I'm Back...

It's been a minute... actually it's been 7 weeks since we've met here. 

On October 19th we welcomed our son, Drew into the world and since then, I've been soaking up cozy baby cuddles and adjusting to life as a family of four. 

I've told Ryan I want to relive that day over again (#rosecoloredglasses) and while he promptly reminds me of my begging of the epidural, I'm beyond grateful for a successful VBAC and the amazing support team at TGH here in Tampa that took such great care of us. (more on VBAC advocacy coming soon).

These past few weeks have been tender heart-filling moments with our nuclear family. Sure we're exhausted but our gratitude and warm new baby cuddles make it all worth the sleeplessness. 

So, here's Drew, born just under 7 pounds. and now weighing in over 11 pounds (yes, he's an incredible eater).

Olivia is in awe of him. She truly is the most gentle + caring human-being I've ever known. 

Ok I promise - this isn't just a baby announcement... 

You may remember our handy wellthier printable graphic below.

As a new mom again, I rarely have more than a few minutes to take care of myself, so it's important to maximize my time with actions that yield big results. 

But - its not just new moms that need to maximize their return on self-care and health. We all need to step up our health + if 2020 taught us nothing else, our health truly is our greatest wealth. 

I've spent the last several years helping my family and community remove toxins... and in the past few months I've partnered with Beautycounter, the leader in clean, to help an even broader audience swap to safer beauty + personal care products. So glad to have an ally that takes toxins as serious as I do. Beautycounter takes all the guess-work out of "is this safe?". The best part - all products are high-performing and include the highest quality ingredients.

If you're still working on your holiday gift list... look no further.

Give the gift of clean. Give the gift of health. Give the gift of self-care.

Perfect for mom, in-laws, sisters, besties, new mamas, wives, teachers, babysitters, neighbors, all of the people who've helped make 2020 a little more bearable from childcare to housekeepers, to delivery drivers and everyone in between. 

Gifting health is really what everyone wants and needs. 

Again, here's the link to knock out all of your shopping (and don't forget about yourself too!). 

Want help with something specific? Shoot me an email.

Invite someone you love to wellthier wednesday by sharing this link.

The Plan Every Mother-to-be Needs to Have for Optimal Mental and Physical Health!

Healthy Mama + baby bonding

During the final months, weeks and days leading up to giving birth it felt like everyone I came in contact with asked me, “Oh, do ya’ have a birth plan?!”

From my own experience and a ton of the moms in my village, the birth plan nearly ever goes according to plan, so while it’s a “nice-to-have”, I wouldn’t get too attached (cue sounds of bubbles bursting). A healthy baby is really the only goal of the birth plan. Can we all agree?

The real plan every mom needs and will be so freakin’ happy they put in place is the “after-birth plan”.

What’s the After-Birth-Plan, you ask? It’s a full-proof way to jump-start your road to recovery in nearly every department of your life by setting expectations for all the key pillars to your wellbeing during postpartum.

Here are a few questions to consider with your support team:

• “When are my/your parents coming to help, if at all?” “Who’s visiting first?” “When?”

• “Do we want visitors at the hospital or do we want that to be just us, bonding with our new little baby?”

• “How much time is your partner taking off of work?”

• “Will it be all at once, or several different days off during the first few months?”

• “What do we think about a night-nurse?”

Click the button above for the full list of the best questions to work through with your partner or whoever makes up your village so you’re in the best position for a smoother transition into motherhood.

If you enjoyed this list, you may also like The Must-Do List Before Baby!

MUST-READ Books To Prepare for Pregnancy & Motherhood

*Disclaimer: These books are about YOU and how to actually enjoy and be prepared for the journey ahead. After all, we can all follow along with the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" app to peek into the womb and learn what's going on in there each week (I know I did), but what the heck is happening to YOU during & after pregnancy? You know, when you're new life starts! 

Here are the three 'must-reads' to set yourself up for the best first year into motherhood so you can actually enjoy this new life rather than just survive it. 

1. The Fab Mom's Guide.

Why this is a must-read, in 10 words.... Gives you permission to do what YOU need to Do!

She's non-judgmental, and tells it like it is. You've got an instant bestie along for the ride when you read this one. I read this during the first few weeks postpartum and which I had read it sooner!

2. Bringing Up BeBe

The author gives you direct actionable steps to take to sleep through the night earlier and raise a toddler you can take out to eat who wont completely stress you out.

Thanks to this book, we had Olivia sleeping through the night by 3 months old and never had to sleep train.

3. The Third Option

Dreading going back to the 40+ hour a week job because you know you're going to miss out on the majority of your new little baby's life?

Have no fear, The Third Option is here! It's not just "stay home with baby" or "go back to work and miss everything". You'll have an entirely new perspective when it comes to "having it all"! You can do everything you want, it may just take a few modifications. Learn how to talk to your boss and partner about needing a third option.

Have any other books that you really love? Let me know! I'd love to see what they are! Maybe you've already read one or three of these?! Share what was a gold nugget for you.  Comment Below. 

Top 3 Hacks for a Smooth Transition Back to Work After Maternity Leave

It's totally normal to have mixed feelings about going back to work, even though it may not be all roses at home with the little one. You're most likely going feel that cliche (but so real) #momguilt. The last thing you need is #momguilt on top of a stressful first week back into the swing of things at the office.  

Here are my top 3 tips for a smooth transition: 

1. Start on a Wednesday or better yet, Thursday. You've had some time away from the corporate grind and it's not to be taken lightly. Start slow to ease back in. Be gentle with yourself. 

2. If it makes sense for you, pop in before your first day. It's going to be overwhelming with the questions about how you're doing. "Is it hard being away from .." "OMG you're back! blah blah blah" While all of the sentiments are sweet, it can be distracting and emotional for you. I suggest popping in at the end of a work day maybe a week or so before your official first day to get reacquainted. Maybe even grab lunch with your core friends at work. 

3. Confirm that HR has everything ready for you. - your workspace is up and running and your "mother's room" has everything you need (comfortable seating, fridge, sink, privacy!). We can't have you feeling frazzled about where to pump at work! 

Bonus Tip! 4. Leave a backup shirt & a blanket in your desk! - You need conveniences that you're used to at home in case you spill/leak milk. And a blanket, well that's just good sense.

Want to know more useful tips to make the transition super easy? Or know someone going back to work from leave? Learn more about transitioning back to the office, by clicking below.