresh threads for your kids, Carter’s is also running sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will walk away with a Skip Hop Evermore Bag filled with parenting essentials and a $1,200 cash card. To sign up, check out the sweepstakes scoop running on Carter’s Instagram page beginning September 3 through September 6.

3-Pack Face Masks

3-Pack Face Masks
One Size
Carter's

Let’s face it, any kid attending school in person this year is going to need face masks and lots of them. But, as simple as these tools may appear, they can be costly. Especially when you’re doing your best to keep a stack of them clean so that your child has a fresh mask for each day. Carter’s is making this effort much more affordable by offering this darling 3-pack of dino-themed masks for only $6. Made of double layer cotton jersey, these soft masks come with stretchy ear straps that can be adjusted to fit. And, best news, they’re machine washable.

Toddler Socks

3-Pack Toddler Socks
One Size
Carter's

Toddlers are constantly bopping around crawling and walking here and there. And if all that action is happening outside, you’re likely putting them in shoes. But tiny feet need cushion too, which means you have to keep plenty of equally tiny socks on hand. But who wants to pay big bucks for such a small amount of fabric? Not a problem at Carter’s. You can snag this 3-pack for a song. A soft cotton blend means their tender tootsies will be kept comfortable, but they won’t slip and slide when they ditch their shoes thanks to no-skid soles. Plus, the cute design doesn’t hurt either.

Cotton Briefs

5-Pack Cotton Briefs
Sizes 2 - 14
Carter's

Sending kids off to school in fresh new clothes is important from top to bottom and this 5-pack of undies will help you do just that. Made out of soft cotton, these briefs come with a stretchy waistband to make them extra comfortable and, critically, easy to pull off and on. Another comfort feature: there are no tags, so no distracting opportunities for itchiness. Silly prints of pizza, pop, and video game consoles will make these winners with kids. Made just like regular underwear with a fly slit makes using the restroom easy to manage. But best of all, these are machine washable to keep them fresh and clean.

Bike Shorts

Bike Shorts
Sizes 4 - 14
Carter's

Bike shorts are such a great kid necessity of which you’ll want to keep a stack on hand. Easy to pull on, stretchy for active movement, and soft on little legs, there’s really nothing to not like about them. So you might want to pick up a few at Carter’s & Osh Kosh Labor Day sale. This pair hits mid thigh and comes in five colors. An elastic waistband ensures they’ll stay up even on tiny buns, but they won’t shrink thanks to the 93% cotton, 7% elastane jersey fabric blend. Playful and comfortable, these shorts are ideal for back to school and a bargain at that.

Cotton Undies

3-Pack Cotton Undies
Sizes 2 - 14
Carter's

You can get children’s underwear at many retail outlets. However, finding kid’s underwear that’s as cute as it is affordable is less easy to do, especially high quality undies that will hold up to many washes. These undies are a win/win. An even better reason to get these from the Carter’s & Osh Kosh Labor Day sale, they have a no-pinch elastic waist, a tag-free label, and added stretch so your kiddo can run and jump and play wedgie-free. One of many 3-pack underwear options at Carter’s, if this isn’t the design of choice for your child, there are plenty of other choices to choose from.

Long Sleeve Onesies

3-Pack Body Suits
Sizes P - 24M
Carter's

In the words of Game of Thrones, “winter is coming.” And if you have a baby, you know what that means: time to grab some snuggly clothing asap. Babies, even on hot days, typically require a few extra layers. That’s why this 3-pack of body suits is such a boon. You get three super soft, cute snap front onesies for less than $20. It’s hard to find one cute body suit for that price, let alone three! Each are made of ribbed cotton and come in striped pink, polka dot teal, and red floral, a lovely collection that you can pop your babe in (and keep an extra in the diaper bag on reserve) for any event.

Cable Knit Tights

Cable Knit Tights
One Size
Carter's

Baby tights are, hands down, one of the cutest things you can put a tiny tot in. But the timeline in which they can wear them is so fleeting, no parent wants to spend big bucks on a pair of tights. Paying $7, however, feels like a reasonable amount. These are super stretchy, so you can get your chunky monkey’s legs in them, but they also come with a stretchy waistband so they’ll stay in place once you’ve actually gotten them on. Available in grey, black, blue, and pink, these tights come in one size made for children that wear sizes 2T-4T.

Baby Sneakers

Chambray Baby Sneakers
Sizes 0 - 4
Carter's

Want to protect your baby’s feet? Here’s a hot item to get from the Carter’s & Osh Kosh Labor Day sale. These chambray shoes are soft but snug. A cushy bottom supports their developing feet while a hidden piece of elastic under the faux eyelets helps to keep these tiny sneaks on. Locker loops on the back can be used to hang them up after use. And if you want to ensure you always have a back up if one sneaker goes missing (which, let’s be honest, is not an improbable scenario), these shoes are so inexpensive, you might splurge and buy two matching pairs so you always have a back up.

2-Piece Shirt/Leggings Set

2-Piece Leggings Set
Sizes 2T - 5T
Carter's

What parent doesn’t love a matching clothing set? It’s the ultimate BOGO deal that not only spares your pocketbook, it saves you time shopping. “Look, honey. This shirt and leggings are sold together!” And this 2-piece set is great because it comes with Carter’s super stretchy, comfy leggings and a twill top. The blousy designs means there’s no additional pressure on the child’s waist beyond their elastic waistband. In addition, the top means a kid can move around without restriction. Appropriate for school or a family outing, this outfit (which, it should be noted, includes a little bow on the top) is an all around must-have.

Terry Joggers

Pull-On French Terry Joggers
Sizes 12M - 24M
Carter's

Keeping a child’s closet stocked with durable pants is a no-brainer. Whether it’s climbing trees or playing on the playground, you want them to wear trousers that can move and stretch but hold up when they take a tumble. So when you look to get items from Carter’s & Osh Kosh Labor Day sale, don’t forget to grab a couple French terry joggers. These are better than just simple sweats because they have a ribbed ankle so there’s no need to fear tripping over pants. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your child’s pants sliding down either. a drawstring waist band makes sure the pants stay in place.

Back to school shopping doesn’t have to cost you a boatload. Check out all the items you can get from Carter’s & Osh Kosh Labor Day sale and shop smart instead.


Covid-19 Vaccine: One Mom's Decision To Get Her 11-Year-Old Vaccinated


I was pregnant when the swine flu epidemic happened 11 years ago, and that’s the first time I remember ever chomping at the bit for a vaccine. I changed so much of my life to avoid that virus, since it was so dangerous for pregnant women. When the vaccine came out, I remember I was in the shower and my husband got the call that it was available at my obstetrician’s office. He came running into the bathroom and said, “The vaccine is here!” and I put on my pants while I was still wet, and drove like a maniac to the doctor’s office. “Put it in my arm!”

I think my view on vaccines can best be described as: If you’re offered them, you get them.

Now, I have two daughters: an 11-year-old and a 6-year-old. Where to start on what the last year of our lives has been like? Their school district is one that shut down completely for one year. My husband and I are lucky enough to have jobs where we can work from home, but we’re both full-time, but we don't have any type of help, no parents who live nearby or family members who can help with child care. It was a constant feeling of being underwater, all of the time. I wasn’t getting my job done, my children were not learning.

In the spring, my older daughter’s school went hybrid, and she was thrilled to go back. She’s such a friendly kid, with an exceptionally good head on her shoulders — but her math scores did not improve at all for the entire time school was online — and she was so lonely, just adrift.

But that disappointment turned quickly to: ‘Well, how would anyone know she isn’t eligible?’

Once the vaccines were approved, my daughter could pick up on how badly we wanted them. She saw us calling frantically back in the spring, trying to find a CVS with supplies. At one point, my husband heard a rumor there were extra shots available on the other side of the city and he U-turned the car and drove for 20 minutes, only to get there and discover they’d run out. She went with me for my appointment, and saw this long line of people who really wanted it, including me. She was right there watching it all, and she took my photo mid-shot. I didn’t post it or anything — not my thing — but I’m glad I have a souvenir of that moment.

I’m sure witnessing all of this made her excited about getting the vaccine. She really wanted her own shots. How much of this excitement was “this is what grown-ups get” versus “I’m so sick of how my life has changed,” I don’t know. When they started offering it to children 12 and over, it was disappointing that she was so close to that cut-off but not eligible. But that disappointment turned quickly to: “Well, how would anyone know she isn’t eligible?”

By then, we had already gotten our shots at two different places and had both found that very little was required in the way of ID. You could sign your kid up with no verification of age. Getting her vaccinated was really my husband's idea at first. I’m much more of a rule follower than he is, but I had no health concerns about it. She is within the margin of error of the official age cut-off, so I felt confident it was safe for her.

We discussed it with our ​​pediatrician and they were fully on board. We have physicians in our family, and they were all very much on board too. And by this summer, I had no ethical qualms about her getting it. There was plenty to go around in our region, so she wasn’t taking it away from someone who needed it more. To me, the evidence was clear that it’d be much worse for her to get coronavirus than to get the shots. The cost-benefit balance was really clear from a health perspective. The only real concern was like, what if somebody along the way got annoyed with us trying to break the rules?

I have zero concern if anyone knows my kid is vaccinated, but I’m staying anonymous here because I don’t want the clinic or her pediatrician to get in any trouble.

The only moment of any deception came at the appointment. She’d been in that clinic’s health system before, and they were like, “Oh, she was born in 2010,” and we were like, “Hmm, that must be an error.” I don’t like lying, but they didn’t push. Health professionals recognize that every vaccine in an arm is a good thing. The attitude was clearly if you’re here and you want it, fantastic. She got Pfizer, like my husband and I did, and she was a little tired the next day and her arm was sore, but that was it. A very normal reaction.

We haven't been shy about this decision. I have zero concern if anyone knows my kid is vaccinated, but I’m staying anonymous here because I don’t want the clinic or her pediatrician to get in any trouble. We knew friends with kids under the age of 12 who got the shot because they signed up for the trial. If they can get it through the trial, is it really that different? The minute our younger daughter is eligible, she’ll get it, too. (We didn’t try this with our 6-year-old because I do want to see more data on how it affects that age group and the dosing may be different — and of course there is no way she would pass for 12.)

As our daughter prepares to return to school full-time and in-person, it feels so good to know she's going back with this extra protection. It’s not all delight, because we still have an unvaccinated child, but knowing the older one is less likely to transmit it to the younger one is a big deal to me. I’ve stopped trying to make any predictions about what could happen next, because I've been so wrong at so many junctions, so I can’t say for sure this will solve every problem. But it is great peace of mind.


Tuesday, August 31, 2021

How To Tell Your Husband You're Pregnant


Whether you’ve been trying to conceive and finally see those two pink lines, or you take a pregnancy test and are caught by surprise at the results, one of the most fun parts of being pregnant is telling the people you love. And, for many, telling their husband or partner becomes one of the most memorable moments of their lives. It’s natural to want to make it special.

In my case, my husband and I were TTC for many months and had plenty of pregnancy test strips on-hand. I loved the idea of planning a big reveal to tell him I was pregnant when the time came, but he’s not a huge fan of surprises, and I thought it might be equally special for us to find out together. Let’s just say it’s a good thing I didn’t have any elaborate plans...

On a regular old Tuesday night, I was dealing with some serious period cramps for the fourth day in a row and told him I was getting out of bed to take some Advil. He said I should take a pregnancy test first, just to be safe, since we’d read that ibuprofen and TTC don’t always agree with one another. I did, begrudgingly, and went back into the bathroom a few minutes later. I don’t remember what I shouted at him (probably just “Babe!”), but he ran in and we hugged and laid in bed talking about how surreal it felt to see a positive test. And that’s how we learned I was pregnant, and also what implantation cramps are.

How To Tell Your Husband You’re Pregnant

Here’s the good thing: there’s no right or wrong way to tell your husband that you’re having a baby. The best thing you can do is decide how you want that moment to feel in the present and when you look back.

Do you want to tell your partner somewhere special to you both, even if other people are around? Would you rather do it in private, at home, just the two of you? Do you want to capture it on video, or just in your mind’s eye? Would your partner like an elaborate gift box with a positive test inside, or would they rather hear you say it? Maybe you’ll decide to incorporate his favorite hobbies into the big reveal, or something you enjoy doing together. Once you’ve thought through all your options, it’s time to get some inspo.

Telling Your Husband You’re Pregnant With Your Pregnancy Test

If you want to show your partner your positive test to let them know, you could pop it into a long box, add a bow, and present it to them as a surprise gift. Or, why not tell your husband you’re pregnant with a fun activity you can do together, like a scavenger hunt around your home that ends with him finding the pregnancy test? A quick Google search will show you lots of free printable scavenger hunts, like one from The Postpartum Party with six short and sweet clues.

YouTube beauty guru RawBeautyKristi suprised her husband by hiding her positive pregnancy test in the silverware drawer and asking her hubs for a straw so he’d find it. She was able to capture his reaction to keep forever and share with her followers, so you could easily do something similar and hide your phone somewhere to record the whole surprise.

Pregnancy Announcement Photoshoot With Dad-To-Be

Of course, if you’re looking to remember your man’s reaction forever when you tell him you’re pregnant, having a photoshoot is the ultimate move (this one featuring Atlanta realtor and mom Ariane Ellsberry and her husband is just so sweet). You can tell him it’s just a couples’ session so you have nice photos of yourself to hang at home, or whatever other fib he’ll buy. Then, reveal it to him during the shoot with an ultrasound, letterboard, or t-shirt.

Surprise Ways To Tell Your Husband You’re Pregnant At Home

If you’re looking for a cute way to tell your husband you’re pregnant while you’re together at home, well, the options are endless. If you two share a fur baby together already, you can include them in the surprise as well. Purchase a bandana for your cat or dog that announces they’ll be a big brother or sister soon and wait for your partner to spot the surprise hidden in plain sight.

Need to throw something together quick? Grab a little velvet jewelry box or gift card holder. Next, Google the number of weeks pregnant you think you are and find a food or household item that’s similar in size (I found out when my baby was lentil-sized). Grab a lentil or other to-scale item from the pantry and tape it to a small piece of paper. Write, “This is the size of our baby.” Place the paper inside the box and boom: instant announcement using things you already had at home.

If your boo is the kind of person who can never find anything around the house (and is therefore pretty unlikely to notice any subtle clues), you could always let them walk into a full blown pregnancy party setup when they get home from work or a chill day with friends on the weekend. Nothing like a “We’re Pregnant!” banner to really get the point across.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

We're Pregnant Gold Glitter Banner For Pregnancy Announcement
Amazon

“You’re Going To Be A Dad” Gifts

Last but not least, you can always wrap a gift that tells him he’s going to be a dad, or symbolizes it in some way, and present it to him when you’re ready. If you want to hand your partner a gift that will tell them they’re going to be a father, there’s no shortage of options. Whether he’s a fisherman, coffee lover, or obsessed with The Office, you can find a little symbol of your pregnancy that he’ll treasure forever.


30 Texts To Send Someone Who Lost A Baby


Supporting a friend who has experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss is a delicate dance. You want to be there for them, but you also don’t want to overwhelm them while they grieve. It’s a kind of secondhand heartbreak that is truly hard to put into words, but these texts to send a friend who’s lost a baby are a start. You know that nothing you say will take their pain away completely, but you’re hopeful that something as simple as a text message can be just one ingredient in a balm that will soothe their aching soul, even if it’s only an ounce at a time.

Especially when you don’t live nearby or can’t be physically with your friend after their loss, a text feels like a logical way to comfort them from afar. But even if you’ve sat next to your friend and cried with them, sent dinner to their doorstep, or folded a week’s worth of their laundry, a text is still something that your friend can look at any time they need to. When they’re up in the middle of the night, when they feel that overwhelming sense of loss, when they don’t know what else to do, they can have something tangible to remind them that they’re not alone.

Texts To Express Sympathy When A Friend Loses A Baby

  • My whole heart is with you right now.
  • No need to reply, I just want you to know that I love you and I’m so sorry that you’re going through this.
  • I wish more than anything that your baby was still with us. Hoping that the passing days will bring healing and peace in time.
  • I am truly so sorry for your loss. You’re in my heart and in my prayers.
  • I know how badly you wanted this baby and I am truly so very sorry that this happened.
  • Learning about your miscarriage broke my heart, but I know it’s nothing compared to what you’re going through. Praying for you, always.
  • I’m so sorry that you won’t get to hold your precious baby in your arms, but please know that they’ll always be in your heart and you’ll both always have a place in mine.
  • Your baby was so loved and right now, I hope you’re feeling all of that love through the pain.
  • Sharing in your sorrow and remembering the precious life you carried.
  • There are no words I can say to take your pain away, but please know that you are loved and cherished.
  • Remembering your precious baby and sending you as much love and sympathy as you can possibly imagine.
  • I can’t imagine how you’re feeling. I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m thinking of you.

Texts To Send When You’ve Been There

  • I know this pain all too well. I see you and I’m here for you.
  • Please know that you’re not alone right now.
  • This feels so wrong, it’s not fair, and I’m so sorry that you’re having to experience it.
  • Please be gentle with yourself right now and grieve in whatever way that you need to.
  • I know this grief feels heavy. Please know that I can be a listening ear with an open heart who’s been there when you need it.
  • As hard as it is, know that this was not your fault and there was nothing you could have done differently.
  • Wherever you’re at right now mentally, physically, and emotionally is OK. Don’t listen to anyone who tries to tell you otherwise.
  • Pregnancy loss is a club that nobody wants to join, but I’m here with you and I’ll do whatever I can to support you through this.
  • If you feel isolated right now, know that I’m here for you and you don’t ever have to be alone in your grief.
  • Everyone experiences their loss differently, so please know that whatever you’re feeling is valid and you’re not alone.

Texts To Show Your Support & Offer Help After A Friend Has Lost A Baby

  • I’m here for you always. When you need me, just let me know and I’ll be there.
  • I’m not sure what you need right now, but I do know that I will do anything in my power to help you while you grieve.
  • I’m going to drop off dinner on Tuesday at 6. You don’t have to answer the door or do anything, just be where you’re at in your grief.
  • Take as much time as you need to heal and grieve. I’m here for you if you need anything.
  • I’m just devastated for you. I don’t know the right thing to say or do, but I know that I’m here for you if you need anything at all.
  • I promise to honor your baby’s memory, always. Anytime you need me, I’m here.
  • I want to support you through this, but know that you might not be ready to talk yet. Just know that I’m here for you when you are.
  • I don’t care what time it is or what else is going on, I will be here for you through this whenever you need me.

How Soon Can You Masturbate After A "Natural" Birth?


Waiting to have sex after giving birth can be torture for some couples. Although you're likely busy taking care of your new bundle of joy, your body is also recovering and possibly beginning to crave physical contact. Meanwhile, your doctor insists that you wait a full six weeks after giving birth before you engage in any kind of intercourse with a partner. But does that mean that all sex has to be off the table? It makes sense that inserting anything into your vagina might not be a great idea postpartum, but masturbation after giving birth feels like an option that’s still on the table.

What Kind Of Masturbation Is Safe Postpartum?

Masturbation postpartum is safe once you are fully healed and comfortable enough. So you should feel free to engage in clitoral stimulation shortly after giving birth since. But it’s also worth checking in with your doctor if you have concerns.

Because the thing you need to keep in mind is that there are two kinds of masturbation: external masturbation, such as clitoral stimulation, and internal masturbation, such as inserting something into your vagina. For postpartum masturbation shortly after giving birth, it is best to stick with external masturbation since inserting anything into the vagina could be painful, uncomfortable, and cause complications.

In a conversation with Romper, certified sex therapist and couple therapy expert Ashley Grinonneau-Denton clarifies that moms should take things gradually when reconnecting with their own bodies after giving birth. She advises that, depending on your infant's sleep, cuddling, and breastfeeding schedule, moms can start out with taking a bubble bath or getting a massage from their partners. Once you are starting to feel comfortable, however, it's perfectly fine to begin masturbating by playing with your clitoris.

"There is no physiological need to abstain from stimulating the clitoris," she tells Romper. "My recommendation to new moms is to take the first opportunity that they feel inclined to do so."

How Being Postpartum Affects Your Sex Life

If you start to masturbate and find you aren’t feeling it, or just aren’t in the mood to begin with, don’t panic. You may have a decreased libido due to breastfeeding and natural postpartum hormones. Secondly, if you have an orgasm, it may cause you to lactate or have an increase in postpartum bleeding. You may also find that it’s harder than usual to have an orgasm. Third, you have have less natural lubrication than you're used to because of postpartum hormones, so be sure to use a lubricant during masturbation as needed. Last but not least, your orgasms may be more intense or occasionally painful after giving birth. If you are at all concerned, talk with your doctor.

If your body is feeling comfortable and you are adequately healed postpartum, it may just be time for you to engage in postpartum masturbation. Stick with clitoral simulation only and don't be afraid to ask your partner for a helping hand. In fact, Grinonneau-Denton says that partner observed or included masturbation may be a great way to reconnect with your lover, improve your mood, and "allow an opportunity to become more attuned with one's body."