Probably the most important delivery date is that of your baby! Many moms don’t actually deliver exactly on their due date so if that is your expectation, I might recommend you be a little flexible on that! Both of my girls came late. The first one was nearly two weeks after her due date and her sister wasn’t quite as bad by being only a few days behind. Regardless, I was disappointed and literally painfully waiting for their arrivals.
But then you have the flipside. Two of my friends who were pregnant around the same time as I, were both early with their babies by a week. Another one of my friends had hers over two weeks early and wasn’t quite ready! (This was her third one so she already had some of the essentials).
So what I’m trying to say here is that this is a game in patience. I am probably one of the most impatient people on the planet which is probably why my kiddos were late…a lesson I have to continuously learn! But when you stop and think about it, it’s really a mirror of what a lot of parenting is going to be about.
There’s a lot of waiting that goes on…waiting for baby to come, waiting for them to sleep through the night, waiting for baby to start solid foods, etc….But then, the counterpoint is that you won’t believe how fast it flies by! Before you know it, your baby will cut her first tooth or will blurt out her first word. Or maybe he will start walking or chasing the dog. It’s really all a flash in the pan. It happens so fast!
So whether you are like I was and are waiting for baby to arrive or like my friends, surprised by the early delivery, take a moment to soak in the moment you are in right now. Release your expectations and surrender to the moment and savor it for what it is. You won’t ever get this moment back so cherish it and treasure it!
]]>It's so exciting to make your official announcement that your family is expanding by at least two feet (get it?). I remember when we told our parents who had been waiting for YEARS to have their first grand baby. My mom was the one who probably had the biggest reaction...once she figured out what we were trying to say, she jumped out of her chair and ran around the house yelling, "I'm going to be a grandmother! I'm going to be a grandmother!" That next week she turned in her resignation letter at work and decided to become a full-time grandmother! I wish we had recorded it because it was by far the most exciting and no holding back reaction we got.
It was a lot to fun watching our parents figure out what we were announcing. I had printed off two puzzle pieces, one that was blue with the letters "BA" on it and the other puzzle piece that was pink with the letters "BY" on it to spell "BABY" when put together. We framed them, wrapped them up and gave my mother-in-law one and my-father-in law the other. The idea was that they'd unwrap them and figure out the "puzzle". It was fun and the reactions were priceless. We did the same for my parents and step-parents...it really was a lot of fun.
There are MANY ideas on how to tell the family and the rest of the world...just check out Pinterest! The trick is to make it uniquely yours and one that fits your personality. The other trick is to make it rather simple...the last thing you want to do is spend so much time on creating the announcement only for it not to go the way you wanted and then the joy of the occasion is lost.
Have fun with it and bonus points for getting it on video...you'll want to replay it over and over again as you celebrate this new chapter!
]]>We never took many trips anyway, but knowing that we could just pack up and leave any time seemed to be enough for us. So when we found out we were expecting, we decided to blow it out and go on a real big trip (to make up for not going anywhere when we had the chance!).
We saved up and decided on a trip to London and then Paris. One that was romantic and fun. I was about 6 months pregnant and my belly was just now starting to show like a real baby bump instead of just one too many donuts. We were set to go and all dreams and expectations for a fabulous trip were about as high as you can get.
That was until our flight was delayed. Storms swept through and delayed our flight time and time again. We began to worry we weren't going to make our connecting flight until finally we were cleared for takeoff. We didn't have time to spare so once we got to our next leg of our flight, we know we'd have to make a run for it. Fortunately, there were about 15 of us that needed to be on that flight so we felt confident they'd wait an extra 10 minutes.
We RAN. I was keeping up with my husband for a while, but then my energy was zapped. "Go...I'll catch up," I said breathlessly as if we were in the movies and I was the one who was taking one for the team. I was hoping he could get to the gate to get checked in while I hurried behind him.
Luckily we made it! We were out of breath, but all smiles because we had made it. They scanned our tickets and sent us on our way down the jetway. We held hands ready to hop on the plane and start our Babymoon. We turned the corner of the jetway and then the most horrible, cruel thing happened. They shut the door in our face.
Apparently, once they shut the door, they do not open it. We stood there dumbfounded and shocked. We went back to the gate agent who was ready to go home because it was 11:30 PM and was told he couldn't help us.
I had the biggest crocodile tears looking out the giant window at the plane that sat there for another 20 minutes...with us not on it (along with about 15 other angry, disappointed travelers). I could actually see the pilots. Our Babymoon was not off to a good start.
Long story short, we finally made it and had a wonderful trip once we got there. My belly and I climbed every single stair at the Eiffel Tower and my husband and I enjoyed the memories we made walking along the streets of London. It was wonderful to have one last trip with just the two of us, but we were ready to meet our daughter and start our new life as a family.
I highly recommend some sort of Babymoon. A trip to Europe certainly wasn't what made this time together special (although we are grateful we had the opportunity). It was getting away from all the busyness of all things baby and work. It was a chance for us to breathe, re-connect, and appreciate each other before life turned upside down with sleepless nights and marathon feedings. It was a chance for us to be the two of us before we became mom and dad.
There's a little bit of a lost identity when I became a parent. My role as a parent took priority over myself as a individual (and rightfully so). The time away before I became a mom was good for my soul and good for my marriage.
Try to take a Babymoon before life changes dramatically. Even if it's a weekend stay-cation, the time spent relaxing and focusing on the two people who this little life depends on is well worth the investment!
]]>Pretty much the only thing that went according to my birth plan was that I had my baby:) Haha! I found my beautiful birth plan when I was going through some of my daughter's things and I chuckled to myself. It was quite impressive if I do say so myself. Not only did I have everything well laid out, but it was aesthetically pleasing, too.
I dabble in graphic design so I put some flair to it and even followed some great advice I had researched: bullet points, clear, and concise. Make it easy for busy doctors and nurses to scan quickly to understand what kind of birth experience you want.
But as I have learned during my tenure as a mother, even the most well thought out plans are chucked out the window when it comes to kids. What I didn't know is that it starts right at birth!
Some mommas may have a different experience and everything goes according to plan, and to them I say, "Well done!" That was not my experience, however.
I thought that once I got to the hospital, that I'd labor for a really long time so I had requested there be a birthing tub, that lights be dimmed, and my favorite playlist would be on in the background. That it would be an unmedicated birth (no epidural), no forceps or vacuum extractors, and no episiotomy.
Sooooo, as you can imagine where this is going...I barely made it to the hospital in time and things moved quickly once I got there. My birth plan became totally irrelevant as there was no time or reason to fill a birth tub - my baby was coming. We didn't even have time to get anything out of the car much less hand out our birth plan to those in Labor and Delivery.
My doctor wasn't available (seems like a given on a birth plan to have your own doctor, but nope). Turns out I needed assistance with the vacuum extractor and I also ended up getting an episiotomy. Pretty much everything on my birth plan was not part of my story (except for an unmedicated delivery...even if I wanted an epidural, there was no time for one).
But the most important thing DID happen. I had a beautiful, healthy baby and I was healthy and safe, too. That right there is what I call a successful story.
What I learned was flexibility and to let go when things were out of my control. To make a plan and my desires be known, but understand that it's more of a guideline. My husband was there as my advocate, took care of a lot of things, took care of me, and helped me remember the real goal: to get our baby here safely.
I didn't have birth plan for my second (or at least a beautifully documented plan to hand out to everyone assisting with the labor), but I had an idea of what I wanted. Again, it didn't go according to plan, but the two of us were healthy and safe. As I've learned along the way, sometimes I have to let go and let God!
By no means am I suggesting you don't need to consider creating a birth plan. It's wonderfully comforting to you and it's helpful for your medical support to understand your wishes.
Perhaps view it in the lens of the bigger picture: home birth vs hospital, medicated vs unmedicated, who is in the room with you, when will you take visitors...and don't forget to have some logistical things planned out such as who will take care of pets (or other kids if this isn't your first rode). Just be open to the fact that things may change and settle in to the main goal of safe, happy, healthy momma and baby:)
]]>
I really love chocolate. Like, REALLY love chocolate. And when I was working during high school what seems like eons ago, I was responsible for making the desserts and milkshakes in this 50's diner that was just down the road. We had the classic flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but one day I decided to mush up a banana and throw it in with a bunch of chocolate ice-cream. A new local favorite was created!
So it's no surprise that a chocolate banana Baby Booster shake is one of my go-to recipes! It's extra creamy and super delish. I love that the banana adds an extra serving of fruit and it's packed with potassium, folate, and Vitamin B6 which has been said to help reduce morning sickness. Here's your new "go-to" smoothie:
One of the things that I'm a fan of is documenting events and how I feel about them. It's nice to go back and read later and relive the moments that were important enough for me to write down.
When I found out I was pregnant with my first, I had so many feeling swirling around because I had waited for a loooooong time to get pregnant. I was excited, thrilled, scared, and worried it was too good to be true. I didn't realize how scared I actually was until I went back recently to read what I was going through almost 6 years ago.
I was clueless and I worried a lot. Because we had waited for so long, I didn't want to get my hopes up and so I didn't allow myself to really embrace my pregnancy at first because I thought something terrible would happen. If I just kept it at arms length, then the disappointment, hurt, and despair wouldn't be as traumatic if something went wrong (of course, that is silly to think that). Thankfully, nothing did and she arrived safely.
When I later read my accounts, I was sad that I spent the first part of my pregnancy too scared to really enjoy it. It's a coping mechanism though and I'm sure I'm not alone. But as I progressed in my pregnancy, I began to embrace it and really trust that things were going to be okay.
I prayed a lot, which helped. I prayed that I would have a healthy baby, and I prayed that delivery would go well, and I prayed that I would recover quickly to care for my baby. I prayed for all the things a new mother would want for her and her baby.
And as I re-read those journal entries and letters I wrote to my baby, I also realized how much magic I experienced during my pregnancy. Once I had my daughter, the long days and even longer nights eclipsed the memory of such wonder I lived through. I had a severe case of "baby-brain" which is a real thing and had forgotten all the miraculous moments that only I experienced with my baby before she made her world debut.
I wrote about her first kick and the little flutters I felt in my tummy. I wrote about how for several weeks, she'd get the hiccups around the same time each evening and how her little elbow would jab my in the side. I wrote about seeing her on the ultrasound for the first time and tears slid down into my ears as I laid on the exam table and was relieved and elated that everything checked out okay.
Going back and reading those things helped me to relive them. To feel the joy and excitement again. To remember how that time in my life was a whirlwind that I never expected.
One of the things my daughter loves to hear is me tell her stories about when she was little (who are we kidding, she's still little). I'm so glad I wrote things down along the way so I can share with her the special moments I had with her even before anyone else met her. One day when she is waiting for her own baby's arrival, I can give her my journal to read so she knows she's not alone and that I will always be by her side.
I encourage you to take a moment to cherish this miracle by documenting it along the way. You may feel horrible with morning sickness, you may be stressing about the whole motherhood thing, or you may really enjoy this time in your life. I'm pretty sure though, no matter how you feel about your pregnancy, being able to look back at your pregnant self through the pages of thoughts, you'll be so amazed at the transformation you went through. It's truly the beginning of an amazing story of a new life you bring into the world.
]]>Dress the Part
Preparation is key and layering is best. I generally ran hot while I was preggers, but I also know not to run around in the snow dressed as if I were at the beach (despite the fact that it sounded so appealing). Layers helped because I could shed clothes as needed and could bundle back up if the chill factor caught up to me. And although I hardly wore a really heavy coat, I always had one in the car for emergencies. I guess I was already prepping for that "just in case" mentality mothers get for preparing for the worst. Rubber boots are also a great investment. They can keep your feet dry and offer some good traction in slippery conditions.
Beware of the Sickies
Colds and flu bugs run rampant in the winter months. Doctors generally prefer expectant mommas to get a flu shot so talk to your OBGYN about that. The worst thing is getting sick and not being able to take any meds because you're expecting. Wash your hands frequently, get plenty of rest and fluids to keep your immunity up, and stay away from sickies. Hey, at least you have a great excuse for missing out on those awkward parties or gatherings where you'd rather stay home snuggled in your comfy jammies. "Oh, I'm sorry I can't make it...I'm really trying to limit my exposure right now since it's such a bad flu season."
Treat Yo' Self!
The winter months can also bring the winter blues. I remember expecting my second daughter during a particularly cold winter and it was easy to feel down in the dumps with the day after day cold, grey days. Be sure to do things to perk up your mood like a nice relaxing manicure or perhaps a fun lunch with a friend who makes you laugh. Even putting on some upbeat music and flaunting that baby bump can help elevate your mood. Try to get some fresh air in those lungs of yours, even if it's just a walk to the mailbox and back. And if you feel super blue, don't keep it bottled up...talk to a trusted friend or your doctor.
]]>
]]>
Although there haven't been any clinical studies to prove that adding Vitamin B6 to your diet will help ease the morning sickness, there are been PLENTY of testimonials from countless expecting mommas claiming that it helped reduce the nauseated feeling.
When adding anything to your diet, check with your OBGYN. Baby Booster, which was developed by an OBGYN, contains Vitamin B6 to help with that sick to your stomach feeling. It calms the tummy and tastes terrific.
Countless mommas have written us to say that Baby Booster was the only thing they could keep down. They felt reassured because they knew they were also getting vitamins and nutrients that were probably lacking due to the fact that they couldn't eat much of anything else. Cheers!
]]>This is one my favorite go-to shakes! The spinach and banana add an extra serving of fruits and veggies and it tastes delicious! Spinach definitely packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. The leafy green is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. Spinach also contains iron which is great for a tired momma - iron is key to helping red blood cells function, which carry oxygen around the body (oxygen is good for your body and for energy!) Bananas are good for helping with muscle cramps due to their level of potassium and magnesium. Now you know why they always have bananas at a 5k race!
Green Monkey Shake
One scoop of Kona Mocha Baby Booster
8oz of milk or milk product
One banana
One handful of spinach
3-5 ice cubes
Blend in the blender until smooth and enjoy!
]]>
While pregnant:
Did you know that the effects of dehydration can actually lead to preterm labor? Dehydration is so scary, and can cause things like nausea, headaches, cramps, constipation, and dizziness. Some women have found relief from morning sickness by staying hydrated, so couple that with the ingredients in Baby Booster, and you may finally have your morning sickness remedy!
While breastfeeding:
Breastmilk production relies on proper hydration from the mother. According to KellyMom, breastmilk is 88% water, and that water comes from YOU, Mama! This is also why a baby (under 6 months old that is exclusively breastfed) doesn't need additional water intake, because your baby gets hydrated from your breastmilk. Just like everything else in your world right now, you're staying hydrated for your baby as much as you're staying hydrated for you!
12 Easy Ways to Drink More Water
Try different combinations of fruit. To be honest, I fell in love with strawberry and lemon water and that's how I was able to transition into a water drinker. When I first started, it was mostly strawberries and less water. The trick is to add water through the day, and I like to make my infusion and let it sit while I get ready in the morning so it has time to actually infuse into the water. Or, bonus, buy yourself a canteen and make a big gallon to refuel your cup throughout the day!
When I first started drinking more water, it had to be freezing cold or it was disgusting to me. (Don't judge, water lovers!) The more ice, the better. And another thing about ice, is finding a type of ice that you like. I personally became obsessed with Sonic Ice (nugget ice?) and that was my stepping stone into being able to drink lots of water. I find that larger ice cubes will stick together and become this iceburg in your cup and I like th ice to be fluid and moveable, especially if I have a straw.
Some people don't like fruit, or maybe your life is super busy and you don't have time to chop up the fruit for your drink. That's ok, Mama, we've got ya covered. Instead of mixing in that lite flavor on the shelf full of scary chemicals like aspartame, try a dusting of one of our water soluble flavors.
Take 1/4 or 1/2 a scoop of Baby Booster, and mix it into your water. We recommend using an immersion blender or a Blender Bottle to make sure the powder fully dissolves. Add ice and sip through the day. Add more cold water for dilution and to make your Baby Booster last longer.
BONUS: Using Baby Booster like this will also help keep hungry and pregnancy cravings at bay. We added 20g of protein to every full serving, and staying nourished will help ease morning sickness, keep you energized, keep you regular, support your milk supply, and more!
I like to add ice constantly throughout the day. The ice melts, which helps replensih the water and keep it extra cold naturally. Plus, if you've added any flavor or fruit infuision, the addition of ice will prolong the flavor because your cup is already "seasoned."
I know it's hard when you're a soda addict (speaking from experience) and suddenly you decide to go cold turkey for allllll the benefits of avoiding Liquid Satan, but it can be a hard one to kick. Try one of the flavored sparkling waters, like La Croix. If it still isn't enough, take your sparkling water up a notch and add some fruit infusion or flavoring into that, too.
Pro Tip: If you want to add a Baby Booster infusion, make your flavor into a syrup. Mix 1/2 Scoop of Baby Booster of choice with 3 oz. regular water. It will be a syrup consistency, and that's ok. Just make sure you blend it up really well THEN add it to your bubbly beverage so you don't turn the carbonation flat!
Walking to the printer? Bring your cup. Going into the kitchen? Bring your cup. If you stand up from your desk/leave your work station/couch/classroom whatever/wherever, bring your cup and fill 'er up! Always, always, always see the cup as FULL and it's far easier to stay hydrated. An empty cup on your desk leads to excuses and laziness. Don't be lazy. Just keep your glass at least half full at all times! :)
Did you know that some foods are primarily made of water? Cucumbers are 96% water, and make a tasty addition to your milk, salad, or even as a snack! Grapefruit is 91% water and if you start your day with grapefruit, it can lead to natural weightloss and all sorts of other benefits.....like hydration!
Watermelon weighs in at 92% water (big surprise, right?) and is one of my favorite summer staples! I like to put a wedge on a stick if I'm feeling fancy -- or try grilling it and adding a little sea salt. Just trust me on this one. Watermelon also makes a delicious summer salad!
I know you miss your morning coffee, but sometimes you have to let something go for the greater good. You're probably already having trouble sleeping for one reason or another, and having to pee five-million-times a day. Then you throw something like coffee on top of it that's acting against you as a dieuretic and something that can contribute to insomnia. It's like fueling the fire of your misery.
Try swapping your coffee for our Frap Dupe, or our Mocha Dupe with our Kona Mocha Baby Booster. We offer a caffeine free energy boost that is safe for your baby, that is safe whether you're expectant or nursing.
I have been having horrible cravings for late night milk shakes lately. My new rule of thumb is that these are a "reward" for doing well that day. I have to drink my water goal, and maintain a healthy diet, and if I do that, then I allow myself to whip up a healthy Baby Booster Milkshake Dupe. Write down your goal, and keep a list on your phone or through an app. Another helpful solution is to invest in a canteen or pitcher that will hold your daily goal so that you can see how much you have left to drink.
I'm serious. If you don't want to invest in a canteen or something that will take up counter space, go ahead and get yourself the largest cup you can manage. The more water you have on your cup on hand, the easier it will be to consume, you know, since it's literally right there next to you. Couple this with tip number 7 to Fill 'Er Up and you'll do just fine!
If you're picky about tap water, water from a water fountain, or water on the go in foreign cities, invest in a water bottle that has a built in filter. The whole idea behind this is to weed out the excuses and enable your own success. At the very least, make sure your reusable container is BPA free, like our Blender Bottle.
Hydration is such an important part of your fitness routine while pregnant or fitness routine while breastfeeding, but hydration is essential to your overall health. Hydration will help maintain your milk supply while nursing, and being well hydrated will help provide your doctor, doula, or midwife plenty of amniotic fluid so that they can see your baby!
]]>
Soy is now ubiquitous in the modern diet. You don’t even need to be actively trying to consume soy products for it to end up in your diet. Why? Because soy is in just about all processed and refined food in the form of soybean oil, soy flour, soy lecithin, and/or soy protein. Most people are unaware of how much soy they consume for this reason. In fact, the average American gets up to 9% of total calories from soybean oil alone.
In small amounts, traditional fermented soy products like miso, tempeh, and natto are not harmful (and may even be beneficial). This is how soy was traditionally consumed in Asian countries. But in high doses, or in processed form – which is how soy is predominantly consumed in the U.S. – it has a toxic effect.
More specifically, soy:
Soy can be particularly harmful for women and men trying to conceive, for women already pregnant or breastfeeding, and for infants.
A study at the Harvard Public School of Health in 2008 found that men who consumed the equivalent of one cup of soy milk per day had a 50% lower sperm count than men who didn’t eat soy.
In 1992, the Swiss Health Service estimated that women consuming the equivalent of two cups of soy milk per day were being provided the estrogenic equivalent of one birth control pill. That means women eating cereal with soy milk and drinking a soy latte each day may be getting the same estrogen effect as if they were taking a birth control pill. This effect is even more dramatic in infants fed soy formula. The key ingredient in soy formula is soy protein isolate, a compound that is not even recognized as safe for human consumption by the FDA. Infants fed soy receive 6.25 mg of soy isoflavones per kilogram of body weight per day. This is more than 10 times the amount of soy isoflavones that has been shown to cause problems in adults.
In a baby that weighs 13 pounds, 10 mg of soy provides the estrogenic equivalent of a birth control pill. The average amount of soy formula given to an infant in a day contains 40 mg of soy. This means, if the Swiss study’s conclusions are accurate, that feeding soy formula to a baby is the equivalent of giving him or her 4 birth control pills. This may explain why babies fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula.
Animal studies suggest that eating large amounts of those estrogenic compounds might reduce fertility in women, trigger premature puberty and disrupt development of fetuses and children. Although most studies looking at the hormone-disrupting properties of genistein, the main isoflavone in soy, have been conducted in rodents, many scientists believe the findings may be relevant to humans as well.
Soy products are high in anti-nutrients and enzyme inhibitors. These will actually block the work of the digestive enzymes in protein digestion, causing the protein you consume to not be absorbed properly. Protein is essential in building cells, which are needed to repair and grow strong, lean muscle mass. So, if protein is not being absorbed, then both the mother and the unborn child will suffer the negative effects of this.
I have received many questions from people about different “mom” products that I use for my kiddos and people have even asked me for advice on what to give a new mom! I am happy to share my reviews and experiences. I am starting with a product called Baby Booster, which is a protein supplement good for prenatal and postnatal use.
As abusy mom, a lot of times it’s really hard to prep a meal or even a snack, and that is why I have always been a fan of protein shakes- even prior to motherhood. The amount of protein that a woman should get can be hard to fulfill so I often turn to protein replacements. Over the years I have tried A LOT of different protein products, but find that I really like shakes the best. Shakes are easy because you can simply grab a shaker bottle, add some liquid to the powder and go, OR you can doctor them up and create a gourmet protein treat, which is what I like to do.
Baby Booster has 20 grams of protein, as well as vitamins and DHA. (DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found in fish oil that is very important during pregnancy since it helps build baby’s eyes, brain, and nervous system.) It’s also OB-GYN approved for prenatal and postnatal use. What’s really awesome is that Baby Booster gives you energy and has been known to reduce morning sickness! (YEAH!) I used to think that after I had my baby, nutrition didn’t matter as much, but it most definitely does! Your body is recovering from the major feat of carrying a child for 9+ months, and needs to be fed the right things to recover. And although I am not pregnant, I am currently nursing, and my body needs protein and vitamins, among many other things, to be able to provide milk for my baby.
After having a second child, I found that I am definitely more tired than I was with just one. It could be the simple fact that two kids wear me out, or that I am older than I was before! Either way, I love being a mom, but in the craziness of being a mom, sometimes I forget about ME. But I have found (and I will say this over and over and over and over again) that the best way for me to care for my kids, is to also care about myself. When I am healthy, I am a better mom. Simple fact. Three things that I feel are important when it comes to keeping me healthy are: sleep, nutrition and exercise. And although Baby Booster doesn’t help with sleep, it does help with nutrition and exercise. When I am feeding my body stuff that is good for me…protein, vitamins, etc., my body works better. And when I do get time to head to the gym and exercise, I make the most of it by fueling my body up afterward with high quality protein.
Baby Booster has 4 different flavors: Tahitian Vanilla, Kona Mocha, Pina Colada and Superfruit Punch. Although they are all good, my FAVORITE is the Tahitian Vanilla because not only is it tasty, but it’s SO versatile. What I like to do is put about a cup of ice in the blender, then milk (any type), blueberries, chia seeds, a banana and the Tahitian Vanilla powder. Talk about a treat!! It tastes like a milkshake!
I have had a positive experience with Baby Booster protein powder and I think you will, too! (And keep in mind, you don’t have to be pregnant or postnatal to benefit from Baby Booster shakes!)
If you are interested in trying out Baby Booster protein shakes check them out on Facebook HERE or their website HERE!
We are so excited to share this review that was courtesy of Cora from 104.5 WAXX! She received a free product sample for the review, and all of the opinions are her own.
]]>I grabbed a bag of Tahitian Vanilla Baby Booster from my cupboard, a couple Mixed Berry by Dannon Oikosyogurt cups from the fridge, my favorite smoothie cup from the holy land aka Target, some Almond Milk and lots of ice. Scoop, dump, blend, pour! Boom! Breakfast was that easy this morning!
So when I make this for myself, I use:
1 Scoop Dannon Oikos Yogurt in Mixed Berry (15 g of protein, 0 added sugar or fat)
1 Scoop Tahitian Vanilla Baby Booster(20g non-GMO protein)
8+oz Almond Milk (7g+ protein)
Ice
That's 42 g of protein in my protein smoothie alone! And check out these labels for total transparency. You can also read more in depth about Baby Booster and our nutrition facts on our website.
Just like that my people were out the door, happily sipping away on their protein smoothies full of nutrition that is safe for pregnancy, safe for breastfeeding, safe for celiacs, safe for diabetics and safe for everyone! The bonus moment came when I felt super successful when I looked down and realized that my manicure perfectly coordinated with my protein smoothie cup. Then I realized that I was still in my pajamas and it was after 9 AM on a Tuesday morning. Ah, the joys of a toddler and breastfeeding mom! :P :P :P
*always check with your doctor, midwife or pediatrician if you're unsure or have questions if Baby Booster is right for you. You can read more about any questions on our FAQ page.
]]>4 days in and I'm feeling better already, just by cutting out refined sugars. Here's one of my favourite breakfast recipes. I swear I could eat this every day forever and be happy!
Over night protein oats parfait:
1 Cup Oats
1 Scoop of Tahitian Vanilla Baby Booster Protein
Almond Milk (just enough to soak)
Greek Yogurt to Layer
Fruit of Choice (we picked strawberries and blue berries and a little fresh coconut!)
How easy and beautiful is that?! You can make these ahead of time to ensure healthy choices during a busy and hectic morning when you're running late. (Speaking from experience here!)
This guest post was brought to you by our down under mama @Fit.Mammas on Instagram.
]]>My core is very weak and I'm yet to check my Diastasis Recti situation, but will keep you guys posted on that in the coming days.
With such a difficult pregnancy, I was expecting somewhat of the same recovery but so far everything has been great and I'm surprised at just how quickly my body is healing.
This post was shared with our Australian friend, Fit Mammas. Find her on instagram: @fit.mammas and check out her pregnancy and post partum safe work out programs.
]]>
This all-natural drink is also great for supplying expectant mothers with the protein and nutrients they need. Order a single-serving packet of Baby Booster for $3.
There you have it! Baby Booster is excited to dive in and head toward an AMAZING new year! We're getting ready to launch our lactation support product, so stay tuned. More to follow! :)
]]>
The results are simply healthy and delicious! Yummy! :) This is a healthy choice to satisfy your cravings, and will also help you lose weight if you drink our protein dupe instead of the real thing that can have upwards of 500 calories in a single serving. Plus sooooo much sugar! Baby Booster is low carb and will keep you full! Keep the junk food away, keep your protein, and booster your energy and milk supply if you're nursing!
Starbucks Frap Dupe
1 Scoop Kona Mocha Baby Booster
8+ oz Cold Milk of Choice
Ice (to blend)
Dark Chocolate Drizzle
*Decaf Coffee optional, sub half and half with the milk!
]]>
Somedays I let all these things get on top of me and I have to stop and remind myself that it's all only temporary and well worth it once I have baby in my arms.
When I have these days, I look at the photo above from my previous pregnancy and it reminds of how amazing the female body is, and that I can get back to where I was pre-pregnancy.
These results are what prompted me to write Fit Mammas Core Restore. In this ebook, I've included the same exercises I used to regain strength and function back into my core so I could return to my pre-pregnancy fitness routine.
This book is a gentle yet progressive 12 week guide that can be started as early as 1 week post partum. If you're due to give birth or recently had a baby, follow the link here for more info.
This post was from our Guest Editor @Fit.Mammas, click to follow her on Instagram and see her post-partum journey. <3
]]>
Fall has arrived and so has the challenge to see how much pumpkin I can eat in the next two months! I am so basic with my love for pumpkin that it’s unreal but I don’t care. I also passed this love down to the kids and they know when the seasons change it’s time for their favorite fall kitchen activity: PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES! In the past, I purchased the store mix (I know, I know… not good for us at all) but this year I decided to make my own healthy version! I am obsessed with using the different Baby Booster protein powder’s to add nutrients to our meals and snacks and I knew that their chocolate protein powder would work perfectly with pumpkin. The Baby Booster protein powder is jam packed with nutrients and perfect for any pregnant ladies and nursing mama’s, I’ve also noticed how much my kids love it and I sneak it into my food prep whenever it is cohesive. You can read more about what makes it so great in THIS post. As a nursing mama, I need 500 extra calories a day to replenish my body, what better way to help with those calories than to make cookies! The Kona Mocha protein powder pairs perfectly with pumpkin so I used that flavor when making these cookies.
Ingredients
– 1/4 cup ground flax seed
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 1/2 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons of vanilla
– 1/4 cup of almond milk
– 1/4 cup sugar in the raw
-1 serving of Baby Booster Kona Mocha Protein Powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 can of pumpkin puree
optional:
– 1/4 cup of chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts
Recipe
1. add all ingredients to bowl and mix until blended
2. spoon tablespoon sized portions onto greased cookie sheet
3. bake on 350 degrees for 10 minutes
4. cool for 5 minutes and then enjoy!
This is a guest post from one of our favorite Southern Mama's: Little Southern Life. She was compensated for her post and recipe development. Taste tested and approved!
]]>Being a new mom is such a euphoric time but it also can be an overwhelming time without the proper tools. I don’t think any woman is ever entirely ready for motherhood. I thought I knew a lot before my daughter was born three years ago yet I still learn something new each and every day! I speak at a lot of local baby expos and events and get to meet so many expecting and new moms and many of the same questions come up over and over again. There is very common advice like “sleep when the baby sleeps” and “freeze food before the baby is born” or “have others cook, clean, shop, and help you as much as possible” but there is much more than those helpful tools. Moms want and need resources and so I made a list of my Top 10 just for you! Whether you are a new mom or a mom with multiples, this information could help and I hope it does!
Tip 1: Download and use The Wonder Weeks App. This app is a sanity lifesaver for moms/and or any new parent. It essentially is a calendar for the emotional, mental, and physical development for your baby. When you first download the app it will prompt you to put in your child’s birthdate and it calculates the rest. If you are wondering why in the world your baby is so irritable and fussy all of a sudden, check the app and it will tell you what developmental milestone your baby is learning in real time and how you can understand what your baby is experiencing and how you can help them. This app was spot on with my daughter and many other moms that have used it with their children. You will feel so much better knowing that any changes your baby is having are typical and normal and will make you feel at ease.
Tip 2: Be prepared. As a parent, you will worry – a lot and you will be faced with a lot of decisions and challenges. I suggest you research and learn as much as you can from professionals, reputable articles, and other parents before making a decision for your child. When it comes to your child’s wellbeing, safety, and health you want to make sure you know as much as possible before you move forward in any given situation. I recommend buying the newest version of Dr. Sears The Vaccine Book so you can make your own educated decisions on vaccines. This is a very controversial topic and I usually avoid even bringing it up, but many new parents want to make informed decisions and feel empowered when it comes to giving or not giving their child vaccines. This book sells for less than $10 on Amazon and will give you unbiased information on the pros and cons of vaccines and some options for parents that prefer to spread them out a little throughout their child’s growth and development.
Tip 3: Join a social media mom chat group. You will find local and national ones on Facebook. Just make sure it’s a supportive group and not a judgmental group. You will have a lot of questions and want to feel safe and comfortable asking other moms advice from their own life experiences. Just remember that they are not experts and their lens is from their own personal life experiences. Take what you learn with a grain of salt. But definitely get the support you need from other women that are going through the same things as you and or have already gone through it and can share their insight. There are a lot of ways to connect in person, especially if you have friends in the same life development stage, but online you can be a little more anonymous.
Tip 4: Join a social media exchange group. Toys and other baby and childhood items are expensive and some of the time isn’t even played with or used for very long. Many parents prefer to buy gently used items from exchange sites from other trusted moms in their area. Look on Facebook for toy exchanges to get items that are used outside and possibly other big ticket items like jumpers, swings, highchairs and strollers.
Tip 5: Know the difference between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression. If you weren’t that emotional during your pregnancy, you will most certainly have hormonal changes once your baby is born. You will cry – maybe even a lot! If you are ever in doubt of your emotions and if you need professional help, do not hesitate to ask your OB-GYN, a family practitioner, and or even the pediatrician. They will all direct you to the right place. If you decide you need someone to talk to on a regular basis, look for a therapist in your area. Baby blues are common (almost 80% of new moms will experience) and symptoms include mood swings, irritability, crying, insomnia, and possibly even some sadness, guilt, and regret. Postpartum depression is less common (about 10-20% of new moms) and the symptoms are similar but longer lasting and much more severe. You may experience suicidal thoughts or not wanting to take care of your baby at all. There is no shame in either of these emotional struggles, so please seek help and or support from others if you are feeling emotional after the birth of your baby.
Tip 6: Have a Plan When you are Overwhelmed. As a new mom you will get overwhelmed. You will cry. You may even want to scream. When this happens place your baby in a safe place like the crib while you regroup. Even if the baby is crying, they will be fine by themselves for a few moments. Chances are you get to your breaking point because they won’t stop crying. I know this happened to me most nights for the first few months during The Witching Hour. My best advice is to go outside and take a few deep breaths. Maybe even make yourself some hot tea or coffee and grab a snack. If you feel inclined take a shower! What’s even better; take your baby on a walk. I often suggest that moms do this sometime between 3-7pm (during the witching hour). Not only will both of you benefit from the fresh air, you will also be getting some exercise and your baby will either fall asleep or be calmly and positively stimulated from the new outdoor environment. The first few months can go very slowly, especially if you are home alone with your little one and it will be about that time in the late afternoon/early evening where you will need a break.
Tip 7: Be Present. Put your phone down. Turn the TV off. Be as in the moment as you possibly can. Children, even infants, know if you are paying attention. Realistically, we can’t do this every moment of the day, but make sure you dedicate time to be mindful and present with your child/children when you are with them. Sure, moms can get a gold medal in multi-tasking, but parenting isn’t a race or a competition. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes a day, limit your distractions during those 30 minutes and only pay attention to your child and his or her needs.
Tip 8: Be Flexible. Be spontaneous. Not much will go as planned. More times than not, they won’t. Learn to be ok with that. If you are like me and are a type A personality that likes to plan and have everything to go a certain way, you will have to let go of some of that. Instead, learn to go with the flow. Learn how to change plans. Learn how to let go.
Tip 9: Try not to Judge. We are all trying our best. We are all busy. We are all tired. Our children are going to stretch us. Our children are going to challenge us. Our children are going to need us to be patient, so why not support each other and show this same type of patience to other moms? They may do things differently than we would. They may have a more challenging child than we do. They may have a different lifestyle than we do. But instead of judging, condemning, and isolating, why not bond together and show support and encouragement? Just because we may not agree with each other, it doesn’t mean that we aren’t struggling with similar parenting woes. Sometimes we don’t need advice or judgment, but an ear to listen, a hand to hold, and a heart to love us.
Tip 10: Take Videos and Photos. The days can be long, but life goes by quickly. As Ferris Bueller said “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” You will have certain memories in your mind until the end of time, but try to get photos and videos of each life stage and milestone because once they are out of that stage, there is no going back. This goes for writing down things too so you don’t forget the cutest and most important sayings and milestones one day!
____________________________________________________________________
My bonus tip for pregnant and new moms is to be as healthy as you can for yourself and your baby. I have always tried to be a healthy, fit mama. Whether I am pregnant or not pregnant, the products I consume are very important to me, and I tend to be very particular. I look for ways to get protein as well as vitamins and minerals through the food I eat in addition to my supplements. So when I found Baby Booster: The Prenatal Protein Formula product, I knew it would be a match made in heaven. The best part is that Baby Booster is specifically designed for pregnant and nursing moms so I can continue to use it well after my baby is born!
When I first heard of Baby Booster I instantaneously wanted to try what looked like to be an amazing product. Once I received the product and tried it, I was not disappointed. In fact, I was amazed at how delicious it was and I highly recommend to all pregnant and nursing moms! Baby Booster comes in four delicious and healthy flavors including Tahitian Vanilla, Kona Mocha, Superfruit Punch, and Pina Colada. Each protein flavor is soy free, gluten free, non-GMO, and contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, and is preservative, sucralose, and aspartame free. The Superfruit Punch and Pina Colada are also lactose/dairy free! To shop click here http://thebabybooster.com/shop.html
The American Pregnancy Association suggests pregnant women need 75g-100g of protein every day and if you have 2-3 servings of Baby Booster a day, you will have 60% of the daily value of protein your body and baby needs. In addition, breastfeeding moms need an additional 50% more protein, which makes Baby Booster a great, convenient option (especially in getting some extra protein, DHA, calcium, iron and folic acid…all of which are really important while nursing). That being said, each Baby Booster comes packed with 20 grams of protein, 250 mg of calcium, 250 mcg of Folic Acid, 100 IU of Vitamin D, 10 mg of iron (especially good for me since I have mild anemia), 75 mg of DHA, 5 mg of B6, and 4 grams of fiber! And Baby Booster is OB-GYN recommended and approved! Drinking Baby Booster daily helps me get my liquid intake in for the day, too! It’s so hard for me to just drink plain water, but know how important it is to keep my fluids high, so this is a great solution for me!
I tried the Kona Mocha first as a coffee substitute. It tastes like the perfect mixture of coffee and chocolate, which is tasty for any pregnant and or nursing mom! I mixed a scoop of Baby Boosterprotein powder with 16 ounces of a blend of coconut and almond milk and shook to mix. Afterwards, I added some ice to make it cold. Let me tell you it didn’t last long. It was so good in fact, that I made a second helping later that day.
The next flavor I tried was Superfruit Punch. If I had to pick one flavor as my favorite (even though I love all of them) this one is probably my favorite. It was such a light, juicy drink and I couldn’t put it down after I had my first sip. It was refreshing and delicious I forgot I was actually drinking a healthy protein drink! I mixed one scoop of Baby Booster protein powder with 16 ounces of water. Once it was well mixed, I added ice to make it cold.
I then tried the Pina Colada flavor. One sip of this flavor and you will feel like you are on vacation. It reminds me of being in the Caribbean or Hawaii. If you are looking for a healthy and delicious mocktail, this is it! Sip some by the pool or the beach or honestly for a date night in with your partner! Sometimes when I want to feel fancy, I’ll put my mocktail in a wine, martini, or champagne glass to give me the illusion of having a cocktail without the alcohol. Like the Superfruit Punch, the Pina Colada is also very light and refreshing. I make mine with a scoop of Baby Booster and 16 ounces of water with a little ice to make it cold!
Lastly I tried the Tahitian Vanilla. This flavor is so creamy tasting and mixes so well with other smoothie ingredients. I like to mix with banana, berries, and my special ingredients I add to all my smoothies that include flax, chia, and cinnamon! On its own it seriously tastes like a vanilla milkshake, sometimes I even make one as a dessert!
If you are not sure you want to get the one-pound bag, buy the sampler pack or individual samples of your favorite flavors!
]]>
There are a few popular programs that have been around for quite some time and all you have to do in order to be able to call yourself a "coach" is pay even more money on top of what the basic program costs. Then you're tasked with finding more people like yourself to sell the said product to, and then you will be "their coach". Notice that even that company won't let you call yourself "their trainer". That's because you haven't been properly trained. Think about it if you went to the hospital and the doctor that came in to see you had never gone to medical school, but had watched all 12 seasons of Grey's Anatomy, so surely they were qualified and capable. Training someone on their fitness is like that, especially while pregnant or post partum.
There are so many things that can do last damage to your body post partum, or injure your baby while pregnant. When trying to find a trainer, or continue with one after you've had a significant life change like a pregnancy, make sure you ask questions. And just because your doctor has given you the all clear to work out at 6 weeks, does not mean that your body is ready to resume your pre-pregnancy routine. Diastasis Recti is a real thing and you can seriously hurt yourself, no matter how strong you were before.
The good news is that there ARE people and programs out there that are professionally trained with the correct knowledge to assist with pregnancy and post partum fitness! We support partners that are like-minded to the Baby Booster message. We want to screen everything and everyone to make sure they're skilled at what they do and most importantly - safe for your baby! Our very first partner was Nora, the magnificient mama behind Pregna-Fit. You've probably seen her on Instagram and let me just tell you, she's the real deal.
This is your body and your baby. Don't be afraid to ask the questions. Trust your instinct. Do your research. Researching traditional products is how we started Baby Booster. Traces of arscenic being found in mega protein brands was unacceptable for anyone! But especially for pregnancy. That was when we set out to craft something different, something unique. We defied the odds and we have been successful in creating a superior product without any additives, artificial flavors or coloring. Baby Booster is gluten free, soy free, and we have dairy free options available. Our protein is certified non-GMO and we are low carb and safe for Gestational Diabetes. Baby Booster has lifesDHA which is a premium ingredient without that gross fishy after taste that many other supplements leave behind. You can order and try an individual sample of our product, or enjoy free US shipping on our full size 1 lbs bag today.
Email us or call us with any questions. We're a small business based in the US.
]]>1 Scoop Tahitian Vanilla Baby Booster
8+ Oz Milk or Milk Substitute (Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, etc.)
1 Cup Mixed Berries (Or blueberries, or blackberries, or whatever you have on hand!)
2 Heaping Tablespoons Greek Yogurt (Plain, or Vanilla)
Ice if desired
Liquefy in your blender, garnish and serve!
Although I am far past my last pregnancy, I am still breastfeeding and finding a protein powder I am comfortable ingesting with was proving to be difficult. When I heard of Baby Booster‘s prenatal protein powder that is OB/GYN recommended I had to try it!
After testing out their 4 flavours (mocha, pina colada, superfruit punch and vanilla), I fell in love with the Tahitian Vanilla. When you open the package it smells like cake mix! Yum! And it had no bad aftertaste, so you can add your favourite frozen fruits to it and have a delicious result.
For my exact Cherry Banana Chia Seed Postnatal Smoothie, you can find it below!
1 scoop of Baby Booster Tahitian Vanilla
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup of frozen cherries
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup spinach
1/2 cup coconut milk
]]>
Those words have stuck with me all this time, and I think it is some of the most valuable advice ever given to me when regarding my diet.
]]>Baby Booster is different from your average protein shake because it’s real. Every ingredient. There is nothing artificial, we don’t even use artificial food coloring, opting instead to use beet juice extract for the pink coloring of our Superfruit Punch flavor.
The reason why so many doctors recommend against other supplements or consuming traditional beverages while pregnant or nursing is because they’re stuffed full of harmful, questionable and unsafe ingredients. That’s the Baby Booster difference. We took the guesswork out and developed a holistic approach to provide the best possible nutrition for both you and your baby, no matter where you are in your motherhood journey.
]]>Take 1 Scoop of your favorite Baby Booster Protein flavor and lightly sprinkle the powder onto the strawberries. Let chill so the powder may absorb and it creates a candy-like coating.
Enjoy!
]]>]]>
]]>
Double Chocolate Banana Shake
1 Large Banana (frozen)
1 Scoop Kona Mocha Baby Booster Protein
8+oz Almond or Skim Milk
2 Tbsp mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Blend until smooth & enjoy! Garnish with a dallop of whipped cream if desired!
Many women would like to return to their pre-pregnancy weight as soon as possible after birth. It can take several months or even a year to achieve this. Part of the weight that a pregnant women gains is an "energy deposit" to meet the extra caloric demands of breastfeeding. It is consumed gradually while the mother nourishes her child.
It is wise to wait until the baby is at least two months old before making a specific effort to lose weight. A women’s body needs about this much time to recover from the birth and establish a good milk supply. Often, a woman loses weight without specific effort during this time.
A woman who is breastfeeding should lose weight slowly. Every mother needs enough energy and nutrients to be healthy, active, and able to care for her child or children. Ideally, she should not lose more than about one to two pounds per week (two kg a month)."
One of the reasons we founded Baby Booster was because there was a lack of information and availability of safe products for pregnant and nursing women. Use Baby Booster and our partners as a resource, whereever you are in your journey. Rest easy knowing that we took the guesswrok out and developed a safe alternative for you. We verify and made sure that all of our partners are certified and credible before we established a relationship. Your focus should be on your baby. Baby Booster is here to help
]]>In comes, the Baby Booster, a prenatal protein formula. This protein formula came into existence when “a newly wed couple wanted to successfully conceive their first child. After several failed attempts and two miscarriages, something had to change. That’s when our mom of inspiration, Heather DeNonna, decided to concentrate on her nutrition. Her doctor recommended that she not only focus on the micronutrients commonly found in every prenatal supplement, but also to focus on MACROnutrients. Heather then worked with her cousin to develop the concept for Baby Booster.”
The protein formula, made by Baby Booster, is packed with tons of amazing ingredients that are beneficial to both Mama and baby! 20 grams of protein, 250 mcg of folic acid, 250 mg of calcium, 100 IU of vitamin D, 10 mg of iron, 75 mg of DHA, 5mg of Vitamin B6, and 4 grams of fiber! That’s a powerhouse list of ingredients that are essential to a healthy conception and pregnancy. The protein formula DOES NOT include soy, preservative, artificial sweeteners, or gluten. The high protein to low carbohydrate ratio also makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking to follow a healthy lifestyle. What more can you ask for? OH YES, the flavors! Normally, I am not a fan of protein shakes but the flavors that this company came up with are ah-mazing and I love drinking them!
PINA COLADA– this drink was designed to be a “mocktail” for pregnant mama’s! This drink is SO good! I love blending a little OJ, almond milk, handful of ice and 1 scoop of the protein powder together for a tasty treat! I feel just like I am on a deserted island catching a tan by the shore. Another way I love to enjoy it is just by adding a scoop of the Pina Colada powder and 8 oz of coconut milk and shaking it in my Baby Booster shaker bottle. I love using these drinks to satisfy my sweet tooth because I know that I am giving my baby important nutrition and skipping the yucky stuff.
KONA MOCHA- This is the perfect flavor for all of my coffee lovers! I have enjoyed heating up 8 oz of almond milk and adding a scoop of the Kona Mocha to it in the mornings since it’s been so cold! This is my way of enjoying coffee without the coffee and all that caffeine. I plan on enjoying it as the weather warms up blended with almond milk and ice for a “iced coffee” version. This has been a really great pick me up in the mornings when Derrek makes his morning coffee and I get to skip the pouting and enjoy mine as well.
TAHITIAN VANILLA- There is nothing better to me, pregnant or not, than a vanilla milkshake! Skip the calories and tons of sugar by replacing yours with the Baby Booster Tahitian Vanilla version. I have been using this as a smoothie base since it came in the mail. Add bananas and berries or pineapples and mangos and a little almond milk and the flavors change instantly. I also love adding dates and drinking a vanilla “chocolate” version. This vanilla is the perfect mixture of flavors and doesn’t leave a chalky taste in your mouth after you drink it. I even like taking coconut milk and making a healthy whipped topping for the top of my milkshake!
SUPERFRUIT PUNCH- I cannot get enough of fruity drinks but I do not like sodas. This protein formula is meant to be mixed with water and enjoyed as a beverage. It has become my “soda” when I just don’t want to drink water during the day. It doesn’t leave you with a full feeling like sodas and you skip all the yucky ingredients. I like to add some frozen grapes and some pineapple to make it more punch like. The fact that it’s jam packed with good nutrients just gives me another excuse to drink it as much as I can during the week.
Since receiving these products, I have really enjoyed incorporating them into my daily diet. The nutrients that compose the Baby Booster protein formulas are too beneficial to pass up. During my second trimester I have had one every single day and I know that as my pregnancy goes on I will continue to enjoy them and reap the benefits. You can find tons of recipes here, which I intend on trying them all until I run out! I am so glad that I found this company and I can truly say that my pregnancy will be more healthy now that I use their protein formulas.
]]>