Isolation. Loneliness. Guilt. Worry, Shame. Paranoia.
These are not the typical emotions you may associate with motherhood, yet, here we are. So many women feeling isolated in their worry. Feeling lonely in their guilt. Feeling alone in their shame. So many women who feel that they are the only one. I too, spent many hours wondering the same thing.
“Am I the only one?”
Moms are always wondering what they really need for their new baby. We often register for all the shiniest new toys and gadgets and end up using the three things that were handed down to us from a more experienced mama. It is difficult not to buy everything. We want to feel prepared. We want our baby to be happy and well taken care of. We want to head into motherhood ahead of the game and ready for anything.
With that said, here are my recommendations for the 10 must-have products for a new mom. These are the things that were crucial during Luca’s first three months. They helped keep mom and dad sane and kept baby happy during “the fourth trimester“.Continue reading
Every since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being madly in love. I dreamed up a happy life with an adorable, loving husband. I wanted a family of my own. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to be a mom.
This could be considered a love letter. Or a letter of reflection. But mostly, this is a letter of gratitude.
I am writing this letter openly to save as a memory for Timi and me as a couple, but also in hopes to inspire other couples. I hope to share my gratitude for my partner and in turn, encourage thoughtfulness, intention, and love between partners during pregnancy.Continue reading
Babymoons. I have recently heard quite a bit of criticism around the concept of a babymoon. Followed by an eye-roll and under-the-breath “kids these days…” commentary. Babymoons are an adaptation of the honeymoon and are designed to provide expecting parents a little R&R before a new baby arrives. Although I can understand the envy of couples who did not know about, or did not have the opportunity to take advantage of, said babymoon… I do not see it as a concept to be looked down upon.
Personally, any excuse for self-care, celebration, or time dedicated to your partner, is a “Hell Yes!” in my book!
Regardless of if you have children or not, time dedicated to self-care and time away from life’s general stressors, is often few and far between. Think of a babymoon as time for numero uno. Time to do what YOU want to do. Time to relax. Time to sleep. The past few months have been consumed with thoughts, fears, anxiety, and the excitement about that sweet baby you are about to carry through your front door. You’ve been truckin’ around that growing belly to doctor’s appointments, showers, Ikea, and Babys-R-Us. You’ve been examining every food label, reading every blog post, and following “The Bump” like it’s your job. Give yourself a break. Just press pause for a moment. Grab a book (completely unrelated to childrearing), put on a bikini and rock that bump, lather up with your chemical-free sunscreen, order up a virgin margarita, sit back and RELAX for goodness sakes!
Since the day you saw those two pink lines on the pregnancy test, your relationship with your partner changed. As I’ve talked about in previous posts, I believe this change can be the most beautiful, greatest thing to ever happen to a couple. However, it takes work. It takes perspective. And it takes patience. Use your babymoon as a time to connect as a couple. Go out for a romantic dinner. Talk to each other. Not just about your plans for your new baby and your expectations for your growing family, but talk about yourselves. Yourselves as individuals. Yourselves as a couple. Hold hands. Make love. Enjoy the quiet. And of course, sleep-in.
Now that your baby has a relaxed and happy mom and dad, let’s celebrate! A new baby is one of, if not the greatest thing to celebrate in this world. Sure, you could celebrate at home with a glass of sparkling apple cider. Or maybe a night out at the movies. But, why not celebrate BIG? Big like the love you are about to experience in just a couple months. When you are relaxed by the pool, hand in hand with you partner, take a moment to really focus on your sweet baby. Touch your belly and watch your baby moving around inside. Get a massage or have your partner treat you to a massage-oil rub down. Feel those sweet little kicks and punches. Celebrate. Enjoy. Treat yourselves. Be a family. Soak it up. You deserve it. And so does your baby.
Step outside your comfort zone and experience something new. Choose a place to visit that you’ve never been before (even if it’s booking a hotel in a new neighborhood in your own town). Schedule most of your time…without a schedule. However, book at least one activity that you’ve never done before. Maybe it is a new hike along the coast. Maybe whale watching or visiting a planetarium. Learn the trade of cooking a local dish if you’ve traveled outside the country. Make new memories with your little family. As for the rest of the time, keep your schedule open and just relax. Oh yea, and did I mention, sleep in?
You’ve passed the most sensitive time of your pregnancy and have hopefully overcome your morning sickness. Plus, your belly is the perfect size for photographs and you are still physically comfortable enough for travel. Most doctors and airlines will approve an expecting mother to travel throughout her second trimester, but be sure to check with both before booking any tickets.
These sites not only offer great deals to a variety of locations around the world, but they often include airfare and some include breakfast as well. Booking.com is a great way to book last minute deals, in great hotels, in the area of your choice!
You all warned us. Everyone told me. Change is inevitable. Being pregnant and starting a family will obviously change one’s life. No more spontaneous, late nights out dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Might as well forget about sleeping altogether. No more spending money on lavish trips around Europe. . Your relationship with your partner will shed light on unique challenges. Oh yea. And your body. That’s going to change too.Continue reading
I always had big plans to be the healthiest pregnant mama on the block. Eating a healthy, balanced, vegan diet and a daily prenatal yoga practice were on the list. In addition, there was a long list of “no ways” and “nevers” including caffeine, wine, and sugar. Continue reading