Pregnancy and Postpartum – Living The M Life

Baby on Board

February 22, 2022by courtneyimadeLeave a Comment

I know it’s been quite some time since I’ve posted here; I took a break to focus on life with my three little tornados. But recently I shared an exciting family update to social media and wanted to share here as well. If you missed the update, we are expecting baby #4, and…IT’s A GIRL. I love being a boy mom, but after three amazing boys in a row we are definitely excited to welcome a little girl into our home. In this post I’ll be discussing how we found out and our reactions to the big news.

When my husband and I discussed the possibility of a 4th baby later we conceded that a fourth child would be our last and that we might very well end up with a fourth boy. With my third, we experienced some gender disappointment after we found out. Of course we embraced it anyways, and our youngest son is so loved by everyone in the family and I couldn’t imagine things any other way. After I found out I was pregnant earlier than expected with my fourth, I knew it would be foolish to get my hopes up too much for a girl and embraced the idea of either gender. But quickly after sharing the news with family we were bombarded with everyone’s hopes and wishes for a girl. I didn’t think I could take 20 weeks of that without knowing the gender, so I decided to find out early. I had seen some posts on social media about the Sneak Peek test and after googling it found out it was offered at my birth center (more on the birth center later). Sneak Peek is a non-diagnostic prenatal early fetal sex test. It is NOT the same as the NIPT test, it only determines the sex of the baby. There are two versions- an at home test, and a clinical test where blood is drawn in a lab or medical office. The at-home test had very mixed reviews for accuracy (apparently it’s very easy to contaminate the test at home) but the clinical version seemed to be VERY accurate. I had my blood drawn from my arm at my first appointment at the birth center at 12 weeks, and paid $150 for the test. I received my results a couple of days later via email.

When I received the email, my husband and I were both so nervous we were afraid to open it. When we finally clicked on the email and read girl we both screamed. My husband proceeded to run around the room and then call everyone in his family to share the news. I shared the news via FaceTime with my mom, stepdad and sister. We were so happy, but I was also afraid to fully believe it until it was later confirmed at my 20 week anatomy ultrasound. Now I’m in full prep mode for baby girl.

In my next post I’ll share how we’re preparing for a very different birth this time- at home! I hope you’ve been well.

Xo,

Courtney

Fave Products, Motherhood, Pregnancy and Postpartum

Life with 3 Under 3

January 5, 2020January 5, 2020by courtneyimadeLeave a Comment

My oldest son Mason just celebrated his third birthday on New Years Day so I can’t say I have three under three anymore. But the past three months have been interesting to say the least. I haven’t really talked much about the experience, so I wanted to start off the new year with a quick review of my experience so far and some of the challenges I had to overcome, because while there were plenty of special moments, it definitely wasn’t easy.

As you may know if you’ve read some of my previous posts, I didn’t have too difficult of a time transitioning from one kid to two because my middle child Myles was so incredibly easy going. But our new addition Maxwell was not so easy going in the beginning. About 2 weeks in, he developed what the pediatrician called “a touch of colic” which basically meant he would scream and cry all day and night if he wasn’t held, but he was usually perfectly content as long as he was in someone’s arms. If you’ve never dealt with colic, trust me it can be pretty stressful. And with two other toddlers to take care of, unfortunately holding Maxwell all day long was just not an option.

I got around this by “baby wearing” as much as I could. I used this inexpensive carrier (available on Amazon). It allowed me to keep my daily schedule with the other boys mostly the same. I also gave Maxwell Gerber Soothe probiotic drops at the advice of my pediatrician, and I do think they helped a little. From there we just waited it out.

Another huge challenge was sleep deprivation. Maxwell was up every 2 hours until very recently and it was hard to transition back into those sleepless nights again so soon. I divided up night shifts with my husband but we knew we would mostly just have to hang in there until he started sleeping longer stretches.

Breastfeeding and pumping around my toddlers was also challenging because they demanded so much of my attention during those times. Maxwell’s weight dropped a little after his birth and our pediatrician recommended that I supplement with formula until it rebounded. After that I made the decision to continue breastfeeding and supplementing (something I also did with Myles) so that I could give Maxwell the benefits of breastfeeding while also being able to make a quick bottle of formula if I couldn’t nurse him or pump around my toddlers during the day. I plan to continue doing this for the next few months at least.

But despite those challenges some things went really well. Mason and Myles handled the transition to being a family of five well. I can tell that Myles (who was 17 months at the time of Maxwell’s birth) has felt a little jealous at times, but because he’s so easygoing it hasn’t been much of an issue and I’ve tried to prioritize giving him individual attention. Mason was really excited and has been very sweet towards his little brother. Dealing with colic was new for me, but Maxwell’s general care was still easier this time around because I have experience. I also felt like he became a part of the fabric of our family very quickly.

Now that Maxwell is 3 months old the clouds have lifted and we’re not really dealing with colic anymore. Instead we get to see his super sweet personality forming, and I’m beginning to develop routines that align with Mason and Myles’ schedules. He’s even starting to have a more consistent bedtime, which means more “me time” and alone time with my hubby. And there are moments when I’m holding Maxwell and my other boys are snuggled up against me and I feel so blessed.

But during peak exhaustion I had considered getting a mother’s helper and strongly recommend that route if its a possibility for you and you need an extra pair of hands. But I waited so long to consider that option that now things are finally getting easier and I’m not sure if I want to use a mother’s helper. But I will keep you posted on what that’s like if I do.

I’m sure there are a lot of things I could discuss in more detail, but that’s a brief overview of my my life with three under three. I’m excited to see how the next year unfolds.

Xo,
Courtney

Millennial Life Advice, Motherhood, Pregnancy and Postpartum, Wellness

How to Survive the Fourth Trimester

November 18, 2019November 18, 2019by courtneyimadeLeave a Comment

I’m currently six weeks into my fourth trimester- the magical three month period after having a new baby when you’re recovering from childbirth and caring for a new human that’s still on womb central time. This is baby #3 but I’m still finding the fourth trimester to be a challenge at times. This time around I have the benefit of experience with juggling more than one baby, but still suffer from sleep deprivation and hormonal changes (among other things) just like any new mom. I feel so blessed to have my three boys, but going through the postpartum period three years in a row hasn’t been an easy task and I’ve learned a lot (and I’m still learning) as a result. Here are my top tips for surviving the fourth trimester:

Manage Your Expectations– Having a new baby can be a wonderful experience at times, and at other times you might feel caught off guard by how challenging things like sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, or caring for a fussy baby can be. It’s important to know that these experiences are normal and temporary, and seek support if you’re struggling with anything. Lean on family and friends for advice when you need it.

If your hospital or another resource in your community offers a new mom support group consider joining. Read books about the postpartum period. Join POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING mom groups online. I personally love reading updates from Lucie’s List and I read and post to a few mom groups on Facebook. You can never have too much support during this period. Hearing from others about what’s normal helps you manage your expectations when things feel tough.

Many times hormonal changes and sleep deprivation are the main culprits when new moms feel irritable or “off” but if you feel like things are more serious than that and you may be suffering from postpartum depression then don’t be afraid to seek help. Many women experience that too and your pediatrician or OB can get you started with resources that will help.

Prioritize Your Needs– People tend to prioritize the baby’s needs (this starts from day 1 in the hospital) but your needs are important too. The saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup definitely applies here. Ask for as much help as you want. Say no to any activities or visitors that feel draining.

Even simple activities like taking a shower and drinking a cup of coffee can be important rituals for a new mom. Invest in a bouncer or swing if you can so that you can put that cute baby down and take care of yourself when you’re on your own. The baby will be okay while you take a quick shower.

Also don’t neglect your nutrition, especially if you’re nursing. A healthy, balanced diet and lots of water are necessary to replenish your body after childbirth. You have to be the one in charge of your self-care.

Get As Much Sleep As You Can– Unless you’re blessed with a baby who’s a great sleeper from the start (it happens, I got that lucky with baby #2) this one is usually easier said than done. But getting more sleep usually starts with getting help at night if you can. Make your partner take a shift at night if possible. Even if you’re not going into work like your partner, you still have the important job of caring for a baby during the day.

They say sleep when the baby sleeps during the day, but it can be tough to choose between napping, getting work done, and just enjoying some time to yourself. And if you have more than one child then this is especially difficult. But if sleeping is an option, take it. Cleaning, cooking, your Instagram feed etc all can wait.

Get Out of the House– Sometimes when things feel tough or you’re just exhausted, you need a change of scenery. Taking the baby for a walk so that you can get some fresh air can lift your mood. Try to schedule a few fun activities out of the house with your partner or friends as well, but don’t overwhelm yourself.

The fourth trimester might feel never ending during the challenging moments, but before you know it your baby will have outgrown the newborn stage. There’s nothing like those sweet newborn snuggles, so remember to pause and soak in the sweetness whenever you can. Those are my top tips for surviving the fourth trimester. I’d love to hear your thoughts/advice in the comments!

Xo,

Courtney

Boy Moms, Motherhood, Pregnancy and Postpartum, Uncategorized

Welcome to the World Maxwell

October 7, 2019October 7, 2019by courtneyimade2 Comments

On Friday I welcomed my third little M into the world. Maxwell (aka Max) made his debut at 37 weeks. I thought this might be a good time to post a quick update on how we’re doing so far and share his birth story. Although things didn’t go exactly as planned, I had a safe delivery and I’m so grateful he’s here and healthy.

I started having very mild contractions on Thursday afternoon. I thought they were Braxton Hicks contractions and that I needed to hydrate and take a walk as my doctor had previously advised. I took my boys for a walk and they went away, but my intuition told me to start prepping for the hospital just in case that evening. Around 1 or 2 am they came back and were strong enough to wake me up, and by 4am they were intense but irregular. I knew to call my doctor once the contractions were 3 minutes apart so I timed them on my phone and gave him (and my mom) a call around 5 am. He told me to head to the hospital.

By the time I got there my contractions were very intense but still a few minutes apart and I figured I was close but still had a little while to go. Apparently it was a very busy birthing weekend at the hospital so I sat in triage for a while. When the on-staff doctor finally came in to check me she was shocked, I was already fully dilated and ready to go. She told me to avoid pushing no matter what and they scrambled to get me into a delivery room in time and get ahold of my actual doctor. Thankfully he made it in time, but coming in fully dilated meant that I didn’t have time for an epidural. I was pretty scared beforehand, I’ve never had a natural birth and wasn’t prepared for one this time. Pushing without an epidural was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but thankfully it was all over in about 8 minutes!

Since it was my third delivery I was discharged from the hospital the next day. We’re settling in and doing great, although I have to admit the first couple of nights have been tough. My second child was a great sleeper from the start, but so far Max is more like his oldest brother. Hopefully we get through this stage and into a routine quickly. Thankfully I have a lot of help right now- my husband, Mom, and sister are keeping my head on straight this week and my mother in law will be here on Sunday.

Maxwell is so sweet and adorable, I’m soaking up all the cuddle time I can get. And his brothers are showing a lot of interest in him. They keep rubbing his head and Mason has even been giving him a few kisses. I can’t wait to see the three of them playing together eventually.

I’ll be posting more updates on my experience with three under three here. Thanks to everyone who sent us well wishes!

Xo,

Courtney

Fashion and Beauty, Fave Products, Motherhood, Pregnancy and Postpartum

Style Inspo with Pink Blush + My Top Fall Fashion Tips

September 25, 2019September 25, 2019by courtneyimade2 Comments

*The top mentioned below was gifted by Pink Blush, but all opinions are my own.

Fall is without a doubt my favorite fashion season, and now that the season has officially started, I’m already starting to wear some of my favorite pieces. Feeling stylish while 36 weeks pregnant isn’t easy, but thankfully Pink Blush’s line of maternity clothes are comfortable and always on-trend. They’re really at the top of their class when it comes to making clothing that women actually want to wear to look and feel good during pregnancy.

One of my favorite pieces currently is the Striped V-neck Tie Front Maternity Top pictured above (and fyi, it comes in a non-maternity version that you can find here). It’s incredibly soft, accommodates my rapidly expanding bump perfectly, and works with a variety of looks. It also comes in black with white stripes. Here I styled it with denim, over the knee boots, and one of my signature hats for a casual yet on-trend look that’s perfect for grabbing a meal with friends.

You can easily style a date night look with this top by pairing it with black denim, heels or booties, and a moto jacket. Or turn it into a comfy casual look perfect for running errands or heading to the park by adding a pair of black joggers or leggings, tennis shoes, and a denim jacket. The possibilities are pretty endless, making this top a wardrobe staple. You can check out more cute and versatile tops from Pink Blush here.

I’m excited to continue wearing this piece and some of my other favorites throughout the season. Here are my top 5 tips for transitioning into a fall wardrobe:

Accessories are everything. This is the time to break out boots, hats, scarves, and jewelry. Simply adding on accessories really ramps up the style factor on any outfit.
Don’t be afraid to mix neutrals. Black, brown, beige, grey, and navy can all look amazing together.
Adopt a signature print. Leopard and plaid are popular choices for fall and look amazing, but so do stripes, florals etc. A signature print lets you mix and match simpler wardrobe staples without having to think too hard.
A pop of color is always refreshing. There are so many ways to incorporate a pop of color- lipstick, your nail polish, a bag, or your shoes are all easy ways to go bold when you’re wearing fall neutrals.
Make a statement with your outerwear. Once the temps cool down and you have to wear a jacket, you might as well make it one that immediately displays your chic sense of style. Moto jackets, trench coats, wrap coats, and teddy bear coats are some of my favorites.

What are your favorite fall clothing items? If you have any additional tips for transitioning into a fall wardrobe please share.

Xo,

Courtney

Fave Products, Motherhood, Pregnancy and Postpartum

What’s In My Hospital Bag- Round Three

September 11, 2019by courtneyimadeLeave a Comment

I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy (my due date is next month!) and I have my hospital bag packed early this time. During my second pregnancy I also packed early and it turned out to be a smart move because I spontaneously went into labor at 36 weeks. Now that I know what to expect, I’ve narrowed my hospital bag list to some essentials and a few comfort/splurge items (because at this point I feel like I deserve it). Hopefully this list helps another expecting/future mom out there, but if you’ve already gone through labor and delivery I’d love to hear about what you packed. A lot of these items can be ordered and delivered to you within a couple of days on Amazon. I think the most important thing to remember though is that the hospital will provide most of what you really need. Here is everything currently in my hospital bag:

Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Bras– I know I raved about Everlane’s tank bra in my previous post about my favorite maternity items, but I’ve been meaning to post an update. They were a God-send, pretty much until I hit third trimester. As my breasts continued to increase in size (and I haven’t even started breastfeeding yet) I started to experience spillage with the Everlane bras. They just aren’t big enough to accommodate my pregnancy/breastfeeding size, but I’m hoping to get some use out of them later after I’m done breastfeeding. While looking for an alternative, I came across the Kindred Bravely nursing bras and decided to give them a try. These bras are amazing! Not only are they incredibly soft but they’re also supportive. Even with pesky pregnancy hormones they don’t irritate me at all. I don’t experience any spillage and the straps always stay in place because of the racerback style. The Kindred Bravely website has a really helpful guide for choosing the right size. Just fyi, this particular style is meant for sleep/loungewear, so there’s no padding. I have two packed in my bag.

Emma + Ollie Postpartum Belly Wrap– This will be my first time using a belly wrap after pregnancy, but I’ve heard good things from friends about how the right wrap or girdle can offer support as your stomach (and other organs) settle back into place. I found this affordable option on Amazon and I’m looking forward to trying it out.

Motherhood Maternity Long Sleeve V-Neck Ruched Tee– I packed a maternity top and leggings for my going home outfit. Unfortunately a pregnant stomach does not go back down immediately after delivery (I usually look like I’m still several months pregnant) so maternity items will ensure that I’m comfortable when I leave. Motherhood Maternity’s ruched t-shirts are a great basic to have in your pregnancy wardrobe. They’re flattering and can work with a variety of looks.

Zella Mamasana Live In Maternity Ankle Leggings– I love these leggings because they suck in everything below the belly and they’re still comfortable because of the over-the-belly panel. I picked them up during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and have kept them in heavy rotation. I’m sure they will offer great support when I leave the hospital.

Stars Above Soft Notch Collar Nightgown– You should pack at least a couple of pairs of comfy pajamas that allow for easy breastfeeding. I love these pajama dresses from Target because they’re comfortable, nice enough to wear in front of guests if you want, and the neckline unbuttons easily for breastfeeding.

Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Socks, Lite Ribbed Robe, and Lite Circle Cardigan– I’m a huge fan of everything Barefoot Dreams makes. A couple of these items were splurges for me, but I really think this Oprah endorsed brand is amazing. The cardigan and robe are so incredibly soft and cozy and give me all the fall feels. It’s a good idea to pack a robe and slippers or cozy socks in case you want to walk around the hospital while you’re dressed in your delivery gown or to feel a little cozier in your room.

BabyBliss Reusable Bamboo Nursing Pads– It takes a few days for your milk to come in after birth, but before that you’ll produce colostrum (an important source of nutrients) for your baby. If you’ve already had a baby before the milk may come in faster. Once it does come in you will need nursing pads to absorb leaking milk in your bra. I’ve used disposable nursing pads in the past but prefer the reusable kind that I can just throw in the washing machine. This saves money and I think they’re more comfortable.

Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle– If you haven’t experienced childbirth yet I don’t want to gross you out, but things get very messy and if you have a vaginal birth you will be sore and may even need some stitches. The hospital provides all sorts of things to help you recover like ice packs, witch hazel, pads, and a plastic peri bottle to rinse yourself off every time you use the restroom (and they’ll send you home with a ton of extra supplies). A lot of women aren’t huge fans of the standard issue peri bottle though, and Frida Mom (the makers of the amazing Frida Baby products) came out with an upside down version that is supposed to be so much easier to use. A friend recently introduced me to the Frida Mom line and I can’t wait to try this.

Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear– And because things get messy after birth (think an extremely heavy version of your period) the hospital will provide disposable mesh underwear to wear with giant pads. Some women don’t like them but I actually think they’re pretty comfortable. The only problem is I always run out of them and then resort to using inexpensive Hanes briefs until the bleeding slows down (but there’s nothing wrong with using regular, comfortable underwear that you don’t mind ruining if you want). This time I plan to keep the stretchy comfort going a little longer with Frida Mom’s disposable underwear. They also make a variety of other postpartum products that I may order once I run out of my stockpile from the hospital.

Headbands and hair ties- I’ll probably stick to simple buns while I’m in the hospital so I packed a few hair supply essentials.

Toiletries- I also packed the essentials like a toothbrush, deodorant, etc. The hospital will also provide some basic toiletries but you may prefer to have your own. Some women like to bring their own towels for comfort too but I always leave mine at home.

Makeup- If you like to wear makeup it’s a good idea to bring some along for pictures and/or visits with family and friends. Putting on a little makeup always makes me feel more put together after birth.

Electronics and entertainment – I packed a phone charger, and if you have an Ipad you may want to download a few of your favorite shows or movies on that, or bring a book or two for entertainment.

Boppy Nursing Pillow– Boppies make certain breastfeeding positions more comfortable by providing extra support as you hold the baby. I used mine often the last time I was in the hospital, and they make great infant loungers later on.

Aden + Anais Stroller Blanket– The hospital will provide everything you need for the baby while you’re there, including clothing, diapers, pacifiers, and blankets for swaddling (and let you take a lot home). But you may want to bring something personal to drape over the baby in the car seat when you leave. I like Aden + Anais because they make high-quality muslin products and muslin fabric is breathable and therefore gives me peace of mind.

Going home outfit for baby- You’ll also need an outfit for the baby when you leave, although you can usually dress the baby in clothing you brought the entire time if you want. I usually pack 1-2 going home outfits.

That’s everything in my hospital bag! I’d love some feedback, is there anything I missed? If you’ve gone through labor and delivery in a hospital what items were you glad you packed and what do you wish you had left at home?

Xo,

Courtney

Fashion and Beauty, Fave Products, Motherhood, Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pre-Fall Inspiration + 5 Fun Things to do with Your Kids in the DMV Area Next Month

September 1, 2019by courtneyimade2 Comments

*The sweater below was gifted by Pink Blush but all opinions are my own.

I’m currently 29 weeks into my pregnancy and attempting to have a pretty low-key summer, but my family and I do have a lot on our agenda for August. I’m already thinking ahead to fall though, and I love that we’ll be transitioning to fall next month. I can’t wait for cozy sweaters, warm lattes, changing leaves etc in addition to the fact that I’m excited about having a fall baby this year.

Speaking of cozy sweaters…I’m no stranger to the Pink Blush brand (I’ve worn their clothing in all three of my pregnancies and they also have non-maternity clothing for women) but they recently gifted me with this gorgeous and very on-trend leopard print maternity cardigan, and gave me the perfect opportunity to start thinking about my pre-fall wardrobe. I love that the leopard print is both bold and neutral, you can easily pair it with a variety of items in a neutral color palette. It’s also incredibly soft and I can’t wait to get cozy in it both before and after the baby comes. You can shop the cardigan here.

Other items at the top of my pre-fall list include hats (they instantly add a dose of style to any outfit), open toe booties for the summer to fall transition, and denim.

Another thing I’m excited about is taking my kids to do fun activities as the weather starts to cool down next month. I can’t say I’ll miss these 90+ degree temps. Here are 5 fun activities to do with kids in the DMV area in September:

Visit a farm- I love taking my boys to farms. Wide open spaces, fresh air, animals, and delicious fresh food are perfect for families with small children. Some farms even have elaborate outdoor play spaces. A few of my favorites are Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA) Cox Farms (Centreville, VA), Miller Farms (Clinton, MD) and Braehead Farm (Fredericksburg, VA- worth a trip for families who live in the Stafford area). The Cox Farms Fall Festival also starts September 14.
Visit the zoo- The Smithsonian National Zoo’s free admission makes it a great choice for families, and visits are much more enjoyable when the heat isn’t unbearable.
Attend a Washington Nationals home game- Another activity that’s great when the sun isn’t beating down on you is attending a baseball game. The stadium has a great selection of food, fun family theme nights, and places you in close proximity to other DC area attractions.
Attend the Prince George’s County Fair (Sept 5-8, Upper Marlboro, MD)- who doesn’t love a good carnival? Find more info here.
Visit a Museum- DC has a number of amazing museums with free entry every day, but take advantage of Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day to visit a handful that normally charge an entry fee on September 21. You can download tickets here starting August 15.

Do you have any recommendations for fun things to do with kids in the DMV area this fall? I also travel a lot and would love to hear about activities in Hampton Roads, NYC, and other areas. What are you looking forward to the most about fall?

Xo,

Courtney

Millennial Life Advice, Motherhood, Pregnancy and Postpartum, Wellness

Body Positivity After Pregnancy

July 26, 2019by courtneyimadeLeave a Comment

I recently thought about the fact that I have been pregnant every year since 2016 in the process of having three kids. This has not been easy on my body. Pregnancy has its beautiful, magical moments, but my body has also cycled through hormonal changes, weight gain and loss, and breastfeeding for the past four years. That much constant change can take a mental toll, and I do have some days when I’m not feeling my most confident, days when I look back at pre-pregnancy pictures a bit wistfully despite the fact that I have always had a short, curvy figure. But for the most part I have always been ok with giving myself time and have never felt the pressure to “bounce back” right away.
This hasn’t been an easy attitude to maintain, because we live in a society that is image obsessed, and for many people being thin is the most important marker of good physical and mental health. There have been countless times that well-meaning friends or family have casually referenced me “getting my body back” after the babies in conversation, and I know other women who have recently had children who feel pretty down about their bodies. I really believe this is an attitude we need to challenge.
People are starting to talk more openly about the immense mental and emotional challenges motherhood can bring, and the isolation many women feel, thanks in part to social media and a recent push for better maternal health care. I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of this subject. My own experience was that the transition to motherhood for the first time was tough. Hormones, surviving on very little sleep, and learning to cope with being responsible for another human’s well-being 24/7 really put me through the ringer. Thankfully I had an easier time when I transitioned to being a mom of two, but every pregnancy and every baby is different. For me, focusing on being in a good place mentally has always been vastly more important than bouncing back physically. I know that I can’t be the kind of mother I’d like to be if I’m not in a great mental or emotional state, and there’s time for everything else to happen later.
But I also know that prioritizing your mental health looks different for everyone. And for some people their mental and physical progress are linked. I would challenge women to think about what they really need postpartum, not what they feel pressured to want. If being in a certain clothing size will really make you feel happier and more confident, then by all means prioritize it (safely) postpartum. If being physically fit gives you the endorphins that make it easier to thrive in this experience, then work out as much as you can! But if trying to fit others’ expectations of what your body should look like, or trying to adhere to someone else’s timeline for when a woman should “bounce back” only adds to your stress, then let go of that and focus on what you really need. Don’t let anyone define your postpartum experience for you.
The time it takes to lose weight can also vary from person to person, and there are many factors that go into it. Some women shed weight naturally while breastfeeding. I am not one of those lucky women, I actually think its a bit harder for me to lose weight while breastfeeding. My personal goals after having my baby include prioritizing healthy eating, drinking lots of water, and working out when I can until I gradually increase my workouts over time. My goals don’t include focusing on any specific numbers, whether they’re on a scale or a clothes tag. That’s what I need to support myself in the best way possible. After having a baby you should be focused on the amazing things that your body accomplished and continues to accomplish. Women are really incredibly powerful.
What are your tips for dealing with body image issues? And if you’re a Mom, how did you feel about your body during or after pregnancy? Are you pro dieting postpartum? Let me know in the comments.

Xo,

Courtney

Fashion and Beauty, Fave Products, Motherhood, Pregnancy and Postpartum

My All-Time Favorite Clothing/Accessories for Pregnancy and Beyond

June 8, 2019June 9, 2019by courtneyimade3 Comments

I’m currently at the 20 week mark of my pregnancy. That means we’re officially halfway to our new adventure. Actually I’m probably a little more than halfway- my babies have a tendency to come a bit early. Mason made his debut at 38 weeks and Myles made his at 36 weeks. I’m praying I make it to 37 weeks just to be safe and also taking progesterone to help my chances. With my first pregnancy I didn’t really start showing (in an obvious way) until almost third trimester. With my second and third pregnancies my baby bump made a much earlier appearance. That means I’m already reaching for some of my favorite pregnancy items.

Below I’ve listed some of my absolute favorite accessories (and a couple of must-have clothing items) for pregnancy and beyond.

Everlane Tank Bra

During my first pregnancy all of the hormonal changes left me feeling like I had barbed wire strapped to my chest when I wore bras. I tried switching to wireless bras and nursing bras from maternity stores but I never found anything that was truly comfortable, especially when I had a dramatic increase in cup size (c cup pre-pregnancy to DDD during breastfeeding).

I had pretty much given up on ever feeling comfortable in a bra again until I tried Everlane’s tank bra. It’s so soft and lightweight I barely feel like I’m wearing anything, even with pesky pregnancy hormones. It’s shaped like a sports bra, but has the effortlessness of a bralette, and the low cut is very flattering. Unfortunately, this may not be a great bra for work (there is no padding whatsoever) but it’s perfect for lounge, sleep, and weekend wear. I’ll definitely be wearing these bras well past my pregnancy.

Ingrid & Isabel Bellaband

I honestly loathe buying maternity jeans and pants. They’re very comfortable, but they can often be a bit of an investment considering the short amount of time you’ll be wearing them, and it’s not always easy to find styles that are as flattering as your pre-pregnancy jeans. A bellaband makes life easier by allowing you to wear your pre-pregnancy jeans much longer. Just keep your jeans unbuttoned and put the bellaband over your waistband. It looks like you’re simply wearing a tank layered under your shirt. You can find the original here and a less expensive version at Target.

Dwell and Slumber Caftan

Dwell and Slumber has a cult following for a reason. Their caftans make the perfect hospital gown. I changed into mine right after my delivery with Myles and got so many compliments during my hospital stay. They’re incredibly comfortable and easy to wear without the structure and fussiness of a traditional dress, and they’re more stylish than the standard issue hospital gown. They accommodate a baby bump or postpartum belly perfectly, and the bust unsnaps for easy breastfeeding. During those late nights that turn into early mornings with a new baby, I was so grateful to have these caftans to throw on. You can also belt them and throw on some cute accessories for a casual daytime boho look.

Bably Baby Diaper Backpack

When I was in college, I spent one summer babysitting a two-year old boy. His mom had a gorgeous floral Vera Bradley diaper bag that really stuck with me. When I became a mother I celebrated this transition with my own Vera Bradley diaper bag, but it didn’t work out for me. While some people may love it I found it a bit too heavy and cumbersome to work as a shoulder bag. And then when my second son arrived I quickly ran out of room in that bag and other traditional diaper bags that I tried. I transitioned to a diaper backpack, and liked being hands free much better, but I ran out of room in that as well ( clearly I need a lot of stuff for two boys who are 18 months apart).

Not long after I found out about my third pregnancy I went into panic mode thinking about how I would tote around all of the things two toddlers and a baby would need. I started researching as many bags and backpacks as possible, trying to find one that would be large enough and organized enough to accomodate my growing family. I found the answer to my prayers in the Bably Baby Diaper Backpack. Not only is it large, but it’s also extremely organized and has a lot of cool features for a very reasonable price. I love it so much I recently featured it in my Instagram stories. Some of the highlights include 4 insulated drink holders, a wipe dispenser, a tablet slot, packing cubes, a changing pad, a wet bag, and built in stroller clips. You can find this backpack on the Bably Baby website and on Amazon.

ToteSavvy

If a diaper bag or backpack isn’t your thing, you can stick with a regular tote bag and turn it into a diaper bag with a totesavvy insert. There are different sizes, and the inserts feature a variety of pockets and a changing pad. I know these are a popular addition to luxe totes like the LV Neverfull, but they can work with almost any tote bag. I personally love Everlane’s tote bags. They’re made from buttery leather and are chic and minimal.

Adidas Casual Sneakers

A chic casual sneaker is a must when you’re going to be pushing a stroller around or running after small children. I love Adidas because they’re comfortable, perfect for running errands or taking my kids out, and stylish. Two of my favorites are the Gazelles and Pharrel Williams’ Tennis Hus.

Those are some of my favorite items for pregnancy, postpartum, and life in general. What are your must-haves or gifts that you know another Mom really appreciated?

Xo,

Courtney