As my son’s 5th birthday approaches, I have to stop and wonder where has the time gone? It has been five years of change, growth, challenge, and laughter above all. When I was pregnant with my son, I worried about what kind of mother I would be. Would I be the disciplinarian, the fun and cool mom, the teacher, or the helicopter mom? It turns out in these past five years, I have managed to be all of the above.
I have grown and learned so much in the past five years. Who would have thought this little boy would have taught me more about myself than I ever could? The trials and tribulations of motherhood are ones that are ever-evolving. When my son was 7 days old, he developed a rash all over his face. The doctor had called it “contact dermatitis.” I immediately thought that I was the worst mom for letting my brand new baby get this rash all over his beautiful, brand new face. I feared it would scab and scar his face. That is enough to put a brand new, first-time mom into post-partum anxiety. I was nervous and fearful of anyone holding him that it would happen to him again. I was pushed and shoved out of my comfort zone anytime we brought him around people. I feared that if it happened once, that it would happen again. Helicopter mom to the rescue! As he got older, that fear very slowly went away.
Then we start pre-school which, if I couldn’t any more helicopter-ish, I then became the stalker-atzi of my son in pre-school two days a week. Because I am a teacher myself, I was never able to drop my son off or pick him up so that job went mostly to my mom. God bless her! I don’t know how she managed to drop off my son who without fail would cry at every single drop-off. I never understood why he cried until he became old enough to express himself and tell me why he cried at every drop-off.
When he was 3, we sent him to a new preschool where he instantly became comfortable and had the most loving teachers. As if I wasn’t the helicopter mom already, this time, my sister worked in the same school that my son was now attending. Each day around 9 a.m., she would just walk by his classroom, and update me that he was happy or playing or engaging with the other children. Those updates were all that I needed to ensure that my son was happy and thriving in his new school. This too has changed me as a teacher. I never realized the longing that I had to hear how my son’s day was and what he did. I then started a weekly “newsletter” highlighting all of the wonderful things we were doing in my classroom so that my parents of my students knew what we were doing and could then have those dinner time conversations with their children about what they were learning and what they would be working on next.
Cue the start of being in pre-school and all of the sicknesses that went along with it. We have had the stomach bug, common colds, ear infections, RSV, bronchitis, the flu, seasonal allergies, and lastly, pneumonia. I tried every vitamin and immune booster that was on market. When I was at the pediatrician’s office weekly, I figured I was being judged on my parenting. But thankfully, my son’s pediatrician, who was my pediatrician as a child assured me that this was all normal as my son’s immune system began its journey that it would get better by the time he was in grade school.
Now if things couldn’t have become any crazier, in comes the COVID-19 virus which is when I truly learned more about my son, myself, and our family dynamic. We were immediately forced into working from home and spending a lot of time together. My husband was working from home on his own zoom calls and meetings, I was teaching remotely, and my son had his own zoom meetings and work to do in Pre-K. While this time was one that was isolating at times, I wouldn’t trade that time with my little family for anything in the world. There were days that life was stressful, but having my son and husband home with me every day was truly a blessing. Being able to teach my son his letters and how to write his name was a time that I will never forget. In that time, I became the disciplinarian for everyone to get their work done and stay the course. I was the teacher-mom making sure that my son didn’t fall behind all while trying to make sure that 21 of my students weren’t losing any of their instructional time. I was the fun and cool mom because I was able to spend that time with my son and be outside with him whether it was riding bikes, swinging on the swings, or swimming in the pool. The time spent with my family during that time is a time that I truly cherish and makes me realize that there is nothing more important than family.
My name is Melissa. I am a mom to an incredible 5 year old boy. My husband, my son, and I live in the same town that I grew up in. In those 5 years of being a mom, I have learned a lot about myself and can't wait to share it with you.
It’s a boy—and another boy and a girl! First-time North American river otter parents Elva and Dragonroll just welcomed triplets at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin.
Montello, Fisher, and Lily made their grand debut Feb. 15. The zoo recently announced the birth on its Facebook and Instagram pages, noting that the river otter pups are currently hanging with their equally as adorable mama. Head to their social pages to see a photo of the adorable threesome!
According to the Henry Vilas Zoo, river otter moms have the sole responsibility of raising their newborn pups. This means the triplets won’t meet dad, Dragonroll, until they are around six to eight weeks old and can swim.
Zoo manager Johanna Soto told WMTV, “We are beyond excited to welcome these pups. Soto continued, “Triplets can be demanding, especially for a first-time mom, but Elva has been doing great and they have been growing at a very health rate from day one.”
While Dragonball is currently out and about at the Zoo, guests won;t get to glimpse the baby river otter awesomeness until sometime in late May.
The baby industry is constantly evolving, and it’s because there are some amazing women at the helm. From vegan accessories and revolutionary feeding gear, to back-saving baby carriers, mom inventors are changing the face of what it means to manage the newborn and infant stage. Keep scrolling to see our favorite baby gear products that will have you saying, “oh baby!”
Skin-to-Skin Bonding: Bonsie
Mom of two and former clinical social worker, Anna Turcotte knows the benefits of skin-to-skin contact between babies and caregivers. With her experience, she set out to create babywear that encouraged skin-to-skin contact but also kept babies comfortable. Bonsie, a combination of "bonding" and "onesie" was born! Each onesie is made with double-layered flaps connected by an ultra-soft hook and loop fastener. Once the two flaps are open, baby's chest and belly are fully exposed for skin-to-skin connection. Parents can shop in sizes ranging from newborn to 9 months in comfy bamboo and cotton blends.
Safe Sleeping: Swaddle Sleeves by Two Baby Bears Co.
Umma Shekhani and her daughter loved swaddles, but when it came time to transition out of the original style, they weren't having much luck. All the options kept her too warm or offered just a little too much freedom. In a moment of desperation, Umma sketched and sewed the first version of Swaddle Sleeves, gently weighted sleeves that offer comfort. Since then, Swaddles Sleeves has expanded to even more products that include swaddle pods, sleep sacks, and footie pajamas. Products come with double zippers for quick changes and non-weighted "Mitten Sleeves" that can be worn when weighted sleeves aren't needed.
Healthynest: EWG-Verified Diapers, Cleaning, Skincare and More
Tonje Thilesen
Founded in the Fall of 2020 by Shazi Visram (she’s also the founder of Happy Family Organics and mom to a 10-year-old son and five-year-old daughter), Healthynest is the first brain-forward brand for expectant and new parents to navigate their baby’s developmental health. What does that mean exactly? To start, Healthynest pairs products with science-backed enrichment activities to help parents navigate raising kids starting from day one. So while you place an order for the first-ever EWG-Verified diaper, EWG-Verified cleaning system and EWG-Verified Skincare system, you can also learn how to introduce texture to babies or discover if your tap water is safe to drink thanks to Healthynest’s tutorials and videos.
As a mom of two, Sara Parant was frustrated with all the buttons, zippers and snaps that came on infant clothes. Realizing tons of other parents felt the same way, she set out to design a no-snap onesie that would change the way we dress and change babies. Peasy Co. grew and developed a full line of sustainable, progressive infant basics. The company provides comfort for babes and super quick diaper changes, using hypoallergenic, quick-trying, anti-microbial and breathable fabric.
Amber Thibaut grew up as the daughter of a Maui waterman, which connected her strongly to the island culture. Late one night while nursing her son, she realized the blanket she reached for held no special meaning or connection to Hawaii, which embodied arts, tradition and community. That night, Coco Moon was born. Now, Thibaut's brand specializes in buttery-soft baby goods that are all inspired by memories of a childhood in Hawaii. Parents can shop island-inspired quilts, security and throw blankets, swaddles and clothing with whimsical prints and the softest materials.
Taeler Horak was a first time mom and she already despised trying to snap baby clothes in the middle of the night. Armed with her great grandmother's sewing machine, she set out to make the first ankle to ankle zippered baby romper. When local moms began asking for custom orders, Horak knew she was on to something. After creating her own website, rebranding and a soft launch on Facebook, Zipease, LLC was born. The female-owned and run business now employs four more women who make the company's entire inventory in house.
After having her second child and returning to work, Krystal Nicole Duhaney struggled with her milk supply like many moms. As a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant she knew there were not enough resources for breastfeeding mothers and wanted to come up with a solution for low milk supply. Using her medical background, Duhaney came up with a milk-making cookie recipe and in November of 2015, Milky Mama was born! Today, Milky Mama's product line includes Lactation Cookies, Brownies, Emergency Brownies, Tropical Iced Tea, Lactation LeMOOnade, Lactation Smoothie Mix, and Herbal Supplements. In addition to offering products, the company also facilitates weekly Facebook chats and a lactation support group so women can come alongside each other in support.
Towards the end of her maternity leave, Becca Davidson's mom offered to watch her daughter once a week. Her mom was really looking forward to spending some quality time with her new granddaughter, but soon realized that because of some arthritis in her thumb, she wasn't able to press the red button hard enough to release the buckle on the carseat. After realizing that a federal regulation required 9 pounds of pressure to release the button for safety reasons, Davidson and her mom set out find a solution. As an Occupational Therapist, Davidson's mother created a tool using splint material, which used leverage to reduce the force needed to unbuckle, and UnbuckleMe was born!. The duo refined the design, ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, attended dozens of events, acquired patents and continues to spread awareness.
Susan Bortone's two kids were never good sleepers. They loved to snuggle and always wanted a soft toy to hold but Bortone never wanted to leave an unsafe toy in the crib, which meant they would wake often looking for their lovey. After trying every sleep trick in the book, she started sketching and making a protoype that combined the security of a sleep sack and a safe toy all in one. When her daughter tried it for the first time, shel slept through the night! Now, Snuggy Buddy is in production and taking pre-orders for the breathable sleep snack made from muslin with a weighted butterfly with soft plush wings stitched at chest level. In addition to providing a safe sleep experience, Snuggy Buddy is also partnering with a charity, donating fabric for them to make blankets for babies in need.
Beth Fynbo was tired of the "toddler toss," when littles keep throwing things on the floor or putting their mouth on germy restaurant tables. In response, she created the Busy Baby Mat, a food-grade silicone placemat that firmly sticks on just about any surface including shopping cart handles, floors and tables. The innovative silicone tethers attach to toys to keep them in arms reach and the placemat is perfect for eating, and even drawing on!
Bekah Marsden didn't love when her baby’s bibs or changing mats got stained and gross. As a mom, she set out to create a product that would stand the test of time and look stylish while doing it. That's when she came up with vegan leather bibs and changing mats for her site, Bek & Jet. The amazingly soft products can be easily wiped down after each use––no more stains!
Mom of three Dahlia Rizk was sick and tired of wrestling her kids in and out of coats when it came time to getting into the car seat. She imagined a time when zippers weren't in the middle of coats and then instant excitement came! Rizk applied for a patent and some time later, the world’s first and only car seat-safe winter coat was born. Her genius design means that car seat straps and harnessed go under the coats and not on top, and are crash tested. They passed the first time around! Buckle Me Baby Coats are evaluated by CPSTs, first responders, and EMTs too but her "biggest experts are the kids who love not having coats forced off and on them all the time and parents who love having one less thing to worry about!"
While on a family vacation, Carla Schneider’s infant son could not be consoled. When his pacifer wouldn't stay in his mouth, the mom grabbed the hotel sewing kit and sewed her son’s favorite stuffed toy to a pacifier. Instantly he was comforted, and this was the start of WubbaNub. Twenty years later Schneider still owns and operates the brand while remaining true to her original mission: "Comforting and soothing one baby at a time while raising funds and awareness surrounding illnesses that afflict newborns."
Tammy Rant and Sara Azadi created TushBaby out of complete necessity. Back and hip pain led them to question: was there a better way to carry their kids? When traditional carriers didn't work, the idea to create a strapless baby carrier was born. After pitching their idea on Shark Tank, Tushbaby has taken off, finding a market in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The memory-lined seat comes with extra storage for essentials, and is perfect for any caregivers, from mom and dad to grandparents!
Lisa Sutherland and Kiyah Duffy are moms with seven kids between them. Both women have Ph.D.’s in nutrition and a shared passion for food, creativity and an interest in helping little ones learn to feed themselves. They knew what parents could do to help kids succeed at mealtime and learn to love eating healthy foods but didn't see the right tools to help them do that. Kizingo spoons work with the way young children hold and use utensils, making it easier for them to bring the food from their plate to their mouth! Why is this important? Kids who can feed themselves are less likely to overeat and less likely to become picky eaters because they retain control over mealtime.
When Natalie Riley's daughter was young and riding in a stroller, inevitably, she would demand to be carried. Natalie always ended up carrying her daughter in one arm and pushing the empty set of wheels with the other. The same goes for hiking—Natalie found herself carrying her daughter in her arms with an empty baby transporter on her back. She needed a tiny baby carrier that she could carry in her pocket or use as a purse while her daughter is walking, and so Tady—a baby carrier that can support up to 60 lbs and easily converts into a diaper bag—was born.
Give your babe a leg up in the sleep department with Bumbershoots by Nana. These oh-so-soft sleep sacks are designed and hand sewn by Judy Carr (aka Nana), a grandmother who works out of her Maryland studio using patterns she has made and refined over time. Bumbershoots by Nana was born when her grandson was transitioning out of a swaddle and into a sleep sack. Judy noticed that even more expensive sacks seemed cheaply made and didn't wear well. In part due to her grandmotherly love, and in part due to her entrepreneurial spirit, Judy decided to fix that problem—her high-quality, reverse-lined sleep sacks are functional (they hold up extremely well to machine washes and everyday use) and fun (check out their designs here). Fun fact: Bumbershoots by Nana stocks multiples in each size, but is also able to produce 30 or so a week without assistance.
Lizzy Ellingson co-founded Blueprint Registry after experiencing her own frustrations with traditional wedding registries. She wanted a more fun, visual process—and it turns out she wasn't the only one. After having her first baby, she discovered that the baby registry world had the same problems and so she expanded Blueprint's platform into a baby registry with the goal of helping to educate new moms along the way. New parents can not only rest easy knowing Blueprint has the lowest credit card processing fee in the industry, but they can also shop from a visual blueprint of their nursery and add gifts from any retailer to their registry to fit their needs.
Julie Wilson and Amy Livingston founded Cheeky Chompers while on maternity leave after their first babies were born. They noticed a gap in the market for a teether that attached to a baby and that’s when the innovative Neckerchew was born! What’s a Neckerchew? It’s a highly absorbent, reversible cotton dribble bib with a silicone teether integrated right into the design. After the success of the Neckerchew, they went on to invent the Comfortchew, Chewy the attachable sensory hippo teether, the Cheeky Blanket, the organic MultiMuslin (it’s a nursing cover, stroller cover, teether, burp cloth, swaddle and blanket all in one) and the Muslin Comforter. These two mamas and their innovative thinking are streamlining the world of baby gear.
When TWELVElittle baby bags came on the scene, new moms everywhere sighed with relief. Stylish, practical (read: wipeable) diaper bags and accessories that feel designer-worthy without the outrageous price tag. Mom and designer Julia Min founded TWELVElittle to simplify and elevate new mom style. And she's succeeded! In addition to diaper bags and backpacks that you'll be toting around long after they are potty-trained, they also make backpacks for kids, smaller bags for storage (we love this striped bag trio) and the popular 12 LITTLE WONDERS dangles, inspired by the Chinese zodiac and made to customize any bag.
For any mom who has ever pumped for their nursing babes, you know how precious every drop can be. When her son Henry was born in 2008, Helen Anderson was working as an ER nurse and still breastfeeding. So she came up with a business, Milkies, and a product to help save time and make sure not a drop of the liquid gold was lost: Milk-Saver. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that leaks in between nursing or pumping (you know what we mean).
We’re pretty sure that Ayesha Curry doesn’t sleep. Not only is she a mother of two beautiful kiddos and wife of Golden State all-star Stephen Curry, but she also’s a cookbook author, hosts her own show on the Food Network, Ayesha’s Homemade, and is the co-founder of the recently launched Cheeky Baby. Partnered with Cheeky Kids, this line of reusable, high-quality plastic and silicone dinnerware products are designed just with little ones in mind. They help foster independence at meal-time with trainer and sippy cups, feeding spoons, traditional baby cutlery, and even a line of self-feeding cutlery; non-slip bowls and more, all with whimsical-but-chic patterns and animal characters. And if you need one more reason to love this woman, for every Cheeky Baby item purchased, a meal will be donated to a child in need through No Kid Hungry.
Catherine Merritt has been a long-time supporter of moms: she’s the genius behind MUMZY, the first and only crowdfunding platform for moms. Catherine sold MUMZY last year and is on to her newest venture, Finnbin. Co-founded with Shawn Bercuson (entrepreneur and superdad), Finnbin brings the Finnish tradition to the U.S. for the first time ever. What is a Finnbin? It’s a cardboard box full of newborn items, including bibs, bedding, clothing, a swaddle, bath essentials and more. The best part? The box can actually be used as baby’s first bed. Don’t believe us? The Finns have been doing this for more than 80 years! We love these self-contained boxes that pair down the clutter and focus on what you need for your new arrival, so you can focus on baby! “To play a role in providing the peace of mind to new parents is such an incredible feeling as an entrepreneur and a fellow mom,” says Catherine.
Maya Shalev, founder of Grabease is a problem solver. As a busy lawyer, mediator and mother of three, she experienced all of the typical frustrations of parenting, including watching her little one repeatedly not be able to hold on to the spoon when trying to self-feed. So, she invented a better product: grabease utensils ($14.95), available on Amazon. These adorable fork and spoon sets are squat enough that tiny hands can grasp and control with ease, plus they are safer than regular "toddler" flatware: the handle is ergonomically designed and there's a choke barrier. It comes in several colors (including dark gray, teal, orange and white), and you can even grab a handy carrying pouch that tucks into your diaper bag or purse. The best part? It helps them develop motor skills right before your eyes. BPA free. Grabease also recently launched a 2 in 1 silicone spoon + teether, a double-sided toothbrush that helps helps with baby and toddler oral care and an all-over bib that helps to make the dinner mess less stressful.
You love all the notes and stick-figure drawings, but it doesn’t take long for paper to take over your house. That’s why moms Karla “neatnick” the Losen and Jennifer organization queen” McAllister-Nevins got together and invented The Keepsake Box by Savor, designed to help you keep treasures and cull the chaos. There are two versions: The Library: Baby Keepsake Box and The Library: School Years Keepsake Box. Each box includes a handcrafted, book cloth case; pre-categorized labels; 9 drawers for tiny things and 8 vertical files (baby version) or 16 vertical files (school years); a birthday survey for yearly highlights and more. It’s like scrapbooking without the scrapbooking. Everything is contained, sleek and easy to browse through so you can walk down memory lane anytime. As an added bonus, they look cute on the shelf. Stop shoving those things in a bin and start organizing your treasures! Prices start at $69.95.
I always wanted to have kids, I always dreamed of being a mother and having a family one day, but the reality versus the vision of motherhood and family life are so drastically different it is kind of comical.
Here are a few pros and cons from my experience as a first time mom, so please read very carefully if you are thinking about venturing down this path of parenthood!
I would like to start by saying that my mom always used to tell me that God erases your “memory” of the pregnancy and the first years of having child, because if you remembered no one would ever expand their family or recommend it. I would always laugh at her and tell her she was crazy, but I now know that this is true. The conversation has come up in our family about having another child (not now, but just in the future), and I literally already think I have forgotten how hard the pregnancy was and how hard those first few months are, but am definitely still on the fence. (maybe he hasn’t erased mine yet)
Thankfully for this article, I remember enough to share some insight.
The reality of becoming a parent is that it is REALLY FREAKING HARD! So the “cons” or downsides are just realities that aren’t necessarily cons, just realities you must accept as a part of the process and be good to go with it. I will start with the cons and finish with the pros so we an end on a positive note.
I will be speaking from a women’s point of view, as many of the cons of becoming a mother simply come from just the physiological hardships of bearing a child.
For some pregnancy is bliss, you glow, you have infinite bounds of light and excitement in anticipation for your beloved baby. You relish in the anticipation and love the process of putting together the nursery, picking out names and watching your body transform.
The reality of pregnancy for many is pure exhaustion. I could barely function in the early months, my face broke out, my back felt like it broke, I gained 70 pounds (YES 70!!!) 40 in the first three months. I was an emotional wreck. No wine and really no wine for like a year cause the first three months are so exhausting having a glass of wine is just pointless. Did I say my back hurt? I mean the last month walking became unbearable and I was placed on bed rest.
Breastfeeding, one of the hardest things I have ever done! I support all women no matter what they choose – breastfeeding or formula, but I did give breastfeeding a try. The beautiful pictures you see of women breastfeeding their child and the connection and nutrition factors sold me, until every time I breastfed I sat there sobbing because of the excruciating pain I was in. My boobs had quadrupled in size and nipples were cracked and often times bleeding. About a month in I found out my daughter had an upper tongue tie, so I just ended up pumping for the next few months. Which again is another experience, I could have gone without.
Just reminiscing about how painful my c-section recovery was and how much pain my back and breasts were in makes me want to cringe. I can’t speak to actual labor, but I can imagine from what I have seen and heard that it is likely just as painful as the following days/weeks were for me since I had to have a cesarean. I think the hardest part about the pregnancy and preparing for parenthood is you can read up and plan, but sometimes things just happen differently. I prepared for natural labor, not a c-section, but I should have done some more research. Not going to lie when the Dr. said we were going to have to have a c-section after 32 hours of labor, I was relieved.
From my point of view as far as the pregnancy and the first few months are concerned there can’t be many cons from a man’s point of view. I mean besides the fact they have to support their wife throughout all of the above. Once the baby is born though, I would love to hear pros/cons from a man’s point of view, cause that is where your role as dad really kicks in high gear! Once you get through the physical hardships of pregnancy, breastfeeding woes and survive the first few months on literally ZERO sleep, you have a moment where you look down at your beautiful baby and you just sigh in awe. You and your partner have created a human being and it is the most amazing feeling that you will ever have in your whole entire life. There is nothing like it. Period.
Here are some of the Pros.
Once it becomes yours, your world just changes, your views change and everything that once mattered just honestly doesn’t matter as much as your son or daughter. As hard as everything was/is, I would still have another one, because having a child and literally birthing another human being is one of the most amazing and rewarding things anyone can do. Once the physical speed bumps of the pregnancy subside, be prepared to not sleep for likely the next five years (so I have heard), prepare to be spit up on, thrown up on, hit, bitten, hair pulled, pooped and peed on and the list of “cons” could continue, but the moment that child falls asleep on your chest or looks into your eyes all of those experiences all of a sudden become worth it.
Seeing the first smile, hearing the first laugh, watching your baby mold into a little human and seeing the facial features develop and seeing you or your partner in him or her, there is just nothing that you could have experienced previously to understand what that feels like.
I sometimes just stare at my daughter and it literally brings me to tears because she just makes living and life so much better. I had a purpose before in life, but now I REALLY have a purpose, I have someone counting on me. You honestly begin to hold yourself to a higher standard in life, the way you act or react becomes different because someone is watching you.
To me the reward of having a child and all the moments and life changing feelings and experiences you go through as a parent (mom and / or a dad) make the sacrifices / “cons” beyond worth it. My daughter is about to turn one this weekend. So I guess you would have to ask me in a few years if I feel the same! But my gut feeling says that the love and the bond will just continue to grow.
So my advice is the PROS definitely outweigh the CONS if you want to have a child, but make sure to ask lots of questions to other parents / Drs, talk with your partner and get on the same page with roles and responsibilities and support each other. At the end of the day, the hard part about parenting isn’t necessarily keeping your baby alive (although very important!) – it is the stress on your relationship, finding yourself and getting your life back together and re-creating a new life as a family. So I think if you can prepare not only for raising a child, but what you want your family dynamic to be – you will be GREAT!
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We’re interviewing Power Parents who in our opinion, are killing it. From the board room to the changing room, these moms are filling us in on everyday life of how they juggle it all.
Join us as we chat with Lindsay Ellingson, former Victoria’s Secret Angel and Co-founder of Wander Beauty about how this new mom has dealt with newborn life during quarantine, and the inspiration behind her clean beauty brand.
Being a first-time mom can be overwhelming to begin with, throw a pandemic/quarantine at the same time and you’ve got a whole nother ball game! How have you adjusted to being a new mom during Covid?
This was oddly the perfect year to have a baby. Even under normal circumstances, I would have been inside more than ever with a newborn. Now that I’m back from maternity leave and around people a bit more, I do worry about being exposed to Covid-19 so we are being as careful as we can, wearing masks and socially distancing. It’s also been challenging to be so far away from family. My sisters haven’t met Carter yet so we have been FaceTiming more often. As soon as it’s safe to travel, we will go and see them. I can’t wait to see his face when he meets all of his cousins and aunties!
What was your inspiration behind creating Wander Beauty?
Women are busier than ever and most have less than 15 minutes to spend on their beauty routines but at the time, there was no beauty brand speaking to them. We felt women deserve products that work just as hard as they do so we created Wander Beauty: clean beauty essentials, that you reach for everyday, wherever you wander. Our multitaskers help to streamline your routine and save you precious time so you have more time to do the things you love.
We all know that being in quarantine wasn’t ideal, but what did you find was the best part of having a baby in quarantine?
My husband and I quarantined on Lake Eerie. His parents were so sweet to offer their lake house for those months when the pandemic was really bad in NYC. Despite how horrible and scary quarantine was, I look back fondly on those times. It was the last couple months of my pregnancy and Sean and I got to spend every moment together. I made pancakes every morning, we watched the most beautiful sunsets, and I got to sleep so much. But most importantly, we were safe and I’m so grateful for that. Then when Carter was born, we were together with both Sean’s parents and mine, who had isolated for 2 weeks prior to his arrival, so we had lots of help and support. I’m so thankful that I was able to change my birth plan so quickly and we found an amazing doctor in Ohio who took me on. It was really special for our parents to see Carter and to bond with him during his first month.
What is your most memorable moment from working with Victoria Secret?
My most memorable moment was also one of the most challenging shots in my career. We were shooting one of the holiday commercials in Prague. We would wake up at 4am to shoot before the streets got busy. In one of my shots I was wearing heavy wings, lingerie, and platform heels. I was asked to walk quickly towards the camera down a windy and steep cobblestone street. It was pretty challenging and I couldn’t take more than a couple steps without my ankles wobbling. After numerous takes and crowds of people gathering to watch, we finally got the shot. It ended up being a couple seconds in the final commercial. A lot goes into every single second!
We love seeing pictures of your cockapoo Carly! How did it go bringing the baby home to meet your first “fur-baby”
Carly was my only baby for seven years and always had my undivided attention. When we brought home Carter, she was completely disinterested and slept in the closet for a few days, I think mostly because the crying annoyed her. Now she’s starting to warm up to him and gives him kisses on the cheek. It was very hard to focus on anything other than Carter the first couple months but thankfully we had lots of help. Now that I’ve gotten the hang of being a mom, I’m able to include Carly more and give her more of the love she deserves.
As you know, moms don’t have much time for makeup in the morning, what are your Top 5 must haves for busy mamas from Wander Beauty?
Yes, now more than ever I need time-saving multitaskers!
1
Mist Connection Essence and Toner
I love this! It’s a 2-in-1 essence and toner which helps to soften and hydrate the skin and preps it for the rest of your skincare routine.
My Holy Grail! An amazing formula that gives me buildable volume without flaking or smudging. It's also clean and enriched with castor seed oil to nourish the lashes.
Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity.
Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.
How Giving Birth Gave Me Fulfillment by Tracy M.
They say motherhood changes you in ways you couldn’t have imagined. We had our first son at 33 weeks and spent 5 long weeks in the NICU. That experience solidified what was most important and challenged my career choice as consultant that travelled for work. It gave me the courage to grow my family and business in a way that was right for me. If you can relate and have felt that same pull, to do things differently, explore it. Fulfillment comes when we connect with what truly matters. Motherhood changed me. It kept me honest when I was brave enough to listen.
I Delivered In A COVID Isolation Room by Alyssa M.
Nothing can quite prepare you for giving birth during a pandemic. I already had a ton of anxiety going into the hospital, then to find out all the L&D rooms were full. Because labor progressed quickly, nurses began telling me to prepare to give birth in triage. Instead, I was moved to a COVID isolation room. They rushed me down an empty hall, through plastic barriers, and into an empty room. Nurses built the delivery room around me as I began pushing (with a mask on, of course). A few minutes later, I was holding my perfectly healthy baby boy.
Add An Injured Pelvis On-Top Of Labor by Elizabeth C.
Baby 2: Fell while 8 months pregnant. Unable to walk, or stand (or move really) without excruciating pain. Baby was fine, my pelvis was just messed up. Wheelchair bound for the final month. Scheduled an induction once my due date came and went. Showed up for the doctors to tell me I was technically already in labor and all their plans to induce no longer needed since my cervix was already so wide. Proved it when their balloon fell right through. I guess I couldn’t tell from all the other pain I was in. 10 hours later and, I do not lie, 5 minutes of pushing later, baby.
Unexpectedly Getting The Birth I Wanted by Kat C.
I wanted a home birth with a drum circle of strong mamas in active labor. I got a rooftop BBQ with friends. When I gingerly squatted to play with toddlers my friend (a doula) gently suggested I head home and call my midwife en route – I did, pausing every 1/2 block for contractions. Baby was born two hours later with me crouching over our hope chest. Life has a way of giving you what you want, in unexpected ways.
The Emotions Of Becoming A Mother by Courtney C.
Excited. Anxious. Scared. Words to describe emotions of this first time mom going into labor. The night before I was scheduled to be induced, 41 weeks pregnant, I started feeling contractions close enough together. When my husband and I got to the hospital, we waited thirteen hours until it was time to push. The epidural was only somewhat successful, but the pain was minimal compared to the amount of joy experienced when that 8 pound 12 ounce boy was born. Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. An experience that was beautiful, precious, and unforgettable.
Not only is the opportunity to be a mom a miracle in itself, but the way a woman’s body is able to change and prioritize the creation of life is simply beautiful. However, the reality is that postpartum isn’t always easy. A fitness enthusiast for over 5 years, I transformed by body to be as healthy and “”prepared” for baby when my husband and I decided to try and conceive. I was strong in the gym, my endurance was better than it ever had been—I loved my body!
My birth story is a little different than most. I delivered a micro-preemie at just 24 weeks via emergency C-section—my son arrived weighing just 1lb 10oz. I had gained 30lbs at this point and pairing weight gain with the painful recovery of a C-section, it took an extreme toll on my mental health. Regardless of my birth story, my postpartum struggles are like most new moms. Stress. Anxiety. Unfamiliarity with this new “”normal”” life. And like so many times before, fitness became my outlet.
But it was different…I had half the time, not much endurance, I lost nearly all my core strength and muscle tone and my body just didn’t move like it used to. For the first time in years, fitness was hard…really hard! But as moms do and do best…we adapt! We take charge and we forge on.
How I was able to take charge of my postpartum fitness journey:
Self-affirmations – My body may never be the same again, after all, it created a baby! But it is my body and I will love my body how it is.
Listen to your body – Instead of trying to fit myself into a thought of what I SHOULD be like postpartum, I let my body decide and take charge.
Nutrition – I ate with the main purpose of providing nutrients for my baby. Healthy carbs and fats such as oatmeal, eggs, lean proteins, and vegetables kept my milk supply up, and slowly allowed weight to come off.
Time – I used to know her, but not so much anymore. My workouts had to be simple, quick, and most times at home. I made sure to incorporate a balance of resistance band training along with free weights and cardio.
Stretch – Mobility is key, so I found stretching and keeping my body in motion was essential to a full and healthy recovery.
1
Resistance Bands
Tone and Shape
$8
These are totally clutter free, can literally be hung on a wall or put away in a drawer. Resistance bands can be worn around your thigh or ankles for extra leg and booty tone and sculpting.
Mobility and stretching are some of the most forgotten part of fitness. Your body has been through so much, it is important to stretch and recover often. These mats are so soft you can use them anywhere.
Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity.
Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.
Do I Have Time To Run To Lowe’s? by Jessy P.
When I told my husband he asked “do I have time to run to Lowe’s” so off to Lowe’s he went. We headed to the hospital when he returned. I was at 4-cm by then and not in much pain. Once we were admitted to our room we settled in and so did the pain! I was determined to have my baby naturally and I lasted without meds until 9 p.m. The doctor suggested I get an epidural so I could relax, I wasn’t dilating fast enough. While I was getting the epidural my husband informed me he had never seen a needle that big go into someone’s back! By the next day I still had only reached 8 centimeters and the babies heart rate was rising. My only option was the have a C section which broke my heart. Once I wrapped my head around this we got the go ahead and off we went to the operating room. My baby girl was born at 3:59 on May 6th. My husband told me it looked like a scene from Saw 3. He said “ I saw the doctor holding your guts “ We both cried and he got to hold her first! It was the most intense and beautiful day of my life!
The One That Broke the Baby’s Arm- by Laura J.
My water broke exactly on time. We drove to the hospital prepared with a bag. But it took a turn. I pushed for too long. The c-section was scheduled, then called off when the baby started to progress. But progressing stopped. The vacuum extractor failed and, POP, blood squirted on my doctors’ glasses. “Help!” she called and suddenly more doctors appeared. One climbed on me, pumping on my stomach. Then the words: “I’m sorry. I had to break the baby’s arm to get her out.” Both heartbreak and relief. A little TLC, but she’d arrived! And now she’s turning four!
Giving Birth at 24 Weeks- by Chrissy R.
My First Child, My Birth Story: The reality of pre-term labor hit me at just 24 weeks. My body started labor on its own and after an emergency C-Section, my son was born at just 1lb 10oz and became a NICU resident for 108 days. Feeling helpless for my baby while managing my own struggle of my pregnancy immediately taken from me, my life seemed shattered. As days turned into months and ounces turned into pounds…I learned true resilience and witnessed a true fight for life. A fight that is not taught, but instilled in you, in all of us.
You Can’t Plan for Everything- by Lynsey M.
Child birth and recovery, piece of cake! Or is it? One would think after going through the process four times before, the fifth would be a breeze. I had experienced everything from a 20 minute labor to a 20 hour process. I had epidurals, no epidurals, NICU babies, infant open heart surgery, CPAP, intubation, bottle and breast-fed. But nothing can prepare you for an epidural headache. Why? Because that is solely on yourself. You spend months planning and preparing for a baby and if something goes wrong you kick into high mom mode and join the adrenaline race. But when those doctors walk in and ask if you have a headache, I strongly encourage you to be honest. Otherwise, may experience having your father or husband carry you from your bed and into the hospital. You may look back and have friends call you “Hollywood” because blood patches did not work and you had to spend 10 days laying flat on your back in the hospital with sunglasses on because any amount of light or sound sent excruciating pain. Word of advice: every birth and recovery is unique, don’t let any amount of experience fool you. They are all different. Make sure you take care of you because you are of little use to those precious blessings if you don’t!
From the Car to Birth in 45 minutes- by Shannen L.
“Don’t go to the hospital too soon!” “Average first time labor is 14 hours!” As a first time mom, I was convinced of these two things when I felt the first twinge of labour starting about five days before my due date. Luckily, I had a doula who recognized the unusual start to my contractions (which were two minutes apart from the get-go) and had us leave for the hospital within the hour. Seriously so happy we lived close by because I was fully dilated when we arrived and baby came out 45 minutes later!
You know that September marks back to school and breaking out your sweaters, but did you know it’s also Baby Safety Month? Baby Safety Month helps raise visibility around common safety concerns for babies and toddlers by providing safety tips and resources for parents.
Walmart is a Baby Safety Month Ambassador and is offering some incredible savings in stores and online-only savings on safe baby products for travel, sleep, baby proofing and more! We talked to real moms to hear their favorite tips for baby safety month. Read more to see the tips they shared for Baby Safety Month:
Chicago-based mom Cara Fries is a first-time mom to a four month old. For Baby Safety Month, she reminded her followers to place babies on their backs for naps and nighttime sleep!
With a preschooler and an almost-one-year-old girl, playtime is very important in Brianna Traynor’s home! One way to ensure safe playtime: get down on your hands and knees to look for hazards, so you can spot any concerns from the same level as your little one!
Mom of five Preethi Harbuck knows a thing or two about travel, considering her family lives in an RV while traveling the world! Preethi shared the importance of finding the correct car seat for your child’s age, height and weight—no matter what type of vehicle you’re driving.
You’ve probably heard a lot of different things from everyone you know on the internet or in real life about what to do in order to prep for baby. But their birth journey isn’t yours, and their advice might not work for you! Maybe you’re expecting your second or fifth little one so you think you’ve got this covered. But whether you’re a first-time mom or fifth, there are still classes you need to take before giving birth. Here are my top 5 classes you should consider taking before your little one arrives.
1. Postpartum Prep. I’m including this one first because it’s the last class you’d think about taking. This is not Newborn Care or Baby Basics 101. This is not a birthing techniques class. Postpartum prep is a class dedicated to preparing new and new-again parents for what they will face in postpartum and what they need to do while expecting to have plans, meals, care kits, and support in place. Taking a postpartum prep class means there are fewer surprises when it comes to your relationships, your body, and your mental health. It’s essential and goes hand-in-hand with a Postpartum Healing course that is dedicated to nurturing the whole family as they bond with baby.
2. Labor & Birthing Techniques Class. This may have been the one class you expected to see on this list, but sadly many first-time parents miss this class before birth. Attending a birthing technique class significantly reduces possible feelings of regret or trauma from birth. Having a birth doula? Even more. I’m a huge fan of the Hypnobabies Home Study Course—it’s how I was able to achieve my super fast natural birth with my second kiddo after getting the full induction package complete with a catheter at my first birth 6 years earlier. But there are a lot of amazing classes out there (Discover Birth Education Course is another favorite) for you to choose from and you may even want to take a few! One class might focus on comfort measure techniques, while the other focuses solely on your mindset. Find the right balance for your desired experience.
3. Prenatal Exercise. A birthing techniques class can help you to emotionally and mentally prepare for labor and learn great labor positions, but a good prenatal exercise class prepares your body for the birth of your little. Targeted exercises designed with the expecting mother in mind can release tension, open the pelvis, increase blood flow, and strengthen the body for the tough job of labor. Expecting and Empowered is a great prenatal workout program designed by a chiropractor and nurse with the whole body in mind (since it all works together).
4. Lactation Education. I’ve met expecting parents who were adamant about not breastfeeding once the baby arrived, not because of trauma but because they didn’t want to lose that part of their sexuality. But once the baby arrived, they breastfed! Whether you aren’t sure if you want to breastfeed, are afraid you can’t, or are determined that it’s something you’ll do once baby arrives, it’s important to take a class to know what to expect. Your body will produce milk whether you breastfeed or not and you will want to know what your body is going through, why, and how the hormones related to all of this are affecting your whole self.
Most hospitals offer a sort of Breastfeeding 101 class and some birth doulas include this in their client education, but I recommend taking another class by a stand-alone professional who is not affiliated with a specific hospital because they can get into more detail about things and tend to have more up-to-date info that the Lactation Consultants at a hospital might not be able to teach due to policies. I’ve been to several hospital-led classes but learned so much more after becoming a Lactation Educator.
5. Baby Care. Basic baby care classes can be extremely helpful for first-time parents. In this class, you learn how to swaddle, communicate with your baby, general feeding information, and more. Doulas typically cover some of this with you after birth, too.
Shari Stamps is the founder of NavigatingParenthood where she shares stories, info, services, and programs for expecting, new and veteran parents. As a mom of three, a freelance writer, postpartum doula, infant massage instructor, and lactation educator she's always learning something new. Join the journey via social at @NavigatingParenthood and @NavigatingPostpartum.
