My patients often ask me about the efficacy and safety of supplements to increase milk supply. Do they really work?…
Fed is Best – Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding
A Look at Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding
The first year of motherhood is downright difficult, and the last thing that moms need is more judgement and guilt about how they feed their baby. There are so many different factors at play when it comes to breastfeeding versus formula feeding, and each mom needs to make those decisions based on what is best for everyone involved. Mom’s health, happiness, and well-being are so important when it comes to raising healthy, happy kids. Which means that Mom’s individual needs also need to be taken into consideration! There is no reason to compare breastfeeding versus formula feeding in an effort to determine which is best, because at the end of the day… fed is best.
…
Mother’s Day Coloring Page – Free Printable for Kids
We’ve created this free Mother’s Day coloring page for kids as a fun, easy, and heartfelt way for kids to show mom how much they care! The black background means that kids can scribble all they want without having to worry about coloring inside the lines. Older kids can get creative with their color choices, and younger kids can enjoy the activity too. Once your kids are done coloring, frame the word art for an easy gift for mom!
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Free Mother’s Day Coloring Page for Kids
More Mother’s Day Ideas
Check out 16 unique Etsy gifts for Mother’s Day
Get card inspiration with 70 mom quotes
Spoil mom with 101 self care ideas
Print out this free Mother’s Day card
Make mom a self care kit for all 5 senses
Shop more Mother’s Day gift ideas
Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes (and 2- Ingredient Fruit Sauce)
Made with 100% whole wheat flour, these “healthier” buttermilk pancakes taste absolutely delicious! Serve them with easy 2-ingredient fruit sauce!
…
Moms – Book a Photo Session and Get IN the Picture
Moms – Book a Photo Session and Get IN the picture!
First, let me say, I get it! I TOTALLY do! When I was pregnant with my boys, I did not feel good about myself. I was in no mood to have photos taken of me. Once my kids were here, I was constantly taking photos of them. However, I rarely, if ever, ended up in the photos.
This article is written by Angie Englerth
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Book a Photo Session
You may be considering booking a photo session for your little one(s) or maybe you already have one booked, so let me encourage you to PLEASE take advantage of the opportunity and get IN the picture! Take some time to get pampered. Stop by the salon for hair and makeup. Pickup a new outfit if you would like. Just be sure to invest time into making yourself feel good so that you are confident and excited to get in front of the camera.
In my studio, I pride myself in supplying a wardrobe for all my maternity and mommy clients as well as the kiddos. My mama clients always LOVE that the gowns are available to them.
I recently hosted an event this year for mommies and their babies and hair and makeup was provided! Who better to hear it from than the moms that attended this event. Here’s some of what they had to say:
Session Feedback from Moms
Angilee Said:
She made it effortless! I walked in, picked my gown, sat down and got pampered with hair and make up, which by the way, I loved the make up artist! She truly made me feel beautiful. Then once it came to pictures, I had to hold back tears, because I could already envision the outcome of the photos and knew that Angie was capturing the magic that I felt!
The slideshow was a perfect introduction to them!!! I had such anticipation for them, and it was such a special moment for me. I wasn’t in Mason’s newborn photos which I now incredibly regret. And the bond that you can see in these photos have definitely filled the void of not having photos of the bond between newborn photos. I had been looking forward to this event forever, and had been talking about it to friends family and co-workers. Angie truly touched my heart in capturing these beautiful photos and moments of my best bud and I, thank you again!
Holly Said:
It felt good to allow myself to get a little pampered and look pretty for the mommy and me event. Initially I was hesitant to participate, but I’m so glad I decided to do it! The beautiful moments Angie captured between me and my two children is something I’ll always treasure. The funny thing is I felt like that kids weren’t even cooperating for the photoshoot, but the end result proved otherwise! Thank you, Angie!
Jen Said:
Loved the event. It went smooth in my opinion. When I got there I didn’t mind waiting and enjoyed talking with other mommas. I loved hair and makeup. {When I saw the pictures,} I cried. To see how beautiful I looked in them along with how my daughters look at me. {What did this event mean to me?} It meant that for those two hours and even into the night I felt like a princess! And I got to see the way my daughters look at me when I don’t normally see that.
I can’t tell you how much the gown can change your attitude toward photos. Whether it is with me, or another photographer, I highly recommend being IN the photos for your maternity, newborn, and family sessions! I promise you won’t regret it!
So book a photo session today 🙂
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Photos By Angie Englerth
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Featured Contributor: Angie Englerth
I am Angie, a wife and mama to two sweet little boys! I’m a portrait photographer in Lancaster county capturing the journey to and through motherhood. I believe that women look the most gorgeous when pregnant and I want them to feel the same way about themselves. My goal for each maternity session is for mamas to realize just how beautiful they are. I also enjoy capturing little ones while they are still little. All the details of newborns, from the tiny toes to the milk bumps on their nose, are my absolute favorite!
- Website: angieenglerthphotography.com
- Facebook: @AngieEnglerthPhotography
- Instagram: @angieenglerthphotography
Mother’s Day Cards (free printables)
Need a last minute card for Mother’s Day? Simply print out one of these Mother’s Day Cards free printables on card stock (or plain paper), fold it in half, and write a sweet note on the inside 🙂
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Mother’s Day Cards (free printables)
MORE MOTHER’S DAY IDEAS
Check out 16 unique Etsy gifts for Mother’s Day
Get card inspiration with 70 mom quotes
Spoil mom with 101 self care ideas
Print out this free Mother’s Day card
Make mom a self care kit for all 5 senses
Shop more Mother’s Day gift ideas
And for more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Many of us have heard about the symptoms of postpartum depression and even postpartum anxiety. We are very grateful that there is increasing awareness about this topic! However, even though we know that many moms suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety, it is natural for us to brush off the symptoms when we are looking at ourselves. We chalk it up to the “baby blues”. Or we rationalize that this is just a difficult phase. We downplay how much these symptoms are truly affecting us.
But this is extremely dangerous, not to mention disheartening…
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Motherhood is Hard, but…
While motherhood is an extremely difficult journey, there should be joy along the way! Each new mom should be granted the gift of enjoying her new baby during such a special time in their life. But when that joy is missing (or fleeting), we blame ourselves instead of reaching out for help.
Please know that things could be better! That there is no harm in simply asking questions and doing some self-reflection. There can be comfort in confiding in those close to you. And it is always better to err on the side of caution (because really… who doesn’t need a little therapy?)
Help for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
The lists below provide you with some signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. We highly recommend that you send this list to your partner during your pregnancy so that they can also be aware of potential warning signs. But before we dive in to the list of symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety…
We are not medical professionals, and you should always consult your team of medical professionals before making decisions about your health. We also acknowledge that this article is not clinical data but is simply shining light and understanding on a complicated topic.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- Thinking thoughts such as, “I am never going to be able to do this.” “What have I gotten myself into?” “I don’t have what it takes to be a mom.”
- Missing that magical bond that other people seem to talk about. Sure, you love your baby, but it is not what you’ve heard about.
- Feeling like your baby deserves better, and feeling guilty that you don’t feel the happiness that you thought you would.
- Having very little patience. You feel irritated, angry, or even downright rage.
- Starting to resent your partner, your friends, and even your baby.
- Completing tasks, but just going through the motions. You feel numb and empty.
- Crying all of the time, even when there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason.
- Blaming yourself and feeling like a failure. You begin to think that you must just be weak, and you will be stuck in this forever.
- Feeling distant from everyone. You know that people are trying to help and connect with you, but there feels like a barrier there.
- Eating habits change. Maybe you never have an appetite or interest in food, or maybe food is the only thing that brings you comfort.
- Sleeping becomes an issue in one way or the other as well. Maybe you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep even when you’re exhausted. Or maybe you feel like you could sleep all day long.
- Struggling to remember things and stay focused. You may feel like you are in a fog and can’t handle making even small decisions.
- Trying to pick yourself up and get back on track, but it’s just not working. You may be trying to do everything you can to help yourself “snap out” of this, but you still feel much the same.
- Wishing for the “old you.” You wonder what has changed, and if you will ever feel the same again.
- Thinking about escaping from all of this. You may have thoughts of running away, driving off the road, or finding other ways to make it all stop.
- Knowing something is wrong. You know on a gut level that the way your feeling is just not right.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
- Unable to relax. Your mind is racing, and you can’t manage to feel calm.
- Feeling compelled to keep busy. You feel a need to stay busy and be doing something at all times.
- Worrying about everything. You feel like the world is suddenly a very dangerous place, and no matter what anyone says, you can’t be reassured.
- Eating is of no interest. You have no appetite.
- Having intruding thoughts. You are experiences scary thoughts that just pop into your head unwanted, and they often start with the phrase, “what if…”
- Not trusting yourself to be home alone with the baby. You are consistently aware of and worried about things in your home that could harm the baby.
- Unable to sleep. You are exhausted, but you just can’t get to sleep.
- Checking on things constantly. You feel compelled to check that you locked the doors, turned off the oven, or that the baby is still breathing.
- Having physical symptoms. You may be experiencing stomach trouble, headaches, or even panic attacks.
- Feeling a sense of dread. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know that something bad is going to happen.
- Wishing for the “old you.” You wonder what has changed, and if you will ever feel the same again.
- Knowing something is wrong. You know on a gut level that the way your feeling is just not right.
After reading through this list, we want to assure you that you are NOT alone! 15-20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, anxiety, or a combination of both; and the great news is that they are totally treatable!
Think of the person that you would feel comfortable confiding in, and then go tell them about your concerns right away. Simply tell them, “Something is just not right, and I don’t know how to fix it.” Once you take that first step, you will be able to continue on in this journey from there. Know that there is no shame in what you are going through, and there are many people out there who want more than anything to help!
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
How To Make Time for Yourself – 5 Tips for Busy, Working Moms
‘I don’t have time for this.’ ‘All I want is some time to myself.’ ‘I haven’t taken a bath in ages!’ Sounds familiar? If you have kids and a job, you probably say this or similar phrases several times a week. Do you think it’s time for a change? Then try out these five small changes that will help you figure out how to make time for yourself. Some of them can even turn former daily chores into a mindfulness practice.…
Birth Stories – Each Beautiful in Their Own Way
Each and every birth story has its own tale to tell. There are always unexpected twists and turns whether the labor goes very quickly or drags on for days! But it is the unexpected that makes the birth process and individual birth stories so beautiful.
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Giving birth to your first baby is like a crash course in parenting. It is an incredibly intense, yet rewarding experience that you are responsible for, yet somehow is simultaneously out of your control.
Your birth story will be uniquely yours. The ups, the downs, and everything in between. And regardless of how that birth story plays out, it is beautiful. There are no medals given out for following your birth plan to the letter, and there should not be shame in any birth experience.
Bringing a new baby into this world should be celebrated, no matter how it happens! And we hope that you see that through the variety of experiences below…
Please note that we are not medical professionals, and you should always consult your team of medical professionals before making decisions about you and your baby’s health. We also acknowledge that this article is not sharing statistics, data, or research but is simply shining light and understanding on a complicated topic.
Non-Medicated Delivery, Pain Management, or Epidural
There is a spectrum of pain management that is available to you during labor and delivery. You can use natural ways to help breathe, walk, and focus through the pain. There are medications that will take the edge off of your pain. And there are epidurals that essentially numb the body while allowing you to stay alert and feel pressure.
No mother should be made to feel less-than for choosing any of these options. Birth is one of the most intense experiences that women get to go through, and you should choose whichever option will allow you to get through the labor process as best as you can. Consider what is most important to you, and then use that priority as a starting point.
Women’s bodies and personalities are all so different, and there is such a wide range of experiences. There are women who have progressed rapidly after being able to relax after an epidural, and there are women whose labor has stalled after receiving an epidural. There are women who felt that a natural birth was an incredible experience, while others felt that it was traumatic. Please know that there are no “right” answers here… only what is best for you! No birth stories are better than others – simply different.
[ Read: My 3 Different Childbirth Experiences ]
Home Birth, Birth Center, or Hospital Birth
Some women feel most comfortable in their own homes. They feel safe, calm, and at-ease inside their own four walls. However, there are other women that find the thought of giving birth at home terrifying. And, of course, there is the option to find a birth center that you are comfortable with as a sort of middle ground.
It is important to remember that the decision to deliver a baby at home is a very personal one. Each mother knows herself best, and it is so important to tap into your gut instinct on this decision. Birth is such a primal process that you should be where you are most comfortable and feel most taken care of! Taking in other’s birth stories can be helpful, but you still need to tune into yourself and figure out what you need most.
Of course, you should always listen to your medical professionals and take their advice under advisement. You would never want to put yourself or your baby at risk. Things don’t always go as planned, and I mean this regardless of which option you end up choosing! Every mom should at least acknowledge that things might not work out the way they hoped. How often have we heard about the poor moms that have given birth in the car on the way to the hospital? And similarly, situations can arise that require home births to seek further intervention and care.
[ Read: My Home Birth Birth Story (and why I loved it) ]
VBAC or Repeat C Section
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean and can be an option for many women who had a previous c section. However, it is not and option for all pregnancies as there can be risk factors or complications that may not allow for a safe attempt at a VBAC. Even if a VBAC could be an option, you are still able to opt for the repeat c section should you choose that route.
If you choose to try for the VBAC, it is important to surround yourself with supportive medical professionals that know your history. It is crucial to know and understand your information surrounding your first c section so that avoidable issues can be prevented and potential concerns addressed. You should also mentally and emotionally prepare yourself in case you end up needing a repeat c section.
If you opt for the repeat c section, that is completely understandable as well! If your first c section was done under emergency situations, then you can take comfort in knowing that a planned c section can be a much better experience. When you and baby are not in distress, it allows for more potential to hold them and bond with them more quickly.
And if the decision is essentially made for you, then you can take strides to come to terms with that! A VBAC may not be a safe option for you or your baby, and that is okay. As mentioned above, c sections don’t have to be a horrible experience; and you can take strides to prepare accordingly.
[ Read: My Successful VBAC with a Doula ]
All Birth stories are beautiful
Our main takeaway? Regardless of how your birth story turns out, you are not a failure. You made it through, you are incredibly strong, and you love your new baby more than anything. There are so many factors that are in play throughout the birth and labor process that it is impossible to completely predict and control it all. Take heart in knowing that whatever you decide (and whatever is decided for you) makes for a beautiful birth story.
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Postpartum Body Image – Why You Should Not Expect to be “Facebook Ready” after Giving Birth
Even though Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, looked great when she stepped out of the hospital only 10 hours after delivering her daughter, IT’S NOT THE NORM! And seeing these images can be detrimental to our postpartum body image.
After the excitement of childbirth, first-time moms are often shocked to discover that their bodies don’t automatically snap back into shape immediately after their baby is born. The first thing I remember after I got home with my new baby was looking sideways in a mirror and gasping…I still looked pregnant! Was I ever going to see a flat tummy again!?! Wow, how unfair! How come I saw celebrities looking like hot babes shortly after giving birth?
Expecting yourself to be “red-carpet ready” soon after delivering your baby is unrealistic, even for most celebrities.
This article is written by Marianne Ryan PT, OCS
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Be Patient with Your Postpartum Self
It will take time for your belly to shrink no matter who you are. Realistically, it takes at least a month for your body to start to get itself back together, usually longer for most women. Right after birth your body is left with a lot of excess fluid that can take a week or two to lose and it can take a full month for your uterus to shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size. So don’t put yourself under the pressure to be “Facebook ready” right after you deliver your baby – it’s just not going to happen and you have far more important things to worry about! So do your self a favor, and don’t even try to put on your old jeans, wait.
Boost Postpartum Body Image by Steering Clear of the Scale!
Whatever you do, don’t even think of stepping on that scale for at least thirty days after you deliver your baby. I remember breaking down into tears after I weighed myself three days after I delivered my first daughter. I only lost a few pounds! How can that be? She weighed 8 ½ pounds and the placenta and amniotic fluid weighed about 3 or 4 pounds, so I should be at least 12 pounds less, right?
Wrong!
Here is why: Right after giving birth, your body is still going through hormonal changes. The amount of fluid your body retains can fluctuate hourly, especially if you are nursing. It takes a few weeks for your body to lose the excess fluid you build up during your pregnancy and for your uterus to return to normal size. So, as much fun as it may seem to find out how much you weigh, don’t do it; it can drive you crazy.
Return to Exercise Gradually after Giving Birth
Most women want to get back into pre-pregnancy shape immediately after childbirth, but it is important to make a slow return to full activity. In my book, Baby Bod®, I explain the effects of pregnancy on the body, offer many more tips, and advise on the best way to get back into shape after having a baby. There is more detailed advice in Chapter 8 for moms who had a vaginal delivery while Chapter 9 gives advice to moms who had a C-section.
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Featured Contributor: Marianne Ryan
Marianne Ryan PT, OCS is a physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist. She is an award-winning author of the international best selling book, Baby Bod – Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat (available on Amazon), Clinical Director of MRPT Physical Therapy in New York City and a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association Media Corps. With more than 30 years’ experience, she specializes in helping women reclaim their bodies after childbirth.
- Website: mrptny.com
- Website: babybodbook.com
- Facebook: @MRPTPhysicalTherapy
