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How I Prevented Postpartum Sugar Cravings

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Immediately after Edith was born my sweet tooth went into overdrive. I just couldn’t get enough sweets and found myself binging on sweets all the time. Neil and I got into a terrible habit of making Oh She Glows chocolate chip cookies and we would easily eat the entire batch in less than a day.

After Alder I am honestly having a harder time remembering what my sugar cravings were like but I do remember a few batches of those Oh She Glows cookies making their reapperance.

This time around I have had no sugar cravings. None. It’s been the strangest thing and I’ve actually just been waiting for the craving to hit but rather than craving sugar I feel in control of it. I had a coupon for a free pint of Nadamoo and one bite into the pint and I was over it. Not because Nadamoo isn’t good – it really is delicious but just had no interest in ice cream.

So how did I prevent these cravings?

I truly believe it’s because I changed my eating habits before baby arrived. At my 36 week appointment I was told that my fluids were high and was put on a semi-strict high protein, high veggie, high plant-based fat diet and was told to avoid simple carbs like pasta, crackers, rice, and breads. If you know me you know that my craving for bread and pasta is real so doing this was a huge challenge but I had to do it for baby.

During my last four weeks of pregnancy I avoided my favorite foods (bread and pasta) and stuck to the plan for the most part. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have a bite of my kids bagel on our weekly coffee shop dates or that I didn’t have some pretty amazing pizza from Virtuous Pie but overall six days a week I followed my no pasta/bread diet. I even had my four year old checking in on me and reminding me anytime I did go for bread or pasta that I can’t have it. She is seriously my little mama.

So now here I am 3 weeks postpartum and no sugar cravings. I honestly haven’t had any major cravings for bread or pasta either, even though I am now “allowed” to return to my normal diet. While I haven’t been craving it I have had pasta and bread since Ingird was born but not in the quantities that I was eating them previously.  I don’t find myself reaching for them as easily as I once did. I also have NO sugar cravings at all.

So my tip? Look at what you are eating during your pregnancy. Are you focused on whole foods or are you reaching for processed carbs and sugary sweets? If you are reaching for the latter than consider making some adjustments so when baby comes and your hormones are all over the place and you’re in new parents survival mode you can continue to gravitate towards those foods that will nourish your body. Also once baby has arrived make sure you (or your friends and family) keep your fridge and pantry stocked with healthier options like fresh fruit, sweet vegetables and treats that are naturally sweetened. Most importantly keep yourself hydrated and give yourself a little grace. Life is about to be turned upside down so don’t stress about a cookie or five just do your best and focus on healing, and feeding and bonding with baby. 

PSST…if you are craving cookies why not build your milk supply while you’re at it and try these cookies. 

What To Register For With Your Third Baby

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This post was written in partnership with The Baby Cubby.

I know it might sound surprising that we registered for gifts for our third baby but it is true. Our third baby was a bit of a surprise. Not a surprise like Alder was but rather we were convinced that we were done having kids after baby #2 so we sold nearly everything. When we finally decided in November 2015 that we weren’t actually done expanding our family all of our baby stuff was gone. 

The reality is however that by baby #3 you’ll likely need to replace some items. I have a few friends who are on baby #3 and are finding that their most loved items and clothes are worn to pieces from their first two so registering for a third isn’t so crazy.

So what did we register for? 

A Diaper Bag. 

When you have 2 & 4 year old diaper bags start to become less necessary. Instead I just stick a few snacks, a diaper and travel wipes in my backpack style purse and we go. Since we often drive places I’ll leave things like a few toys, books, and a change of clothes for the kids in the car. When a newborn comes into the picture though they need just a few extra things on demand like diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, burp clothes and a swaddle.

A Place For Baby To Sleep.

Once we moved both kids into their own room we got rid of our old bulky crib that has been moved across the country and into 4 different homes here in Portland (it was just time for it to go) and decided that at least for the short term a DockATot was perfect for our setup. Both of our other kids co-slept and it worked so well for us so I loved the idea of a safe place for baby to sleep with us. Of all the things we registered for this was our one absolute must have. 

 

A Mom Washer.

I know this is something that might seem a little strange especially if you haven’t had a baby yet but when I saw the Fridababy Fridet I knew I had to have it. Things down there need a little extra attention and isn’t always easy to get at so this bottle helps. Many people purchase a simple peri bottle or are sent home with one from the hospital/birth center but the difference with this bottle is that it is angled so in theory it should make it easier to use. If you have used this let me know what you think! 

Swaddle Blankets.

Swaddle blankets are a must have with new babies. Whether you choose to swaddle or not they have so many uses from blanket, nursing cover, burp cloth, a changing “pad”, a scarf for mama, and so much more. You can never have enough either because babes tend to have blowouts, spit up and just generally you’ll find yourself going through a few per day so having a nice stock is always great. 

A Place To Set Baby Down.

Whether it be that we need to cook, clean, take a shower or tend to one of our other children we need somewhere safe to set baby down. It also is perfect because it can be moved from room to room easily. I think our bouncer was one of our most used baby items with both kids and my arms are always thankful that we have one. 

 

Gender Neutral Baby Clothes.

Since we have no baby clothes and we didn’t find out the sex of baby #3 we registered for a few gender neutral options to get us started. The nice thing about a summer baby is that they spend so much time in a diaper that a lot of clothes are necessary just a few outfits until we meet them and then I get to order all the baby boy or girl clothes that I have been lusting over for months.

You can see my entire registry over on The Baby Cubby if you are curious. 

So why The Baby Cubby?
– They always price match, even Amazon (and you know how much I shop on Amazon), so you know you’re getting a great deal.
– They carry only the highest quality and safest gear so that you can shop confidently.
– They actually test out items such as all the strollers they sell prior to adding them to their shop. It’s all about quality, safety and meeting the parents needs.
– They offer Free Shipping everyday at BabyCubby.com over $49

Are you a new mom? Check out The Baby Cubby’s ‘New Mom Best Baby Essentials’ Video for even more ideas on must have registry items.
 
What is on your registry or what is our one must have registry item?
 

Mommy’s Don’t Get Sick Days

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I don’t know how it happened but I got sick.

Screen shot 2013-04-29 at 3.01.54 PM

Of course it has to happen on a Monday when Neil has to go to work.

I’m tired. Achy. I have a smokers cough, attractive right?

To top it all off Edith was up all night. I am talking ALL NIGHT.  She fell asleep for around 8pm and then at 11:45 she was up and then 12:05 and then 12:15 and then it was a screaming fest until 1:50 when we finally took her to bed with us. At that point Neil needed some sleep so he slept on the futon and I stayed in our bed with Edith who still didn’t want to settle.  She nursed all night and if you’re a nursing mom you know how uncomfortable and exhausting that can be.

Oh and Edith thought that I looked like I was having so much fun being sick that she decided to projectile vomited on me. Twice. Poor baby!!!! I think we now know what was bothering her all night. So with two sick ladies at home my amazing husband Neil came to take care of us.  There is nothing better than an amazing husband who rushes home to the rescue and takes over parenting so I can get some sleep.

On a good note Edith seems to be feeling fine. She is happy and wild as can be and off at the swings with her daddy.

Also one good thing about this day (besides Neil) is that there are new episodes of Switched At Birth on Netflix.

What makes you feel better when you’re having a sick day? Mom’s how do you manage sick days?

What’s Been Cooking

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I have been a little absent lately because I have been crazy busy at home with something I can’t tell you about yet but will next week. It honestly makes it really hard to blog because I want to share this big thing with you but I can’t for at least another week.  I know the suspense is just killing you right?

Well since I can’t share my news I will share some happenings over here at our house that aren’t so top secret.

I don’t know how much I have told you about one of my work-at-home jobs but I have been writing recipes for 360 Cookware for almost a year now.  360 Cookware  is manufactured in West Bend, Wisconsin by Americraft Cookware and is ecofriendly! I write about four recipes per month for 360 Cookware and today between naps, feedings and playing I was able to finalize and photograph one!

In other news I am dying to get out of this house.  I don’t think I have left the house since um Sunday because E has a cold that I need her to recover from before she gets her blood drawn next week.  Boo to being stuck inside but at least I have my kindle, coffee, Netflix and a cute baby to cuddle with.

 

Get Out And Vote!

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I don’t discuss politics on the blog for obvious reasons but no matter what your political views are get out there today and vote! Your vote is your voice let it be heard!

I was going to vote this morning but E decided to get up at 4am (I blame daylight savings) so I was more focused on getting a little rest and coffee in me before Neil left. I figured I’d go when Neil got home tonight because we are a one car family and he was taking the car to work.  Then I got to thinking it’s only 3.6 miles round trip to the polling station, maybe I could just walk.  I decided to take the chance that E might fuss the whole way but I was going to go (and good thing I did because Neil’s prospects of arriving home in time for me to vote is looking grim).  So E and I walked…err I walked the 3.6 miles with E in the Ergo.  The walk was amazing! E slept for 70% of it, the sun was shinning and absolutely no fussing!

Anyways if E and I can walk 3.6 miles to vote you can get out and vote too!

{Review} Boba Carrier

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As I was saying yesterday E and I have been babywearing at home more which is really helping me to be more active at home.  Now we have a number of different carriers including slings, wraps and soft-pack carriers and they have all been great at different ages and activities. Currently Neil and I have been wearing the Boba Carrier the most as it is the newest that we have added to our collection and I am really loving it.

As with anything there are pro’s and con’s and the Boba Carrier is no different.

Pro’s

  • I love the pattern of the Boba.  We chose to go with the bird pattern because it seemed fitting with our “Put A Bird On It” theme for E’s nursery (yes that is a Portlandia reference).
  • I love the fit of the Boba and how it wears.  I find that after awhile most carriers start to bother my back (need to work on strengthening my core) and while the Boba does start to bother it after awhile it usually takes longer than other carriers.
  • The bag strap.  This strap holds E’s diaper bag or my purse in place on my shoulder without having to hold it there.
  • Rain/Sun Cover.  This is a must with E because it protects her from both but it also is great when she is tired and needs a nap.  As soon as I see those heavy eyes I put the cover up and she passes right out.
  • The phone holder.  On the front of the Boba Carrier there is a pocket that fits my iPhone perfectly and is great for easy access.

Con’s

  • The length of the straps to tighten the Boba once it’s on are a little short.  I do okay with the length but Neil on the other hand has a different frame and is unable to tighten the straps without my help.
  • Lacking a good sized pocket to hold phone, keys and change purse.  This is a big down for me because when I go out for a walk I often wear leggings and I don’t have a pocket to hold things in.  Like I said above there is a small pocket for a phone and there is a tiny pocket on top that could hold my keys but that’s it.
  • The infant hold.  I don’t love the infant hold which you can see here. I wore E in it for a few times but the fit was just really uncomfortable and frankly an unflattering look on me. I ended up changing it back to the normal fit and I put a blanket at the bottom for E to sit on since she is still too small to wrap her legs around me.

Overall I am a huge fan of my Boba Carrier and I loved my Boba Wrap when E was tiny.

Interested in the Boba Wrap or Carrier? Boba is providing my readers with a coupon code for 10% off  from now until December 1st, just enter NaturallyFamily10 at checkout!

Disclaimer: Boba provided me with their product at no cost. I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway.