Health & Wellness

Must Have Essentials: Mama Fitness and Wellness

One of the questions we get asked a lot from moms is how they can prioritize their health and wellness with an infant at home. We reached out to our amazing baby planners to find out what they think are must have essentials for mama’s fitness and wellness journey postpartum.

Looking for more fitness related posts? Check out our fit-mama baby registry essentials, real mom review of the Meddy Teddy, a 15 minute babywearing workout, and top 10 tips for running while pregnant.

Jessica Zablan, The Birth & Baby Company –

Must Have Essentials for Fitness and Wellness: Kleen Kanteen or Hydroflask water bottle; staying hydrated is important for everyone but it is an essential for pregnancy and postpartum moms. Having a great water bottle will encourage you to drink or throughout the day. These bottles can hold hot and cold liquids, they are very eco friendly, and super easy to clean.

Check out Jessica’s pick for must have essential for baby basics.

Ashley Akselband of Wellsprings Birth and Baby –

Must Have Essentials for Fitness and Wellness: I’d definitely say a FitBit! Sometimes moms don’t think they’re exercising, but the Fitbit keeps track of steps, heart rate, calories burned, etc. It’s nice to have something to keep track of your movement and make you feel like you’re exercising when you’re doing everyday things, like taking the baby out for a walk or just carrying a load of laundry up two flights of stairs.

Check out Ashley’s pick for must have essential for early feeding.

Abby Ludwig, Gugu Guru Registry Consultant –

Must Have Essentials for Fitness and Wellness: As someone who has taken her sweet time getting back into the swing of things, my number one tool for fitness and wellness as a new mom was my baby carrier. I had both a soft wrap carrier (think Baby K’Tan or Solly Wrap) and a soft-structured carrier (think Ergobaby or Baby Bjorn) that I wore all around the house when my twins were newborns. This allowed me to get things done (i.e. the never ending amounts of laundry and dishes) while keeping my twins nearby. Also, at the end of the day I felt like I had put in a quick exercise session without having to find the time.

Check out Abby’s must haves for parents preparing for multiples.

Amber Michels of Your Milk Shoppe –

Must Have Essentials for Fitness and Wellness: Essential oils, when diffused, they can put a mama into her happy place in a matter of minutes. Joining a stroller club with fellow mommies. Not only are you burning calories, you’re making much needed friends and getting free therapy.

Check out our favorite jogging strollers for city living.

Looking for more must haves?

This post contains affiliate links.

Your Best Bundle Episode 4: New Year, New You

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Your Best Bundle Episode 4: New Year, New You is our fourth installment of our Your Best Bundle series with Whitney Port and Bundle Organics. This “New Year, New You” Instagram Live is hosted by maternity concierge and baby gear expert Julie McCaffrey. Julie is a chief baby planner from Gugu Concierge and also the founder of Babynav Baby Planners.

When and where: Your Best Bundle Episode 4: New Year, New You with maternity concierge and baby gear expert Julie McCaffrey streamed live on the Bundle Organics Instagram Thursday, January 4th at 9PM ET (6PM PT.)

From jogging strollers to outdoor carriers to fixed wheels versus swivel, there is a wealth of gear and features you can use as a new parent that will help you maintain a fit and active lifestyle – even with a baby in tow. In this Instagram Live, self-professed “baby gear nerd” and professional baby planner Julie will share her must-have products for fitness, along with some helpful guidelines around product selection and proper usage. This New Year, New You Instagram Live Q&A is sure to help you to better determine the gear and products that are a good match for your lifestyle.

Do you have a specific question about new mom fitness that you’d like us to cover in the Q&A? We’d love to know so Julie can come prepared! Submit your questions in advance by sending an email to yourbestbundle@bundleorganics.com with the subject “New Mom Fitness”.

Your Best Bundle Episode 3: Clean Eating

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

It’s time for our third installment of Your Best Bundle all about Clean Eating brought to you by Gugu Guru along with our partner Bundle Organics and our fabulous host, new mama and Bundle Organics Brand Director Whitney Port.

This month we are sharing “Clean Eating Tips” on Instagram Live with new mama Ali Maffucci – New York Times best-selling author and founder of the culinary brand Inspiralized.

Whether you’re pregnant, nursing, or just an extremely busy mama, clean eating is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your energy up. But who has the time for meal prep and healthy cooking – especially with a newborn? You can! In this Instagram Live, Ali will share quick, healthy food prep and meal ideas, along with some bonus tips for working mamas to achieve a better work/life balance. We really hope this Clean Eating Instagram Live Q&A will help you in your journey towards a healthy and inspired life.

What: Instagram Live Event
Where: the Bundle Organics Instagram
When: Thursday, December 7th at 9PM ET (6PM PT)

Do you have a specific question about clean eating that you’d like us to cover in the Q&A? We’d love to know so Ali can come prepared! Submit your questions in advance by sending an email to yourbestbundle@bundleorganics.com with the subject “Clean Eating Question.”

About the series: Your Best Bundle is our new expert series where each month we tackle a topic on how to achieve your best and healthiest life as a parent from pregnancy to birth and beyond. In this series, we’ll be talking about a wide range of topics from fit pregnancy tips to clean eating to sleep strategies for babies and parents and more. We’re open to your suggestions too! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover, feel free to email yourbestbundle@bundleorganics.com with your requests.

Did you miss it? Check out the recap of Your Best Bundle Episode 1 here.

Cord Blood Banking 101

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

In the last few years, there has been a lot of chatter in the parent world about “cord blood banking.” While it seems like a smart idea on the surface, many parents can be overwhelmed by the concept, all the steps involved, the scary “what if’s” that are at the premise of cord blood banking and, the price tag. The team at Gugu Guru knows that when you’re expecting a baby, you’re likely already feeling “decision fatigue” and a high sense of skepticism around what is necessary for your family versus just a nice to have, so we wanted to break cord blood banking down to help you understand if it’s right for you. Below find our Cord Blood Banking 101 overview in an easy to digest Q&A format, including the pros and cons of this offering. Read on to learn more about cord blood banking for your new baby from LifeBankUSA.

So, what is cord blood banking?

In a nutshell, cord blood banking is the act of saving your baby’s umbilical cord blood and its stem cells at birth in case you may need them in the future. The stem cells are harvested, processed and then “cryopreserved” (a fancy word for freezing) at a bank for your potential future medical use. A baby’s umbilical cord is rich in stem cells that can be used to treat a variety of life threatening disorders and diseases. The idea is that when you store your baby’s cord blood, you are investing in your baby’s future in the event that he or she may need his or her own stem cells. And, not necessarily just that particular child of yours, but often siblings are a match for each other too – though not always.

Why harvest from the umbilical cord blood?

While the umbilical cord blood is not the only source of stem cells in your body, it is very quick and easy to collect and bank stem cells from cord blood. On the other hand, it currently requires lengthy, invasive procedures to tap into the body’s other sources (e.g., bone marrow) if you were to need your stem cells – and this is why it is recommended by many experts and physicians to harvest from the umbilical cord at birth.

Is there an expiration date on stem cells and how long they can be frozen for?

According to AABB, there is not enough scientific data to quantify the shelf life of frozen stem cells since the act of cord blood banking hasn’t been around that long. However, researchers and scientists say that stem cells frozen over 20 years ago are still as fresh today as they were when harvested.

What can cord blood or stem cells be used for in the future?

From cancers to blood disorders to genetic diseases – cord blood stem cells can be used in the treatment of nearly 80 diseases today such as leukemia, sickle-cell anemia, and some metabolic disorders (source: Moise K Jr. Umbilical cord stem cells. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(6):1393-1407.) Privately storing your baby’s cord blood is a way to ensure that this resource is available for your family if ever needed for current applications, experimental uses and for any treatments that may arise in the future. Cord blood is also being used experimentally right now in clinical trials to treat children with cerebral palsy and autism through Duke University Medical Center.

When do you actually “bank” the cells?

Cord blood banking can only be done at birth with the help of a doctor or midwife, using the kit provided through the cord blood banking company the parents have selected. It is important to remember that cord blood banking can only be performed by a doctor or midwife, and only at the moments of birth – you cannot go back and bank cord blood later. Therefore, we highly recommend researching cord blood banking companies while pregnant and having a plan in place well beforehand. Here’s a helpful resource from Parents.com on Comparing Cord Blood Banking Companies.

What is the biggest benefit to cord blood banking?

Perhaps the greatest benefit is that storing your child’s stem cells is a once in a lifetime opportunity and an investment in the safety and security of your family’s future. By storing your baby’s stem cells privately, it means they will be available if you should ever need them. Without stem cells privately stored, your family would need to undergo other procedures (e.g., harvesting from bone marrow) to extract stem cells or search through public registries which can be extremely time consuming if a viable unit is even found. The long term investment of making sure your baby has his or her own stem cells banked can be considered priceless by many.

OK, so what is the biggest risk with cord blood banking?

Think of cord blood banking like any voluntary insurance plan you might carry. You may never need to use life insurance, for example, and if not – then you are out that investment. That is a financial risk and one that may need to be considered heavily if the cost would qualify as a large investment for your family. However, some of the payment plans that are offered by private cord blood banks may help to mitigate that risk by allowing you to pay over time versus in one lump sum. Of course, even if the stem cells are not used for treatment you will still have the added piece of mind that they are there for your family.

I am giving birth soon! How do I bank my baby’s cord blood? What if I am giving birth at home?

When you work with a cord blood banking company, the company sends you a compact collection kit that contains all of the necessary materials for the collection to be performed. Simply bring this kit to the hospital in your labor and delivery bag. The cord blood banking company will subsequently send a medical courier that will come to the hospital to get the kit from you after delivery. If you’re giving birth at home, the process is the same – you would receive a kit and your midwife would perform the collection, and a courier comes to pick up the cells. It’s all a very quick and simple process.

How much does it cost normally? Is there a payment plan?

According to Babycenter, cord blood banks can charge a first-year processing fee that ranges from about $1,500 to $3,000, plus annual storage costs of about $90 to $175. The banks typically offer payment plans, ranging from no-interest installments paid over a few months to longer-term financing with interest.

Thank you to LifebankUSA for making this sponsored post possible. A little on LifebankUSA:

LifebankUSA is a stem cell banking company that is truly committed to research to advance the field of stem cell uses, ultimately helping to increase the value of your family’s investment. LifebankUSA is able to provide the most comprehensive stem cell banking options for new parents and is an expert in not just storing your baby’s precious stem cells but also in guiding your family in the use of them. After your baby’s stem cells are stored your relationship with LifebankUSA does not end. LifebankUSA is all about research and advancements; so, they will continue to update you on treatment advances using stem cells. Plus, LifebankUSA prides itself on their customer relationships and are always available to support to your family with any questions. Furthermore, if the case happens where you do need the cells, LifebankUSA will assist and support you in ensuring all pre-release testing and documentation is completed and coordinating the release of the stem cells.

Lifebank also has amazing discounts for veterans; contact Lifebank to learn more about their Veteran’s Discount!

Photos by Pics and Paws Photography

Video Overview: NewGel+ Scar Management Solutions

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

-Sponsored Video-

Check out Gugu Guru founder Monica’s video overview of NewGel+ Scar Management Solutions and why this is a must-have for parents, especially moms who have had c-section surgery.

Check out more of our c-section must have posts here and here.

6 Jogging Strollers for City Living

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

Jogging and running in an urban environment is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but when you throw a stroller into the mix, things can get hairy. Between narrow sidewalks, potholes, public transportation and people traffic, finding the perfect jogging stroller for city living can be a challenge. After chatting with many parents, and lots of research, we rounded up our top picks for urban environment jogging and running strollers.

Do you have any on this list? Are we missing any? Leave a comment and let us know!

Budget Pick:

Urbini Avi: If you are looking for a quality “budget-friendly” jogger, the team at Gugu Guru recommends the Urbini Avi. Why? It’s a reliable, good quality jogger complete with great features like a cup holder, ample storage and a compact fold – and it has a super price tag.

Best Storage Pick:

Bumbleride Indie: This is an absolutely gorgeous stroller with great features – a wide canopy, compact fold and ample storage. We also love that the stroller is manufactured with eco-friendlier textiles. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend this stroller for hard core runners, but it’s a high-quality option for your one and only day-to-day stroller and jogger.

Learn more: A real mom’s review on the Bumbleride Indie

Best versatile pick:

Bugaboo Runner: Parents who have a top of the line Bugaboo stroller already can rejoice that they only need to buy the frame – it’s compatible with other Bugaboo seats. Designed with active parents in mind, the Bugaboo Runner comes in two versions; as a complete jogging stroller and as an accessory for existing Bugaboo owners, offering an easy, click-and-go jogging extension. The large under seat basket will hold your essentials and most accessories are compatible with the stroller. In characteristic Bugaboo fashion, you can choose to have the seat facing you, or facing the world. What are you waiting for? Run free!

Best for everyday use:

Baby Jogger 2016 Summit X3 Single Jogging Stroller: With its patented quick fold technology, you can fold your stroller with one hand, which means if you’re hopping on and off the subway and there’s a possibility you’re going to have to fold up the stroller, this is the one for you. This 3 Wheel Stroller has 16″ rear and 12″ front air filled tires with front wheel lock mounted on the handlebar for easy conversions between jogger and stroller mode, meaning you can use for jogging and everyday use. All wheel suspension system soaks up road bumps making it the perfect all terrain stroller, especially for going over cobblestone streets or cracked sidewalks. Plus, the hand operated rear brakes make for more control on hilly or uneven terrain. And, it features a large adjustable sun canopy with peek a boo windows and side vents.

Best lifespan:

Mountain Buggy Terrain Premium Jogging Stroller: If you’re looking for a space-saving stroller, the Mountain Buggy Terrain Premium Jogging Stroller is your pick, as it is not only can double as an every day stroller, but is able to be used from newborn to 70 pounds. The newborn perfect reclinable seat, compatible with the Mountain Buggy Carry Cot+ in matching fabric (sold separately) and infant car seats from most major brands (sold separately) allow you to use the Terrain from birth. Plus, the Terrain offers a new, extremely easy one hand fold offers ease and convenience. Now a full size jogging stroller fits everywhere a standard stroller will.

Best for Avid Runners:

Thule Urban Glide Jogging Stroller: We know how hard it can be to find time to work out, so when running is your only option, you’re going to want your stroller to keep up! At 22 pounds, the Thule Urban Glide is super lightweight and aerodynamic; this is perfect for winding through crowded sidewalks and around tight corners. The front wheel swivels for easy maneuverability, and locks into place for jogging. As an added feature, the padded ergonomic handlebar has a range of heights for parent’s comfort, so you can run comfortably. Plus, the seat reclines almost all the way, so baby can nap while you get your groove on.

Also seen: An Avid Runner’s 6 Baby Registry Picks

Still not sure which jogging stroller is right for you? Don’t worry, we have a quiz for that! What are your top features in a jogging stroller? Head to this post to find out what won the vote. Looking for some tips? We have top ten tips for running while pregnant!

Angelique All Day: Maternity Workout Clothing

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We are so excited to introduce you to pregnant mama, and new guest blogger, actress Angelique Cabral! Angelique is best known for her role as Colleen on CBS’ Life In Pieces, but is no newcomer to the Hollywood scene. She recently found out she is having a little girl this fall and Gugu Guru is thrilled to help her with her registry; Angelique will be guest blogging on Gugu Guru all about pregnancy and new mom life – welcome, Ang!

(PS. The amazing drawing of Angelique above is from Lane Paper Works!)

Hiiiiiiieeeeee! First, you should know a bit about me: I am an actress, currently starring on the CBS sitcom, “Life in Pieces.” I play a quirky, hot mess girl named Colleen, who is based at this point almost entirely on me, ha! As an actress, social media is a huge part of who I am and what I do, and this new invention of #snapchat and #insta-story (I’m old so to me it seems like the cool new thing) has really been a game changer. I find it’s a way to relate directly to my audience and share a bit of my daily life with the world. If you follow me (you can follow Angelique on Insta here), you will see that I’m a hot mess and that I am probably just like you!! I run out of gas! I love coupons! I love rosé #AllllllDay!!!

So I figured why not do this with my pregnancy? The first few months were torture, trying to “hide” it on social media, especially when I drink pretty much whenever I am allowed to or is socially acceptable. And this was the first thing my fans noticed: the absence of wine and/or a margarita in my hand!! Yikes!! But then I came out with my pregnancy in a cute Gender Reveal video that ET did, and the rest is history. I am now free to share every last amazing, magical, disgusting, real detail of my pregnancy! Lucky you!!

Now, the first thing that was a concern for me, as an actress and also as a vain (mid) 30-something who is always on a diet trying to lose those last 5 lbs, was MY WORKOUTS!!! What was I gonna do now that I was pregnant?! I scoured the internet (more on that later, but it’s dangerous and I just spiral deep) and overall it said to take it easy and not do hard core workouts; that it can affect the baby, you can bleed, etc. They basically treat pregnancy as a handicap. The problem with this is that I am very hard core. Like, my whole life, I have jumped from one hard core activity to another: marathons, Kung Fu, Bikram, Hot Vinyasa, cross fit etc. Since college I have worked out 5 to 6 days a week, often double workouts. It makes me feel good but also allows me to eat/drink pretty much whatever i want which let’s be honest is the point (wink!).

So instead of living in fear, I listened to my doctor and my trainers at Tracy Anderson, and kept doing what I have been doing for the last 3 years: 2 hour workouts in roughly 87 degree rooms with 80% humidity. Hard core!! I also have incorporated intense hiking (my fave is Fryman Canyon in LA) and walking around my neighborhood, at least 5 miles a day. Cause bottom line, Mommy has to go back to shooting her TV show roughly 2 weeks after giving birth, so I can’t just not workout! It’s simply not an option!! So I’ve kept doing what I’ve been doing, and guess what?! I’m fine! My pregnancy has been perfect! Baby is amazing! And no GD, no preeclampsia, no swelling! And I feel amazing! [editor’s note: this is Angelique’s fitness plan, which she mapped out with her doctor – please consult your doctor if you’re pregnant and would like to know more about working out!]

Except in my workout clothes (womp womp).

Ya. My clothes don’t fit. Like, not at all. Like somehow, overnight, my tight little body just expanded. The first thing that became a real problem, real quick were my boobs. They took on a life of their own. They were HUGE. Like, I’m normally a full A cup or maybe small B, but my overnight by boobs FELL OUT OF MY SPORTS BRAS and I’m looking at a D! and then my rib cage expanded roughly 4 inches so no shirts or tanks fit and I was miserable in my workouts.

Then my growing belly betrayed my workout pants. I thought for sure I would be okay in my LuLuLemons until at least the 3rd trimester. I mean, the whole point of $120 dollar spandex is to stretch right? WRONG. There is, in fact, a maximum they stretch and they were uncomfortable almost immediately, pushing into my abdomen, making any workout torture.

Ingrid and Isabel Tank Top + Leggings

But then, miracle of all miracles, I discovered my saving graces, Belly Bandit, Boob, Bravado Designs, and Ingrid and Isabel. Against my will, I gave in to “maternity” workout gear, and haven’t looked back.

Here’s the 411 on bras: Bravado Ballet Bra and Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra are my fave for just life. They are comfy and make you feel feminine and human and not like an overstuffed cow. I am obsessed with the Boob Designs sports/nursing bra ’cause let me tell you, it keeps the girls IN and TIGHT and gives you great cleavage. Boob also has an amazing long spandex nursing tank top that I wear almost every day. Even though I’m not nursing yet, it fits better than anything I’ve found and makes me feel cute during my workouts, which let’s be honest, is why we all workout, ha!!

(left) Ingrid and Isabel Pants, (right) Boob Designs Tank Top and Belly Bandit Leggings

Now for leggings: Belly Bandit leggings are my dream. They are supportive and cool and comfy for daily wear, and makes my growing belly feel and look so cute!! For my hard core workouts, I love Ingrid and Isabel workout leggings, they are thicker and really hold you in while doing cardio, and they have this cute V in the back that is sexy and fun! I literally get compliments on them every time I wear them. They also have this fold down option if you want your belly to be on display so you can show it off. But during my workouts I prefer to keep it up and protect my belly. Ingrid and Isabel also has a full line of tanks and dresses that I have been living in, even to events and red carpets! (Sidenote: I’m a big fan of “body con” during pregnancy, it shows off you bump and makes you look less humungous if you wear tight fitting clothes vs. baggy stuff).

So, there ya go. My first blog!! That wasn’t so bad!!! I hope it was fun and helpful to y’all since let’s be honest, we are all just doing our best, trying to figure our growing bodies out. I’m 27 weeks in, and every day there are new surprises and I can’t wait to share them all with you. It really helps being able to chat it out, and I’m excited to hear from you! Tweet me or tag me on insta and tell me whatcha think of my workout picks, and tell me your faves!

Til next time!

DIY Yoga Mat With See Kate Sew

by Gugu Guru 5 Comments

See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. This time? A lovely yoga mat for postpartum (and anytime) yoga. Want to check out more DIY projects from Kate? Click over to see the full list – lots of fun summer project ideas!

Mermaid leggings!? You heard that right! These super stretchy yoga leggings have a tiny mermaid scale print all over in magical colors! I have wanted mermaid leggings forever and these are amazing! I’m also wearing the matching tank bra from Teeki. Teeki has so many cute activewear prints and styles!

I’m wearing the Mermaid Hot Pants in purple and Mermaid Tank in teal. Today I’m sharing a DIY Yoga Mat tutorial that you can sew yourself! The best part about a DIY yoga mat is that you can choose cute fabric prints to match your yoga pants! 😉 I chose two black and white fabrics, one knit, one canvas. New workout clothes and accessories is the perfect way to motivate yourself after having a baby and I love yoga in the postpartum period because it’s generally low impact and can be easily adapted to how you’re feeling! I always leave a yoga session feeling better body and mind!

Materials //

-Fabric for top

Choose any fabric for the top of the yoga mat! I’m using a medium weight knit. I chose this because it’s cute, but also it is a soft fabric that will be nice to perform yoga on!

-Fabric for bottom

I’m using a heavyweight canvas for the bottom of the yoga mat. This type of fabric is easier to brush off than a more clingy cotton. The surface won’t really be wipeable, but you can dust it off.

-Interfacing

Instructions //

Use a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Cut out two pieces of fabric 25″ by 69″, one from your top layer and one from your bottom layer.
Cut a piece of lightweight fusible interfacing the same size.
Cut out 2 pieces of fabric 3.5″ by 56″ for a tie.

All done! Now pull up your mermaid pants and get your yoga on!

Baby Style Find: Lark Adventurewear

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

-Sponsored Post-

Now that it’s summer, parents love to get outside with their little ones as much as possible; however, it’s not always easy to figure out what your baby should wear in the heat, right? We’re excited to introduce you to Lark Adventurewear – activewear for babies!

You can find Lark Adventurewear on their website, Facebook, Instagram.

Lark Adventurewear is the first and only activewear brand created for active parents and adventurous babies. Founded by an active new mom that wanted to enjoy the outdoors, but was frustrated that regular cotton baby clothes would leave her little one sticky, sweaty and uncomfortable while she was dry in her own workout gear. Like most inventors, she knew there had to be a better way, so she figured it out herself!

Lark Adventurewear is devoted to keeping infants and toddlers sweat-free, cool, protected and happy so that they (and you) can enjoy each day to the fullest. Their mission is to make quality baby clothes that can easily endure the daily life of an active infant or toddler — from the sandbox to a birthday party to dinner with the grandparents– wash and repeat. They believe in quality over quantity… and baby clothing is no exception. Lark Adventurewear is functional, fashionable, environmentally friendly, and totally safe for your little one’s sensitive skin. Getting outside is a great way to spend quality time with the whole family. We make baby clothes so parents and babies can stay active and explore the world around them in comfort.

Adult activewear is made with synthetic fabrics and chemical finishes in order to create moisture wicking properties. These synthetic fabrics and chemicals aren’t something anyone would want for your baby’s delicate skin. Lark Adventurewear has developed a proprietary natural, eco-friendly moisture wicking fabric. Using capillary action and benefits inherent to the natural fabrics they have chosen (cotton and bamboo), moisture is drawn away from a baby’s sensitive skin. Their activewear is Oeko-Tex® 100 Certified, whose standards ensure that our fabric is made with environmentally friendly processing. Lark Adventurewear also features easy-open tops and bottom-to-top zippers to make clothing and diaper changes as easy as possible. If you’re heading on an adventure with baby, be sure to stock up on Lark Adventurewear today! This also makes a perfect baby shower gift for an adventurous mama.

Need some tips for getting outdoors with baby? Head to this post to find out why we’re loving the BabyBjorn for hikes with baby. Plus, Summer Travel must have items for traveling with baby.

Thank you to Lark Adventurewear for making this sponsored post possible.

Fourth Trimester Wellness Beauty Guide

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

True that May is the month of Mother’s Day but it is also National Mental Health Awareness Month. We believe that creating a self care routine is truly key to a mother’s health and wellness. Gugu Guru has partnered with new mom and founder of Solly Baby, Elle Rowley, on a fourth trimester wellness beauty guide rounding up some of our favorite products to help a new mother pamper herself in the early stages of motherhood and keep herself feeling well. Read on for Elle’s picks…

She will be engrossed in her newborn but a new mother should never underestimate the emotional impact of putting even the tiniest bit of effort into her appearance and well-being. Feeling even somewhat put-together can make one feel more productive and confident, and those are feelings every new mom needs in the first few weeks following delivery.

ARROW Hydrate Deodorant
Its formulation is both aluminum- and alcohol-free making it safe for breastfeeding mothers and, more importantly, it works. (Birchbox, $9)

goop Discovery Set
Essential to self-care routine; especially ideal for moisturizing and refreshing a mother’s skin when dehydrated from nursing. (goop, $125)

goop The Mother Load
Packed with beneficial ingredients like sardine oil, which is shown in studies to defend against mood disorders including anxiety & depression, and coconut oil for increasing the levels of lauric acid and capric acid in breast milk, creating milk rich in health-promoting nutrients. (goop, $90)

Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask and Mega Greens Galaxy Pack
Offers cleaning, rejuvenating and moisturizing for slackened skin. (Glossier, $40)

BIRCHROSE+ Co Body Polish Dry Brush and Dry Brushing Oil
Exfoliates, improves lymphatic drainage, increases the release of toxins, promotes softer and lighter skin and generally encourages new cell renewal.All of these benefits are amazing in the 4th trimester when you won’t yet have the clearance to work out and you’re movement is limited. (BIRCHROSE + CO, $28)

Shiva Rose Rose Moon Sea Salt
The best treat for your first bath post baby – so beautiful and smells amazing! (Shiva Rose, $60)

CONTEXT Come Clean Lipstick
A mix between a hydrating chapstick and a lipstick; offers full coverage without the dryness of standard lipsticks. (CONTEXT, $20)

Tubby Todd Mama Bundle
Bundle of three essential, natural products: hand cream, balm and refreshing spray, are essential for nourishing skin during early motherhood. (Tubby Todd, $49)

Moon Juice Spirit Dust
Edible beauty for re-balancing your energy. Great to add to your favorite hearty smoothie recipe in the morning. (Moon Juice, $30)

Function of Beauty Haircare
Developed using custom ingredients for your often fickle and unpredictable postpartum hair. (Function of Beauty, $36)

Elle’s Picks

Feels the best: Glossier feels like a splurge

Use the most: Tubby Todd

Easiest: Arrow Hydrate Deodorant -if you do nothing else

Treat Yourself: goop Discovery set

« Previous Page

Health & Wellness

Footer

Follow Us:

COME AND GET IT!