Page 3 - Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
Matrescence
August 04, 2016
[youtube]https://youtu.be/bXqI40a1XIg[/youtube]
When I was 17 years old, I felt a lump in my right breast. I had larger breasts in high school and when I mentioned it to my OB she said it was probably a fibroadenoma (a very common occurrence) but referred me to a specialist just to be safe. The specialist suggested we could do a biopsy, but because I also had several other lumps in both breasts that I should stop taking my birth control to reduce external hormones, cut down on caffeine, and we would keep an eye on it. I was young, carefree, and felt invincible. I knew in the back of my mind everyday that the lump was there, that I should do something about it, but I wanted to live my life. I wanted to have fun. There wasn’t time to slow down, take care of myself, be responsible. Fast forward two years later, and at age 19 my tumor had grown to roughly the size of a tangerine. I knew it was time to go back in. I remember being so afraid, sitting in the waiting room surrounded by older
Health & Wellness
Mental Health
July 18, 2016
Mindfulness is defined as the state of being conscious of our feelings, thoughts, and surroundings from moment to moment.
It means being present.
Mindfulness is defined as the state of being conscious of our feelings, thoughts, and surroundings from moment to moment.
It means being present.
It means having an awareness of how good your newborn baby’s head smells, but also being aware of your heart beating faster when your kid won’t nap and you’re desperate for lunch.
Mindfulness allows us to be more fully present with our partner, our children, our boss, ourselves.
It requires not only awareness of what’s going on but acceptance of where we’re at - even if it’s not where we want to be.
It can be hard to stay mindful (let alone to sit and meditate!) when there’s laundry in every room of your house, not a clean nursing bra in sight, and you can’t remember the last time you took a bath by yourself.
Usually, when our life is the most chaotic is when we are most deeply in need of mindfulness.
Health & Wellness
Mental Health
March 21, 2016
Babywearing is helpful for when you want to hold a baby and have your hands free, and can be more convenient than a stroller when out and about. But did you know that babywearing can also help with postpartum mental illness, such as anxiety and depression?
Babywearing passively comforts a child
Symptoms of clinical postpartum anxiety, depression, or other postpartum illness, can make it hard for a parent to feel “present” let alone focus on the baby. I often suggest babywearing to my clients, and coach them to start a habit of kissing the baby’s head, and letting the baby cuddle. Even a parent that feels low energy or less than 100% can passively be a loving safe-haven to their child by wearing him or her.
Wear your child to soothe your anxiety
For parents with anxiety, OCD, or fears of something being wrong with the baby, babywearing can also be an easy way to feel comfort. You can go ahead and pat the baby there on your chest as often as you like and get the comfort of feeling the
Health & Wellness
Mental Health
February 29, 2016
How many times as a parent have you written a to-do list that seemed totally reasonable, only to be crushed at the end of the day when only one single item got crossed off? How many times have you beaten yourself up for not being able to return a phone call or text, let alone get dressed and prep dinner? How many times have you had to choose between pumping milk at work and eating lunch without flanges attached to your boobs? I’ve lost count on any sort of running total on this Mama Math, and I can no longer consider myself a “new mom,” as my kids are 5 and 7. But I still fall into the trap of adding too many things to my To-Do lists, whether work-, home-, or kid-related, and when I do, I become disappointed in myself. As a Licensed Acupuncturist who specializes in the childbearing cycle, I work with parents every day, and I have come to realize that most of us have expectations of ourselves that are higher than anything we would expect of a friend or family member. Before becoming parents,
Health & Wellness
Mental Health
November 11, 2015
For many expecting parents, an approaching due date is time to feather the nest. We complete our registry, set up a nursery, and make sure we have all the baby gear we are going to need. When my first daughter was born, I was caught off guard – floored – by two surprises. One, I knew I would love her, but I didn’t know I would be IN LOVE with her. Second, the postpartum stage was harder than I expected. Much harder. I had dreamy moments of nursing in the glider and cuddling her in a carrier. But there were a lot of challenges I never even dreamed of. Breastfeeding was much harder than I expected, yet I felt strongly, almost rigidly, that it had to be 100% of her nourishment. Having things not go as expected is one of the most common risk factors for postpartum mental illness. And as we know, birth and babies rarely stick to the textbook. The “baby blues” hit 85% to 90% of new mothers, typically on day 4 postpartum, when hormones take a massive drop. This stage usually lasts about two weeks,
Health & Wellness
July 10, 2015
Calling all parents and parents-to-be! Dr. Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAPA joins us on Tuesday 7/14 6pm PST for an “Ask the Expert” chat about summer safety. Post your questions on our Facebook wall then join us on our Facebook page for the chat on Tuesday! Sign up below to be eligible to win a Four-Position 360 Carrier.
Chat with us: Tuesday July 14, 6pm PST
Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAPA working mother and UCLA-trained pediatrician who practices in Southern California, Dr. Tanya Altmann is a best-selling author, network television parenting expert, and entertainment industry consultant. Dr. Tanya Altmann is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, approved by the national physician organization to communicate complicated medical issues into easily understood concepts.
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new
Health & Wellness
Fitness
April 22, 2015
Are you ready for Summer? We sure are...our friend Heidi Powell recently used our Performance Ventus Carrier to show us some moves you can do with baby. Head over to Heidi's blog to see the full workout you can do with your little one in tow!
Please use caution when attempting any of the carries, exercise or activities highlighted on this blog, social media or any other content channels. Please use common sense and caution when using a baby carrier. You should consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise program. For more information, see our Disclaimer.
Health & Wellness
Matrescence
March 26, 2015
Clockwise: @ashleyanielson // @marylauren // @firstimefarmers // @kauilife
Here's a round up of some of our favorite mamas to follow on Instagram. We'll be doing this feature once a month and hope to share some of the inspiring women who fill our feed with beauty each day in the spirit of sharing the love in this wonderful community. We hope you enjoy! xo Dani
Health & Wellness
January 14, 2015
Everyone is always concerned with baby and their positioning while they are in an ergonomic baby carrier, and justifiably so. However, as parents we always forget about ourselves. What about our position, our posture? All too often we are slumped over, just trying to get through the day. Parenting can be hard and is definitely time consuming, so is it any wonder we forget to pay ourselves some attention. Did you know that by doing a few simple exercises you will not only improve your posture but your energy and mood! It’s true, and easy! Below are a few exercises that will leave you feeling tall, strong, and ready to tackle parenthood again.
Wall Angels
These are just as they sound. Think of “snow angels” performed leaning against a wall with arms bent. The best way to do this is to stand with you back against the wall, walk your feet out 1.5-2ft. and place arms against the wall in a “stick-em-up” position. To make sure you back is flat against the wall you may have to tilt your pelvis
Health & Wellness
Mental Health
November 17, 2014
The good things about holidays include extended family, lots of rich food/drinks, and a break from the routine. The bad news is that they also include extended family, lots of rich food/drinks, and a break from the routine. With a lot of everything going on, many of us, especially new parents, may be more vulnerable to stress, anxiety and depression. Here are my top tips to prevent stress and depression during the holidays and stay balanced.
1. Take time to check in with yourself.
Amidst the chaos of full houses and family gatherings, the “noise” can make it hard to hear your own needs and feelings. Find an excuse to take 15 minutes by yourself. Practice whatever helps you clear your mind, such as deep breaths, stretching and yoga, a mindfulness meditation, a bubble bath, music, or a walk outside. With extra family around, you may have extra childcare and unprecedented opportunities for a quick break alone.
2. Take time alone with your baby.
New babies are very popular at family gatherings.