We know celebrities aren’t immune to hardship or trauma just because of their success. But it really hits home when a star is frank about their health issues. Shannen Doherty’s latest breast cancer photos show just how equally refreshing and heartbreaking that can be.

Her photos, which document the moment she had to shave her head, are not the typical filtered, glossy snaps we've come to believe celebrities constantly live in. They're pretty damn raw.

It's one of many moments that any woman who has ever faced cancer or who ever will face cancer dreads. Avoids. Prays they don't have to do. And it's not about vanity; it's about identity. You see yourself change before your eyes, already bearing the burden of so much change and fear. I can only imagine that it feels like a confirmation of, yes, you are in fact fighting cancer. Any shred of denial likely goes with the hair.

She spoke to Dr. Oz earlier this year on Entertainment Tonight about her breast cancer, and he later opened up about the interview, saying, "She had to come to grips with the fear — sometimes that fear has paralyzed her over the past year." He continued, "That's why a bright woman has sat with a cancer in her breast for that long. We run from the things we fear — I think she's embracing it now."

It's heartbreaking, but it's something so many women can relate to (about 1 in 8 women, to be exact). Even if you've never battled cancer, you know that hardship is easier to face when you have support and a sense of community — when you know you're not the only one. So the very act of sharing these photos of a moment that is so less than perfect is actually quite perfect. There's a mood in them that is, yes, sad, but it's also comforting to see her friends and family standing with her.

I'm sure many women are thanking Doherty for putting this out there without a coat of sugar, and we're definitely sending happy thoughts in her direction.

In Doherty's "chemo day" post, she shows us that, sure, there are bad days, but you have to remind yourself to wipe the tears, pull your chin up and #fightlikeagirl.

Even while getting her chemo, Doherty still manages to put a smile on her face.

Just one day after chemo, Doherty hit the gym to move her body and shake her booty — to help with the healing process.

After chemo day. I believe that just moving helps so much in the healing process. Its not always easy and sometimes I cant do it the next day but I try to make an effort to get the blood flowing and the toxins out of my body thru working out. Some days are easy workouts and other days I push it but the key is to MOVE!!! This is for any illness. Obviously check with your doctor. The road to recovery is paved with all sorts of different material. #beastmode #fightlikeagirl #warrior

A video posted by ShannenDoherty (@theshando) onOct 6, 2016 at 3:33pm PDT

Let me tell ya.... shaking your booty is hard work with my Neda who's been helping me move and get toxins out. Yes I was tired, yes I wanted to be in bed but I went and moved and felt way better. Any exercise during illness is good. We can do it!!! #beastmode with @jammalibu #fightlikeagirl #warrior

A video posted by ShannenDoherty (@theshando) onOct 6, 2016 at 7:30pm PDT

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

This article was originally published July 2016 and updated October 2016.

Zendaya Coleman may only be 20-years old, but she's already proven she's wise beyond her years and has a wide appeal with women of all ages. But her new app, simply referred to as "Zendaya the App" is really one for the millennials.

More: Zendaya's showing us what happens when a woman demands what she wants

On Thursday, Oct. 6, Zendaya revealed that she'd be launching an app. The teaser video for the app begins with her saying, "Here I am!," and then goes on to share clips from shoots, as well as her goofing out and hanging with friends. So, here's what we know about it so far, and here's why you'll love it.

The release date of the app is still uncertain, but when we do get to access to it we'll be treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Zendaya's life. According to Zendaya's YouTube channel fans will get an "exclusive pass" into the daily happenings of her life via a livestream, radio and Daya by Zendaya shopping experience (her new shoe line). As well as premium videos and content which will be exclusive to the app.

More: Zendaya shames man behind disgusting rape tweet with eloquent response

Plus, she's also no stranger to the app game! While it's true this will be Zendaya's first app, she previously collaborated with AOL to launch the brands's Makers Stories app (where we're pretty sure she learned a few things about the ins and outs of having an app).

So, how do fans feel about this new app? They love it, of course.

Comments on the YouTube teaser include one from Julenax3, who wrote, "I just would download the app for seeing your face every day girl you're stunning." Zariah Ponder also shared their thoughts writing, "yeessss go Zendaya I would watch every livestream."

While Diego A expressed their excitement about the upcoming app. They wrote, "You know something's down when zendaya posts something in her channel lmao! Can't wait!!"

And there's good reason to be excited about it: Apps like this make Zendaya seem like less of a celebrity and more of a friend, as it introduces interesting new dynamics and allows fans to get a more honest representation of what her life and personality is like, when she's not working.

More: Zendaya's really not worried about her parent's divorce news

Apart from the teaser, Zendaya has remained relatively hush-hush about the app, although she did post the clip on Instagram along with the caption, "Surprises...surprises #ComingSoon."

In the build-up to the launch we expect a lot more information to be released, and we'll be keeping you updated every step of the way.

How do you feel about the idea of Zendaya having an app? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

As one of today's most popular artists, Bruno Mars has already achieved all kinds of milestones — a handful of Grammys and Super Bowl performances to name a few. And after a short hiatus, he's back!

Bruno Mars just released the title track off his new album, 24K Magic, as its first single, along with the colorful music video. The album is set to be released Nov. 18 and is hopefully filled with more of the disco-funk tunes Mars is famous for. But how much do you know about the artist behind the music?

1. He grew up in Hawaii

Image: Giphy

Mars was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father, originally from Brooklyn, New York, is half Puerto Rican and half Ashkenazi Jew, while his mother, who emigrated to Hawaii as a child, was of Filipino descent.

2. His stage name was inspired by a wrestler

Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez. So where did the name Bruno Mars come from? Back in the day, his dad gave him the nickname "Bruno" because Mars was chunky as a baby and reminded him of the hefty wrestler Bruno Sammartino. As for the "Mars" part, the singer told Rap-Up, "The 'Mars' came up just because I felt like I didn’t have no pizzazz, and a lot of girls say I’m out of this world. So I was like, I guess I’m from Mars."

3. Musical talents run in his family

His father is a drummer and his late mother was a hula dancer. In fact, the two met while performing at a show. Apparently, they passed on their abilities to their kids. Mars' sisters have a musical group called The Lylas. Meanwhile, his brother Eric is a drummer in Mars' backup band, The Hooligans.

More: Kanye West apologizes to Bruno Mars for totally selfish reasons

4. He was a young Elvis impersonator

Image: Giphy

When Mars was a kid, his dad and uncle ran a Hawaiian variety show that sometimes featured the singer as an Elvis impersonator. That's right — he's been performing since age 4.

5. He's a songwriter

Aside from creating his own hits, Mars has also penned many popular tracks for other artists. In fact, before becoming a successful solo artist, he was a known music producer, writing tunes for writing artists like Travie McCoy, Brandy, Sean Kingston, CeeLo Green and Flo Rida.

6. It took him a while to break out

Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, Mars signed to Motown Records in 2004 in a deal that "went nowhere," and a conversation with Will.i.am's management also turned out fruitless.

In 2006, he met his future manager at Atlantic Records, Aaron Bay-Schuck. After hearing Mars play a couple of songs on the guitar, Bay-Schuck wanted to sign him immediately. But the label felt that it was too early and that Mars still needed development as an artist, so Mars didn't officially sign to Atlantic Records until three years later. He broke out when he was featured on the B.o.B single "Nothin' on You," which he also wrote.

More: Groom's wedding dance crushed it to Bruno Mars, Britney Spears and more (VIDEO)

7. He's run into trouble with the law

In 2010, Mars was arrested in Las Vegas for possession of cocaine. He pleaded guilty to felony drug possession, and in return for his plea, he was told that the charges would be erased from his criminal record as long as he stayed out of trouble for a year, paid a $2,000 fine, did 200 hours of community service and completed a drug counseling course.

8. His first Super Bowl performance made history

Image: Giphy

Mars made history at the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show in 2014 as the youngest artist ever to serve as the sole NFL Super Bowl halftime headline.

9. He's already matched Elvis Presley in a big way

In 2013, Mars scored his fifth No. 1 hit with "When I Was Your Man." The song came just a little over three years after his first chart-topper — meaning that Mars racked his first five Hot 100 No. 1s faster than any male since Elvis Presley.

More: Bruno Mars proves his critics wrong at Super Bowl halftime

10. He has four Grammys

Mars has won four Grammys: the first in 2011 for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Just the Way You Are," the second in 2014, for Best Pop Vocal Album for Unorthodox Jukebox, and two in 2016 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, both for "Uptown Funk."

11. He's one of the world's best-selling artists of all time

Image: Giphy

Throughout his singing career, he has sold over 100 million singles and albums, making him one of the world's best-selling artists of all time. Seven of his singles are also counted among the best-selling singles of all time.

12. He does more than sing

Not only is Mars a talented singer, but he plays the drums, keyboard, bass and guitar.

13. He has tattoos

@BrunoMars Brunz I don't have any tattoos but YOU make me want a Hooligan tattoo!!! pic.twitter.com/rtPczGTh4I

— #1 GRAMMY (@lindav102356) December 11, 2015

Mars has four tattoos: a gypsy, an anchor and two on his upper arms, which are dedicated to his parents. On his right upper arm is his late mother's name, Bernadette, written in a heart, and on his upper left arm are the word's "Pete's Boy," as a tribute to his father.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

You spent a lot of money on that shirt, and now you totally ruined it by spilling your coffee or your wine — or even with a grubby handprint from your kids. Pinterest has lots of DIY tips, but many of them are hard to decipher if you've never gone down the road of stain removal before. That's why we've gathered up all our favorite stain-busting tricks in one place for almost any gross substance that could potentially ruin your best outfit. Yes, we're talking blood, sweat, grass, coffee, makeup, juice and vomit, and trust us, these hacks really work.

Because saving your favorite clothes is always worth the extra elbow grease.

For all of your clothes

• The earlier you catch a stain, the better. If you're out and about (and the item isn't dry-clean only), pretreat the affected area with something like Spray 'n Wash's Stain Stick, Shout wipes or a Tide pen. (If none of these are available, you can at least wet the stain to keep it from setting as completely. An ice cube from your drink is the perfect way to wet the spot. Careful to just dab — don't rub the stain into the fibers of your clothes.) Then wash the item as soon as you get home.
• After washing an item with a stain, check your wet laundry before drying it to make sure the stain is gone (the heat from the drying process will often make the stain permanent). If the mark is still visible, pretreat as before or try another stain treatment process and wash again.

More: How to clean your jewelry so it sparkles even longer

Types of stains

• Dye stains: Fresh dye stains are the easiest to remove but very hard to get out once they've set in. If possible, right when the stain happens, run it under cold water and then wash it in the hottest possible setting for the fabric. Dye stains are naturally occurring vegetable dyes found in many plants and acidic foods. If you can't get the stain out yourself, try the dry cleaner. These same cleaning methods should work for coffee, tea and ink stains — which are also dye stains.
• Protein stains: Organic in nature, protein stains include things like vomit, sweat and blood. Treat them with alkaline stain removal solutions, which will digest the proteins. Enzyme presoak products can break down protein and help dissolve fats. Most detergents contain enzymes and can be used to clean protein stains.
• Combination stains: Combination stains are stains from things like sauces (barbecue sauce, ketchup, hot sauce), makeup (lipstick, foundation, eye shadow) and crayons. They are a combination of the other types of stains. First, rinse off any excess from the stain with cold water. Gently rub a detergent into the stain. Rinse out the detergent, apply a stain stick and launder.
• Ice cream and other dairy product stains: Dairy stains are protein stains because they are organic in nature (i.e., from an animal). Fresh stains should be soaked and agitated in cold water before washing. If the stain has dried, scrape or brush off any crusted matter. Soak for up to several hours in cold water with a detergent or an enzyme presoak (which breaks down protein-based stains like egg, grass and blood so your detergent can work more effectively). Launder in warm water. If the stain remains, soak an additional 30 minutes and rewash. If a colored stain remains, launder with a bleach safe for the fabric.
• Fruit and fruit juice stains: Fruit stains are a dye stain. Launder with detergent in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Do not use soap (bar, flake or detergents containing natural soap) since soap-based products could make the stain permanent. Soak tough stains for 30 minutes in 1 quart of warm water and 1 teaspoon of enzyme presoak product. Removal of old or set stains may require washing with bleach that is safe for that particular fabric. If all the sugars are not removed, a brown stain will appear when the cloth is heated in the dryer or is ironed as the sugar is caramelized. This effect is great for crème brûlée... not so wonderful for your favorite white blouse.
• Grass stains: Grass stains are also a dye stain — a combination of protein and other organic matter mixed with chlorophyll, xanthophylls and carotenoids. For stubborn stains like grass, soak in a solution of cool water and a laundry product containing enzymes, like Shout Advanced Ultra Gel Brush, for at least 30 minutes (or several hours for aged stains). Don't use hot water, as it will coagulate the protein and make the stain more difficult to remove. If stains remain, soak an additional 30 minutes, then rewash. (Follow product instructions, and note that some laundry detergents already contain enzymes.) After soaking, launder in warm water as usual.
• Mud stains: Mud stains are a protein stain. Let mud stains dry. Brush to remove the soil. Soak in a solution of 1 quart of warm water, 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with water. Let stand for several minutes. If the stain persists, sponge it with rubbing alcohol, then rinse with clear water and wash. You may also soak the stain for 30 minutes in an enzyme presoak, and you can add chlorine bleach to the load of laundry if the label says it's safe for the fabric.
• Barbecue sauce stains and other tomato-based sauce stains: Barbecue sauce is a combination stain. Soak in cool water, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon of vinegar for 30 minutes. Rinse. If the stain remains, pretreat the area with a prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent or a paste of powdered detergent and water. Then wash in warm water. Air-dry. If the stain remains, soak it in an enzyme product for at least an hour up to overnight. Some detergents contain enzymes. Launder in warm water. Do not use hot water or hot air-drying or iron the garment until the stain is gone, as heat will set it.
• Coffee stains: A coffee stain is a dye stain, but the cream or milk in the coffee is a protein. Therefore, you will want to treat the stain as both if you like a little cream in your morning cup of joe. If the stain is fresh, immediately rinse with cold water. If you are at home (or once at home), remove the clothing and add laundry detergent directly to the stain and rub the cloth together with cold water. Soak in the water for 30 minutes, rubbing the cloth together every five to 10 minutes. Next, wash clothing on the hottest setting. Ensure the stain is out of the clothing prior to placing in the dryer. If the stain has not been removed, try repeating the steps. For older stains, apply white vinegar directly to the stain and mix with cold water. Rub stain with a sponge until removed. You may also use baking soda as an alternative solution, applying with a wet cloth to scrub away the stain.

Next Up: Removing stains from whites

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Removing stains from whites

The key to removing stains from white clothing is to attempt to remove the stain immediately. Scoop up or scrape food items off while blotting up liquid spills from the outside in. Apply a liquid dishwashing soap directly to the stain and rub gently with a light-colored cloth or your fingernail. Do not use a darker colored cloth or terry towel as this may darken the stain. Soak garment in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes prior to washing.

More: When to ditch the harsh household cleaners and go au naturel instead

New and older stains may also be removed with the use of cornstarch or baking soda, gently scrubbing the powder into the stain with a cold, wet cloth. White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are also great pre-treatment solutions. With any white clothing, it is recommended that you wash separately and pre-soak in 1/2 cup of bleach and cold water.

Removing stains from darks

Like white clothing, it is important that you attempt to remove a fresh stain immediately. Scoop up any food residue while blotting away liquids. Avoid using bar soaps or terry cloth towels on stains. Soak in 1/2 cup of white vinegar and cold water prior to washing the clothing on a regular cycle. If it is a tough or set stain, soak garment directly in 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of water for 30 minutes prior to washing. Rinse item out prior to washing on a warm cycle to sterilize clothing.

To remove stains from jeans, apply hydrogen peroxide directly onto stain and allow to soak for 30 minutes prior to washing on a regular cycle. Grass stains can be removed by applying petroleum jelly directly to the stain and spreading with your finger. Wash on a regular cycle after five minutes.

Next Up: Removing stains from delicates

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Removing stains from delicates

Remove set and new stains from delicates using a solution of salt and lemon juice. Gently rub with soft cloth (like microfiber) or your finger and rinse with very hot water. Never rub the garment harshly or with a rough cloth. Allow it to dry in the sun. If the stain has not been removed, attempt to soak the item in 2 parts warm water, 1 part detergent and 1 part oxygen bleaching agent. Wash it as recommended per the garment instructions.

More: 11 DIY natural cleaners that actually get the job done

Another method of removing delicate clothing stains is by hand-washing the garment with borax, baking soda and regular detergent. Lightly scrub the cloth together. Rinse with cool water and air-dry to prevent the stain from setting in.

Originally published May 2016. Updated Sept. 2016.

Humans aren't the only ones who mourned Prince's death in April.

More: It's a bit slanderous for Prince's ex to be discussing his 'cocaine-diet' now

Prince famously had a pair of doves as pets in his home — they were even credited with helping make some of his music by providing background ambiance on some tracks. The two birds, named Divinity and Majesty, were allowed to roam freely in Prince's home, and their singing could almost always be heard throughout the Paisley Park compound.

But Prince's sister, Tyka Nelson, revealed in a new interview with Al Roker that even Divinity and Majesty took the news of the star's death pretty hard — they stopped singing soon after Prince died.

"If they’re quiet, it doesn’t feel the same," Nelson explained. "After he passed, they weren’t talking. When I first came in, I’m like, 'Where's the doves? What’s going on?'"

More: Prince's cause of death doesn't make him any less of an icon

Nelson said the doves were still in the house when she returned after Prince's death, but that they stayed eerily quiet for a while, as if they knew what had happened to their owner.

Now, the doves are singing again, but their songs aren't exactly cheerful. Roker, who toured Paisley Park ahead of its opening as a museum dedicated to Prince, commented on how sad the birds sound now.

"It’s literally doves crying right now," he said.

Nelson said she and the rest of Prince's family are looking forward to the day that Paisley Park opens to the public, because she can feel Prince's presence in the home and wants others to be able to.

"Oh, definitely," she said. "Any time you look at his clothes or shoes or hear a song ― sometimes they’ll play music in here ― and then of course, the doves."

More: Prince's death has had a potentially life-changing outcome for Chaka Khan

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

The consumer advocacy group, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, is now suing PepsiCo, maker of Naked juice. The CSPI alleges that Naked’s statements like “no sugar added” and “only the best ingredients” lead customers to believe that the juice is healthier than it really is — one of its drinks has more sugar than a can of Pepsi. In the papers filed, the class-action plaintiffs are asking that PepsiCo change its marketing practices and award damages to people who have bought the products.

Does this news leave you feeling burned? Did you give Naked juice to your family under the assumption that it was a healthier choice than other juices?

A handy rule of thumb moving forward through the world of juice — assume all juices are high in the bad stuff, because they are. Yes, your child will get more vitamins and fewer additives by choosing 100 percent fruit juice instead of sweetened juice or fruit juice cocktails, but you still can’t escape the calories and sugar (and the ensuing sugar rush!).

More: 37 green smoothies and juice blends you'll actually want to drink

It’s practically impossible to avoid juice entirely if you have a kid. I know my son gets it at preschool snack-time and sometimes we let him have some at a party or to get him through, say, a haircut or a doctor’s appointment. Just remember that quantity is even more important than quality when it comes to letting your kids have fruit juice — the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

• Birth to 6 months. No fruit juice unless it's used to relieve constipation
• 6 to 12 months. If juice is given, limit it to 4 to 6 ounces (118 to 177 milliliters) and serve it in a cup (not a bottle) to avoid tooth decay
• 1 to 6 years. Up to 6 ounces (177 milliliters) a day (that’s the size of two small Dixie cups)
• 7 years and older. Up to 12 ounces (355 milliliters) a day

Just remember that your child doesn’t need juice — when in doubt, go with milk or water (and if he turns those down, he’s not really thirsty). And as a rule of thumb, when you’re trying to decide which brand to buy, it’s simply easier to assume all juices — even the ones that claim to be healthy — are nutritionally inferior to a good old piece of fruit.

More: What is really in your orange juice

There used to be a time when I would get giddy about going to an airport. That feeling right before I was getting on a plane was like entering Disney World as a kid. I loved it but somehow the airlines have taken all the fun and excitement out of airline travel. These days all I can think about are all the things airlines do that drive me crazy.

More: 4 ways I justify my luxurious solo trips

The checked bag situation is out of control

We are all miserable about the extra luggage fees for checking bags when flying, and to save $25 - $45 bucks we are all jumping on the "carry-on only" bandwagon. This has created a new kind of chaos when traveling as there is not enough overhead room for all the roller bags we are bringing on the plane. So the airlines have produced stricter rules, and I hate to break it to all of you, but these are not working either.

Recently, I arrived at the airport and proceeded to the counter where an angry looking check-in man looked over at my roller bag and gave me a little come over here motion with his finger.

Your staff should know what a standard carry-on bag is

I travel with Heys Luggage. This is a luggage company that has devoted its life and mission to making sure that their carry-on bags fit into the metal wireframe airline checking system thingy. It's a hard case bag that does not expand – I know, and everyone at Heys Luggage knows this bag is going to fit. When the angry check-in man picked up my standard bag and put it into the metal wireframe, this was only confirmed.

Improper carry-on bag limitations

However despite it fitting, he then took my bag and put it on the scale and said, "It's 1.1 kg overweight." I'm like OK, but here is my purse which is part of my carry-on baggage as the personal item, and it is way under the 10 kg limit. He says to me "You need to move 1.1 kg from this bag into your other bag."

So here's the thing. Both bags are going on the same plane. Both have a weight limit of 10 kg. One bag is 11.1 kg, and one bag is 5 kg. So I'm under the 20 kg limit. Are you telling me that 1.1 kg more in the overhead bin is going to break the plane? Furthermore, hypothetically speaking, what if I move the 1.1 kg from one bag to the other, go through check-in, security and then when sitting at the gate in front of the plane, I move the 1.1 kg back into the roller bag? What's going to happen?

My ticket which was purchased for me on this flight included one checked bag, so I figured I wouldn't going to let this angry check-in man ruin my day and I checked my bag. You'd think this was the end, but no, it got better.

At the departure gate, the angry check-in man shows up with his wireframe thing. He then began calling all the people who checked in online through the loud speaker. He started checking all their bags to make sure requirements were met. There was a lot of yelling and angry passengers fighting with him as he made them pay a penalty to check their bags.

More: Sex as a solo female traveler wasn't what I thought it would be

Sky check or checked bags - it's the same thing!

So now I get to the part that just baffles me. When were finally called to board the plane over the speaker, I heard, "Please note due to the size of the plane, all roller bags will not fit in the overhead compartments and will have to be sky checked." What? If the plane was too tiny and you knew that roller bags don't fit in it then why didn't you just include checked baggage in these tickets? Why did we all go through all this crap with our bags when they were going to be checked anyway?

Unfortunately this happens routinely. Sometimes the planes are smaller, so therefore shouldn't the carry-on policy reflect the kind of plane I'm traveling on? Why do they make the check-in process so difficult when they are going to check the bags anyway?

There is nothing more annoying than after landing at the airport, trying to get through the crowd of passengers waiting for their sky checked bags at the plane door. People are trying to get out. Sky checking bags has to be the single stupidest thing airlines have ever invented. Baby strollers and wheelchairs, OK that makes sense but luggage? No thanks.

Overbooking flights

The other thing that airlines do that drives me bananas is overbooking flights. I understand they want to fly planes full. But have the people in the head office that make these decisions ever had to sit at a gate and watch people crying or screaming because they are the unfortunate ones who were bumped from a plane due to overbooking?

This scene at the airport is horrible to watch. Most of us sit at the gate praying our names are not called. We sit with our heads down listening to someone crying about a special event they are going to miss and our hearts ache because we don't want to give up our seats to miss out on getting to where we need to be.

I watch the angry businessman guy who is banging his suitcase against the counter because he's going to miss an important business meeting and am just scared he's going to snap and kill us all. I can't be the only one that has experienced this scene. It's happening just about every time I fly. Maybe not always at my gate but somewhere over the speakers I always here "This flight is full, and we are taking volunteers to switch flights." Which almost always is followed by airport departure gate chaos.

Attention all airlines - flying is no longer fun

So I implore airlines, can you come up with standard airline bag checking policy which allows all the passengers on the plane to bring their items on board without chaos? I mean are you profiting from applying a stupid fee to checked baggage? Do you not see the utter stupidity in the whole sky checking of baggage? Can you figure out a way to fill your planes without inconveniencing innocent people?

Let's make air travel fun again!

More: The secret life of being a travel blogger

If you don't have your kids properly sleep trained by the time they're 5 years old, they might struggle at school according to a study from Queensland University of Technology in Australia.

More: Actually, sleeping with my 5-year-old is pretty great

Researchers found that of the 2,880 children followed from birth to age 6 or 7, those who were able to soothe themselves back to sleep by the age of 5 were more likely to have an easier time adjusting to school than those who had sleep issues. The study — one of the first of its kind to use such a large sample size to examine long-term effects — also found that one-third of the children had sleep problems that led to emotional and behavioral issues in the classroom, including a greater risk of developing attention deficit disorder.

I'm calling bullshit on this simply because my own experience is so different. My 6-year-old daughter definitely has sleep issues. She's not a huge fan of going to bed in general, and hates being in her own bed. As a result, she ends up in mine most nights.

More: Three things you're doing wrong by trying to raise a 'nice' kid

When she started school last year she adjusted extremely well, which I put down to the fact that she wakes up well-rested every morning because she's slept so soundly by my side. I believe that because I'm not putting pressure on her at bedtime, she goes to sleep feeling content and secure and wakes up happy, ready to face the school day. I'm not stressing about the fact that she'll probably climb into my bed at 11 p.m. (or 2 a.m. or 4 a.m.), so she's not stressing about it either.

Her teachers certainly haven't had to deal with any hyperactivity, poor self-regulation in the classroom or emotional outbursts — which the study associates with poor sleep habits (namely an inability to self-regulate their attention or to soothe themselves back to sleep without the aid of a parent).

A recent piece by Lisa Selin Davis in The New York Times, "Our Sleep Training Nightmare," speaks to me as a parent more than any study ever will. As Davis so beautifully articulates, sometimes the experts — all the experts — get it wrong. Like her, I refuse to parent the child I want my daughter to be, "and not the child she is."

However, I'm well aware that my daughter may be the exception to the rule. If you listen to the experts, I'm the worst example of all time of sleep training. Everything we're told not to do (let kids into our beds, lie with them until they fall asleep), I do. But I also refuse to feel guilty about it. Until I have a reason to believe that my daughter's sleep habits are impacting her health or her education in a negative way, I'm happy to carry on sharing my bed with her.

More: 10 tips from experts for pulling off a successful playdate

I'm surprised that I can still be shocked by what people come up with in the kitchen, but every week, it seems like there's a new entry into the "WTF is that hot mess?" food competition.

This week, it's a Cheetos-dusted mac and cheese pulled pork pizza. Blogger JP Lambiase of Hellthy Junk Food posted a video of the concoction, which is made with several ridiculous comfort foods, including one of my childhood kryptonites, Velveeta mac and cheese.

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Now, obviously, few if any of us are actually going to make this. And his video for this galaxy mac and cheese is even crazier.

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More: 6 Flamin' Hot Cheetos-flavored foods we just don't need

So why do we watch these videos? Why are we obsessed with them?

Well, Lambiase himself said that he started creating these videos while trying to follow a healthier lifestyle.

"What I realized was most important about dieting and being healthy is that balance is just important if not more than sticking to a stringent diet. So I decided to recreate all the food I love with these recipes," he told The Independent.

I feel like watching food porn like this satisfies our basest desires — and it gets them out of our system. Like, how many nights have I spent a full hour watching those food videos on Facebook of creamy pasta everything, only to make roasted veggies and brown rice when it's actually time for dinner?

More: The Vulgar Chef's Cheetos-crusted mac 'n' cheese doughnut is just that

Because I guarantee eating this pizza wouldn't feel good, physically or psychologically. But watching it be made and watching someone else eat it (while being able to imagine every single flavor in the pizza — like literally, can't you practically taste it?) still feels fulfilling in a weird way.

"These recipes aren't necessarily healthy and aren't meant to be a new way of life; they are to calm the cravings during a cheat day or a stressful day, etc. Think of it as non-alcoholic beer," Lambiase said.

And I think that's the perfect analogy. Some people think of these videos as the dark side of food porn, a sign that millennials have ruined haute cuisine and we're all going to hell in a Flamin' Hot Cheetos-lined handbasket.

But Lambiase knows the real reason we watch these videos — to stop ourselves from actually engaging in that dark alternate reality. I can happily munch on my lemon pepper tofu and sprouted quinoa salad, as long as I know that somewhere out there, a Cheetos-dusted pulled pork mac and cheese pizza exists. Sometimes, it's all you need.

More: Deep-fried tater tot burger is glorious and gross, all at the same time

Not everyone is happy for Laura Prepon after she announced her engagement to Ben Foster.

More: Ashton Kutcher may have accidentally revealed his baby's gender

Prepon's former That '70s Show co-star Ashton Kutcher actually freaked the eff out about it during an appearance on Live! With Kelly.

"I’m very upset with her right now," Kutcher told host Kelly Ripa. "She just announced this engagement. I had to find out in the news! She’s my friend. It’s weird like that. By the way, it’s not just a random engagement; it’s an engagement to another friend of mine. So I’m double-upset that neither of them told me. I got off the plane in New York and I’m like, 'What?!'"

More: Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher are far from done growing their family

Maybe Kutcher should settle down, though, because it sounds like he did the exact same thing when he got engaged to his wife, Mila Kunis.

"When Mila and I got engaged, [Prepon] was like, 'What, this is crazy! You guys were friends 20 years ago, and no one saw this coming and now you’re engaged and I had to find out this way!'" he said. "They were friends 20 years ago!"

Yeah, so they pulled the exact same thing. Tough cookies, I guess?

Anyway, Kutcher and Prepon will clearly make it through this with their friendship still intact. She came out later in the show so he could confront her face-to-face, and their teasing about the whole situation was definitely playful.

After blaming her lack of communication about her engagement on her desire to keep hers and Foster's lives as private as possible, she jokingly blamed it on her role on Orange Is the New Black.

"I have been in prison! I have limited communication with people!" she said.

More: Apparently Ashton Kutcher's got a potty mouth because his daughter's picking it up

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

While Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump show no signs of finding peace amid their years-long feud, the same can't be said for O'Donnell and Trump's daughter, Ivanka.

More: A timeline of Donald Trump & Rosie O'Donnell's 10 years of hatred

O'Donnell recently made headlines after she ran into Ivanka at a New York City restaurant and ended up having a friendly conversation with her and her husband. She tweeted about the interaction afterward, as well as her surprise that Ivanka was friendly and gracious — the exact opposite of her father.

"@IvankaTrump in a city of 8 million - we meet face 2 face - i thank u 4 listening - mother 2 mother - on this new years week - my best 2 u," O'Donnell wrote on Twitter.

More: Rosie O'Donnell & her daughter had a rough year, but they're happily on the mend

After the tweet, though, O'Donnell followed up with a poem she wrote about her experience.

Check it out:

"i see a couple / sitting close together / in a small corner booth / directly across from me

i watch them / stunned by her face / and his calming charm / they were definitely a THE"

She continues, "'that is the most beautiful woman i have ever seen' / i say aloud to dana / she turns to look – turns back at me / 'that’s ivanka'

can’t be i said / no it can’t be / it is – / she reassures me"

According to her writing, O'Donnell thought about leaving the restaurant because Ivanka was there. Instead, she chose to introduce herself.

"i walked the 5 steps toward her table / introduced myself / she smiled genuinely / her husband was warm and gracious

"i told her of my children / some truths about myself / my pain and shame / she was absurdly kind

"i just wanted u to know' / i said in a shaky quiet voice / i then made my way down the large wooden stairway / into my waiting car"

At the end of the poem, O'Donnell seems to offer some forgiveness to Ivanka for the harsh words her father has said. She wrote:

"i wrote a book once / about bashert / the concept of / meant to be

it has comforted me / on my darkest days / when my inner voices scream / u deserved it

as her father has

same as my own."

Props to O'Donnell for taking such a strong stance in the face of the hate she's received — constantly — from Donald Trump.

More: Rosie O'Donnell's daughter is in the middle of another health emergency

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Remember Rachael Leigh Cook of She's All That fame? Yup, well, she's still awesome.

Cook chatted with SheKnows about her new film Autumn in the Vineyard, motherhood and the plethora of Hollywood divorces lately. What did we learn? We all need to be a little more like Rachael Leigh Cook.

More: Rachael Leigh Cook and Daniel Gillies win cutest People’s Choice couple

"It's going to make me sound like a crazy person, but I take the breakups of actor couples very personally," Cook, who is married to The Originals actor Daniel Gillies, explained when we asked about her thoughts on the Brangelina divorce. "I really want to hear about couples of two working actors who can stay together. I very much need to know that it can happen. All of che detta [that said], I really believe it's small-minded to think that just because a relationship ends that it was not a 'success.' A good life should have many chapters and all of us have a responsibility to follow our happiness and nurture our own personal growth. No one else will do that for you. So, yeah. YOLO. Do you. Whatever."

As for Cook and Gillies, they definitely have to find that life balance as two working Hollywood actors.

More: Rachael Leigh Cook & Daniel Gillies welcome a daughter

"Well my husband works full time on a show, I know the hardest part is the sheer number of people I have to inconvenience when I want to go to work," Cook said. "Logistically it's just plain complicated. Also, deciding if a project makes sense not only as a career, but financial sense, now plays a role. A lot of the fun, smaller movies will cost us money to do by the time we pay for additional care."

Cook and Gillies have been married for 12 years and have two children — daughter, Charlotte, and son, Theodore.

When it comes to career moves for Cook, she admitted to us that after She's All That, she intentionally avoided rom-coms.

"OK I am completely busted right now. No one has ever really called me out on that before and it's true," Cook admitted about her career decisions. She continued, "I am a complete romantic at heart. A total wimp for whom the world often feels like too much. I love romantic movies with every part of my being. But early on, I worked on a movie with Parker Posey, playing her younger self, and I quickly identified her as the coolest person I had ever born witness to. And what she mostly did was edgy, smaller films. As soon as I had options in my career, I almost immediately swung my career in that direction. The problem with that being, I was not being true to who I really am: someone who is not 'cool.' Someone who is very soft at their core. Someone who is thrilled to bring you a love story."

More: Daniel Gillies talks on-set sex at Comic-Con

Hence Cook's transition back to romance with Autumn in the Vineyard, a story about two very different people who both have a claim to half of a Sorrento farm. Rivalry ensues, as does some serious chemistry.

The film also stars Brendan Penny and premieres on The Hallmark Channel on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Do you think Cook has the right attitude about Hollywood divorces?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Wow, Mindy Kaling's brother Vijay Jojo Chokal-Ingam sounds less than awesome.

Apparently, Kaling and Chokal-Ingam are feuding over his book, which exposes the fact that he got into medical school by pretending to be a black man, rather than truthfully stating that he is of Indian heritage.

More: I'm a feminist, but I want Mindy and Danny to get back together on The Mindy Project

During an interview with Page Six, Chokal-Ingam explained that Kaling tried to stop Chokal-Ingam's book from being published because she thought it would bring shame to their family.

"She tried to sabotage the book, and that’s not acceptable," Chokal-Ingam said.

He added, "You play a slut on national TV, and you think this [book] will bring shame on the family?"

And that's about right when I spit up my coffee onto my lap.

Kaling, who is known for her roles on The Mindy Project and The Office, is far from a Hollywood harlot. And even if she were, she has every right to own her body and tell the stories she wants to tell. That does not make her a slut, it makes her a strong and confident woman.

More: The Mindy Project: I stopped idolizing Mindy Lahiri, but she's still my hero

Not to say Kaling hasn't made her fair share of mistakes. Chokal-Ingam also trashes his sister for reportedly stabbing her friends and boyfriends in the backs along the way of her career.

"My sister has engineered similar public and private plots against her many frenemies in Hollywood," Chokal-Ingam said.

He continued, "If Mindy thinks twice about stabbing someone else in the back because of what I’ve written, then I’m doing her a big favor."

Who knows if Kaling is actually guilty of being Hollywood's big, secret frenemy or not, but no one deserves to be called a "slut," especially by their brother.

It sounds like Chokal-Ingam is behind the times. He would do well to educate himself before making a judgemnt that affects more women than just his sister.

As for Chokal-Ingam's book, he went ahead with it but doesn't recommend anyone pretend to be black to get into medical school like he did. Probably sound advice since medical school didn't end up working out so well for him. Chokal-Ingam dropped out and now works as a college admissions consultant.

More: The Mindy Project casts Joseph Gordon-Levitt for the most unbelievable role

Kaling has yet to comment on the drama. We're guessing she's staying out of it while her brother digs his own grave.

Update: Oct. 7, 11:44 a.m. PT:

Following the publication of this article, Chokal-Ingam reached out to me on Twitter to try and explain his comments.

Needless to say, his justification isn't really making things better.

Are you shocked that Kaling has such volatile family drama with her brother?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Halle Berry might like to keep her private life under wraps, but that doesn't mean she won't speak her mind when her parenting decisions are criticized.

More: Chrissy Teigen makes her Twitter private and moms everywhere cry a little

Berry retaliated on Instagram this week after a troll called her out for cropping out the faces of her two kids — 8-year-old Nahla and 3-year-old Maceo — in a recent pic.

The image showed the children's bodies and smiles, but not the rest of their faces. “What’s with the hiding of the faces?" demanded one commenter. "They’re beautiful children why not show them off?” 

It's not often that A-list stars respond to Instagram comments, but Berry clearly wanted to put this particular user in their place. She pointed out that it wasn't the first time they had given an unwanted opinion.

More: Ashton Kutcher may have accidentally revealed his baby's gender

"I’ve noticed you have said this several times now so let me be clear — I’m not at all ashamed of [my] children," Berry wrote. "I try to find creative ways to incorporate them into my feed because they are the biggest part of my life, but I also work very hard to keep their identities as private as I can considering they are only children.

“It’s my belief, and I’m not criticizing others who have different beliefs, that it’s my job as their mother to protect their privacy as best I can," the actress continued. "When they grow and they’re of age and they want [to] share their images on the internet, that will be for them to decide, not me. Feel me? Have a beautiful day.”

Suggesting a mom who doesn't parade her kids around on the internet is ashamed of them is ridiculous. Every parent has the right to decide how much of their kids' lives they share online, and A-list moms are no different from the rest of us. And just like us, sometimes they can't resist biting back when they've been criticized.

More: The 6 stages of proud mom selfies

And now for news that's surprising to absolutely no one: Burke Ramsey has filed a $150 million defamation lawsuit in the wake of a documentary investigation that named him to be JonBenét Ramsey's killer.

More: A lawsuit is brewing between CBS and the Ramsey family over JonBenét's murder

CBS aired the two-part The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey last month, featuring pathologist Werner Spitz, who is the subject of Burke's lawsuit. The conclusion Spitz came to on the show is that Burke, who was jealous and angry at his sister for stealing a piece of pineapple from his bowl, killed his sister by hitting her on the head with a heavy, blunt object, possibly a Maglite flashlight that was found on the family's kitchen counter.

Now Burke is suing Spitz for "explicitly and falsely stat[ing] that Burke Ramsey killed his sister, JonBenét Ramsey."

More: Dr. Phil is inserting himself into the JonBenét Ramsey case

Spitz has worked on a lot of other high-profile cases, and in his lawsuit, Burke claims that Spitz has "a disturbing history of making false statements related to the brutal murder of young girls."

During the initial investigation of the 1996 murder, Burke was exonerated by DNA evidence. His parents were also cleared as suspects. So Burke has every right to be upset about this — he's already been found by investigators to be innocent, and now, while being forced to relive his sister's death, he's also being publicly accused of killing her without a fair trial. That's pretty rough.

Regardless of what people think after watching the documentary, we all need to keep in mind that Burke was cleared and has never faced trial. Calling him guilty is unfair and possibly false. He deserves some compensation for all the accusations being thrown his way.

More: JonBenét Ramsey: DA hid parents' grand jury indictment

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

If quizzed, most of us could probably guess what people should gather up before evacuating their homes due to an impending natural disaster — birth certificates, insurance information, bottled water. (In fact, here is a disaster supply kit reference from Ready.gov, which you should for real check out.)

But as anybody who has ever calmly packed a hospital bag and then frantically had a baby can attest, being theoretically ready then actually going through the "this is not a drill" experience are two different things.

If you’re preparing to evacuate due to Hurricane Matthew or you live in a part of the country where evacuations are a real threat due to storms or fires, here is some advice for evacuating your family from people who have been there.

Cursha L., evacuated her Savannah home due to Hurricane Matthew

"I let my kids pick their favorite backpack or cinch sack and put whatever they wanted to in it. They seemed extremely happy about this. Ownership is important to kiddos when times are uncertain."

More: Kids helping Fort McMurray evacuees are a shining example

Juli M., evacuated her California home due to a forest fire

“I [stayed] in touch with the schools to see if they were closing. I work 45 miles away from my house, so I called in for a couple of days while it was going on and just said I wasn't coming in. We gathered a big bag of important papers, everyone packed a small overnight bag (me + 3 kids), I got [the pets ready], I made sure I had some cash and I filled the car’s gas tank.”

Petra G., evacuated in 2005 from Hurricane Rita

“We carried cash, food, snacks, first aid kit, flashlights and water because most stores were either sold out completely or already closed up. If you have advance notice make sure you book a room, connect with family for a place to stay or pray you find some form of shelter.”

Brooke D.B., whose mother evacuated her Florida home due to Hurricane Matthew

“[My newly-widowed mother had to evacuate our family home]. I advised her to take pictures of every room in the house, both for insurance purposes and for her own memories, as well as pictures of various antiques and paintings over a certain value as further insurance documentation. She talked about how this is the kind of situation where it feels critical to have two adults on hand to think of things the other forgot and to bounce ideas off of each other.” 

Stephanie B., evacuated her Nashville home due to 2010 floods

“I would have taken the warning seriously and packed more stuff — focusing on things you can't replace like photos, high school yearbooks, that box full of letters and cards that we all keep stored somewhere and forget about. Furniture and clothing can be replaced — those things can't.”

Donna B., evacuated for Hurricane Katrina

“We have a go box that includes not only the essentials for the family but items for the kids: most recent LEAP test scores, immunization records, birth certificates and social security cards. When we evacuated for Katrina, we enrolled our oldest in school in another state — the process is much smoother if you have all of these items. My son was able to enroll and begin classes that same day.”

Leslie C., who has had to evacuate her New Orleans home several times, including for Hurricane Katrina

“Don’t panic. Take five to 10 minutes for planning. Make a list.

"Choose a staging area (likely near the front door) where belongings can be gathered. Tell your children you are going on a family road trip adventure. Incentivize: There will be treats in the car if they behave. If children are of an age that they can be helpful, assign duties such as 'choose three stuffed animals, five books and two games.' If children are of an age that they are unhelpful, this is the time to use pack-n-plays and iPads — whatever works."

More: Preparing for a hurricane: The most important things you need to do

"Gather sturdy containers — suitcases, bags, plastic bins — it is all about consolidating and transporting. Go room by room — bedroom for clothes, bathroom for toiletries, kitchen for snacks. Avoid aimlessly wandering or frantically running around the house. Don’t forget the power cords. Blanket and pillow for each kid. Paper towels, Ziploc bags, garbage bags, baby wipes, hand sanitizer — the car, and life, will get messy. Snacks. If you have room for a cooler with ice, go for it. If you have pets: bowls, food, treats, leash, carrier, litter box, toys. Before you leave, make a final, purposeful walk around the house.” 

Sister Wives' Meri Brown is stepping out on her family once again.

More: The latest rumor about Kody Brown is just too awful to be true

Long after the catfishing scandal that rocked the Brown family, reports say that Meri is seeing a new man — and this one is definitely real.

The new man in Meri's life is reportedly from Hawaii, and Meri is spending most of her time with him, away from her family in Utah, sources say.

"She's always gone now. She's always traveling. Meri has wanted to leave for the past year and a half. She's done," an insider revealed.

More: Want to know how Meri Brown fell in love with a woman? She's gonna tell you

There have long been rumors that the Sister Wives are fed up with their arrangement with patriarch Kody Brown. And with the show's ratings steadily falling and talk of Kody taking on another wife (or even two more!) to gain more viewers, talk has intensified that his four current wives are looking for ways out of the family.

Meri has always been the closest to leaving. Last year, it was documented on the show as she had an emotional affair with what she thought was a man online. He turned out to be a woman catfishing Meri, who stayed with Kody after the truth came out and seemed to be willing to try to repair their marriage.

But Meri, who was Kody's only legal wife until he divorced her to legally marry his fourth spiritual wife, Robin, has never really seemed to get over the affair and the new family dynamic that came with losing her status as Kody's legal wife.

If the rumors about Meri's new man are true, she's doing a better job keeping her affair under wraps this time. When she was being catfished, she often had conversations on Twitter with her online lover. This time, there's no mention on her social media of anyone or anything out of the ordinary.

More: If Kody Brown is looking for a fifth wife, there's no way anyone is happy

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

How far would you go for amazing skin? Would you eat salmon every single day? Because that is exactly what Victoria Beckham does, as she tells Net-a-Porter's The Edit:

I see a dermatologist in LA, called Dr Harold Lancer, who is incredible. I’ve known him for years — he sorted my skin out. I used to have really problematic skin and he said to me, ‘You have to eat salmon every single day.’ I said, ‘Really, every day?’ And he said, ‘Yes; breakfast, lunch or dinner, you have to eat it every single day.’

OK, I love salmon as much as the next hungry woman does, but wow... every day? It's true that salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids — the secret sauce behind fabulous skin — but it's not the only source. Not by a long shot.

More: Dinner made easy: 10 simple fish in parchment recipes

Salmon is becoming the new chicken breast. Everyone eats loads of it because we think it's healthy. But we're missing out on other sources of omega-3s — better sources. Yeah, that's right. Better.

And to get better omega-3s, you need to think small. You need to eat the little fishes. We're talking mackerel and herring, which can be just as high in omega-3s as salmon is. Why are they better? Because they're lower in the food chain, which means they're lower in mercury. And did I mention they're also cheaper? Here are a few ideas to try out:

• Take a cue from the Spanish, and get your little fishes from tins or (if you're BPA-wary) bottles. Eat them tapas-style with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, crusty bread and a nice glass of red.
• Make your Caesar salad the authentic way — with anchovies.
• Top some Danish rye bread or crisps with cream cheese, pickled herring and lemon zest for open-faced smørresbrød-style sandwiches.
• Swap out canned mackerel for tuna in a fish salad sandwich. Be amazed at how it tastes pretty much the same.
• Indulge in some raw oysters the next time you're at a raw bar. They're almost as high in omega-3s as salmon is, plus they're an aphrodisiac.
• Make mussels in linguine — another seafood that's almost as high in omega-3s as salmon.
• If you're lucky enough to live near mountain streams, definitely take advantage and get your fill of fresh rainbow trout.

More: How to grill your favorite types of fish

A few plant-based foods are high in short-chain omega-3s, a type that doesn't pack as much power as fish-derived omega-3s, but at least they come with fiber. Sprinkle these onto your salads, in your granola, over pasta, in smoothies or onto anything else you can think of.

• Hemp hearts
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts

More: 5 reasons you should get more omega-3s, starting now

Long story short, you do not have to eat salmon every single day to get glowing skin like Victoria Beckham does. Go for variety instead. There's plenty of fish in the sea, as they say.

One of the biggest questions soon-to-be moms are always asked is whether they’re going to breastfeed or bottle-feed.

That’s it. Two choices.

“I plan to feed him,” should be an adequate answer, but parenting options are anything but clear-cut.

While I was pregnant, I figured I’d at least attempt breastfeeding, though I didn’t have super-strong feelings about it other than it seeming more affordable.

I had a vague sense of how it was all supposed to work. I read books, watched videos and talked about it with my doctors, who all stressed the benefits of breast milk. Every pregnant woman or mom I spoke to was sure of what they wanted to do. I felt bad for not automatically knowing, assuming this answer should be more innate.

More: Overcoming breastfeeding challenges

My pre-natal care was through a health center, so I didn’t have a designated OB-GYN. Instead, I was seen by a rotation of women, one of whom stressed that the baby not have a bottle — at all — in the beginning to ensure he would take to my breast.

When my son was born, I had an unexpected C-section. We were immediately separated and I sat in my hospital room waiting three hours before I could hold him while he was in observation. When the nurse asked my boyfriend, who had been to all of my appointments, if she could give him a bottle. He said “no,” per the instructions given to us by that particular doctor.

When they finally brought me my baby, I immediately tried to breastfeed, and it seemed to take. He latched on and appeared to be swallowing. The nurse commended me and I felt reassured. I fed him often, though it started to hurt when he latched. I thought this was normal, so I didn’t say anything.

He lost a bit of weight, but the nurses and doctors kept checking up on him. The one thing they were nervous about was a blood test that had something to do with his liver. They eventually said we could leave the hospital, but had to bring him back in the next day for another blood test.

When we went in for the checkup, he failed the test and had lost a pound. I broke down while talking to the lactation specialist, who said that of course he could have a bottle — whatever it would take for him to gain weight and get back on track.

More: 6 things I wish I'd known about breastfeeding

The doctor looked at his mouth and realized he had a tongue-tie, which was the reason he couldn’t latch properly. He hadn’t been able to open his mouth wide enough, and was instead chewing on my nipple, hence the pain. They set up an appointment to have it snipped and explained that once this was done, he would probably latch better. They also noted it was possible my milk hadn’t let down yet.

We opted not snip my son’s tied tongue. I’m not sure if I regret it, but asking two people who haven’t slept in almost a week, one who is hormonal and not thinking straight, to make a decision like this is not ideal.

The lactation specialist asked if I had tried using my breast pump. She suggested I go home and see what happened.

I managed to get about an ounce out of each breast and was elated that I was actually making milk.

That’s when I got the “brilliant” idea of pumping all of my son’s milk and feeding him out of a bottle. I figured this was also a great way for other people to feed him.

It wasn’t easy. I was pumping every few hours just like someone who was breastfeeding would be, except now I had to have my pumping stuff with me if I left the house for awhile. I relied on a Facebook group for exclusive pumpers for support since I’d never heard of anyone doing this.

There’s a lot of cleaning and sanitizing with this choice. My pump was super-loud. I went to an overnight bachelorette party and shared a room with someone. I felt terrible having to pump in the middle of the night. Another time I had to pump in the car. While driving. On the expressway.

I got multiple clogged ducts, which were extremely painful and scary. No one wants to wake up with a lump in her breast. Every time I got one, I wanted to quit pumping. But throwing in the towel felt like I was failing at new motherhood.

Eventually, I got a full-time job and decided this was the time to stop.

All told, I made it 10 months exclusively pumping and was pretty proud of myself. Even though I had sacrificed a lot during pregnancy, as all of us do, this was a very tangible choice I made, one that felt like my first true act of unselfishness as a mother.

More: It's time to stop shaming moms who don't breastfeed

Ultimately, I really wish someone had told me about this option before I began feeding my son. All around you, the “experts” are telling you that “breast is best.” But there are many women out there who are unable to breastfeed or just don’t want to. Whatever your reasons, none of that has to do with your connection to your child or your worth as a mother. This is just another option for someone who is interested in giving their baby breast milk if that’s something that is important to them.

It’s not convenient or easy, but none of it is.

On Friday, when The Young and the Restless star Steve Burton shared the news on Twitter that he was exiting the CBS soap, the daytime television scene got a little bit smaller. Even though Burton was positive about his time on the show, it’s hard not to think that the soap world is having a tough year.

More: Big changes may be ahead for Y&R, and fans are gonna love 'em

Burton’s departure is another notch on a string of high-profile exits this year on soaps. Tyler Christopher and Bryan Craig on General Hospital immediately come to mind. Even though they both left for different reasons, why can’t the networks keep their top-notch talent on the roster?

With someone like Christopher, the contract became the sticking point. For Craig, it was the desire to see what else is out there.

More: Soap operas constantly tackle social issues — and often before other TV shows

For Burton, his message was upbeat, but a bit curious. He wrote on Twitter, “With lots of reflection, I have decided to move on from Y&R at the end of my contract in Dec. I've had an amazing time, but it feels right to move on to new adventures in my life.”

He was recruited to Y&R back in 2012 to play Dylan McAvoy, but his flexible contract allowed him to spend more time with his family back in Tennessee. With new executive producer Mal Young and new head writer Sally Sussman Morina in place, did he see the warning signs that some of these special conditions might not be met?

While there’s been no indication of strife on the set, Y&R is still reeling from the loss of Justin Hartley after he moved on to the primetime show This Is Us. Daytime television is one of the best places for steady employment for actors, but there seems to be an uneasy feeling in the air.

More: General Hospital star Matt Cohen shouldn’t leave his daytime job

Television is seeing a ratings dip on both primetime and daytime shows because technology has changed the way we view content. With the daytime landscape filled with lifestyle shows and only four soap operas, how do producers retain viewers?

If actors are seeing interest in their show dwindle, it’s no wonder they are looking for new opportunities. Viewers worry about their favorite soaps being canceled each time the network contracts come up for renewal — and we all remember the loss of All My Children and One Life to Live in 2011.

The writers have to figure out a way to keep their storylines consistent and the legacy characters in the mix. There’s a reason these roles are so iconic, and fans want to keep seeing them pop up on their TV screens.

With the end of the year approaching, let’s hope there aren’t any more cast exits because daytime needs as many big stars as possible to keep the quality up and the consistency going.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.