This guest post comes to us from Rebecca Egbert. A Midwife and tireless champion of moms, Rebecca has specialized in Women’s Health for 20 years. She created Little Mother’s Helper, a guide for the mind, body, heart and soul in the time following childbirth. Below she shares her top advice to new mothers.
Tags : Wellness
Even though Andrea, the founder of Tubby Todd, and I have been friends for years, I’m genuinely a huge fan of their products and have been since the day they launched their first lavender body wash. I use their BASICS line daily with my little ones and am always bugging Andrea about when a new scent or product will come out, not to be sociable but because I love everything they make. I’ve known about the development of their new MAMA line for quite a while now so I’ve been (im)patiently waiting for it’s release. I recently gave it a spin and I think we can all agree that it’s a game changer.
Tags : Wellness
Meeting Jeannette (@shutthekaleup) feels like freshening up! She’s a mama with an outstanding balance as fitness instructor, mom to Elliott Grey, and “real food” enthusiast, and we’re leaning on her for some shaping tips…to be our healthiest selves. Her mantra is simple: “listen to your body,” and we’re all ears for her nutrition tips, workout gear “steals” and advice for feeling our best after baby. Thanks for guiding us through, Jeannette.
Tags : Wellness
As a mom, you and I both can understand the most universal challenge of finding balance. While this comes differently to each of us, Solly Baby’s style is when “mama’s dancin’ with baby on her shoulders,” or when babywearing happily helps us juggle it all while keeping what matters most the very closest.
If “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness” (-Joseph Pilates), then instructor Jenny Redford of Hello BODY Pilates is helping build a really happy you. With your baby wrapped tight, follow her simple instructions to work as much of the body as possible, “keeping in mind that we don’t want to jostle baby too much and we want to give ample attention to your posture.”
Before you begin —
When returning to exercise, pay special attention to reconnecting to the pelvic floor and deep abdominals. Even though the movement is mostly focused in the lower body, keep your focus on drawing in and up in the belly to initiate each movement. This will help you to support baby and to find your balance. I also recommend wrapping baby a bit higher than usual to keep their little legs out of the way.
I show both an option to do this with 2-3lb hand weights/weighted balls and without. You can opt out of the arms completely to hold baby’s head or you can place your hands on the back of a chair for balance. If you perform it as shown, 3x’s each exercise, alternate sides and repeat the series several times. You can also perform each exercise individually 8-12 times. Finally, if something doesn’t feel right, stop. See you doctor when necessary. Move mindfully always.
Releve / Centering, Balance, Calves
Stand tall, weight in the balls of the feet. Lift and lower heels with resistance.
Passé Lunge + Arm Reach / Balance, Thighs, Glutes, + Shoulders
Bring the right knee forward, sliding the right toe up the leg to passé (as low or as high as you’re able to maintain your balance). Then reach the right leg 2-3 feet back to a lunge. Left leg bends 45-90 degrees, knee over foot. Arms reach forward, palms up. Body hinges to a slight diagonal. From the lunge, lift and press the hips forward over the standing leg as you bring the right leg directly back to your passé. Body returns to upright.
Plié, heel lifted + Arm T / Inner-thighs + Quads
From the lunge, pivot 90 degrees toward your back leg to a wide second position. Legs Rotate outward. Lift the right heel as both knees bend deep to 90 degrees and lift to standing. Arms hold in a T, palms up. The back and chest are broad, shoulder blades reach down. Knees point in the direction of the toes.
Pulse Plié, heel lifted + Arm T / Inner-thighs + Quads
Lower to a deep plié, lift and lower several inches with as much control as possible. Arms hold in a T, palms up.
Hold Plié, heel lifted + Arm Circle / Biceps, Shoulders, Inner-thighs + Quads
Holding a deep plié, arms draw small circles; back and then forward. Upper body remains still, support the arm motion with your back.
Side Leg Lunge + Arm T / Balance, Glutes + Shoulders
Legs and feet rotate to parallel. Lunge into the right leg then push off from the lunge and extend right leg; balance on the left leg. Control as you resist back into the lunge. Arms hold in a T. Hips remain level.
Side Leg Lifts + Arm T / Balance, Glutes, Core + Shoulders
From your last side leg lunge, hold your balance. Lower the right leg to tap the ground then lift the leg 6-12 inches. Arms hold in a T. Hips remain level, centered over the supporting leg.
Tags : Wellness
Contributor: Jane Maynard
When it comes to taking dinners to families with new babies, ALL food is ALWAYS welcome. You could drop off a bag of potato chips and onion dip for dinner and I guarantee those sleep-deprived parents of a newborn will be happy! That said, there are small things you can do to make the meals you deliver to new parents extra wonderful and useful. Over the years, as people have brought meals to our family after we have had babies, I have picked up some great ideas and tips about what makes a delivered dinner really great.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan meals for the loved ones in your life who have just had a baby!
Guest Contributor: Jane Maynard // This Week for Dinner
Yes, pregnancy is a time to avoid alcoholic beverages. But just because you have that adorable baby bump doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun drink in hand! There are all kinds of delicious mocktails out there that can help you ride out the next nine months. And, let’s be honest, some (all?) of them actually taste better sans alcohol!
These 15 fabulous mocktail recipes are just what you need to quench your pregnant thirst. And, with warm weather finally settling in, the fizzy, fruity fun that is a mocktail is perfect for spring and summer. Don’t forget! Just because you’re not a virgin (yes, the preggo belly gives you away!) doesn’t mean your drink can’t be! Bottoms up!
Strawberry Mint Fizz –
This tasty strawberry mint fizz also has a slight cucumber flavor. The freshness of this drink is perfect for spring and you’ll definitely want more than one glass! Get the recipe from Babble.
Blood Orange Basil Mocktail –
This mocktail has a richer flavor thanks to the blood orange and basil, which end up complementing one another beautiful. And, of course, fizz! Get the recipe from Babble.
Persian Pomegranate Mocktail –
Orange blossom water gives this mocktail its special Persian twist. Get the recipe from Tori Avey.
Frozen Virgin Strawberry Coconut Daiquiri –
Frozen drinks are always the best, especially when there coconut and strawberries are involved. Get the recipe from The Lemon Bowl.
Sparkling Honey Rosemary Lemonade –
This is lemonade, cocktail style. Except, of course, no booze! Get the recipe from Nutmeg Nanny.
Watermelon Hibiscus Lime Cooler –
One of the fun things about cocktails is the interesting mix of flavors, which this drink most certainly has thanks to hibiscus. Get the recipe from Tasty Yummies.
Banana Piña Colada –
Piña coladas are always a great candidate for going virgin! Get the recipe from Tasty Yummies.
Frozen Virgin Strawberry Margarita –
This frozen strawberry margarita is perfect for when you’re in a party mood! Get the recipe from Barbara Bakes.
Pink Grapefruit Sparkler –
This pink grapefruit sparkler also features the flavors of pineapple and ginger. Bonus: ginger helps with morning sickness! Get the recipe from Cookin’ Canuck.
Mango Margaritas –
A mango margarita will definitely help a tired, pregnant mama relax and transport herself, at least mentally, to a desert island! Get the recipe from Simply Sated.
Mojito Smoothie –
This slushy mojito is downright irresistible. Get the recipe from Wonky Wonderful.
Ginger Mojito –
What better way to get in some anti-morning sickness ginger than with a mojito! Get the recipe from Taste As You Go.
Citrus Mint Spritzer –
A hint of mint gives this citrus spritzer a refreshing flavor you’ll love! Get the recipe from Diethood.
Summer Fruit Spritzer –
When summer comes be sure to get out this recipe and take advantage of all those summer fruits! Get the recipe from Miss in the Kitchen.
Cranberry Sorbet Bellini –
If you can’t have a classic bellini, go for this variation on a theme, with raspberry and cranberry. Get the recipe from Country Cleaver.
Guest Contributor: Jane Maynard // This Week for Dinner
When I started nursing my first baby I could NOT believe how hungry I was. Coupled with being the most tired I had ever been (am I making new motherhood sound fun yet?), I needed fast and easy food at my fingertips at all times! But that food also had to be nutritious and baby-friendly. (Needless to say the gobs and gobs of cookie dough I ate those first months probably didn’t totally fit the bill!)
Having filling snack food at the ready is a must after baby is born, especially when you are nursing and needing that extra 500 calories a day. The following snack ideas are perfect for nursing moms, packed with all kinds of great nutrients and flavor and, most importantly, SUPER EASY to make and eat! The last thing you need is a recipe when there’s a newborn to be fed!
Hummus –
Hummus is a great snack to keep in the fridge. It’s super healthy and flavorful and pairs well with chips of all kinds as well as fresh veggies, which you simply can’t get enough of when you’re nursing.
Nuts –
It doesn’t get much easier than reaching into a bag of nuts! Nuts are an incredibly nutritious way to get in protein and they taste great, too.
Fruit –
This might seem like a no brainer, but don’t forget to keep a stash of fruit in the kitchen! No prep necessary, vitamins, fiber and a good way to satisfy a sweet tooth, fruit it where it’s at!
Cheese –
Cheese is another great snack for nursing moms, thanks to protein and calcium galore. Throw it on a whole-grain cracker and you’ve got fiber added to the mix. Any new mom knows just how much we need that fiber – so fun!
Greek Yogurt –
Greek yogurt is not only packed with protein and calcium, but it has all those great probiotics to keep your system happy. I love getting plain Greek yogurt and mixing in a dollop of homemade jam (that I made months before baby was born, by the way). So good!
Boiled Eggs –
If you like boiled eggs, then you are in luck! Eggs are another one of those protein-packed snacks and boiled eggs are beyond easy. Just boil a bunch of eggs at once and then keep them in your fridge for when you need a quick bite.
Peanut Butter –
Whether you’re dipping yummy things like apples or celery into your peanut butter or just eating it straight off the spoon, peanut butter is a pantry staple that is perfect for the nursing mom!
Hummus Guacamole Dip –
I know I said no recipes, but I swear this recipe is easy and you can make a bunch and have it last for several days. I love hummus guacamole dip not only because it’s tasty (which it is!), but because it’s packed with all kinds of healthy ingredients, like avocados, hummus and black beans. I can seriously sit down with this dip and some corn chips and be happy for lunch or dinner, so imagine what a fantastic snack it must be! Click here to get the recipe from This Week for Dinner.
Avocados –
Avocados are a true super food, packed with all kinds of good nutrients and healthy fats. They are also loaded with fiber (good for new moms!) and potassium (good for moms who might be getting Charlie horse cramps due to dehydration). Plus, they just plain taste good. Cut an avocado in half and scoop with a spoon or smash slices on a piece of whole wheat toast with a bit of salt and pepper and you’ve got one of the best snacks around.
Cookie Dough –
I know, it’s not healthy. But sometimes you just have to splurge to keep your sanity! This recipe for eggless cookie dough from Kailley’s Kitchen is absolutely perfect for new mommas. No dangerous raw eggs to contend with and all the cookie dough your heart could desire. Trust me, cookie dough and a glass off ice water is the best when you’re nursing!
I will never forget having my first baby. It was a time of complete euphoria and complete exhaustion! I truly feel nothing but fondness when I think of those first weeks with baby, but I also remember very clearly that getting my teeth brushed was a major accomplishment. A shower? Talk about productive! Needless to say I wasn’t doing much cooking!
Since I didn’t know what I was getting into, I didn’t prepare any food ahead of time. Luckily I had a good friend and a mom who knew better. Between the two of them Nate and I had a freezer full of prepared dinners that simply required defrosting and reheating. Those meals were a lifesaver for us! We ate wonderfully during a time when about all I could manage was cold cereal.
Having food waiting in the freezer when baby is born is not only a good idea but almost a necessity, especially if you have other little ones running around! The following 12 meals are perfect for freezing ahead and are delicious, too! Get all the cooking done before baby arrives or, better yet, get your mom to do it for you! Whoever does the prep, once your sweet one is here, you’ll be so glad you won’t have to think twice about prepping a good meal. All of these recipes are great for freezing and a few are even dairy-free, something that many nursing moms need.
This Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Quiche looks especially scrumptious. Get the recipe from Well Plated!
One of our family’s most favorite recipes is Grammy’s Orange Chicken. This dinner is ultimate comfort food, has no dairy except for butter, and is not heavy on spices. Plus it freezes nicely! Get the recipe from This Week for Dinner!
This cozy Spinach Tortellini Tomato Soup is not only delicious but filled with healthy tomatoes and spinach, and the pasta makes it nice and filling. Get the recipe from Diethood!
Chicken Noodle Soup was one of my most favorite meals after having babies. After my third child, a friend of mine (who also happened to be a chef…lucky me!) brought over a huge container of homemade chicken noodle soup and it seriously made me happy! If you want to freeze some soup ahead of time for yourself, Simply Sated has a great recipe!
Chicken Pot Pie is another great dinner for new parents! Protein, veggies and pure deliciousness is just what you need in those early weeks with baby. Get the recipe from This Week for Dinner!
Yes, filling healthy dinners are a great thing to have in the freezer, but so are yummy Nutella Stuffed French Toast Sticks. Whether for breakfast or a snack, you definitely need to fill your freezer with these French toast goodies! Get the recipe at From Valerie’s Kitchen!
When I started compiling this list, I got in touch with my friends at Once a Month Meals because they are the freezer food experts. The whole team wholeheartedly recommended this Crockpot Mongolian Beef recipe, so I think it is a must! Click here to get the recipe from Once a Month Meals!
Lasagna is a fabulous meal to have in the freezer after baby is born. One of the best things we did was divide a cooked lasagna into individually-wrapped servings, so Nate and I could just grab a few servings at a time. This lasagna recipe from Ina Garten is a traditional tomato-based lasagna but with a few flavor twists. A friend brought it to us after one of our babies and it was divine! Get the recipe on This Week for Dinner!
If you’re looking for a completely different kind of lasagna, this Creamy White Caprese Lasagna is a great option. Get the recipe from The Cookie Rookie!
Beef stew was another meal that my mom cooked and froze for us when we had our first baby. I don’t know if it was just because I was completely famished and bleary-eyed, but it was one of the best things I ever tasted! I am sure I would have devoured this Vegetable Beef Stew from The Lemon Bowl just as thoroughly!
Once a Month Meals also put together two complete freezable meal plans tailored for new parents. These meals are dairy free and the meal plans include side dishes and dessert, too. You’ll love having these meals stashed away! Click here for the recipes from Once a Month Meals!
Guest Contributor: Jane Maynard // This Week for Dinner
