Mama Wellness

Take Time for You: Self-Care Tips for Moms

Whether you are parenting, expecting, trying to conceive, or simply surviving the Pandemic, it’s been rough. In the chaos that is life, your self-care routine may have been destroyed. We are here to help pick up the pieces! Check out some great tips on treating yourself to the best Valentine’s Day gift – some self-care for you, mom!

Take Care of your Skin

Sometimes it’s as simple as washing your face and putting on some lotion to start the day off right. Wherever your skin routine may be right now, keep it simple! We are all for the multi-purpose products that will help us feel fresh. However, if it’s not an easy routine, it’ll be over before it starts. A simple face soap and moisturizer is a great place to start. Add in some chapstick and you’re taking care of your lips, too!

Pregnant? Postpartum? You may notice some changes in your skin as your hormone levels fluctuate. We are always on the lookout for products that are safe, effective, and easy. Check out some of our favorites from Earth Mama and Matrescence.

Take Care of your Body

Taking care of your body comes from all angles. What you eat/drink, wear, and do can all be part of body care. Eating healthy can be tough, especially when you have a new baby. Often, we hear from moms who are “too busy to eat.” Without proper nourishment, it’s hard to take care of your little one. Meal planning is great, and prepared healthy foods are even better. Territory Foods has excellent meal options for busy families.

Investing in a couple of key clothing pieces to help you feel comfy and put together is also key. A comfortable pair of pants (leggings, jeans, sweatpants, etc.) and a simple cozy top will make all the difference, especially as you navigate a chill in the air. Layering is an easy way to put together any outfit with your changing body. Pro-tip: Throw on a cute piece of earrings and you’ve got a whole outfit! Kindred Bravely and Belly Bandit both have some excellent pieces.

Take Care of your Mind

We all love our kids, but sometimes you might need to take a break! Our moms say that taking a little ‘me’ time in the shower, walking around the block, or taking a 20-minute drive is a perfect way to escape some of the stress. Start journaling, meditating, or exercise to give yourself a reset. Give yourself the space to think about nothing for a certain amount of time each day. You cannot pour from an empty glass! Time to prioritize some self-care, Mom!

Looking for the perfect gift for a new mom? Check out some favorites from our Gugu Guides:

5 Mom Hacks you NEED to know
Product Reviews from our Gugu Guides

5 moms Pamper their Feet with Barefoot Scientist

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

As a busy mom, your schedule is full. You don’t always have time to do everything you need to do, let alone things you want to do like stop in at the salon and get a pedicure. What if you could get that post-pedicure soft, smooth feet feeling from home? You can with Barefoot Scientist and their many products to help keep your feet in tip-top shape.

Maybe you’ve got dry feet. Or maybe you’re a mom who cares about clean ingredients and cruelty-free products. Maybe you’ve never thought about your feet more than putting on socks and shoes in the morning. We had 5 moms from our Gugu Village try the Smooth Operator bundle from Barefoot Scientist. Read what they had to say below.

Sophia, mom of 3

The Barefoot Scientist Smooth Operator set is an excellent way to get a little me-time while at home. Although I love a good pedicure, having this system to use in between my trips to the spa allows me to feel like I’m prioritizing a little self-care. Simply slip on the socks while you’re watching TV, sitting at your computer, or laying in bed and your feet will soak in all that goodness. The best part is, I hate wearing socks (they make my feet hot) but the socks are so amazing that even after I slipped them off, my feet stayed nice and cool all night. The hydration cream is a nice addition before slipping on the gel-filled socks and I love having my own ‘Gratest’ rasp tool to take care of my tough spots. Be careful not to overuse! These are a great addition to the dry winter weather coming our way in the midwest!

Ali, Mom of 2 & Pregnant

My favorite form of self-care is painting my nails and toes and I am always on the lookout for tools to make that easier. As a mom of 2 with 1 more on the way, going to the salon has become something that happens every three or 4 months so I needed help to take care of my feet. The Gratest rasp tool said you could use it on dry feet or after soaking for 10 mins but I choose to try after a shower. It was very comfortable in my hand and I felt safe in control. Additionally, I liked the string for easy drying after cleaning. The High Dive hydration cream is probably the thickest moisturizer I have ever used and felt absolutely luxurious. I felt confident in the ingredients they used (Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Tested. Vegan. Free of Phthalates & Parabens.) even during my pregnancy. The Sleep On It overnight gel socks were a new experience for me! I would recommend putting them on as you are in bed as they did not feel comfortable when walking around. However, when I woke up and took them off, my feet were definitely softer than I had ever felt before. For super dry feet, combining the moisturizer and socks might work well but it was a little too much for me. I am excited to try the socks alone!

Sarah, Pregnant with her first

Absolutely loved the product right out of the box. The simple packaging translated to the relaxing scents of the products. I was already hooked! The High Dive made my feet smell heavenly and after a full day on my feet, combined with the Sleep On It socks made my night before I even got into bed. The combination is a great way to destress and relax after a bath/long shower and I’m definitely looking forward to the next time I use my in-home foot spa treatment! I was a little nervous using The Gratest but using it on wet skin from the shower reminded me of my last pedicure, and I couldn’t resist! These three products are awesome individually, or together – you can’t go wrong. Great way to relax the feet for the next day, and great smelling too!

Brianna, mom of 2

The Gratest and High Dive were my favorite products of the three in the set. I was able to easily remove dry skin with the Gratest. It was painless and quickly allowed my skin to have a smoother feel. The High Dive was very moisturizing and had a luxurious feel to it. It was not too thick and easily absorbed. Definitely a step up from a normal lotion. The Sleep On It socks were interesting in that they have a gel coating on the interior where the ingredients are to help provide additional moisture while wearing them. However, they feel a little odd between the weight of them and the gel texture. While I would prefer a sock without the gel, I do appreciate that they have multiple uses (up to approximately 12 per pair). There was some moisturizer residue on my feet after taking the socks off following wearing them overnight. It washed off easily.

The Smooth Operator set is a wonderful addition to my home self-care and I am happy to have come across it. Two days after using the set and my feel soft and refreshed and I will definitely be using this set going forward.

Melissa, mom of 1

First I want to start with the package itself. It made me feel extra special with the personal handwritten note, it just adds a little more thoughtfulness to the experience and to the product. It’s something to keep in mind when I send it to my friends and family. I started my foot care with the therapeutic socks. The instructions state you can wear them anytime, I prefer at night. You do need to get used to the soft gel, I can see for some people it might feel weird— it did for me the first time. Hence, why I decided to do it at night. After wearing them for a couple of nights, I can definitely see the difference in how soft my feet felt. I didn’t have any allergic reactions— I tend to have sensitive skin— the smell was not irritating, and what I love most it’s cruelty-free, free of phthalates and parabens. Be aware you do have to hand wash them and after much usage, the gel does run out. However, I love how I can now incorporate it as part of my own wellness routine. I tend to be on my feet all day, and these socks just work their magic! Love the concept.

Now the High Dive cream, with just a couple of drops I can see how it absorbs deeply to the cracks of my feet. It’s really light, smooth, and most importantly, without leaving behind residue. Fragrance-free and it feels like you have no lotion on your feet. Lastly, the Gratest. The foot file for your feet! I should have started with this first because whenever you need to hydrate your skin you need to prep it. I do have to admit, I always get scared using these types of products for the fear of thinking I’m going to cut my skin. This tool however is lightweight and easy to use. As with any, the blade is sharp, so I didn’t have to add so much pressure to remove the rough skin. Overall, the kit is well worth it.

Thank you to Barefoot Scientist for letting our moms test these amazing products!

Looking for more Reviews and Tips? Check out our most recent below-

Real Moms Review: Territory Foods

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Looking for the perfect gift for any busy Mom or Dad? Territory Foods is a ready-to-heat ‘n eat nutritional food delivery service prepared by local chefs in your communities. Focused on nutrient-dense and sustainable ingredients, we sent a package to 4 New York City moms to see what they thought of the meals.

Zoe, Expectant Mom

We received 6 meals from Territory Foods this week. It was very helpful that the packaging was labeled that the contents were perishable and that it must be refrigerated. I live in an apartment building so it allowed my doorman to let us know immediately upon arrival of the package to avoid the product spoiling. I also liked that the individual food packages had a clear plastic lid so that I could see what each item looked like before deciding what I wanted to eat for my lunch or dinner. The instructions for preparation along with the nutritional facts and content was very straight forward and easy to understand. If I were to have an allergy or food aversion I would definitely be able to know if the contents contained a “problem item” before I opened it or ate it.

The food itself was very tasty and different from what I normally cook myself, which I liked. I was introduced to new items (like Right Rice) and exciting flavors (like coconut curry). The portion size was just right which can sometimes be an issue in prepackaged meals. My husband and I split 2 meals for dinner one night and had a little bit leftover. I had 1 meal for lunch the following day with a small amount of basmati rice leftover, mostly because I tried to exhibit self control on the carb intake! All in all, I was very happy with Territory Foods and would recommend to anyone who was trying to make their life easier but was still interested in food that tasted good!

Becky, Vegetarian Mom of 2 (Newborn + 3 year old)

The food came hand-delivered and packaged nicely. We enjoyed the tofu Mediterranean bowl the most; very flavorful and tasted very fresh. The gazpacho was a nice side-dish. The breakfast items (oatmeal and baked eggs) were both very hearty and nice warm breakfasts. The ginger chickpea dish was flavorful, but very spicy! The portabella mushrooms were a bit oily and slightly bland. The paleo brownies were a great healthy dessert! Overall, the dishes looked good and tasted good. They heated up well and were perfect for busy new parents of 2!

Joanie, Mom of 2 (4 month old + 4 year old)

I loved the salads! They were a refreshing and healthy option. It’s so difficult to find a good salad that fills me up and has protein in it that actually tastes good. Each of the meals was perfectly portioned and tasted healthy but delicious. I love how easy it is to have all the meals prepped and easily heated in the microwave. As a mom of an infant and a toddler, this saved me and my husband so much time and the best part was knowing that we were still eating clean. The brownie was really good as well! My mom tried the brownie in comparison to a full fat gluten-full brownie and could not taste the difference.

Danielle, Toddler Mom

The food was very tasty and arrived cold & packaged well. There was quite a bit of packaging to discard which didn’t really bother me personally, but I can see some people not liking this for environmental reasons. I liked how all the toppings, sauces etc, were in their own containers within, so nothing arrived mixed up or soggy. I thought the vegetarian dish (butcher’s daughter right rice tabouli), while tasty, felt like a giant bowl of rice for lunch/dinner & probably wouldn’t order something like this in the future. The sauces were all fresh and delicious and I enjoyed the variety of items in each of the other meals.

Thank you to Territory Foods for letting our moms test this out!

Looking for more Real Mom Reviews:
*4 Real Moms Tell Us Why Larktale Strollers are a Gamechanger
*Real Moms Tell Why The Boon GRUB is a Gamechanger
*Real Mom Review: Just for Tots Cactus Teether

Territory Foods: Food for Motherhood

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

We’re bringing something extra yummy today with the scoop on Territory Foods! This company features ready-to-heat, nutritionist-designed meals made by local chefs. As a parent, our health often falls to the wayside as we focus on everyone else around us. Knowing how important nutritional food is, especially for people on the motherhood journey, Territory Foods created a solution that is both time-saving and tasty!

Support Your Nutrition

They have really done their research when it comes to food. The menus are built on a foundation of non-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods. The meals are made without gluten, dairy, processed oils, refined sugars, and other ingredients that are known to cause inflammation. You can rest assured that the meals you receive are well thought out and support your overall nutrition.

Territory Foods meals are based on a Mediterranean Diet and are plant-forward, high in fiber, and contain a mix of proteins from plants, seafood, and some poultry. You’ll receive a balanced diet that supports your well-being and a healthy baby, whether trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum. A balanced diet that offers all the key nutrients is so important in all stages of motherhood.

Fresh Meals

With Territory Foods, you know you are getting meals with wholesome ingredients like fresh produce, lean meats, and even healthy fats that include natural compounds like fiber and phytochemicals, which help your body absorb all the good nutrients in their meals. And guess what. These meals are ready to eat in less than 2 minutes so they’re perfect for busy families and working moms alike!

We know that moms often turn to supplements to support a healthy diet and fill in the gaps in our nutrition. Did you know that while these are sometimes needed, food is the first and best source of nutrition for your body? Yup!

Nutrient-Dense Foods

Territory meals are made with nutrient-dense foods that fully support a prenatal diet, including 20g of protein (or more), folate, iron, and calcium-rich foods. Broccoli, leafy greens, beans, asparagus, and more are prepared in a variety of ways by a network of talented chefs every single week. We love that the ingredients are from clean sources to support your nutrition. Better yet, choose from over 35+ recipes weekly to customize your meals to fit your needs, and your taste buds.

Territory Foods supports couples at every single stage of parenthood. We think the choice is clear, but don’t let us decide for you. Check it out for yourself >>

Stay tuned for more about this awesome food brand –
some of our Gugu Guides are testing it out as we speak!

Thank you to Territory Foods for making this sponsored post possible.

The Scoop: Baby Boldly Birth Bag – Fully Prepared

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Preparedness and Motherhood rarely go hand in hand, but Baby Boldly has created an all-in-one hospital bag that will do just that. As a third-time mom-to-be, I should know everything that I am going to need to bring to the hospital for labor and delivery. However, as a third-time mom-to-be, I have two other little loves to worry about packing for as well. On top of everyday life – school, kids’ activities, work, meal planning, laundry, cleaning, etc. – preparing for baby #3 has been a little more stressful and a lot more time-crunched than I expected. Having the Baby Boldly Birth Bag: Fully Prepared pre-packed and shipped directly to me has checked at least one thing off of my list.

Truly Comprehensive –

With over 30+ unique pieces, my birth bag was packed ensuring I had every essential, not just some of them. With items to help with labor, nursing, showering, and any down-time in between I am confident that I will be covered. Additionally, 1 thing I love is that there is still room left in the main bag for me to add in any personal items I might choose to bring as well.

Non-toxic + Practical –

I guess you could consider me a “Scrunchy Mom” since I strive to find a balance between choosing products that are as natural as possible but also are convenient. The toiletries and personal care items included were sourced to ensure that they are non-toxic and contain quality ingredients especially as momma’s senses are heightened during this unique time in her life. My bag included items from brands I was already familiar with and confident in like Pharmacopia, Burt’s Bees, Schmitt’s, Tom’s, Earth Mama, Bamboobies, and Rael.

The weekender bag itself is made from easy-to-clean nylon with vegan leather accents and features magnetic closures, a zippered top, and 10 pockets + a toiletry bag. As someone who typically packs in cubes and travel pouches galore, I am thrilled for the organizational options and the future possibilities to use it as a diaper bag, pumping bag, or duffle.

Designed by Mamas, For Mamas –

Maybe my favorite aspect of the Birth Bag: Fully Prepared is the support and thoughtfulness that comes along with it. Right when you open the box, there is a note from the Baby Boldly team encouraging you and letting you know that you are not alone and that sentiment follows you throughout with details like a tag stating “You Got This” on the 2 in 1 Nursing/Infant Carrier Cover and “Strong as a Mother” written on the reusable water bottle and grippy socks. Plus, in a more subtle way the inclusion of a sentimental book (for when you want to disconnect), honey sticks (hospital approved for energy), and a massage ball (cramps can be no joke!) show that this bag is the ultimate gift to yourself or a momma-to-be you love. It completely prepares you for birth in a hospital or birth center.

Thank you to Baby Boldly for making this sponsored post possible.

Check out more resources to prepare for your hospital stay:
5 Best Hospital Bag Products for Mom
Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List
Hospital Bag Musts – The things you may forget!

Getting a Breast Pump Through Insurance with Acelleron

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

One of the most common questions we often receive is, “How do I pick a breast pump, and is it covered under insurance?” As a new parent, or pregnant parent, the task of figuring out not only which breast pump to get, but how to go through your insurance, can be incredibly daunting. This is why we’re excited to introduce you to Acelleron, a health and wellness company specializing in helping pregnant and nursing women qualify for their breast pump through insurance and the Affordable Care Act. We highly recommend checking out Acelleron and letting them take you by the hand through this often confusing process!

Insurance eligibility:

In most cases, new mothers are covered for a free breast pump through insurance anywhere from a few months before baby is born up to 1 year after birth (i.e. throughout their breastfeeding journey). This is a good rule of thumb to go by, however, the exact time period depends on your particular insurance plan.

Navigating Acelleron’s website:

The Acelleron website features breast pumps from top brands such as Medela, Spectra, Lansinoh, Cimilre, and more, even Elvie and Willow! When you visit the website, you will fill out a simple form to view which breast pumps are eligible under your specific insurance plan. If you would like help navigating, Acelleron has a live chat where a specialist is ready to assist you or you their customer care line at 877-932-6327! They do everything they can to help you find the best breast pump for your needs and lifestyle.

Steps to take:

Step 1: Fill out the page below to determine your pump options.

Step 2: View pumps and make your selection. You can filter by brand, price (fully covered or upgrade) or features such as pumps with a rechargeable battery and an LCD screen. This is super helpful for the expectant mom to narrow down her pump options.

We love that Acelleron personalizes the selection process by allowing moms to choose the features that are most important to them! Everything about ordering is hassle-free! Check out this amazing and handy breast pump selection guide to help you better understand the different types of breast pumps, brands, key features, and more!

What Acelleron can do for you:

Verify your eligibility for a breast pump through your insurance plan
Contact your physician for a prescription
Recommend the best breast pump for your lifestyle and breastfeeding goals
Recommend supplies and accessories that will benefit your pumping experience
Determine whether select supplies and accessories could also be available under your plan
Bill your insurance provider for your breast pump
Ship your breast pump to your door, free of charge
Unbox Your Pump virtual consult!

You can find Acelleron on their website, Facebook, and Instagram, and Twitter.

Thank you to Acelleron for making this sponsored post possible.

Coaching You Through the Fourth Trimester

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Personalized Support for the 5 Biggest Baby Feeding Questions

Thank you to Emily Sylvester, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC, and Founder of NurtureTalk for this guest post!

More and more moms are turning to social media as a hub of information or a source of social support in pregnancy or through infant feeding. I mean how cool is it to have millions of other moms, who have real life mamahood running through their blood, available right at your fingertips! But let’s be honest mama, sometimes it can seem like every other response you get expresses a different opinion with comments swinging all over the place. How many times have you read through a mommy social media post and left feeling more confused than when you started? As great as it is to get so many answers to what seems like your endless list of baby feeding questions, and have a posse of moms to lean on, you should never be left wondering what is right for YOU.

So what if mastering baby feeding was so much easier? This is where a baby feeding coach comes in.

I’m sure you know you can find a coach for anything these days -weight loss, money making, spiritual mastery, even bringing your sex life to the next level (yup I said it). Soooo it is time you gained this type of coaching power for the most stressful and unpredictable time in your life-birth and feeding baby.

NurtureTalk is a one-of-a-kind feeding support service giving moms unlimited access to a dietitian (baby feeding/mama nutrition expert) who is a board-certified lactation consultant (breastfeeding expert). Your NurtureTalk coach is there to coach you through any AND every feeding problem in your mama journey.

Continue reading to learn the 5 biggest baby feeding questions at NurtureTalk!

What is a baby feeding coach?

Every mom who subscribes gets a coach that is an expert in all baby feeding. Your NurtureTalk coach is there to help you navigate through any and every feeding problem in your mama journey.

Every mom deserves unbiased support from an expert who gets what you’re going through. And, call us crazy, but we believe you should get that support exactly when you need it so you can spend less time worrying and more time cuddling your bundle of joy.

Every single pregnancy is different and unique to a mama and her baby. That variation in experience is one of the things that makes motherhood so beautiful, and is also what makes it so challenging. What worked for your sister, mom, best friend, or even you two years ago may not be what works for you now. So, whether you are a first-time or veteran parent, coaching can take away the worry.

What if you want to formula feed or are not quite sure about breastfeeding?

Not quite sure? Well, we agree it is oftentimes forgotten in the baby feeding space that there are many paths to get to your feeding goals. Yes, at NurtureTalk we do love breastfeeding! This is because breastfeeding protects the health of you and your baby and is a beautiful opportunity to bond. We have seen NurtureTalk work to help moms achieve their breastfeeding goals even if they are not sure. Studies suggest that moms using NurtureTalk for feeding support are more likely to be breastfeeding at 3 months and less likely to have introduced formula at 3 months than moms who aren’t.

But, while we’re here, let’s clear something up. The number one goal with NurtureTalk coaching is always to feed your baby, keep them growing, and meet your needs as a new mama. Because if you feel informed in your choices, you will have all the mama power in the world. As registered dietitians, we have all the experience and knowledge in the world to advise on mixed formula and breastfeeding and formula choices.

Baby Feeding Q&A with NurtureTalk Founder Emily Sylvester, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC

Here are five of the most common (and real life) questions we get from real moms navigating their feeding journeys and quick tips to help tackle them.

Note: Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q1: I feel like in the first two days of feeding, I let her latch more shallowly and am now struggling to correct some bad behavior. Any suggestions for getting a deeper latch?

Things to look for in your latch. If you don’t see these, go ahead and re-latch! Corner of the mouth is “o” shaped. Now “v” or “I” shaped Nose starts out across from the nipple when latching so baby gets a big cheeseburger biteLips are flanged out (if the rest of the latch feels okay, feel free to flip them with your finger!)There is no clicking sound or puckering of the cheek when sucking and swallowingBaby is more on top of you than you are over them.

Q3: Should I wake him from sleep if it’s time to feed? He takes longgggg naps/sleeps. And how often? Every 2 hours?

Some babies are just especially sleepy! In the beginning it can be advisable to wake him every twoto four hours for feeding. If your baby is falling asleep too soon during feeds you can undress him forfeeds, change his diaper before feeds or in between feeding the left and the right breast, or tickle orplay with his feet.

Q3: Can you tell me more about cluster feeding?

Cluster feeding is a time when your baby wants lots of short feeds over a few hours. It’s exhausting but normal and will often happen in the early days of breastfeeding. There is no particular reason why babies cluster feed, but some experts believe it might be a way to boost mom’s milk supply.
5 Tips To make cluster feedings easier: Relax your baby’s leadEat well Try to rest in the early part of the day to prepareStay hydrated! This is thirsty work Get as much partner and family support as you can
It’s exhausting now, but you can look forward to a sleepy, settled baby after feedings are done being clustered.

Q4: Is there any way to know if my supply is “right” and that my baby is getting enough milk?

Keeping count of wet and soiled diapers is the gold standard for assessing your baby’s intake! Once your milk comes in, you can expect around five or more wet diapers per day and at least three stools. If your baby has fewer than expected wet or soiled diapers or urine darker than a pale yellow, it might be time to follow up with an IBCLC or medical provider.

Q5: Is it true that formula is harder for my baby to digest? What’s your advice on transitioning onto a new formula – would you mix the two formulas or switch cold-turkey?

Breast milk is in fact easier for your baby to digest because it’s made specifically for your baby’s body.
I would not suggest mixing the two formulas. Either fill half of the day’s bottles with the old formula and use the new formula for the other half, or just start the new formula! Whichever way you choose to do it, it will likely take up to a week to see a difference, so I would stick with it unless there are some serious side effects. We want to avoid changing formulas too much too soon to see if there are any changes in tolerance and digestion.

If you have questions about feeding your baby and feel like you don’t know who to ask or what to trust. NurtureTalk can help! And unlimited means unlimited, so send that 2AM text. It’s ever too early, we swear! Visit www.nurturetalk.com or add NurtureTalk on Instagram (@nurturetalk) for more!

The Importance of Mom’s Sleep

by Christine Swearingen 1 Comment

Kim West and Zulay Henao, an actress and soon-to-be mom, chat about the importance of moms’ sleep. Sleep is important for everyone, especially when you’re pregnant, so we can’t wait to dig in.

Kim West, “The Sleep Lady”, has been a family therapist for 27 years and has been sleep coaching families for 25 of those years. She’s also a mom of two!

What’s up with sleep in pregnancy?

Zulay has slept like a baby her entire life. Up until pregnancy, she’s never had issues sleeping. Sleep is greatly affected when we are pregnant. Zulay has found extreme relief with her bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow. They have an amazing line of products, and we love their pregnancy pillow. It supports your lower back, your pelvis, your knees, your ankles. It is a life-changing pregnancy pillow that is super comfy.

Zulay is 25 weeks pregnant and has noticed a lot of different patterns with her sleep during pregnancy. The first three months, she lost a lot of sleep because she was sick all the time. Then sleep deprivation kicked in for three months. Cut to now, the morning sickness, all that stuff is gone, and but she struggles to get comfortable – although that’s changed in the last two weeks because of her bbhugme pillow.

Zulay and her partner actually battle over the pillow because they love it so much. Zulay says “Everybody should have this pillow.” She thinks bbhugme should actually make one that looks the same and just market it a different way for the everyday person. To sleep, she positions it in a way that supports her belly and is in between her knees, which is really important for her lower back.

Women commonly get reflux, particularly farther along in the pregnancy, leg cramps, and of course, having to get up to go to the bathroom. The hormone changes also cause a little nervousness, anxiety, and excitement all at the same time. Some women also find that the later in the day that they eat, the harder it is to fall into a nice deep sleep. It’s really better to have a few hours for digestion, especially when pregnant because reflux is more common.

What are some things you can do to help you sleep better?

There’s some mixed advice about taking a warm bath, but if you can, of course a warm bath or a warm shower is really helpful for sleep. There’s been a lot of interesting studies on lavender aromatherapy, and in particular lavender. Using a diffuser or a pillow spray, or even putting some on a Kleenex on your nightstand if you don’t like it too close to you.

They say 79% of pregnant women have disturbed sleep during their pregnancy. This is the time mamas should be resting up to get ready for baby. If struggling with insomnia, be careful about taking a nap during the day, and opt for a set bedtime and wake-up routine. Maybe it’s making a nice cup of tea and sitting down to read a book, or just relaxing and doing some progressive muscle relaxation exercises.

Short, meditation exercises, 10-15 minutes in length, can help mom stay focused and get a little rejuvenation. Exercise is another important factor for sleep. Even stretching or simply walking can be great, especially if you’re struggling with leg cramps. Vitamin D and Omega-3 have also been found to help moms find some better sleep.

And, of course, we love the bbhugme pillow for mom sleep. A quote from Zulay herself:

bhugme, you guys rock. Just know that you’re making my nights yummier and cozier, and I love this pillow so much.
-ZUlay Henao

Moms, we truly hope you can use these tips to find some rest while growing and awaiting the arrival of your little one. Mom’s sleep is so important, especially when pregnant.

Thank you to bbhugme for making this IG Live and sponsored blog post possible.

Safe, Sustainable Skin Care, Thanks to Thinkbaby

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Raising a happy, healthy baby is number-one priority for any mom. So when it comes to the products we buy for our bundles of joy, we want to make sure they’re the safest and cleanest possible. The people at Thinkbaby agree, and they’ve made it their mission to create only the safest, most sustainable consumer products for the whole family. Just take a look at these essential skincare must-haves.

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen: Shield your baby from harsh rays with Thinkbaby’s Safe Sunscreen SPF 50. It’s free from all things you don’t want—PABA, parabens, BPA, and other toxins—and packed with all things do: broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with no added chemicals. For the last ten years, Thinkbaby’s Safe Sunscreen has maintained a number-one rating on Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database, and it’s the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods’s Premium Care Requirements. Even better: it’s vegan, biodegradable, and cruelty-free. Slather it on and feel good knowing you’re keeping your family safe.

Thinkbaby Eczema Lotion: If you’re looking for the perfect balance of effectiveness and sustainability, look no further than Thinkbaby Eczema Lotion. This pediatrician and dermatologist-recommended formula boasts of soothing colloidal oatmeal, restorative Allantoin, and calming chamomile to calm your baby’s most sensitive skin. The moisturizing lotion not only provides instant, soothing relief, but it also goes on to prevent any further dry patches or angry flare-ups.

Thinkbaby Cradle Cap Cream: Babies are so delicate, even the mildest irritation can cause itchy, dry patches and flaky skin, which is why every mom needs a jar of Thinkbaby Cradle Cap Cream on hand at all times. Effectively formulated to strengthen and rebalance baby’s developing skin, this calming cream treats common issues like dryness, dandruff, mild eczema, and cradle cap with a soothing mix of protective colloidal oatmeal, neem leaf, and rich emollients guaranteed to relieve redness and discomfort.

Thinkbaby Diaper Rash Ointment: Diaper rash is tough to escape, no matter how careful you are with your little one. So why not make the experience a lot more tolerable for the both of you. With Thinkbaby’s Diaper Rash Ointment, babies’ bottoms get an ultra-rich, soothing formula that’s packed with natural ingredients to help relieve discomfort and prevent future rashes. Moms can feel better knowing their baby’s skin is in safe hands.

Thinkbaby Papaya Shampoo & Body Wash: Make baby’s bath time what it should be: clean and tear-free. With Thinkbaby’s Papaya Shampoo & Body Wash, moms have a paraben-, phthalate-, and sulfate-free formula that’s void of all those harmful chemicals so irritating to baby’s skin. Instead, this product features only the safest premium care ingredients to meet the strict standards of your whole family’s health.

Want to discover more great skincare products for you and your growing family? Visit gothink.com and follow @gothinkco on Instagram and Facebook. Plus, use the code ThinkGugu21 to get an extra 20% off any purchase made from February 15^th to March 31^st, 2021.

Thank you to Thinkbaby for making this sponsored post possible!

Get Some Precious Mommy Me-Time with Kindred Bravely

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

One of the biggest challenges for any mom is finding the time to kick back and relax. Whether you’re preparing for a new arrival or juggling the daily duties of motherhood, that precious window of “me time” gets narrower by the day. Even finding a few moments of respite feels like a pipedream. That’s why we love @KindredBravely, a company that truly understands the struggle of work-life-baby balance. Take it from CEO and co-founder, Deeanne Akerson, who created the Kindred Bravely brand for two reasons: one, to support new and expectant moms with comfortable, stylish, and practical maternity wear; and two, to build a supportive community of moms who help encourage and empower each other along stressful every step of the way. Here are some of our favorite Kindred Bravely products that make the journey of motherhood easier, from the bump to the breast and beyond!

Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra: When it comes to nursing, efficiency and comfort are key, because Mother Nature waits for no one. Why make breastfeeding more difficult than it has to be? That’s why Kindred Bravely developed the Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra, a gamechanger for any postpartum mama. Forget about fumbling with bra hooks and uncomfortable wiring; with Kindred Bravely’s patented unique Easyclip™ design, moms can wear the same bra day and night, moving from pumping to nursing without skipping a beat—no cumbersome wardrobe changes necessary. Made with removable padding and ultra-soft fabric, this double pumping bra fits comfortably and securely. Plus, it’s compatible with all standard pump flanges, including Medela, Spectra, Lansinoh, Ameda, Hygeia, Philips Avent, Motif, and Evenflo.

Sublime Nursing Sports Bra: Don’t let nursing throw a wrench into your workout plans. Active moms can now make Saturday morning yoga class without ever having to compromise baby’s feeding schedule. With the Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing Sports Bra, new mothers have the best of both worlds. Made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep new moms comfortable during low-impact activity, this bra features convenient clip-down cups for easy breastfeeding access. When baby’s hunger strikes, simply pullover for a quick, convenient pump. Plus, we aren’t the only ones who love this bra. It’s a National Parenting Product Awards winner, too.

Relaxed Mama Athleisure Nursing & Maternity Top: Nothing feels better than cuddling up on the couch in your coziest sweats and comfiest tee. But for new moms, it’s tough finding the time to luxuriate. Kindred Bravely gets it. That’s why they made the Relaxed Mama Athleisure Nursing & Maternity Top. Its buttery-soft, moisture-wicking fabric skims the body, giving moms the perfect amount of coverage for extra comfort. It also features a hidden underlayer for easy and discreet breastfeeding. Go ahead, put it on and relax!

Clea Bamboo Short Sleeve Classic Pajama Set: Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you have to forgo fashion for comfort. With the Clea Bamboo Short Sleeve Classic Pajama Set, now you can have both! This classic sleepwear style features sleek piping detail, button-down nursing access, and an elastic waistband to accommodate moms’ changing bodies from pregnancy to postpartum. Its breathable bamboo fabric also helps keep you cool, so you can look and feel good all throughout the night.

Louisa Maternity & Postpartum Support Leggings: We’re living in the golden era of athleisure, so we couldn’t be more thrilled for Kindred Bravely’s Louisa Maternity & Postpartum Support Leggings. Sleek, stylish, and versatile, these leggings are perfect for any woman, especially those needing extra support for a growing belly. Its premium fabric molds perfectly to the body and never loses shape, no matter how many times it goes through the wash. Plus, its ultra-high waist panel creates a flattering silhouette for every shape and size. Dressed up or down, these leggings are so comfortable, you’ll never want to take them off.

Eleanora Bamboo Maternity & Nursing Lounge Dress: Designed to wear before, during, and after your pregnancy, this airy lounge dress is made of super-soft, premium bamboo fabric. Lightweight and breathable with a relaxed fit, it’s perfect for warmer weather (or hot flashes!). The fabric stretches with you throughout your pregnancy, and the nursing panel makes it easy to feed your little one at home or on the go. And, yes, it has pockets. Pockets! You might love it so much, you’ll never want to take it off — and since this two-in-one dress doubles as a nightgown, you won’t have to!

Head on over to KindredBravely.com and check out more of our favorite maternity and nursing must-haves. And make sure to use the code GUGUGURU20 for an extra 20% off your first purchase!

Thank you to Kindred Bravely for making this sponsored post possible.

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