Healthy Pregnancy ~ Food Fitness and Feeling Good

“You’re pregnant eat what you want, you’re allowed!” How many times have we heard this or something similar? Then the whole “Don’t workout unless you were already working out before you got pregnant”. The list of what you can/can’t/should/shouldn’t do is downright confusing for expecting moms!

With my first child I stayed fairly active, did prenatal yoga and craved protein so I ended up gaining the recommended average 27 pounds. Then with my second child vegetables made me sick and I would try to do some cardio but consistently gained a pound a week no matter what so I gave up which equaled ummmm eeeek 44 pounds! Having been knee deep in the battle against the baby weight when I found out I was expecting my third I made a vow that I would do my best to stay healthy this pregnancy in both eating well and maintaining a workout plan approved by my doctor. You should always consult your prenatal provider before beginning or continuing any workout or if you have questions about what to eat.  I am happy to say that I am almost 27 weeks, eating healthy, doing a combination of cardio/ weights/yoga 3 to 4 times per week and have gained only 10 pounds so far. Most importantly I feel good!  I am by no means one of those super fit preggo moms with amazing arms (see picture, enough said). I am just a regular Mom trying to stay healthy during her third pregnancy and avoid crazy unnecessary weight gain that will be impossible for me to get off. Here are just some pointers I have learned and wanted to share, I hope you find them helpful too!

 

Food. Oh the love-hate relationship of a pregnant woman and food. We want it, it makes us sick, we think we want it and then it makes us sick. It’s a careful balancing act that can have most women wanting to pull their hair out. Give yourself a break, take your time find out what is going to work and what is NOT going to work, but with this in mind…You are nourishing you and your growing baby AND each trimester is different. Play around with food more and try to incorporate as many healthy fruits, veggies, lean proteins as you can with what you are craving. For example, I was/am still craving peanut butter milkshakes. I found an amazing drink at JuiceLand that includes spinach, banana, peanut butter, hemp protein and almond milk. This was a great find I get a veggie, potassium and protein with way less sugar. Of course I have given in to those bad cravings for greasy burgers and fries but you know what I have noticed when I do? I feel like crap afterwards, not because I ate something “unhealthy” literally I feel more tired and weighed down.  Find what you want and try to play with healthier options of it. I was always surprised what I ended up liking that I had never really cared for before pregnancy. This time I am crazy about cucumbers and strawberries, not that I disliked them but I would not always go for them first.

Exercise?!? The truth is staying active when you are exhausted and your body is changing and aching is tough. Honestly its tough even if you aren’t pregnant. Here is the plus, you can help minimize the fatigue, aches and pains by staying active (unless of course your doctor says not to for whatever reason). It won’t prevent it all but if you can experience less discomfort by staying active it’s worth it. As a working Mom it is easy for me to say I am too busy and there are days that I am too busy. There are also days that I can squeeze it in and I have to say when I do, I feel so much better the rest of the day. I read this funny quote on Pinterest that said “No one ever leaves the gym and says man I regret getting that workout in today”. So on Monday I look at my week and decide what days can I make it to the gym (I usually go at lunch). My goal is 2 to 3 times a week and then I try to do yoga and weights at home in the evening a couple of times a week. If I am feeling totally wiped I try to at least do arm weights while I watch some TV in the evenings after my little ones are asleep. Even getting up and doing some quick stretches while at work can make the world of difference on my back. Make a plan that works for you and your schedule. Every now and then talk to your doctor and try something new. There are tons of prenatal workouts you can find and do. If you haven’t tried prenatal yoga or swimming I highly recommend both. I can’t wait for it to heat up so I can hit the pool. The weightlessness in the pool is amazing.  

Always listen to your body and I hope you have a fit and healthy pregnancy!

I Spy Something Sweet and Snuggley

I received the Summer Infant Baby Touch WiFi Video Monitor and Internet Viewing System to review a week ago and have to say I am super impressed. To be honest I used the basic monitors for my two little ones in the past because we have always lived in smaller homes where we could hear the babies from wherever you were so the basic sound monitors were fine. After seeing and using this one I would definitely recommend the investment, here is why.

The video is clear even in the dark and the ability to move the camera and zoom remotely is awesome. This allows you to really see your little one, where they are in the crib and pan around the room. My son loves to curl up in the corner of the bed which always makes me nervous so now I can see him and adjust him if I need to.  As a parent, you often …okay… very often find yourself wanting to peek in on your sweet sleeping angel but you are nervous to wake them so you stand outside their room going back and forth. Being able to see them without the worry of waking them ends this internal battle.  Also it is annoying to cart around a monitor when you are trying to do all those lovely things you do while the baby is sleeping but of course you always have your phone so you can just open the app and take a peek or for those moments when you are starting laundry and you stop dead in your tracks because you swear you heard the baby cry (this also happens in the shower too haha) again you can have it on your phone as backup in case you left the monitor in the other room. Next there is a great talk feature, which many monitors have these days but the phone/computer part takes it one step further and allows you to talk or see your little one from work or anywhere really. I am a working Mom so being able to talk to my little ones or check on them while at work is a huge added bonus. So really this almost acts like a Nanny cam if you will since I can see from work or if my husband and I have a date night/go out of town we can always check in = great peace of mind. The down side is going to be the price, $299 is a good chunk of change and it is at the top compared to other video monitors out there but you can also always put this on your Baby Shower Registry. Remember even if no one gets it for you most places do/have some sort of percent off for items you still have on your registry and you can use any gift cards you receive as well towards its purchase. Again I would say for all the added features it is a good investment for busy parents who want to stay connected. 

Maternity Style ~ Trendy Bumps

As a follow up to my post in September on Maternity Fashion, I am excited to get to participate in the fun as I am expecting my 3^rd (that’s me in the first pic at 3 months)! I am loving finding ways to incorporate trends into my maternity style, in the top picture I am playing with leather (jacket and pants). When you are feeling a little frumpy adding leather adds a little sexy and you can’t help but feel fun and feisty. Another trend I really like is plaid but I am having some issues figuring out how to incorporate it. Plaid doesn’t look that great on me so I am looking to maybe add it under a sweater or as an accessory (clutch, belt or scarf) and see if that would work better (below pic). Side note: Here in Texas the weather has been so erratic so layering is key. For example, I woke up this morning and it was rainy and 40 degrees now it’s sunny and 60 degrees. Need some maternity inspiration? Follow my Maternity Style board on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/taniadilworth/maternity-style/ and let's play with trends together!  

Let's get comfy ~ Jammie Review

I have to say jammies are one of my favorite things to buy for my little ones and well me too. Who doesn’t like a good pair of comfy soft jammies? I had the privilege of reviewing some wonderful organic jammies ($32) from Baby Essentials that I am really excited about. They are not only made from soft organic fabric but they are super cute too! I personally love the polka dots, but they come in a floral bird print as well. I was a bit nervous at first how the print would hold up in the wash as sometimes organic fabrics with prints can fade but I am happy to report the polka dots are as cute as ever.

As if the soft cuteness of the jammies were not enough, Baby Essentials uses organic cotton grown using sustainable farming practices AND they plant a tree with ever apparel purchase! So you can also feel great about your purchase. In addition to jammies they have dresses, blankets and potty training pants. 

These will make great Holiday gifts for your loved ones enter the code JAMMIES20 and receive 20% off your purchase! Happy shopping! http://babyessentials.biz/shop.html

Austin OBGYN Opens in Style

I had the pleasure of touring a new OBGYN office, Riverplace OBGYN and meeting with the owner, Dr. John Thoppil. To say the practice is gorgeous is a gross understatement. Dr. Thoppil really pulled out all the stops to make his practice look and feel welcoming and glamorous all at the same time. He and his staff are very friendly, I can definitely see why they have won the Patients Choice Award the last three years. Another unique aspect of the practice you really don't see anymore is that Dr. Thoppil does all his own deliveries. For expecting parents this is incredibly comforting. You spend so much time with your OB, knowing that they will be there when you go into labor is one less thing to stress over. Although new to this part of town, Dr. Thoppil has been practicing for 8 years and 5 of those in the Austin/Cedar Park area. 

Now lets chat about this office. As you can see from the pictures from the wood work to the marble counters to the chandeliers, it's just beautiful. My favorite part outside of all the beauty of course is the personal touches, you can find Dr. Thoppil's family hanging in frames (including his adorable little one, so sweet!). Again glam and welcoming! 

The location is great! In Riverplace and nearby Steiner Ranch there are not many options in that area and there is definitely a need. If you are looking for an OBGYN I would highly recommend checking out Riverplace OBGYN. Visit their website for more information at http://www.riverplaceobg.com/. 

Nesting

Clean, organize, set-up repeat. Nesting will likely take over your mind during pregnancy at some point and it is nature’s way of helping you get everything done before baby comes, isn’t that so nice of nature?! Ok so you have piles of baby clothes in the Nursery, gifts in packaging from the Baby Shower and boxes of things that need to be put together. Oh and don’t forget everything needs to be clean and ready when baby comes home (ideally by 36 weeks). Ahhh! As a baby planner this is one of my favorite things to help with. Nothing better than the Momma-To-Be’s face when she walks into her organized, clean and ready to go nursery.

~ Maternity Fashion ~

During pregnancy you may feel excited/scared/nervous about your growing bump and finding it hard to find something to wear. Everyone is different, some women pop out right away and others don’t show till the end. Either way you will notice your clothes fitting different or well not at all. The world of maternity clothes is a bit daunting because what’s out there is not cute or super expensive. Most women do not want to spend lots of money on a “temporary wardrobe” but here is the tough truth… it’s not that temporary. Many women wear their maternity clothes even after baby comes. I know, I know it would be great if your sweet little one would go ahead and take all that weight with them but they don’t. Now there may be that lucky few who just bounce right back but for most of us it will take some time. Just think, it took 9 months for your body to get there it will take some time for you to get back.  Additionally, if you plan to have more than one it’s smart to invest in some staples that you can use in the future.  OK on to the good news and encouragement! Go shopping! Have fun with it! Try things on, mix and match check out some blogs and find a style you like. Highlight your bump or for some highlight your new bust line. I personally fell into that ugggh I hate clothes attitude and now I have found so many cute styles and things for my clients and I wish I would have done that for myself (next pregnancy for sure!!) Here are some cute maternity blogs I have found. I am thinking I will make this a monthly blog post showing some cute mammas-to-be and their style. I know I wish I would have had this, but let me know your thoughts?

Maternity Style Blogs:

http://treschicmama.com/category/maternity-street-style/

http://mychicbump.com/outfits/

**photo from http://thoughtsonelegance.com/2013/06/26/wardrobe-full-of-clothes-and-nothing-to-wear/ 

Let's Be Honest

The diaper dilemma! There are tons of options out there for diapers and finding the right one for you can be a test of, well let’s face it, how much poop you are willing to handle. At To Due Baby we will sit down and explore the options that best meet your family’s needs and preferences. One of the diapers I really love right now and you will see on the list are The Honest Co. diapers and here is why.

My first draw of course was how cute they were, but then I found out that they are eco-friendly (Our ultra absorbent, eco-friendly diapers are extra soft, hypoallergenic, free of chlorine processing & risky additives (like fragrances, lotions, and latex**from the Honest website)) and I was sold. I just had to try them. What? You get a free trial? Even better!! If you read the last post you know how I feel about samples haha. Okay so here is the next best thing, they hold A LOT. Now I have seen some websites dock them for this and I was surprised, but I think I figured out why. You have to stay a size ahead. If your little one is close to the top end of the weight range and the bottom of the next size, move up and you will save yourself the dreaded blow out cleaning session. Time for a little bad news, they are kind of pricey, but to be fair I can never use all the diapers they send me and you get the wipes too. They let you move your delivery/charge date back to whenever you need to so this stretches your dollar a bit more. Finally, they deliver to your door! Yes you don’t even have to leave, one less thing to add to your list of things To Due.

Dad 2 Dad

5 Tips for Expecting Dads 

~ from guest blogger and Dad of two ~

As a Dad-to-be you may not be the one going through the physical changes but you can be a supportive partner through these 5 easy tips. 

1. Pick up the slack around the house
2. Share in her excitement with all baby news and take the time to do some prep yourself (ie Daddy Bootcamps)
3. Talk to the bump often
4. Always tell her how beautiful she looks and come home with her cravings
5. Attend as many if not all doctors visits

Austin Mom Event

After doing some research, I stumbled upon this great group here in Austin called MetroMoms. They put on great events like the one I attended this week, Must Haves from pregnancy to infancy. There were a ton of great products (I had to jot several new, cool looking items down to research... stay tuned for those...). I also saw many items, I too like and would recommend for baby registries. Everyone drew a number and you got to select an item to take home! I was lucky enough to pick up this awesome little carrier from Beco. Its ergonomic, eco-friendly and most importantly it’s really comfortable! The only downside I can see right now is that they are on the higher end of the price range for baby carriers.

Every guest also walked away with a nice little goodie bag with lots of little samples. I love sample size items because obviously it allows you to try new things before you buy the full size, saving you time and money (I know you are thinking, “who doesn't?”) but I especially love them for baby items because babies are so sensitive to new things so you want to really make sure whatever product you use doesn't cause your little one to have an allergic reaction. 

Speaking as both a Mom and Baby Planner, this was a great event. I am definitely adding this group and their events to my resource list for our expecting and new moms in the Austin area.