Wednesday, July 26, 2017

5 Things That No One Will Tell You Before Your Baby Is Born



When it comes to birth and parenthood, everyone has their own unique story. Everyone's experience is going to be different. And all babies are different. We prepared as much as we could before our baby was born. We read the books, took the classes, were surrounded by amazing friends and family who passed down valuable advice -- but in retrospect, there was nothing that we, or anyone can do to truly prepare for the real thing.

While I was pregnant, I only (selectively) heard the good things. I only heard how amazing it was going to be, and what a good mom I would be, and how I would love being a mom. I didn't focus on or really understand the magnitude of the challenges that were to come. I totally understand that people don't want to spread negativity and also that many first-time moms don't want to hear it. But for me, I wish I had. Hearing the negative along with the positive would have set my expectations allowing me to be more prepared for both the good and challenging times ahead.

That said, here is a list of five things that no one told me (or I selectively didn't hear), that I wish I would've known before our baby was born.

Eat dairy

As someone who does not believe that cow's milk is ideal for healthy human consumption, this is hard for me to say. But for you mamas-to-be that intend to breastfeed; indulge in those cupcakes, pancakes with lots of butter and all the cheese your heart desires now before you give birth. Approximately 15% of babies under 12 months have a dairy sensitivity (to varying degrees) which causes them to spit up, have excess gas, can cause blood in their stool and acid reflux...all the things that lead to a fussy baby. If your baby falls into this 15%, you'll want to give up dairy and possibly soy too for as long as you are breastfeeding or until the sensitivity resolves itself.

Prepare to not sleep

Yes, everyone tells you this before the baby is born. But what no one told me is that some babies, like mine, DO. NOT. NAP. This means you do not nap. Endless days and nights of nursing, burping, diaper changing and fruitless efforts of trying to get baby down to sleep could be yours. Even with my husband's round-the-clock support (he even took seven weeks off of work!) we were both beyond exhausted. This is another one of those instances where if I would have just known that this was a possibility, I wouldn't have been so blind-sided. Currently at seven months, our son is just now starting to take hour long naps, though the majority of his naps are only 30-45 minutes long, usually only twice a day.

Plan on not leaving the house for two months

All over Instagram and Facebook I'd see images of moms with their hair and makeup done, looking amazing, out with their brand new babies. I assumed that would be me. There I was two months in and could barely get the baby into a stroller and on a walk around the neighborhood by myself. Pregnancy and birth are hard on your body and it takes awhile to recover. Then you have to get used to getting a baby ready to take out which includes strategically feeding them, dressing them, dressing yourself and actually getting out the door without a meltdown from either you or your baby. In my opinion, any outing during the first two months is something to feel very proud of.

It's going to be hard, really hard

From breastfeeding, to sleepless days and nights to keeping that little blob alive, to the floods of hormones exiting your body, being a first-time mom is hard. Physically your body underwent a very dramatic transformation and is now recovering but for the first couple of months you are still in pain. You are learning how to care for a thankless blob who just cries, poops and wants to nurse all the time (which also really hurts in the beginning). Emotionally you are all over the map: happy, scared, excited, anxious and feeling all kinds of expectations. And on top of all of that you still need to eat, take a shower and brush your teeth. I don't miss those first two months. Not. at. all.

You may experience baby blues or postpartum depression

The baby blues affect 80% of women who give birth while it's estimated that 1 in 7 women who give birth develop postpartum depression. More detailed information on both can be found here on the National Institute of Mental Health's website. In addition to all the things happening to you listed above, you may also feel isolated and extremely overwhelmed. Whether you don't have any other mom friends who understand what you're going through (because really, there is no way to understand it until you go through it) or if the last thing you want is for anyone to see you in your state of disarray, you may feel alone, overwhelmed and helpless. Especially when all you've been is excited for this new little baby, and when he or she arrives you are so out of sorts that you don't even know who you are anymore. And that's ok. It's normal. But you don't know it's normal if no one tells you. If you are that girl, know that it gets better and that you are not alone. Talk to someone whether its a family member, a friend or a doctor. Talking about it makes it worlds easier to get through.


If you are a first-time expecting mama, buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride. At seven months in, I can now say that I would go through it all again in a heartbeat. It's all so worth it and that little blob starts to turn into the amazing baby you always wished for around three months, this comes directly from our pediatricians mouth and I concur. Looking back, I now see those initial months as some kind of Navy SEAL-type training/initiation/metamorphosis/rebirth period where when you get through it, you emerge a stronger, more compassionate, more mature, more confident and refined version of your formal self. It's kind of amazing.


Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Beauty Products That Are Safe To Use During Pregnancy




There were quite a few lifestyle changes that I choose to adopt while pregnant; a cleaner beauty regimen was one of them. I throughly researched what was safe to use during pregnancy, what could potentially be harmful for the baby and then promptly raided my bathroom shelves. It took quite a bit of time to research products, consult the experts and in some cases, reach out directly to the beauty brands to make sure that the product in question was totally safe for pregnancy. Having spent so much time and effort, I vowed to create this blog post to help other expecting women discover beauty products that are safe and in my opinion, work really well!

Ingredients To Avoid

There is a lengthy list of ingredients to avoid, here are some of the big ones:
  • Aluminum chloride hexahydrate (found in anti-perspirants) 
  • Beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, trethocanic acid and tropic acid)
  • Chemical sunscreens (Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, menthyl anthranilate and oxtocrylene)
  • Diethanolamine (DEA) (found in hair and body products)
  • Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): (found in spray self-tanners)
  • Differin
  • Formaldehyde (hair straightening treatments, nail polishes and eyelash glue)
  • Hydroquinone
  • Parabens (propyl, butyl, isopropyl, isobutyl and methyl parabens)
  • Phthalates (synthetic fragrances and nail polishes)
  • Retin-A
  • Retinoic acid
  • Retinol (Vitamin A, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin)
  • Sulfates (sodium laureth sulfate)
  • Toluene (found in nail polishes)

Pregnancy-Safe Beauty Products

And here is a list of beauty products that I used during my pregnancy that do not contain any of the aforementioned ingredients as of 2016. I absolutely love all of these brands and have continued using these products while breastfeeding.

Face


Makeup

I took my makeup routine down a couple of notches during my pregnancy, those precious extra minutes of sleep meant everything! 


Body


Hair


Toothpaste

Nails

  • Nail PolishZoya and Cote I'm so lucky that their bungalow is right up the street for me! I treated myself to a couple of mani/pedis towards the end of my pregnancy when I could no longer reach my toes.
  • Nail Polish RemoverZoya


Hopefully this list is useful to you! What products did you use during your pregnancy? Also let me know if there are any other products or brands that I should add to this list.



Sunday, August 21, 2016

A New Adventure into Parenthood


When I first started this blog back in 2008, it was to share all the cool things and interesting people that were a part of my life. Over the years, as I have changed from a no-fear, party loving, single and ready to mingle, never ending energy, adventure seeking 27 year old travel enthusiast; to a more calm, easy-going, married, 35 year old relaxation and enlightenment seeking travel enthusiast-- this blog has changed too.

That said, I'm quite happy as I look back through posts and see that my intention for this blog has remained the same; to make a difference. To make someone feel good, to make someone smile, feel empowered or inspired through a story or shared experience, delicious recipe, fashion or beauty trick, a piece of art or music or place to travel to and by sharing practices and information that have greatly improved my life.

Some favorite posts that I came across:
Eight years later, and here I am starting a very exciting, life-changing adventure in which I still intend to make you laugh, feel good, inspired and empowered. In addition to all the things I normally write about, please join me in my adventure through parenthood!

And at twenty-four weeks pregnant with a baby boy, I'm feeling happy, excited, anxious and surreal. I'm also feeling strong kicks from this little being inside of me! While the first trimester had me feeling horrendous, this second trimester has brought me strength and insight as well as love from so many people, including strangers.

I hope you join me through this new chapter...I have a feeling it's going to be a fun one. 






Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Natural and Organic Baby Gifts

There is a brand new baby in the family (!) and wanting to gift her with something special, I poured over the internet looking for natural, organic, eco-friendly options (yes, I live in Los Angeles and do consider myself a granola-eating hippie on occasion). Hoping you find something you like amongst these wonderful, natural finds!



These natural wood, toy storybook blocks are so amazing I want a set for myself! There are many options: Curious George, Peter Rabbit, Disney themed, Periodic Table themed...the list goes on.  
These blocks are handmade by BlockPaperScizzors




Personalized baby gifts are so special and unique. 
How about this set of Four Personalized Natural Bamboo, Wood Engraved Baby Spoons by Teal's Prairie & Co.





This little Baby Bamboo Beach Robe is sooo adorable. As a beach robe or bath robe, this cruelty-free, dye & color additive free, GMO free robe makes for a lovely gift.



No sulfates, no tears, non-comedogenic and non-irritating, this 
Calendula Horsey Tote by California Baby is an all-natural mama's dream.




Baby shoes have to be one of the cutest things. These organic Guava Boots by Goumi Kids are "the industry’s first two-part closure for a baby bootie - making it easy for single-handed on and off.  Smart stay-put design allows baby’s feet to retain the heat they so easily lose in their newborn days." 
Sold!!!



Made with the finest Egyptian cotton, this Bunny Blanket found on Our Green House,  
triples in efficiency to cover teething, security and snuggling.
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