Social Media Mama Katie Durko Talks Losing Her Mom, Quarantine Routines & Learning To Cook

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Social media maven, Katie is strong, centered, and preparing for motherhood with her first.

After recently losing her mom, this charming entrepreneur and co-founder of The Edit talks staying calm while grieving and navigating pregnancy in the time of Corona. Plus, her quarantine routine, business with her bestie, learning to cook (finally), and reconnecting with nature. @katie

Current state of mind?

Wow, the world has changed so much since we last saw each other. For the most part, I’m feeling good. I’m 25 weeks and just had the 3-D scan (of which I was super grateful they didn’t cancel the appointment and I was able to bring my husband). Seeing his features come alive, made all of this very real. Plus, they said he’s is super healthy and in the 90th percentile for size and weight.

Boy or Girl?

We’re having a boy.

Feelings throughout pregnancy?

Physically, great, but emotionally, less so. While I haven’t had morning sickness or felt drained, it’s been a lot to navigate “expecting” without having any idea what to expect. This is supposed to be one of the happiest times in my life and instead, it’s a bit chaotic.

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Navigating the highs and lows?

While dealing with the Coronavirus has been difficult, right before the outbreak in the States, my mother passed away from cancer. It was sudden and I barely had time to grieve before we went into quarantine. I’ve had to process her passing, the reality of the virus, and deal with pregnancy all at the same time which has been an emotional roller coaster, to say the least.

She had cancer for the past two years but we thought she would pull through or at the least make it until the baby was born in August. When she passed suddenly it rocked my world and has by far been the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. That said, I’ve been trying to make the most of this time to heal and find the positives.

What are some of the silver linings?

Mainly, learning to slow down. Even after my mother passed, I jumped right back into work and my routine rather than taking time to process her death. Perhaps this is the Universe’s way of telling me (slash all of us) to grieve, reset, prioritize, and reconnect with friends, family, and ourselves.

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What are some ways you’re doing that?

I’ve been reading more than ever, meditating regularly, and taking long walks around my neighborhood to simply think. Overall it’s helping me heal.

How are you preparing for your son’s arrival?

I’m such a planner, so the uncertainty of everything has been driving me nuts. At this point, things are changing so rapidly with regulation it’s hard to plan for anything. In general, I have so many questions from, Is my baby going to be safe? to, Should I plan a baby shower? Sadly, no one really knows or has answers.

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How have you been eating?

Pre-Corona, I wasn’t mindful about what I ate or put in my body. I would absentmindedly order Postmates for lunch or grab a protein bar on the way to a meeting. Instead of eating out or ordering in, now we’re meal planning and cooking at home. As a result, I’m thoughtful about the number of carbs I’m consuming or the type of sugar I’m having…natural, not refined. Plus, best of all, I’m finally learning to cook!

Any cravings?

Yes! Things I ate as a kid, such as my dad’s famous mash potatoes, or meals from the restaurants we frequented growing up. Also, ice cream is my weakness. This one’s tough as I‘m trying to cut back on sugar to avoid gestational diabetes, but I love it!

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Concerned about gestational diabetes?

It’s definitely on my mind, especially as I read more books on pregnancy. Right before social distancing, I took a prenatal class and three women in the class (all incredibly fit and healthy), had gestational diabetes. Since my baby is growing ahead of schedule and I’m showing more than others, I certainly have some concerns. I’ll be able to test for it next week, but in general, when planning our meals I try to keep sugar to a minimum and incorporate lots of protein, mainly chicken and steak.

“New normal” routine?

I thrive off a routine, so this new life is quite a departure. The first few days felt like a bizarre confusing vacation, but now we’re finding our way.

My husband is an early riser and on calls with Asia and Europe by 6 am. Since we’re working out of the same house, this has shifted my schedule too. I get up about 6 am now and do my best to start the day reading before reaching for my phone. Then, I head to the bathroom for a quick face rinse followed by a 30 minute streaming workout. Since pregnant, I’ve used more organic skincare products but not I’m not a stickler about it. I like Osea, Biologique Recherche, and Elta MD. After working out, I’m making an effort to get out of sweatpants and into an actual outfit. This makes me feel better about myself and be more productive.

Before, I loved going to the office at the same time every day and collaborating with my team, therefore it’s important for me to be in front of my computer and working by 9:30 am. I usually schedule a Zoom call with my partner or a client to get me started. I work until 6 pm with a couple of breaks, plus lunch, and a mid-day walk.

Lastly, in the evening we go for sunset walks, make dinner, talk, connect, watch a bit of Netflix and bed by 9 pm. I have to say, all the quality time we’re having together as a couple before the baby comes has been wonderful.

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Workout you’re streaming?

Fitness has always been part of my life. Before C19, I went to The Studio (MDR) pilates 4 to 5 times a week through the first five months of my pregnancy. Now I’ve been streaming their 30 minute daily classes plus I take a walk around the neighborhood or into the bluffs. I still make a point of hitting 10-15k steps a day.

Reading these days?

No Mud, No Lotus: The Art Of Transforming Suffering. It’s an easy, relatable read not only for those that have lost someone but also for the times we’re living in. As I said, I used to be one of those people that would grab my phone the moment I woke up and start looking through my email which makes me anxious. To curb that habit, I’m making a point to reach for my book instead of my phone.

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Will you take maternity leave?

My partner has always been a big proponent of taking as much time as we need while being mindful that we have clients and a business to run. I could never check out entirely, nor would I want to. But, given that our company is focused on digital, I can do a lot remotely which gives me some flexibility. Overall, I plan to take it one day at a time. Also, who knows when any of us will be back in the office.

How did you start The Edit?

Lauren and I were best friends in middle school, high school, and college. After graduation, we went our separate ways. I went to NYC to work for Burberry in PR and she went into the music business. After two years I moved back to LA and we reconnected. Since both of us were freelancing in social media, we started co-working together, then we shared an intern, followed by an employee, and finally, after several years of work-dating, we officially launched The Edit. We took it slow as working with a friend can be tricky, but we’ve had a good go at it!

Advice?

Perhaps this is more a reminder to myself than advice to anyone else, but take time, slow down, and enjoy pregnancy. I’m one of those people that’s constantly on the go and thinking about the next thing. It took COVID-19 for me to take a step back and realize how lucky I am to be in the place that I am at a time like this.

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Mom Crush

Violet Gaynor, Co-Founder Of The Glow, On Pregnancy (The Second Time), And Embracing Motherhood

As co-founder of The Glow, Violet Gaynor is all things beauty and motherhood. Herein she talks about her second pregnancy, beauty go-tos, and learning to embrace the imperfect messiness of motherhood. @violetgaynor

What is your current state of mind?
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Teary (happy tears, sad tears, tired tears, all the tears), however, my eyes are perpetually puffy these days

What were you craving this pregnancy vs. last pregnancy?

When I was pregnant for the first time, I was disappointed to discover that I didn’t have any weird cravings. However, this time around, I made up for it! Not only did I eat non-stop, but I also craved (and devoured) spicy, flavorful, cold, crunchy foods around the clock—basically anything with hot peppers, cilantro, and cucumbers! I didn’t know until birth whether I was having a boy or a girl, and now that I’ve had my boy, I feel like there’s some truth in the old wives tale of craving salty with a boy (and sweet with a girl).

What does a regular day of eating look like to you?

In my “normal” life I gravitate towards healthy, simply because I feel better when I eat nutritious whole foods. Therefore, during pregnancy, I looked at this time in my life as an opportunity to eat even better, since what I was putting in my body was sustaining two people for a good part of the year. I’d usually start the day with Greek yogurt topped with berries, almonds, honey, and hemp hearts. Lunch was a veggie bowl consisting of lentils, peas, broccoli, and kale topped with super spicy Pico de Gallo, a mound of cilantro, cucumbers, hemp hearts, and olive hummus. Plus, I snacked constantly throughout the day as I was always hungry–favorites were mangos, macro protein bars, and smoothies. For dinner, I’d usually make sautéed veggies with pasta and melted parmesan. Plus dessert, always.

What’s the first thing you ate post pregnancy?
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A big cold glass of sparkling rose.

What was most unexpected during this past pregnancy?

My emotions were off the charts! I was and still am profoundly grateful to have experienced pregnancy again, plus to have the honor of being a mother to another little human being, and to give my daughter a sibling. However, I was incredibly overwhelmed and exhausted throughout the entire pregnancy. This time around, I was much more emotional than the last —perhaps because I realized how much Plum’s life was about to be turned upside down and our days together, with her at the center of my world and heart, were numbered. Or, maybe because I am 5 years older this time and, for me, being pregnant at 38 feels very different from being pregnant at 33. When I was pregnant with Plum, it was complete bliss. All these years later, I know that my experience as a new mom and really as a mom, in general, is not how I imagined it would be; it’s a million times better in some ways, and a million times harder in other ways. While there are moments each day that make me want to cry with happiness, there’s equally moments of sadness, struggle, and frustration. With that said, I’m thankful for it all and know that it’s ok to be vulnerable and imperfect.

What was your go-to pregnancy style?

Simple, fitted pieces in dark colors worked best for me and make me feel the most like myself, even as my body is changing by the minute. That said, whenever I put on my beloved goddess-y flowy HATCH dresses (which I wear when I’m not pregnant as well), it felt lovely to wear pieces which celebrated my expanded form.

Do you think it’s important for women/moms to take time for self-care?

100%. It’s the hardest thing to prioritize but also the most important. Even taking 5 minutes to put on a mask before I shower can help improve my overall mood. It doesn’t always have to be a 20 min meditation (although that’s a goal of mine). Taking a few minutes to reset and focus on me makes all the difference.

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What’s was your number one wellness secret throughout pregnancy?

Keep moving. Admittedly, I am not a fitness person in my “normal” life. I rarely work out (mostly out of pure laziness), though, in my defense, I do walk as much as possible and am constantly lifting my 33 pound 5-year-old, so there’s that. But during both of my pregnancies, I committed to working out a few times a week (doing Tracy Anderson’s Pregnancy Project DVD’s) in the hopes of easing pregnancy discomfort and contributing to smoother labors. While my first labor was not exactly smooth, I did feel strong going into it, and my recovery, while not easy, was fairly quick.

What’s your beauty routine and is it different while pregnant?

I am pretty minimal when it comes to beauty (again, mostly due to laziness). During pregnancy, I cut out most of the products I use that have non-organic/natural ingredients and switch to more pure products that have very few ingredients so I knew exactly what I was allowing into my body.

I use, True Botanicals Nourishing Cleanser—it has a beautiful soothing smell and made my skin feel soft and clear.

Plus, Goop Replenishing Moisturizer—I use this super creamy indulgent moisturizer every night and it seeps in during the night and I always wake up feeling like my skin is in better condition than it was the night before.

I alternate between my two favorite natural deodorants—both are part of my daily routine whether pregnant or not since the average non-natural deodorant has some scary ingredients in it. I’m in love with Ursa Major and Megababe. They both work incredibly well and never irritate my skin.

I am madly in love with the RMS product line. It’s all natural and creates the sheerest look. And, has a no-makeup makeup look that adds just the right amount of glow and natural flush. I use Lip2Cheek in Smile and the living luminizer every day.

For my belly during pregnancy, I became completely dependent on using either Cocobaba coconut body oil (smells amazing and absorbs almost immediately) or my yummy HATCH belly oil which is so light and comes in the most gorgeous bottle. These two products saved my skin and I credit them both, in part, for my lack of stretch marks. Plus, it was also a lovely way to take a few moments for myself every night.

Does it feel different the second time around – like “I got this”?

It definitely felt different, but “I got this” is not how’d I’d describe my life right now. My daughter started a French immersion kindergarten program (three days after I gave birth), plus my husband moved out of town for five weeks for work, so it’s been a wild ride adjusting to my new life with two kids. While I don’t feel like I have anything under control, I will say that the three of us are finding our rhythm. Shockingly, I’ve gotten my daughter to school on time every day (with a baby in tow), and even remembered to pack a snack!

Are you breastfeeding or not, what’s been your rhythm with the new baby?

I am breastfeeding, which for me, is one of the hardest parts about having a new baby. With my first, I suffered from severe pain for ten weeks— sometimes it even felt more painful than my unmedicated childbirth. Thankfully the pain disappeared and I was able to go on nursing my daughter for 26 months (way longer than I ever expected or planned for!). This time around, the pain returned but lessened significantly by the third week. I’m not sure how long our nursing journey will be this time, but I’m taking it day by day and trying to enjoy this sweet closeness while it lasts.

If your pregnancy were a song what would it be?

I’ve been thinking a lot about the lyrics to one of my favorite songs–The Wind by Cat Stevens. So much of pregnancy and really motherhood, in general, is about listening to yourself while also letting go and surrendering to what life throws at you.

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It’s the hardest lesson to learn, but also the most important.

“I listen to the wind, to the wind of my soul

Where I’ll end up, well, I think only God really knows.”

How are you feeling about your body and boobs?

Ha! This question makes me laugh because I have such a conflicted relationship with both right now. My boobs are sore, leaky, and very foreign to me at the moment. But I’m also in awe of what they’re doing and how hard they’re working for me and my sweet boy.

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My body is slowly recovering from the trauma of labor, and I’m trying to be as patient as possible with my new form. The extra weight doesn’t bother me, I actually quite like it–it’s the feeling of physical exhaustion and weakness in my core that’s hard for me to get used to. I like feeling strong and energetic, but my current state is more sedentary and fragile. I know each day will bring a little more strength, both emotionally and physically.

Do you think it’s important for kids to see their mom working?

I think it comes down to what’s right for each individual and their family dynamic. For me, work is a huge part of who I am, so it’s extremely important for my daughter (and eventually my son) to understand that work is a positive thing that enhances our lives.

Tell us about your work, how you started The Glow and what’s next for the site?

In 2011, I was newly married, working as a fashion editor at Elle, and trying to figure out how in the world I was going to make room in my busy, hectic, stressful, overworked life for a family. I always dreamt of being a mother but had no idea how women actually made that transition in their lives. I looked around and realized that so many of the talented, hard-working, entrepreneurial women in my life were also mothers and I decided right then to explore this topic of modern motherhood in a thoughtful, beautiful, and meaningful way. From there, along with my partner Kelly Stuart, The Glow was born. What started as a side project has become a full-time business that is one of the great joys of my life. At the core of what The Glow has always represented, and will continue to strive for every day, is creating a space that allows an open dialogue about the challenges, the happiness, and the messiness of motherhood. Deepening that conversation is the new Honest Motherhood section of the site, which is a place for women to tell their stories of overcoming some of the most challenging aspects of motherhood–from postpartum anxiety to the reality of recovering from a traumatic birth.

How do you take maternity leave given your important role at The Glow?

In a nutshell, I don’t. But last time, I really didn’t get a break since I was working on The Glow book (I actually hit send on the 35,000-word manuscript as I started to have contractions) and the edits were due two weeks later so I didn’t really have any proper time off. This time, I’m trying to carve out as much time as possible since I know how fleeting these cozy, hazy newborn days are.

Any advice about career, life or being a woman?

No advice, just a funny tidbit that has brought me comfort when I’m feeling like I’m failing miserably. I love this quote by Blake Lively–a good reminder that no one has it figured out, nor are things necessarily how they look from the outside (especially when looking at tiny perfect squares on Instagram).

“There’s a lady on Instagram who I used to love to watch…she just made having a baby look lovely. Everything is white and she always has a fresh blueberry pie that’s steaming…and she’s reading Old Man And The Sea. Her little baby… is just, like, sleeping while knitting… and her toddler is like giving her a reflexology massage. [I’m thinking], What?!”

While in my own personal Instagram, I may not always show the lost tempers, candy negotiations, or begging for Plum to put her shoes on, however, those moments are just as important to talk about as the perfect days spent at the pumpkin patch. As a woman who has worked hard to learn about myself and be honest about who I am, I want to show the world and my daughter (and eventually my son) that perfection is a myth and a dangerous one at that. It’s in the messiness of motherhood that real life, real connection, and real magic, happens.

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Mom Crush

Allie Rizzo's Pregnancy Morning Routine hello pregnancy, peace-out beauty regime (or not really)

Having met some time ago through mutual friends, I was over the moon to find out that model and all around nicest-person-ever Allie, was preggers. At 30 weeks (nearly baked) we caught up to chat about her pregnancy beauty swaps, the passionate work she does for her organization Mother of Dogs, plus what she’s been craving for the past 7 months. @allierizzo @themotherofdogs

Morning person?

Absolutely not. For the past month of my pregnancy I haven’t been working and therefore have taken full advantage of never setting an alarm clock! Let’s just say I get up about 9:30-ish. The first thing I do is take the the dogs to the park before my morning can begin.

Bedside beauty essentials?

Bottle of water, Weleda Skin Food Moisturizer & HATCH Mama Nipple + Lip

Coffee or tea in the AM since preggers?

During my first trimester I was sick as a dog and couldn’t stomach anything, once the constant nausea passed I went back to having a cup of coffee in the morning. It was so interesting to hear all the varying opinions on the matter from other moms. The commentary ran the gamut from ‘OMG you can’t have coffee!!! Skip it for the baby!’ to ‘Heck yeah! I have three healthy kids & chugged coffee throughout all my pregnancies’. Ultimately, I listened to my doctor who’s of the mindset that it’s fine to have a cup of coffee a day.

Exercise throughout pregnancy?

I’ve always been horrible when it comes to working out and during my first trimester I was literally a human blob. My only saving grace has been living in NYC and being able to walk everywhere—which has kept me feeling good. Recently I’ve started doing yoga as my body was needing a stretch.

Beauty swaps since becoming pregnant?

When it comes to what I put on my skin, all-natural everything. I swapped out my cheap soaps and lotions for clean products and was surprised that it took pregnancy for me to question some of the ingredients I’ve been rubbing onto my skin for years.

Pregnancy wellness secret?

Prenatal massages have been the most relaxing and refreshing for me. And, let’s be honest, I just want a table that allows me lie face down again for an hour—complete heaven.

Allie using HATCH MAMA’s Relax Wellness Oil

Morning skincare regime?

Quick splash of cold water, followed by a Vitamin C serum and a heavy cream.

Night skincare routine?

My skin is pretty easy for the most part but tends towards dry, therefore staying moisturized is a must! At night I wash my face with a gentle cleanser and apply a heavy night cream.

Current state of mind?

Very chill plus very sleepy

Biggest pregnancy issue?

Everyday of my first trimester began with me puking (cute, I know), it was the worst. I felt like garbage all day long. This lasted a solid three months and was incredibly draining. I worked a lot during this time and didn’t look pregnant at all. It was difficult because I’d show up on set like the walking dead and couldn’t explain to people why. All around I was miserable. When the sickness passed it was SUCH a relief and I was finally able to get excited about being pregnant.

Body and boobs?

I’m 30 weeks along and finally have a belly to show for it! For the most part, my body feels the same but with a big round bump in the middle—which I’m kinda digging. Boobs are still small and looks like I’ll be waiting forever for them to arrive.

Outside of the bump, I mostly feel like myself. I may swell up in the next few weeks and suddenly be massively uncomfortable but so far I am pleasantly surprised with how good I feel, as of late—perhaps anything is better than the first 3 months! I even have moments that I forget I’m pregnant until people comment on the bump. I’m also surprised by how insanely laid back I’ve been wherein I assumed I’d be worrying about so many little details at this point. I’m in a very zen state.

What have you been craving?

I’ve always been a carb and sweets lover, so no surprise that’s exactly what I’m craving, but in bulk! 🙂 Oddly enough, I’ve also been craving blueberries, that are surrounded by carbs of course, such as blueberry waffles or blueberry muffins.

Eating habits?

Constantly grazing.

The “don’t eat” list?

I had sushi a couple times early on and a bagel with smoked salmon (one sleepy/hungry morning I forgot it was on the “no list” and I’m glad it happened because it was soooo delish).

I tried explaining to my mom and grandma over the holidays the ‘no deli meat/ no soft cheese‘ rule as they attempted to feed both to me. They were flabbergasted by these rules as none of this existed for them. For the most part, if I have a bite of something that’s off limits I don’t panic, and I’ve kept an ongoing convo with my doc as questions come up.

Early on I googled a couple of questionable food items that led me to a Mom Thread. One article featured comments from panicking women like ‘OMG I accidentally ate salami!! Is my baby going die of listeria?’ After a couple of those scary google encounters, I resolved to avoid the Mom Threads all together.

If your pregnancy were a song – what would it be?

Something that starts off broody, then ends mellow and upbeat.

Boy or girl?

Man child

Any advice about career, life or being a woman?

Work hard and find a cause you’re passionate about—for example, my animal rescue organization, Mother of Dogs, gives me a lot of purpose.

As far as being a woman who’s becoming a mom…my personal goal is to be confident and ignore the noise. Since becoming pregnant, I’ve realized how many varying opinions there are about everything. Modern women are inundated with pregnancy & parenting advice from social media and friends—it’s often draining and frankly TMI. I want my experience to be my own and not guided by other people—this began for me when I decided to stick to my cup of coffee.

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Covid

Pregnancy in the Time of Covid Women talk the journey of a lifetime during the virus of a lifetime.

By Caroline Tell | Photo by Paige Donlin

When Rachel Miller discovered she was pregnant with her second child, she expected some of the usual stresses. On the verge of turning 40, she knew she’d be considered high risk. She knew that between working and caring for her two-year old daughter, she’d be more exhausted than she was during her first pregnancy. But despite these general neuroses, never did she anticipate that in her last trimester, the world would experience a public health crisis, Covid-19, at a frightening scale no one could have expected.

“Every once in a while it hits me that I’m going to give birth during a global pandemic and it’s so overwhelming, I can’t process it,” says Miller, who is now Zooming with her obstetrics practice and rethinking her postpartum plan since her extended family can’t help out.

For Caitlin Kelly, each day leading up to her March 29 delivery was a question of whether or not her husband could attend the birth. She ended up delivering one day after Governor Cuomo reversed the New York hospital ban to allow labor support, but she had planned for the worst case scenario. “At first I cried really hard,” Caitlin says, “and then I toughened up and said to myself, ‘Here’s the deal. You have no choice. So you can sit around and cry and have a horrible labor and delivery, or you can be a badass and do it alone and have a crazy story to tell.’”

For many women, the arrival of a pregnancy brings about joy, anxiety, and every emotion in-between. But for a select crop of women – those who are pregnant and giving birth during the Covid-19 crisis, there’s an added layer of stress that has impacted every decision they’ve made or will have to make. From the wavering partner policies of hospitals, to the postponement of anatomy scans and key doctors appointments – and forget about a bris, christening, or any arrival celebration – pregnant women and those currently delivering have had to readjust their entire birth and postpartum plans. According to a recent story in the New York Times, thousands of babies have arrived since the beginning of March. Twenty-nine pregnant or delivering women have had suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19 and have been kept separate from other patients. Yet, even healthy women are experiencing their pregnancy, labor and postpartum period in total isolation, with policies changing by the minute. But women are nothing if not brave, and for these courageous moms-to-be, they’re dialing up their strength and calling on their virtual community to support them during these wild times.

“Everything is changing minute by minute,” says Brandi Sellerz, a Los Angeles-based doula. “What I’m having to do now is navigate how to show up and advocate for these women without being there. I’m offering additional prenatal sessions, I’m on call 24/7 to make sure these women have everything they need as if I were there. It’s really a free-for-all and we all have to be creative. But I’m getting on Facetime, I’m getting on Zoom. I’m doing my job virtually to support. It’s a weird time to have a baby. And none of us saw it coming. It’s totally unexpected.”

For many women, it’s that element of the unexpected that has become the most stressful. The entire notion of pregnancy and childbirth is unexpected as it is without the added element of Covid-19. “The hardest thing for me has been dealing with the unknown,” says Aimee Krasner Mittleman, who gave birth in April. “Not knowing if I was going to deliver alone, not knowing if it will be safe for me and the baby and how much exposure we will have at the hospital. I also come from a supportive family. My parents cannot be here for the birth. My in-laws have been self quarantined for 20-plus days but we can’t let them come help because we don’t want to expose them after being in the hospital.”

For mamas who have given birth throughout Covid-19, the postpartum period has largely gone from a joyous time filled with friends and family popping by to “meet the baby” to an extended solo experience, minus any help or support from the outside world. If anything, the postpartum period is a time of isolated quarantine as it is, without the added stress of questioning every little whimper, or wondering whether you can even take your new baby outside.

Rebecca Campbell and her new daughter.
**Photo courtesy of Becca Smith**

Alexandria Gibson prepares for delivery during COVID-19.
**Photo courtesy of @mrsalexandriagibson**

Julia Jansch holds her new daughter.
**Photo courtesy of Julia Jansch.**

“Not knowing if your infant’s immune system will be strong enough to fight the virus certainly increases my paranoia,” says Annie Davis, who gave birth on March 2. “Yes, at the moment, doctors think young kids aren’t getting it severely, but this virus is still very much unknown. We also told my nanny to stay at home, so I now have to look after my newborn and my boisterous two-year-old toddler. I’m beyond the pale of exhaustion with no help. The isolation is very hard.”

Julia Jansch gave birth in late April and equated the last month of her pregnancy with the feeling of being swallowed up by a giant wave in the ocean.

“My panic kicked in a little earlier because with the slight presence of Covid-19 cases in New York at the end of February, my parents (who are in South Africa) and I had to make the painful decision that it was unsafe for them to fly over for the birth,” says Julia, who then canceled her baby shower and began social distancing with her husband. “As our plans de-railed, we looked for some rhyme or reason to the craziness unfolding around us. I had a call with one of my angels, a guru in L.A. called Guru Tej. I howled about not having my mother by my side through this all and the physical presence of my sisterhood that has become so sacred through the years, and her words resonated like a divine message: ‘This is an opportunity for YOU to be the Divine Mother.’ A mental and spiritual shift happened in that moment. It was time to go inwards and take up this invitation to really focus on the nest.”

Covid-19 has made life simpler for us in a way we really needed it. We cook what is in the fridge. We consume less.

Ultimately Julia made the decision to be induced in order to avoid the wavering hospital partner policies. Her doula, Samantha Huggins of Carriage House Birth, was on-hand virtually to ease her stress around the induction and delivery. She describes the hospital setting as eery and quiet with staff members in full masks and PPE gear everywhere she looked.

“The staff at the welcome desk took our temperatures before we did anything,” says Julia. “We were told that if our temperatures were over a certain threshold, my husband would not be able to accompany me and I would have to deliver in a demarcated part of the hospital. They also told us that through our stay they would continue to take our temperatures regularly. He was just over normal and there was a brief exchange where after the receptionist indicated with eye-contact, we’ll let this one pass.”

Following her birth, Julia and her husband left the hospital with their new daughter in tow, to experience their fourth trimester in total isolation, which – according to Julia – is perhaps the silver lining to all of the devastation Covid-19 has brought on. “Covid-19 has made life simpler for us in a way we really needed it,” says Julia. “We cook what is in the fridge. We consume less. We spend time in the present and we give thanks daily for what we have. I feel humbled by this experience, but I also feel humbled by Covid-19. Though physically apart, I feel closer to my family and my friends and I feel connected to the world by a shared empathy. My experience was impacted by the virus, yes, but weirdly enough, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

For Caitlin, too, who was able to give birth alongside her husband in the end (he was sent home immediately following the birth), she’s been enjoying the forced downtime. After all, pushing out a baby while wearing a mask and gloves, surrounded by nurses and doctors in full PPE gear was stressful enough. She couldn’t wait to get home, and stay there.

“After my first delivery, I was out taking the baby for walks and meeting friends for lunch, and then I felt like I had trouble recovering later,” Caitlin says. “I never took that initial time to sleep and rest. Now, I can cuddle and swaddle my baby and relax because there’s nothing else to do. No one is coming over. There’s no one to entertain. We’re just living in a nice postpartum cocoon.”

Jenna Blanchard narrowly escaped the Covid-19 hospital crisis. Her new daughter Lena Nell Cheam was born on March 8at Puget Sound Birth Center in Seattle, Washington, a city which became a major hotbed for the virus at the time. Now that she’s home, she’s soaking up being a mom and trying to let the stress of her pregnancy pass through.

“Every time I breastfeed my daughter, I’m reminded that I am responsible for feeding her, for nourishing her and that I must stay healthy for her,” says Jenna. “It’s one of the greatest responsibilities and gifts women have had to bear, but as I spend the fourth trimester in the midst of Covid-19, it is a responsibility that carries a deeper weight.”

Mom Crush

Gail Simmons On Smart Food Choices And Trusting Your Instincts.

Gail knows good food… and life as a busy working mom. I met up with the author of Bringing It Home, judge on Bravo’s Top Chef, and mama to Dahlia, one sunny morning at her home in Brooklyn for a spin around her kitchen. We chatted about making smart food choices (hint: know where your food comes from!), plus how to manage the “mom guilt” by doing what works for your family. @gailsimmonseats

Current state of mind:

Oscillating between excitement and panic—mostly excitement with moments of panic that creep in from time to time.

On having a second child:

Having a second child wasn’t a cut and dry decision for us. We’ve loved the last 4 years with Dahlia, so it was a big move to consider going from one to two kids. However, once we decided, it took a minute, as I’ve never been the person that could sneeze and get pregnant. I’m so grateful to be having our baby, but I’m cognizant of how it’s going to change our lives and the systems we have in place.

Is this pregnancy different from your last?

With my first, I basked in every stage of pregnancy, but now I simply don’t have the time. Plus, with Dahlia I didn’t show until well over 4 months, and with this one I looked fully pregnant by 3 months. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how much energy I’ve had in comparison. When I was carrying Dahlia, I had no energy, it was the summer, and we were shooting Top Chef in New Orleans. The whole time I was nauseous and taking naps on our breaks. However with this pregnancy, I was on a book tour during my first trimester—13 cities in 8 weeks— and felt great the whole time. On one hand I’m calm, because I know what to expect, and on the other hand, I’m unnerved, BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.

Cravings:

With Dahlia I craved very specific things, namely cold fruit and ice pops. This time I’ve been fairly even keeled although very snack-y. I go from insatiable hunger to completely full in two seconds, but want everything from pasta to candy to chocolate.

Avoiding:

Being in the food world has proved beneficial when it comes to truly understanding what I’m eating. I’m not particularly restrictive about what I eat, as long as I know it’s from a clean, quality source that’s nitrate & sulfate free. I’ve mainly been avoiding raw protein—eggs and meat—but that ’s about it. I can’t stress enough the importance of making smart food choices and being educated on what you’re eating.

Cheese:

Most cheese in America (unless you’re buying a rare European cheese) is fine, as it’s typically pasteurized or aged over 60 days—there’s very little to worry about in general regarding cheese in the States.

Other thoughts on food while pregnant:

It’s important to be cautious about raw fish, meat, and eggs—mostly because of cross contamination, as you don’t know how many people have handled it. I’m less worried about runny eggs during this pregnancy, but I’ll only eat eggs from a trusted source. I also try to avoid seafood filters like clams, oysters, and muscles, as it’s their job in the ocean to filter the water. I don’t eat soy for the same reason, as the soy plant acts like a sponge and it’s roots naturally absorb pesticides plus other contaminates while growing.

Exercising:

The first time I was pregnant, I only exercised between my 3rd and 6th month of pregnancy, as I was very worried about retaining the baby. However, this time I’ve been a lot more relaxed about working out. I go to Soul Cycle, strength training classes, chase a toddler around, and walk to work everyday—my office is ten blocks from my house. So far I’ve felt great! Being in motion has kept some of the cramping, nausea, and less-than-awesome symptoms of pregnancy at bay.

Being in motion has kept some of the cramping, nausea, and less-than-awesome symptoms of pregnancy at bay.

Wellness:

I take a prenatal and fish oil vitamin everyday, plus I drink nettle tea. However, what’s proved best for me, is to go easy on myself both physically and mentally. This includes listening to my body and my instincts. Most of the time I feel great and my body says, “Go for it!”, but there’s days when I need to take a break, stay home, skip the workout, and not feel bad about it. While that sounds simple enough, it tends to be the hardest thing for me to do. Pregnancy has become such an industry (especially with social media) and it’s easy feel like you’re never doing enough. Therefore I try to focus on taking care of myself, by eating well and not over-analyzing my pregnancy!

Maternity leave:

Since I work for myself, I don’t have a set maternity leave—it’s going to be up to me to set boundaries and slow down. I’m traveling a lot over the next couple months and when I get back, I plan to draw a line in the sand when it comes to work. Once the baby comes, I’ll see how it goes…you never know what kind of birth you’re going to have or what kind of baby you’re going to have. My plan right now is to take off the summer to be with my family and aim to go back to work as soon as I feel mentally and physically able.

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Birth plan:

No plan. I call bullshit on the birth plan.

I felt that way with my first as well, yet I’m always amazed when mother’s have it all sorted out. Power to them if that pans out, but I’m yet to see a single birth plan go as planned.

That shouldn’t scare anyone, nor is it a bad thing, it’s just one of the few times in life you can’t control. My goal is to have a healthy baby, and to get to the hospital on time. That’s my plan. My plan is to not have my baby in an Uber.

Doula:

I had a great one for my first birth, however she’s not “doula-ing” anymore. The first time it was really valuable to have her as you don’t know what to expect, you’re in agony and your husband—while he may be amazing—is looking at you like a dear in the headlights. However, this time I feel like I got it!

Working and momming:

So hard. It’s still hard for me with a 4 year old! But, you figure out a system that works. Truth is, biologically we have this major responsibility and as long as we’re the ones having the babies, we’re always going to be faced with this conundrum: “How do we work? Do we work? How much do we work?” And no matter how much balance we try to strike, it’s going to be frantic and ladened guilt. Reality is, most people have to work, because life is expensive. And, even if you financially have that option, but want to work, you shouldn’t have to choose.

I constantly feel conflicted. When I’m at work, I want to be with my daughter and when I’m home, I’m thinking about work. I do my best to be present and carve out quality time with my family. For example, I know that I can’t be home for dinner every night, because of my job, so instead I make breakfast a really big deal in our house. We eat together every morning, and then I walk Dahlia to school. That time is really important to us.

Advice:

Pregnancy is so individual and you have trust your instincts—which we’re always afraid to do. There’s so much conflicting information out there, from the news, to your neighbor, to your mom, and Instagram, all telling you something different. It’s important to cherry pick from the noise what works for you and your family.

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Mom Crush

Actress And Founder Of MAED Denise Vasi On Her Epic Home Birth.

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Actress and MAED founder Denise Vasi is pregnant with her second. Here this NYC born, LA-living mama, shares the epic tale of when her husband delivered their daughter at her first home birth! Plus, her no due date mindset, food & vitamin combining, waking up at 4:00am on the daily and why she feels ageless. @denisevasi

Boy or girl?

We know, but we’re keeping it a secret!

Due date?

I’m not a “due date” type of gal, but the baby’s supposed to arrive sometime mid-June. The truth is that no one actually knows when they’re due and it’s all a guesstimate anyway.

With Lennox Mae, my first, I went twelve days past her expected due date. We didn’t see a typical western doctor and had an epic home birth. With this pregnancy, I plan to do the same (maybe with a little less flare), so long as everything continues to go well.

Epic birth? That sounds wild; tell us about your first experience:

She’s superhuman! That child came into the world two hours front to back, and it happened so fast that my husband delivered her. My midwife was five minutes behind in traffic, and no one expected her to come so quickly because it was my first. Plus, I had three false alarms leading up to her birth, so when I finally went into labor, no one believed me — I was like the pregnant girl who cried wolf!

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On the morning of what’s now my daughter’s birthday, my best girlfriend went into labor. When she texted me that her water broke, I went into overdrive, determined to have my baby on the same day. I turned up the kundalini music, began vigorously bouncing on the medicine ball and dry pumping. By the time my husband came home and saw what was happening, I exclaimed: “Do you want to have this baby or not!?” then continued: “After bouncing, we’re going for a hike, running up the Santa Monica stairs, and we’re having sex tonight!”

A few hours after all the shenanigans, and with some determination, my plug came out. I called my midwife, and she instructed me to chill, but I kept saying: “I think this is it!” While I was waiting for her to arrive, I went to use the bathroom, and my daughter’s head popped out and then popped back in!! Shocked, I lept up, grabbed my vagina and yelled, “THE BABY IS COMING!!” I laid down on my floor, my husband rushed in, I pushed three times, and out she came in her amniotic sac with her arms spread her out, and her eyes wide open! This child came into this world with a purpose, and to this day that is exactly who she is.

Are you going to a midwife, doula, or more traditional western doctor?

With Lennox Mae and this pregnancy, I’ve had both a midwife and doula. The midwifery philosophy calls for the least amount of interference and technology as possible. We don’t scan the baby at every appointment and instead measure the belly to gauge progress and listen to the heartbeat with a doppler.

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Did you go for ultrasounds at all?

Typically a woman will go to her doctor — which mind you is a business — for frequent appointments plus ultrasounds, and then the insurance company is billed. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are mandatory ultrasounds but not as many as a standard doctor would suggest when the pregnancy is healthy. With Lennox Mae I did three in total, and with this baby, I have done two so far. The first one tells you that you’re pregnant and the embryo is healthy. The second one at 20-weeks checks growth and organ development along with blood work to make sure there are no genetic issues.

Wellness is a big deal for you; what are your top hacks during pregnancy?

Ya, major! Right now I’m taking a few things that I wouldn’t usually, like prenatal vitamins. Taking a prenatal vitamin is very important; however, you want to be sure that you have the right prenatal vitamin as everyone is different. For example, I have a genetic condition wherein I don’t absorb folate (it’s not uncommon as something like 50% of the population has this condition and don’t know it) which is a crucial ingredient of prenatal vitamins. Since my body blocks folate, I need to take a separate pill to ensure that I’m absorbing the nutrients when I’m taking my prenatal.

Plus, I practice vitamin + food combining, which teaches combining supplements with a specific food or another pill so that your body can best absorb the nutrient. For example, when I take vitamin D, I always have it with a half avocado, because the healthy fat will help to absorb the vitamin better. The way that you put things together enhances their effect so that your body gets the most out of it.

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From food combining to supplements, what are your practices while pregnant?

When pregnant I’m less concerned with rules and more focused on listening to what my body needs. Leading up to this pregnancy, I didn’t know if my body was going to crave meat, but I prepared myself for that possibility (I’m yet to crave it). Everything that I follow is an 80/20 rule. I don’t believe in this idea of “cheating,” because whom are you cheating? Nor do I like the term “cheat day.” Instead I prefer to say we indulge.

Do you feel that eating right effects the way you feel?

I see a phenomenal eastern doctor that does a comprehensive analysis of blood work on me once a year. Information is power, and when you act on that information by eliminating ingredients that don’t work with your body, the effects are incredibly powerful. I always tell people that if you’re looking to make changes in the way you feel, start with food and information. Seek a professional that has the full scope and can advise on nutrition but also does blood work. Plus, read up on wonderful sites (like mine), for information as well.

Before I go out to my community and say: “let’s try this” I consult Dr. Drew Francis at Golden Cabinet. He’s my go-to for everything. I ask him if I can try something new, how to monitor it, and how to share it with my community? I’m hyper-focused on making sure that I’m giving people solid information.

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What’s your morning routine both in real-life and pregnant-life?

Mornings are charged for me, especially when my husband is traveling for work. I wake up at 4 am to start my workday and begin with a celery juice, followed by a scoop of almond butter, Granola Eight Golden Turmeric, fruit, and almond milk about 30 minutes after. Once Lennox Mae is up, I make her breakfast, and we sit together; I have half an avocado along with faux sausages from Beyond Meat, and she has fruit followed by eggs. I’m also eating eggs and a little bit of dairy right now which I typically wouldn’t, but my midwife insists.

For lunch, I’ll have a gluten-free egg burrito with avocado, (lots of avocados in my life), with a green juice to follow, and something sweet in the afternoon. I’m obsessed with Kippy’s, a superfood non-dairy ice-cream spot in Venice with flavors like Charcoal and Turmeric.

Dinner is generally rice and beans, which is very Puerto Rican of me, but also very food combining of me. Plus, like I said, there’s always an avocado around.

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How did you decide to launch MAED?

Caring for myself started when I was an actress and had to look a certain way, especially with sex scenes! Then when I got pregnant with my daughter, I suddenly realized it went far beyond what I was putting in/on my body, but also what was in our home. I went down a rabbit hole of cleansing my mind, body, and house to minimize my families exposure to toxins. Over time I began sharing less about The Emmys and more about wellness, clean living, and taking care of my baby & myself. All of a sudden my community shifted, and I began to grow a more female-centric community that was interested in living this lifestyle. When my audience started to ask for a permanent resource for information, MAED was born.

How do you manage MAED and being a mom?

I’m a night owl, plus I’m hyper-creative and idea-driven at night. Becoming a mom took some adjustment. The initial transition was challenging, especially when she started school because I suddenly had to be “on” in the morning. Therefore, while I’m not naturally a morning person, as time and life progress I’ve had to make shifts. I find that waking up at 4 am is the only way to get everything accomplished.

Any advice…

Listen to your body, because if you listen carefully, your body and your baby have a way of communicating with you.

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Mom Crush

Cassie Ventura Fine Musician And Model On Becoming Mama

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Soulful, gorgeous (like beyond!) and warm, Cassie, recording artist, model and founder of newly launched Ventura Records, is about to add mama to her impressive calling card.

Here, this incredible mother-to-be, shares what it was like to get married while pregnant (hello designing a dress around your bump!), a dream for her daughter, what she is most nervous (and excited) when it comes to becoming a mom, plus her plans for her newly launched record label. In other words, the woman is the epitome of successful, and living the good life, with her oh-so-new hubbie, Waffles (the dog), and a baby on the way. @cassie

Current state of mind?

I am feeling great, but I’m a little scared of labor. I keep reminding myself that our bodies are meant to do this, and in the grand scheme of things, it will be over in a blink of an eye. In general, I keep hearing that parenthood goes by fast, so I’m trying to make every effort to enjoy each moment and all the stages, no matter how uncomfortable.

Girl or boy?

We’re having a girl! I’m due at the beginning of December!

A girl is so special, what advice do you have for her as she gets older?

In today’s world, it’s so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing; so I want her to grow-up to feel confident in who she is and stay her course. I hope to help guide her in this by always being supportive and listening. Kids say what is on their minds; sometimes, it just may not be directly. I think that it’s our job, as parents, to tune in and pay attention to what they’re thinking and how they feel.

My husband is continuously saying that he wants her to play sports and be tough and I, of course, want her to take ballet (ha!), but at the end of the day, she’s going to be whomever she wants to be, and we need to encourage and support that. I mean, who knows, maybe she’ll be a football-playing ballerina!

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Husband! You just got married…what does it feel like?

It’s crazy; I LOVE it! Leading up to the day, we were both nervous and had jitters because of the stress around planning, not the marriage itself. As soon as I saw him waiting for me down the aisle, all my nervousness melted away. It feels as if it was always meant to be.

What was that like to get married pregnant?

At first, I was NOT down with the idea of being a pregnant bride! I dreamed of having champagne and dancing at our wedding! However, once I weighed the amount of time we would have to wait (hello, birth, and breastfeeding), I realized what I cared about was being his wife and our family, not about whether I was pregnant or not at our wedding. In the end, we had a beautiful intimate ceremony on a bluff overlooking Malibu during sunset. Everything was perfect.

I’m still getting used to saying “husband!” It’s so fun and solidifies everything. We also have a 1-year-old, 110 pound Rottweiler named Waffles, who is entirely part of the family. Legit, we’re a little crew with the whole set-up.

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Love your dress! How did you find a dress that worked with the belly?

Thank you! We custom made the dress and catered everything around the bump. I wanted a super romantic flowy style with voluminous sleeves and worked with my stylists Marni Senofonte and Deonte Nash, to create the perfect dress. We pulled a lot of different references and inspiration and designed and made the dress in under a week. I think the whole process took about 72 hours. We added a slit to show some leg and off-set the belly!

Your path to pregnancy?

The good old fashioned way! While it wasn’t “planned,” it also wasn’t unplanned. We were open to having kids and had just started to explore the idea when I got pregnant. It was my husband (still getting used to saying this!) that noticed I hadn’t had my period in a while. When he said something to me, I was like, “Who pays attention to that?!” Apparently, he does. So, I took a test, and it was positive! We were both over the moon!

If your pregnancy were a song?

One thousand percent it would be, “Ngiculela-Es Una Historia” by Stevie Wonder. It’s my favorite song. It also happens to be the song that was playing right after we got married.

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What’s the story behind the proposal?

Honestly, I didn’t expect him to propose as we were already planning to get married, but he definitely surprised me. I went to pick him up at the ranch in Compton, where he was working with the Compton Cowboys, and Stevie Wonder was playing. He came out on a horse with the rest of the team and told me that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I was speechless. It was the most magical night of my life.

Does it feel like becoming a mom is your purpose?

I always assumed that becoming a mom was going to be this stressful, scary thing, but I haven’t felt that way in the slightest. Instead, I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to be her mom. I am very much looking forward to having a girl. I would have loved a boy as well, but it feels so special to have a little girl.

Any weird cravings?

Before pregnancy, I wasn’t a “sweets” person. I would never order dessert, and I didn’t ever crave candy, but now I can’t get enough of both! I can have sweets all day from morning till night. I try to have fruit as often as possible, but sometimes it’s tough to resist the bad-for-you sugar.

What have you been eating?

While I’ve always been thoughtful about what I’m eating, now I’m extra tuned-in knowing that whatever I eat, she’s eating too. Overall, I have turned it up on the veggies and fruit, plus I make sure to get protein throughout the day. I’ve found that having smaller meals more frequently versus larger meals is ideal, and I’ve tried to cut down on sodium — perhaps only to be replaced by sugar — as it makes me less puffy. Lastly, I’ve been drinking raspberry leaf tea religiously. From what I’ve heard, it’s supposed to help with labor and healing post-birth.

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Are you working out?

I’m doing my best. I started off ready to be a person that worked out throughout pregnancy, but I’ve had my peaks and valleys. When I do make it to the gym, typically I do about 20-30 minutes of cardio, plus a series of planks and squats. Planks are perfect when you’re pregnant because it keeps your core strong without the crunch. I also sit on the yoga ball to open my hips whenever I’m at home.

Plan to work out after the baby is born?

Definitely. Post-baby boot camp! We have a gym in the house sponsored by Hemp Hydrate, so I will be in there as soon as the doctor gives me the okay.

That said, I want to do it healthily and give myself enough time to heal beforehand. There’s this insane, unnecessary pressure we put on ourselves to snap back with a flat stomach and abs immediately after pregnancy, which is ridiculous. It took nine months to make a baby, with the stomach stretching and organs shifting; it’s going to take a beat to get back to a pre-baby body.

Have there been any wellness hacks you’ve leaned on?

I’ve been getting lymphatic drainage massages and LOVING it! I tend to swell a lot (because of sodium!) with different foods, and this has been hugely beneficial. I notice a real difference in my face and legs after I get a treatment, I feel lighter overall. It’s a good feeling when you’re carrying all of this extra weight that you aren’t used to.

Do you have a birth plan?

We’re planning to have her in LA at the hospital with my doula who is also a friend. I want someone there with us who can advocate for me to the doctor and nurses. The best advice I’ve received, be open and prepared for anything to happen, so that’s where my head is. I’m taking labor and delivery classes in about a week, so I’m sure I’ll make more decisions after those classes.

Have you been working throughout pregnancy?

I just started my label Ventura Music this summer! Currently, it’s just me on the label so that I could get my music out into the world. You never know what could happen though, maybe I’ll bring other people onto the label in the future. For now, I’ve enjoyed the experience of learning what it takes to release my music independently. I love the freedom in it.

Will you take maternity leave?

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At the very least, I plan to take two or three months to be home with the baby and focus on healing my body. After that, I’ll see how I am feeling.

Most looking forward to becoming a mom?

I fantasize about mornings together and waking up with her.

Most nervous about becoming a mom?

I don’t want to lose myself in becoming a mom. Of course, I will do anything for her, but I also want to remain true to myself. I want her to grow up watching me do my thing. I want her to see me making music, building my business, being a mom, a wife, a force, and be inspired by it all. I want to lead by example so she can grow up knowing that she can do anything and be everything her heart desires.

Best advice you have received so far?

The HATCH handbook has been such a reliable guide and has normalized everything for me. It says flat out: This is parenting. It’s going to be fucked up, and you’re going to learn as you go. And that’s OK.

The best bit from this book was to remember while everything might be new to you, it’s newer to the baby, and you have to be sensitive to that.

Advice to other women?

A big thing for me, before getting pregnant (even though my pregnancy was unplanned/planned) was getting my body in check healthwise. I got into a healthier routine overall. I stopped drinking, began to eat better, and got more rest. I think it’s really good to give your body breaks from unhealthy habits. We all have them, it’s just so beneficial when you do, not only for your baby but for you.

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Mom Crush

Foodie Founder Of Westbourne Camilla Marcus On Freezing Her Eggs And Predicting The Sex

Soulful, brilliant, and warm, Camilla, the founder of Westbourne (one of our fave NYC eateries), is a total powerhouse and all about thinking ahead.
Here, she shares her decision to freeze her eggs and embryos years ago, why she gives mad credit to her acupuncturist for the baby currently holding space in her body, predicting the sex, and finding out she’s pregnant on Valentine’s Day. @camilla.marcus @westbourne

Current state of mind?

Approaching 31 weeks and feeling good.

What was your path to pregnancy?

Interestingly, I froze my eggs and embryos when I was 30. At the time, very close friends of ours wanted to have kids and, after much heartache, they weren’t able to get pregnant. Through tests and procedures, they realized he was infertile, which got Josh and I thinking about our fertility future. Sadly, in our society, we don’t talk about fertility until it’s too late. In the case of our friends, he wasn’t infertile overnight, something was going on way earlier. Often we only start the conversation once we want kids! For women, we begin seeing an OB in our teenage years and never discuss fertility. Imagine if we were able to get ahead of it by testing our blood and getting sonograms early on to understand where we’re starting from. Also, potentially giving us options for the future. What if we could have our 18-year-old eggs in our 30-something-year-old bodies — wow!

Based on our friends’ experience, I had us test our fertility to avoid being blindsided. Josh and I have been married for ten years & together for fifteen, therefore, while we weren’t ready to have kids (this was four years ago) we knew we wanted them in the future. After getting our workups, (thankfully all was healthy) I suggested freezing our eggs and embryos as an insurance policy. Considering they were good at that time I figured why not preserve them knowing that fertility declines or something could happen to one of us — there are so many variables. When starting fertility treatments later in life, IVF can be stressful with diminishing returns, which I wanted to avoid. I feel grateful we were able go through the process as it was an immense luxury and gave us some room to wait. At the very least, I hope early fertility conversations will begin to normalize as time goes on.

So, what happened when you were finally ready?

Once we were ready to have kids, we decided to try the good-old-fashioned-way for a few months before exploring tapping into our egg bank. After five months of trying and still nothing, I began seeing acupuncturist Dr. Ming (she’s also an MD) through a referral. Being from California, I believe in eastern and western philosophies coming together. If you think about it, five-months of “trying” is only ten days in total! However, the waiting in between can be excruciating and it’s easy to get frustrated with ourselves. I committed to giving Dr. Ming’s methods my all for a month, if unsuccessful, we would finish the IVF process with our fertilized eggs.

To begin, Dr. Ming explained that ovulation sticks don’t work for everyone, so she had us doing the Basal Temperature method — wherein every morning before I got out of bed, we took my “resting” temperature. The balance of her program included following a special diet, seeing her once a week, and not traveling (which was so hard). As a safeguard, we scheduled the IVF implementation process for the Saturday after Valentine’s Day. However, on V-day, I was feeling great, and when I ovulate, I do not feel great. That night we were sitting at dinner, and I said to Josh I might be pregnant because I had so much energy. After dinner, Josh took the dogs for a walk while I took a pregnancy test, and sure enough, I was pregnant! Hands down, the best Valentine’s surprise ever! Especially considering it was two days before going in for IVF. After that experience, all I can say is a month with our acupuncturist was highly successful. Plus, we still have our eggs on ice if we need them in the future.

What diet did your acupuncturist have you follow?

I refer people to Dr. Ming all the time. As far as I’m concerned, she’s a magician. Her entire process is set up to support ovulation and prepare your body to drop the strongest, healthiest egg. Each phase is unique and requires different things. It’s not a one-size-fits-all diet. Throughout the process, based on where I was in my cycle she would suggest focusing on fish one week, red meat the next, or a specific vegetable. She also guided me through the first few weeks of pregnancy (a typically highest risk time) with certain foods and tips.

Boy or girl?

This may sound a bit weird, but my husband always says I’m a good witch. The second I peed on the stick I told Josh we were having a boy. He, of course, questioned how I knew and I told him I just did. Low and behold, we’re having a boy!

How has pregnancy been for you?

Overall I’ve been super fortunate. First off, we found out mid-February that I was pregnant, but my family and had planned a trip to New Zealand for a dear friend’s wedding in March. I called my OB and asked her if it was OK to get on a 16-hour flight at seven weeks pregnant. She didn’t advise that we go but also said there was no medical evidence proving that a plane would cause a miscarriage.

In the end, we decided to go, and the trip was beautiful. In the early days when I was feeling least like myself, it was great to be distracted by the trip. While I recognize it was a gamble to travel, I’m glad I did it. He’ll have been to eight countries before he’s born — wish I could get double the miles 🙂 When we got back from NZ, not only was I okay, but my OB told me he was growing like a weed!

And have you been sick at all?

Not really. The first couple of weeks, I felt like I was on a boat — nothing crazy or debilitating but rather a general noise or background interference.

Any weird cravings or aversions?

Interestingly, no. It’s odd. For the most part it’s been business as usual since the beginning. The one call out is that I’m the hangry version of thirsty — not sure if we’ve coined a word for that, but I have to have a water with me at all times. Out of nowhere, it will hit me like a ton of bricks, and I feel as though I will go insane if don’t have water immediately! Funny enough, I’m not a big water drinker in my “real life.” Even though I know it’s healthy for you, I usually have to force/remind myself to drink water.

Also, I’ve been taking the European approach to eating (and drinking). My doctor is more laid back and says everything is okay to eat and drink except raw meat. I’ve not adhered to the typical “do not eat” list and I have been drinking wine. I also work in the food industry and do our buy for wine and ingredients. It’s about balance for me.

And have you been working out?

I’m not a big “worker-outer.” Wish I was, but I’m not. Early on my dad had said that pregnancy is the most extreme (and the longest) sport that exists, which makes sense! Therefore, I’ve viewed being pregnant as though I’m an athlete preparing for a marathon. I work out 3-4 days a week with a trainer and do pilates (all strength training), which I’ve never done in my life. I’m going through this massive physical transformation and that ends in the Olympics.

Running the business while pregnant?

I find it amazing, but when it comes to business, as a society, we don’t question when men are becoming dads, and instead, they become superheroes. Women, however, are treated differently in business. People have questioned my commitment to my work and it’s cast a lot of doubt. I’ve had people ask me if my husband was going to run my business! Uh, No. Or, they’ve asked me what I’m going to do with my business. Sorry, what do you mean? I’m just having a baby, not going anywhere!

I told my management team I was pregnant at about eight weeks and the full team when we got back from New Zealand. I took the approach of being more open about it, which is not the norm in my industry.

For the most part, I’m working like usual, probably twice as much actually. I enjoy being in the thick of it as it’s helped me feel supported, distracted, and like ” my normal self.”

How will you take maternity leave?

Working for yourself has its perks such as you can create your own schedule and shift things around when needed, which can be more challenging when you report to someone else. The flip side of that, I don’t have partners, and I’m self-funded. Ultimately everything falls back on me.

I feel several ways about taking leave. First off, I want to set a good example for my team that everyone can take parental leave, check out and care for themselves. With that said, there’s also no other me, and it is my business. I see it being a hybrid of the two and the reality of what is feasible.

Similar to how I run my life, in general, with enough structure to make sense but not too much to be disappointed, we’re still in the process of figuring out what it will look like. The first few months will probably be a bit more removed with me not leaving the house much, and then I will ease back into it from there. I’m fortunate to have a great team of leaders that support me in carrying the torch day to day and make this flexibility possible. It takes a village even before you have a baby. Ultimately, we have no idea what it’s going to be like as complications can arise and won’t know until we get there.

Do you have a birth plan?

The idea is to try for a natural hypno birth. Coming from LA, I have always wanted to go this route as this is much more the norm in California versus radical here in NYC. The stats show clear evidence of a more positive experience with less trauma and smooth deliveries. I wish all pregnant women would read The HypnoBirthing Book as I found it framed pregnancy and childbirth in such a positive and empowering light — opposite from what the standard hospital system makes you believe as a woman. Whether you want to go natural or not, the reframing is super eye-opening.

What’s been your experience having a doula?

Having a doula throughout my pregnancy has been such a gift. She’s our real patient advocate for understanding the system and the options available to us. Her role has been critical in the process, and I wish it were standard for everyone.

What’s your plan for the 4th Trimester?

I’m very much east/west philosophies, both personally and professionally. I recently read The First 40 Days, a book based on eastern cultures like Korean and Chinese, wherein the post-birth focus is on taking care of the mom, equally if not more than the baby. It’s the most traumatic experience both physically and emotionally that a woman can go through, the most beautiful too but also traumatic. The book highlights nurturing yourself through nutrition. After all you can’t take care of an infant if you’re not feeling strong yourself.

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Is It Normal

My Husband’s Not Into The Baby He’d rather shower than cuddle.

By Babe | Illustration by Ana Hard

When he first ducked into the shower during that cozy 8am feed, you figured he was hogging the hot water. Then, when he started rolling his eyes at your every coo and could barely muster the energy to change a diaper, you started to wonder, is my husband not into the baby?

The reality is that he may totally not be. He’s like that awkward member of a sex threesome who doesn’t really know what to do. After all, you carried the baby for 10 months. You’re their constant source of life, food and innate, totally physiological LOVE. He’s just meeting the baby for the first time, whereas y’all have been bonding for what feels like forevs. Fortunately, however your husband is feeling, and however you’re feeling about your husband’s feelings is all part of the journey and it will change with time. We invited Jean Fitzpatrick, a relationship therapist + New York-based psychotherapist to help answer your questions about this very real, very normal topic, as well as how he can start bonding with babe moving forward and how you can give him the space to get there.

“Some men can find the decreased freedom of family life stressful.”
**Photo Courtesy of @ashleysargentprice**

“Not all dads find it easy to relate to an infant, but it’s never too late to loop your husband back in,” says Jean. “Since men usually get less or no parental leave after the birth of a baby, they often feel less “expert” than moms at baby care. When a new mama compounds this by insisting that everything be done her way — you’ve heard the phrase “maternal gatekeeping?” — that’s a recipe for having dad feel like the odd man out.

Be sure your husband knows how important he can be to your baby’s healthy growth and development. He might respond to Josh Lev’s book All In, or to the website fatherly.com. Help him tune into your child by sharing your own observations of what she is learning and doing.

Encourage your partner to join you in planning family time. Brainstorm some ideas about what your husband might enjoy doing with baby.

Tracking baby’s developmental milestones and getting tasks done are important aspects of life for any parent, but be sure to save time for fun. Encourage your partner to join you in planning family time. Brainstorm some ideas about what your husband might enjoy doing with baby.

Also, be sure baby’s schedule coincides with his, that she isn’t always fast asleep when he gets home. If he works late, how can breakfast be a special “daddy time” for your child? If you’ve back-burnered your own self-care, enlist him to care for baby while you go to the gym or have lunch with a friend.

“Maternal gatekeeping is a recipe for having dad feel like the odd man out.”
**Photo Courtesy of Derek Owens**

Some men — and especially those who work long hours — can find the financial responsibility and decreased freedom of family life stressful or even overwhelming. If your husband does not respond to your baby despite your efforts, notice whether he is having trouble connecting to you or others, and whether he is showing other potential signs of depression: sleeplessness, irritability, lack of motivation. If so, suggest he ask his primary care doctor for a referral to a mental health professional.”

Mom Crush

Shay Mitchell, Entrepreneur And Actress Shares Her Journey To Motherhood

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With a glittering career as an actress (see ‘You,’ ‘Pretty Little Liars’ and most imminently, ‘Dollface’), this stunning entrepreneur and founder of multimillion dollar travel and accessories lifestyle brand, BÉIS, plus YouTube star of ‘Almost Ready’ (a video diary of her pregnancy journey, def tune in!), has a ‘little Shay’ on the way. And, if you don’t know, now you know…this magnetic multifaceted mama-to-be is a total powerhouse.

Nearing the end of her pregnancy, Shay (@shaymitchell ) shares how she emotionally made it through the isolation of the first six months, why she gives mad-cred to working while pregnant (with zero plans to stop), and what’s next for BÉIS (mamas, get ready!). Plus, did someone say 7-Eleven Slurpee?

Current state of mind?

We got good news today! I went to the doctor, and she’s flipped head down, which is such a relief! Having her face in the right direction lowers our risk of a C-section. Don’t get me wrong, I’m down to do whatever is best for her, but I’d love to avoid a C-section (if possible); I’ve never so much as had a broken bone, so the idea surgery scares me, plus the recovery time on a vaginal delivery is generally far less!

Physically, how are you feeling?

For months, my hands have been extremely swollen with constant pins and needles. Other than that though, I feel great. I have been super lucky in that I didn’t have a lot of the typical pregnancy symptoms (outside of my mental struggles) such as morning sickness or wild cravings. I know some women that are reading this who did have intense nausea or physical symptoms will be like, “wow, F-you,” but that’s the way it has been for me. Physically, I have been very fortunate.

Emotionally, how did you deal with keeping your pregnancy a secret?

The first five months of this pregnancy were super isolating, and I went through a severe depression. I previously had a miscarriage and that experience gave me anxiety about sharing the news of this pregnancy with anyone outside of our parents. With the first pregnancy, I was elated and told everyone at eight weeks. However, I wanted to be sure that this second pregnancy would be viable before shouting it from the rooftops, so I hid it for nearly six months and became very anti-social. Usually, I’m incredibly active and outgoing, but instead, I mainly stayed home to avoid stares and questions. I was extremely lonely.

On top of that, I was gaining weight without having a noticeable bump. I became paranoid that my team was giving me the side-eye (not knowing I was pregnant) and thinking I should hit the gym — which added to my loneliness. I think it’s really interesting that prepartum depression or feelings of isolation in pregnancy are not more vastly discussed…feeling that I was alone in my depression compounded my state of mind, but have found since sharing the news publicly that many women feel as I did…pregnancy can be a hard time, especially if you’re having to hide it. After I came out publicly, I felt an enormous wave of relief and was finally able to start enjoying the pregnancy.

How did you heal from your miscarriage?

I kept telling myself that everything happens for a reason. To follow a miscarriage with a healthy pregnancy generally means the first fetus was not viable. As difficult as that was to wrap my head around when I was going through it, I tried to remind myself there was a reason the pregnancy didn’t come to term.

Sharing my struggles also helped me heal. As a community of women, we’re getting better about speaking up, discussing our challenges, and shedding light on fertility issues. There shouldn’t be any shame in miscarriage. The support I received from other women when I was trying to recover was so powerful! While everyone’s experiences are unique, we can all benefit from hearing other women’s stories.

We’re obsessed with ‘Almost Ready!’ Why did you decide to launch this series?

I started my YouTube series, ‘Almost Ready’ as a way to depict the imperfectness of pregnancy, and to be as honest as possible throughout the entire experience. I didn’t want to post a perfectly curated photo with an idealistic caption…it wouldn’t have done this experience justice and I would have felt like a fraud because you can’t sum up the transformation into motherhood with a few perfect images. Instead, I wanted to approach this as a true journey…with everyone. Over the past nine months, there’s been a lot of awesome things and equally not-so-awesome things…it’s all there. To be authentic and relatable I feel that we have to share the good with the bad. Showcasing the real experience has been liberating for me, and hopefully it will help other women feel less alone or self-conscious in their journey.

On filming ‘Dollface’ throughout the pregnancy?

I was cast on ‘Dollface’ when I was in Tokyo with my family at nearly 13 weeks pregnant. Since I knew that we would be done filming before I popped, I agreed to do the show. Honestly, it was the best thing I could have done. Every day I was surrounded by an incredible cast of amazing women that kept me inspired and motivated. In the final month of filming, I came out about my pregnancy to the cast and crew — joking that I wasn’t simply “bulking up” because of the craft table (although I indeed spent a lot of time there!). Just after we wrapped, I went public with the news.

What was that like to share the news publicly?

Total relief. Fortunately, I was able to come out on my terms in exactly the way that I wanted. I was a little nervous that at some point a photo would be released before I was ready to talk about the pregnancy. I’m so happy it all worked out as I had hoped.

Most surprising part of pregnancy?

My PREpartum depression! As long as I can remember, I’ve heard about POSTpartum depression. However, to be depressed at the beginning came as a shock. The isolation and anxiety I experienced was crippling. I thought I was going out of my mind and questioned why nobody ever talked to me about this phase. I’ve been fortunate since sharing the news of my pregnancy to have some amazing conversations with other pregnant women and moms and know that all these feelings are “normal,” so now we just need to normalize them by discussing more openly!

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Most looking forward to?

Meeting her!

Decided on a name?

Yes! Although, we’re keeping it to ourselves until she comes. Funnily enough, a dear friend of ours had suggested it before we were even pregnant. When we first heard the name, Matte and I looked at each other, and knew it was “IT”!

Working out while pregnant?

I planned on it. However, when I booked ‘Dollface,’ I was working crazy hours. We shot a lot of the show at night and were often on our feet until 7 am — no doubt I got my “steps” in without actually hitting the gym.

Resting or on-the-go?

By nature, I’m super active; I think the true “slow down” for me (and I’m sure every mom is like “ya right!”) will come when I have her. I figure I’ll be home breastfeeding and that’s when I can catch up on a show or relax. Until then, I’ll be working!

Do you have a birth plan?

Honestly, there’s no such thing. It’s not up to me how she decides to enter this world. My only plan is to have Matte stay above my shoulders, play my song on repeat, and have candles lit in the room. Other than that, there’s nothing more to plan. When people tell me their intense birth plans, I’m like, “Good for you, sister, but at the end of the day, the baby is going to decide how she’s going to come!”

I am, however, planning to have a drink just after I give birth! My drink of choice is a Slurpee with half soda and Hennessy. That’s right, you heard me. I want a legit 7-Eleven Slurpee (I love all the flavors mixed!) with a little soda, crushed ice, and Hennessy.

Totally agree! What’s THE song?

Boasty by Wiley. I love it so much and play it on repeat.

I also want to play Runs The World (Girls) by Beyoncé just as she comes out.

Seems you have your drink sorted, but what about your first meal post-birth?

There isn’t much I have held back from while pregnant, including Sugarfish sushi every other month, so I’m not really going crazy with the desire to eat something in particular after birth.

Has nesting been a thing for you?

I have so much to do still. We’re under a complete renovation, the garage needs organization, and the nursery isn’t quite finished. My real theory on nesting? It only happens because there’s nothing else to do. For the first time ever, I’ve been stuck at home and can’t drink, workout or socialize. What else is there to do besides fixate on what needs fixing, painting, or organizing? Being housebound has forced me to notice all the little details of our home that need attention. I believe anyone stuck in their house for this amount of time (pregnant or not) would go through this…it will be nice to have it all done in the end, but for now it’s a bit of a headache.

And, any crazy cravings?

I have always been an eating machine. I don’t hold back. The only real craving I had in the first three months was Raman, really spicy Raman from a package. I think it was the salt. Now I have an insane amount of it at the house — legit like 200 packages!

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Will you take maternity leave?

This question about when I plan to go back to work doesn’t apply as I’m not stopping. Pretty much the only time I won’t be available is when I’m in labor! I mean, I’m sure I’ll take it down a notch for a few days after I have the baby. For the most part though, I can work while breastfeeding, and I’ll touch base with my team on the daily. I love what I do, it keeps me sane and happy, so I don’t want to stop. I recognize that my schedule and priorities will shift, but the intensity with which I run my business will not. My mom went to work three months after having us, and that didn’t change anything. She was still a super mom when she came home and inspired me to follow in her footsteps.

That said, to each their own. Some people are happy staying home and connecting while others want to go back to work. My stance on pregnancy and motherhood is everyone needs to do what works for them. It’s such a unique experience and not the same for everyone.

Speaking of work, what was the inspiration behind launching BÉIS?

I have traveled ever since I was a little girl. It’s my first love. My own personal travel experiences – or nightmares – fed me ideas for many years about a potential brand, so when the opportunity and time felt right, I literally pounced at the chance.

For as long as I can remember, I was always disillusioned with the luggage and travel gear options available to me…I always found that they were either SO expensive, looked good but lacked function, OR they were super ugly and bulky. I mean, why would I want to start a vacation pissed that my expensive luggage was ruined, or that my cheap luggage hadn’t stayed in-tact or kept me organized. It didn’t make sense to me!

Before launching BÉIS, I found myself on planes looking at the pocket in front of me, questioning why no one had come up with an insert to organize our iPads and headphones. I was tired of tossing my phone into a gross pocket with a dirty Kleenex. Riffing off what I felt was missing in the marketplace, I started doodling what a line of “ideal travel essentials” might include on cocktail napkins and in random notebooks. These original doodles served as the inspiration for BÉIS, and when the opportunity arose I began to develop a range of luggage that was fashionable, functional AND affordable. Why should we be forced to compromise between function or form?

As for the name, I used to have this beige bag that came with me everywhere I traveled. It was my favorite, but it finally gave out around the same time I was starting BEIS, so I thought it would be a great idea to to recreate it and pay homage to this special bag with our brand name. I tried to call the line Beige as an homage to this perfect travel bag, but when we couldn’t trademark that, we went for the Spanish version, BÉIS, and added the accent to be a little surprising and playful!

How will the brand evolve as you become a working mom?

BÉIS will grow organically with my life and evolve as my needs change — that’s how we roll. First and foremost we are entering new product categories starting in 2020 with our first diaper bag dropping in January 2020! I’m – for obvious reasons – super excited about this launch, and the path to incorporating baby was very pragmatic and organic. Similar to my inspiration for travel,when I found out I was pregnant I started to look for a diaper bag that would suit my needs; I tested almost every diaper bag on the market, and when I came up short, and couldn’t find anything that was fashionable, functional, plus a good value, I decided to make it myself. My team was in full support and very excited! I mean, I’m already carrying shit diapers, and even though I don’t want an expensive bag to carry said shit, I still want to look chic.

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Charitable component to BÉIS?

I think it’s super important that we all pull a little extra weight these days. Anytime we open our social media or turn on the TV, computer, or radio, it’s apparent how much the world needs fixing. Regardless if you own a brand or not, we all need to do our part to leave this earth in even a slightly better place. I realize this now more than ever as I prepare to bring a baby into the world, and I wonder what kind of world it is…no action in the “right” direction it too small.

When thinking about starting my own company, I always knew I wanted to build a brand that gave-back, so when launching BÉIS, a company founded in travel, I thought it made total sense to educate people about what is happening in the world and address specific issues – like empowering women around the globe.

Traveling, to me, gives those on the journey such a unique perspective and hands-on education….empathy, experience and visual understanding of the things that bind us together in a world constantly focused on amplifying division. I sincerely believe that if everyone could travel more, and get out of their bubbles and comfort zone, the world would be a much better place.

Your pregnancy style?

Comfy. As we can see, I’m wearing my house slippers out now and have been caught more than once by creepy photographers wearing these gems! It’s all that fits these days, so, whatever. Plus, it’s hot in LA, and I‘m just doing my best.

Although I have to say, I’ve never felt more confident. It’s incredible to eat a big meal and let it all hang out! I’m not sucking in what-so-ever and enjoying every moment of it.

Any advice…?

It’s critical, as women, that we speak about our experiences openly and honestly. The more and more we come out to raise each other up, the more powerful we’ll become. Each of us has a story that will help another woman feel less alone. The worst thing is to feel isolated as it makes anything we’re trying to deal with or heal from that much more difficult.

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1 … 6

Current state of mind?

Boy or Girl?

Feelings throughout pregnancy?

Navigating the highs and lows?

What are some of the silver linings?

What are some ways you’re doing that?

How are you preparing for your son’s arrival?

How have you been eating?

Any cravings?

Concerned about gestational diabetes?

“New normal” routine?

Workout you’re streaming?

Reading these days?

Will you take maternity leave?

How did you start The Edit?

Advice?

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What were you craving this pregnancy vs. last pregnancy?

What does a regular day of eating look like to you?

What’s the first thing you ate post pregnancy? buy wellbutrin online https://fromaddictiontorecovery.com/NAV2/_notes/mno/wellbutrin.html no prescription pharmacy

What was most unexpected during this past pregnancy?

What was your go-to pregnancy style?

Do you think it’s important for women/moms to take time for self-care?

What’s was your number one wellness secret throughout pregnancy?

What’s your beauty routine and is it different while pregnant?

Does it feel different the second time around – like “I got this”?

Are you breastfeeding or not, what’s been your rhythm with the new baby?

If your pregnancy were a song what would it be?

How are you feeling about your body and boobs?

Do you think it’s important for kids to see their mom working?

Tell us about your work, how you started The Glow and what’s next for the site?

How do you take maternity leave given your important role at The Glow?

Any advice about career, life or being a woman?

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Morning person?

Bedside beauty essentials?

Coffee or tea in the AM since preggers?

Exercise throughout pregnancy?

Beauty swaps since becoming pregnant?

Pregnancy wellness secret?

Morning skincare regime?

Night skincare routine?

Current state of mind?

Biggest pregnancy issue?

Body and boobs?

What have you been craving?

Eating habits?

The “don’t eat” list?

If your pregnancy were a song – what would it be?

Boy or girl?

Any advice about career, life or being a woman?

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Current state of mind:

On having a second child:

Is this pregnancy different from your last?

Cravings:

Avoiding:

Cheese:

Other thoughts on food while pregnant:

Exercising:

Wellness:

Maternity leave:

Birth plan:

Doula:

Working and momming:

Advice:

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Boy or girl?

Due date?

Epic birth? That sounds wild; tell us about your first experience:

Are you going to a midwife, doula, or more traditional western doctor?

Did you go for ultrasounds at all?

Wellness is a big deal for you; what are your top hacks during pregnancy?

From food combining to supplements, what are your practices while pregnant?

Do you feel that eating right effects the way you feel?

What’s your morning routine both in real-life and pregnant-life?

How did you decide to launch MAED?

How do you manage MAED and being a mom?

Any advice…

What is your current state of mind?
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