Dec 08, 2014
Pregnancy Recovery
It's been just over a month since I've given birth, and in that time I've begun to understand the art of prioritizing even more intricately than I had prior to having a baby. One of the priorities that has continued to push through time and time again, is, me. It is so important as a new mother to remember what makes you happy, because when you are at peace (even for 30 minutes between feedings), your baby, your partner, and the world, are at peace. High on my list of to do's is my health, which is composed of several key components. So I figured, halfway to 2 months postpartum, that I would share with you all what I do daily to prioritize my health.
It’s been just over a month since I’ve given birth, and in that time I’ve begun to understand the art of prioritizing even more intricately than I had prior to having a baby. One of the priorities that has continued to push through time and time again, is, me. It is so important as a new mother to remember what makes you happy, because when you are at peace (even for 30 minutes between feedings), your baby, your partner, and the world, are at peace. High on my list of to do’s is my health, which is composed of several key components. So I figured, halfway to 2 months postpartum, that I would share with you all what I do daily to prioritize my health.
#1-The Workout: I hopped back into fitness 12 days after giving birth. I can attribute this to my activity level throughout my pregnancy. But whether or not it takes you 12 days, or 12 weeks to get back into physical activity, remember the only workout you will regret is the one you didn’t do. Even it seems borderline impossible, or comparable to climbing Mt. Everest, get a walk in; and even bring the baby along. You won’t regret it, I promise. Here is an example of one of my first workouts after giving birth! (Cleared by OBGYN)
Nap Time Workout
40 minutes, first workout after labor
20 minute walk
20 minutes Arms and Core
✔️Plank 60 seconds (works your core and your deepest abdominal muscles called your transverse abdominals, these muscles hold everything in like a girdle, important to keep your core strong to protect your back. especially since new moms will be bending a lot to pick up and feed baby.)
✔️Dips 60 seconds (exercise that can be done anywhere without equipment keeping arm strength to take on all the new tasks a mother takes on)
✔️Lateral raises 60 seconds (shoulder strength is important to keep posture nice and tall. Weak shoulders can lead to a protracted and weak upper body. This can cause back pain or other discomfort)
✔️Rows 60 seconds (working your back is critical to also keeping proper posture. Good posture can alleviate back pain that mothers often experience from normal changes and body alignment changes from carrying a baby for 9months)
✔️Side plank 30 on each side (side plank works your oblique abdominal muscles. This isometric movement will help you get back that slim waist line.)
Side planking at 12 days postpartum!
#2. Nutrition. I don’t honestly know anyone who feels really and truly amazing after chowing down on a carton of ice cream, or slurping lo mein noodles for comfort at the end of a long day. Even though motherhood can really take it out of us, remember that even a little bit of preparation in the food department goes a long way! And if you are breast feeding, what you are taking in will directly impact your baby and his or her health. If that’s not a reason to step away from the gouda, I don’t know what is. Here is a sample of what I eat in a day.
Breakfast: Flax cereal with fruit
Snack: Banana with almond butter
Lunch: Kale salad with chicken avocado carrots beets etc.
Snack: Apple or fruit with almonds
Dinner: Cod or tilapia with quinoa, and steamed broccoli
#3 Skin Care: This is a part of pregnancy “recover” that actually began during my nine months as an expecting mommy. I knew I only wanted to put on my skin products I felt completely comfortable with the baby being exposed to, as the skin is the largest organ in/on our bodies. My favorite products were from a company called “Mamma Mio”, and even before I started using them, I had a brief interview with the co-founder of the company, Sian Sutherland. Below are her answers to my questions, which only solidified my certainty that I would be a Mamma Mio customer for life!
1. What are the ingredients that should not be included in skincare products if you are pregnant?
First of all - relax. Pregnancy is a sign of HEALTH not sickness. Nature is incredible and it will automatically guide you to eating and drinking everything that is right for you. WIth skincare, to help you take any guesswork out of it, Mama Mio has a ‘no nasties’ policy to protect against ingredients that shouldn’t be a part of your skincare regimen. All of Mama Mio products are free of parabens, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance and colourants, xenoestrogens, PEGs and pthalates. You can mentally tick that safety box - if it’s from Mama Mio, it is the cleanest and most effective formula you can buy.
2. In your opinion why is it important to go organic with skin care?
We often forget that our skin is our largest organ. So the same way that we want to feed our bodies with healthy and organic foods, we want to think the same way about our skin. Our skin is also the first line of defense against harmful toxins, so it’s important to give it the skincare (aka fuel) that it needs to perform at it’s best. No need to be obsessive - ultimately you want skincare that really works .. because pregnancy is a huge challenge on your skin. So go for reputable products with ingredients you recognize, and if they can be organic, all the better.
3. What do you find most pregnant women are concerned in regards to their skin care regimens and how have you tackled that with the Mama Mio line?
Pregnancy is a time when our bodies change the most, especially our skin. We created Mama Mio to help with the specific skincare issues we face during pregnancy. Tummy Rub Butter elasticises to protect against stretch marks and itchy tummies, Goodbye Stretch Marks uses powerful peptides to help repair stretch marks and our new Gorgeous Glow facial swipes balance hormonal skin; these are a few of our best sellers!
4. Do you have a favorite product? And why;-)!?
Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Oil has to be my favorite because it was the firstborn. We created this amazing oil to help me with my first pregnancy, now called Charlie, 6’5” tall and still lovely to his mum. I cannot use The Tummy Rub without thinking of those pregnancy days, massaging my bump and my baby, wondering what motherhood was going to be like. Well now I know - and my boys are my pride and joy.
5. What are the top ingredients women should look for when choosing skincare during pregnancy?
Omega oils! Omegas 3, 6 and 9 give you and your baby the nutrients they need when you are creating a little miracle. They are also super vital to the health and elasticity, the strength and bounce of your skin so the topical application of these amazing Omegas will help your skin cope with the massive stretch and bounce back after more easily.
My personal MUST HAVE Mamma Mio Products:
1. Gorgeous Glow Facial Wash
2. Goodbye Stretch Marks
3. Keep Calm Nipple Balm
#4. SLEEP. Sleep whenever you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping, and when your spouse is awake and you’ve pumped enough to sustain them both comfortably, so you can be confident no one will have a mental breakdown in your 30 minute absence. Feel free to remind your partner, that a happy wife, will make for a happy life as you hand over your little one and pass out wherever your little heart desires.
