A random post about my Pregnancy!!

I realized today after talking to my website designer super women that I haven't been blogging about my 2nd pregnancy at all.  How do you get to know me and trust me to help you with your pregnancy and children if I can't share a bit of myself.  Truth be told though I am very "shy" about my pregnancies, I think it comes from the fact I like to live a holistic lifestyle but with my heart condition I have to have a medically watched pregnancy and birth.  Nothing like I would ideally want, knowing what I know about medical intervention.  Makes be a little sad and selfishly but this is the healthiest route (I know in my heart of hearts) for both me and babe.  I feel selfish because if the baby is harmed in anyway because of the extra ultrasounds, the induction, epidural or the use of the vacuum I would feel soo guilty.  If I could have my way I would labour and birth in a bath tub in a field with a midwife and a doula that knew my full name and my families name.  Being "just a heart case" when going into the baby doctors office is a little hard on the emotions.  I am a pretty tough cookie and have been dealing with this my whole life but when it comes to my baby and the only thing they ask is how's MY heart doing, it wears on you.  Or when they tell the interns how high your chances are of heart failure is...ugh my name is Kim I am carrying a baby and I am more then those words on that chart!! 

I think I am known a little more around the clinic the 2nd time around plus I have a big mouth and like to explain why probiotics and fish oil are important, why I don't need or drink cows milk and every baby in utero should be scanned for transposition of the great arteries like I have.  Some doctors listen, some just rush to the next mommy but I feel like I should be heard.  I have asked them to explain my condition to interns outside the room because I don't need OR connect to what they are saying about my heart.  I truly believe if I listen to my instincts I will be fine.  I do listen to the doctors they truly know what is best on how to keep me and baby healthy through this time and delivery but if something feels wrong I question it.  So the reason I haven't blogged about my pregnancy is because I feel so different then most mommies, I don't what to hear or read the studies about how bad this or that is.  I feel a little alone in it all and with years of doctor visits I am a natural worry wort.  So I talk to my husband, mom and close friends but that's really it.  I listen to my body in what to feed it, which is beef burgers... so crazy and my iron levels are good.  I take supplements that I know are beneficial and ones that don't jive with me I don't take.  I ask about my blood work numbers, I exercise when I can, pre natal yoga and staying home with a 2 year is enough.  Plus at the end of the day until this little one is birthed I feel I want to have a private moment with him, just me and babe.  I'm a funny duck I guess.  I feel at almost 35 years old I'm still finding my way, my voice within the nutrition industry, the community and motherhood.

I can tell you this though, the 1st trimester was more exhausting then I remember.  Picking up a kicking 2 year old makes things in your body pull, stretch and hurt in places you never thought of.  My chiropractor has magic hands and is my midwife and therapist all in one.  I have become a little more spiritual and I am learning to trust my gut a lot more.   This baby is a natural born kick boxer and my internal organs hurt.

I am working hard on getting the website finished before baby, finish some e-books, organize the house and everything that goes with it all.  I am so grateful to do what I do as far as work and stay at home with my main man.  It's tiring as shit some days and I'm sure my uterus is going to fall out but I wouldn't change a thing.  Well family being closer would help.  I am so excited to share the new website and I will try to blog more personal posts when I can.  If you are a 35 year women with post mustard surgery you can relate bullshit, but that's not true, any mommy trying to navigate the medical system, have a personal pregnancy and birth will get this. 

Well back to the dishes and more writing... random personal blog post DONE!  :)

The little man woke up just as I was about to send this... he wanted in on the picture action.

 

The Baby Time Show!!

 

Well it is that time of year and I will be working the Baby Time Show again with Sprout Right.  I will be there most of Saturday and Sunday morning.  So if you wanted to come meet me or ask any questions I will be the pregnant one :)

Hope to see you there,

Kimberly

The JuGGLe Program and why I think it's a Don't Miss Program.

As I write this my son is having a melt down, I can feel my body tensing up and the tears welling up.  I am pretty sure I have done something major wrong the past two years to cause this.  The past two weeks or more his sleeping patterns are alll over the place.  He goes to bed at night (gets up 2 to 100 times before passing out) and only sleeps 10 hours now.  His naps are a hour a day and he is fit to be tided by the end of the day.  I am not sure where we went wrong but he went from 11-12 + hours of sleep a night and 90 minutes to 2.5 hour naps to this.  The summer we have been out late and super busy having fun and I think I have relaxed a bit more and given in to more early morning cuddles in bed.  This all being said even though I want to pull my hair out and cry at the same time I have the tools to BREATHE and step back.

I have struggled with adrenal fatigue twice in my life and I refuse to let it happen again now that I am a mamma.  Even though I am beat and emotional I know I can get through this and relax, eat properly and ask for help (my husband is truly the best partner).  When I had adrenal fatigue the second time peeked on my wedding day, bubbly Kim was having a mental melt down, shortness of breath and no energy.  While holding my parents hands down the aisle I told my dad I can't feel my hands.  If I knew then and when it happen before in my early 20's what I know now, I would of never let it get that far. 

This is why The JuGGLe program was born, of course there are mild to serve cases of adrenal fatigue but there are many easy adaptable tools to be used to help get you back into tip top shape.  Eating right, supplements, lifestyle choices and much more.  If you are feeling the burn out please contact me about this program.  It is being held in person, I can do private sessions and I hope to get it online soon, but skype is the way to go now.  Here are some more details. 

A practical program to help you handle the stresses of modern life.

This insightful and practical program will;

• Discuss stress & adrenal fatigue;
• Explain how they both affect us biochemically physiologically & emotionally;  
• Educate you on how a diet of nutrient dense foods is essential;
• Examine how lifestyle changes play a significant role;
• Demonstrate many easy & quick lifestyle solutions that can be done to help ease the load.  

 ~Over the 4 classes you will be given objectives for the next class to work on.   This course will provide you with an abundance of information and recipes to get you back on track.~

Random Tips From Kim... Air Purifying House Plants.

Kim Tip - 6 Natural Air Purifying House Plants. 

When I was pregnant with my son is when I became even more aware of the toxins in our home, I started to get a little neurotic (according to my hubs...eye roll).  I had already picked out a super crib mattress, organic clothes for him, safe soaps and shampoo and I was eating clean.  Then I came to realize my couch, blinds, throw rug, new lazy boy etc... were super toxic.  I found this site, as well I have been a fan of Adria Vasil for years, there were many e-mails back and forth.  I even contacted Sara Snow the daughter of the owners of Eden Foods after watching her DVD Growing Green Babies. 

Even though I was ready to gut the house and start again my husband wasn't on board.  So the next best thing was to switch out what I could, make sure my son's room where he spent the most time was as toxic free as possible and I also stock up on purifying plants.  My house isn't super great for keeping them alive other then our living room but I tried (still trying) my best.  I did have a fern in my son's room for awhile but it died... not enough light.  It came to a point where I had to let all my new found knowledge sink in and relax, stress mentally was just as bad, but buying the plants were such a great eco friendly way to ease this new mamas mind.  Here is a list of 6 of many air purifying house hold plants.  

1. Bamboo Palm: According to NASA, it removes formaldehyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.

2. Snake Plant: Found by NASA to absorb nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde.
3. Areca Palm: One of the best air purifying plants for general air cleanliness.

4. Spider Plant: Great indoor plant for removing carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. Spider plants are one of three plants NASA deems best at removing formaldehyde from the air.

5. Peace Lily: Peace lilies could be called the “clean-all.” They’re often placed in bathrooms or laundry rooms because they’re known for removing mold spores. Also know to remove formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

6. Gerbera Daisy: Not only do these gorgeous flowers remove benzene from the air, they’re known to improve sleep by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off more oxygen over night.

Don't Forget About MOM!

Yes that is me and my son moments after I gave birth.  In that very moment it was no longer about me and nourishing myself so I had a healthy pregnancy and in turn a healthy birth and son, it was all about baby.  Well that isn't totally true, even though it is all about babe and learning how to feed him, how to get him to sleep,  figuring out why he is crying, changing his diaper, running into walls because you are so tired and every other thing that comes along with a new baby, we tend to forget about ourselves the mom. 

The old saying goes you can't help other's if you don't help yourself first, totally applies in this situation.  Although there are no super foods, supplements or magic formula to make up for the lack of sleep, there are some key nutrients that can help mommy recovery from birth and keep up with the demand of being a new mom or a mom in general..being a mommy is hard work.  Also if you breastfeeding you want to keep up with demand and have super breast milk. 

My home for a month -the lazy boy

Here are a few tips to get you back into a glowing super Mom.

*Sleep when the baby sleeps (easier said then done)... forget about the dishes and laundry.  Do them when the baby is up, or ask a friend, family member or hubby in the 1st four weeks or so.  You need to rest, you are still bleeding and healing and rest is important.

*Snack a lot, you might not have time for a proper meal so have cut up veggies, hummus, almonds, cashews etc handy.  If you are breastfeeding you need about 500 extra calories to keep up demand.  That isn't a lot and very do able. 

*Drink a lot of water, water is your best buddy.  After each feeding have a big glass a water and in between feedings when you remember.

*If you were on a good quality prenatal vitamin before, stay on it, you need to rebuild your nutrient stores the baby took and if you are breastfeeding they are still taking nutrients from you.  Also don't forget about a good quality fish oil with extra DHA, good for baby's brain development and mommy brain.  Also probiotics for you and baby are super important for over all health and a strong immune system as well they help ease any digestive issues and prevent allergies in babe. Also if you were given antibiotics during labour then extra probiotics are a good idea to help replenish the good bacteria in the gut.

As for what foods, most moms aren't able to eat freshly picked fruits and vegetables, have homemade whole grain cereals and granola, freshly caught fish and organic meats... all cooked for us.  So we do our best.

*Eating a wide variety of foods including dark greens and organic when possible is important, because in general organic foods have a higher nutrient content.  There are many nutrients mama needs right after birth but on top of a multi vitamin adding 1000-2000 mg of vitamin C, 1200 mg of calcium and 600- 800 mg of magnesium per day may be needed.  If your blood sugar is up and down like most of the population then you may need an extra 200 to 400 mcg of chromium daily.  White spots on your nails?  Then add 20 mg of zinc every day till they fade.   (all general guide lines, 1st consult your nutritionist, naturopath or MD)

*Drink fresh warm lemon water 1st thing in the morning...5, 6 or 7am :)

*Also try to make sure you have a protein with each snack and meal, for example protein powder in a yummy mommy smoothie, boiled eggs or even cottage cheese.  Also try to get healthy fats from foods, from either hemp seeds, chia seeds or even flax.  Make sure there are a lot of vegetables and fruit in your diet, like dark greens, this will help ensure you have a good amount of fiber and complex carbohydrates.  A constipated mommy isn't a happy one.

The take away from this I believe is; don't forgot about mom, nourish her and treat her well.  For new mommy's, you need to keep your energy up with rest, enough proper foods with high density nutrients and enjoy your time with the new baby.  If you have help from others take it and enjoy this time.  Happy Mother's Day :)

~ May 15th is the start of the Baby 1st Years Program, on top of food there is so much more information, you will walk away with a new found knowledge and understanding about you and your babe!  ~

~ NEW MOMS IN THE TORONTO AREA ... too tired to cook but need and want healthy nourishing meals, delivered right to your door?  Then look no further, another Kimmie is offering this great service.  All the details here. ~