I was stay at home mom for a few years until recently returning to work full time. The transition was a bit of an adjustment to say the least – and nothing had prepared me for the sheer exhaustion when I first went back! Things have definitely been getting easier as the weeks (and now months) go by. And my three boys, husband and I have found our own rhythm with the challenge of finding work-life balance and I can finally say that we are starting to get into a comfortable routine.
In the context of working and parenting, Angelina Jolie was once quoted as saying “I think if you love what you do, and the choice you’ve made in your life, somehow that drives you forward to enjoy it all. Even the chaos, even the exhaustion of it, and even when it seems out of balance.”
Here are the five most important things I’ve learned in the process of transitioning back to work and as a parent working out of the home.
Certain memory lapses like forgetting where you put your car keys or your neighbour’s name are common concerns for many pregnant woman and new moms. In fact, 50-80% of women report some degree of memory change during pregnancy.
Breastmilk is a dynamic whole food that changes with the needs of the infant as they grow. It contains…
There are many nutrients that are safe to use to treat or prevent a common cold while breastfeeding. Some examples include: vitamin C, Echinacea, garlic, elderberry, vitamin D, zinc, oscillococcinum and coryzalia, and probiotics. Your naturopath may recommend other herbs or nutrients that are safe while under supervision. Make sure you are consuming extra fluids, especially water, during this time as it is common for milk production to decline during a cold. Some moms find the use of a humidifier helpful as well as salt water gargling twice daily (1/4 – ½ tsp of salt in 1 c of water).
If you can avoid over-the-counter (OTC) medications during this time that is best as almost all drugs transfer into breastmilk. Below are some common examples of OTC medications and their safety profile with respect to breastfeeding.
Having a baby can be one of the most wonderful moments in your life and also the busiest. With all the feedings, laundry, diaper changing, cleaning and other responsibilities, thinking about putting together a sexy outfit is often the last thing on your mind.
It can also be hard to adjust to your post baby body. After having my first, I was a bit surprised and disappointed that my stomach didn’t immediately go back to its pre pregnancy shape. But undergarments, or shapewear as it’s now called, can go a long way in helping you feel and look better in your clothes postnatal. These garments are not what your mother used to wear!
There are a number of great options for those interested in saying goodbye to unwanted lumps and bumps postpartum. Some of my favorites that can be worn under most clothing are (this is not paid advertising!):
Determining what age to put your infant on a sleep program is highly individual. There is research showing that putting newborns on a schedule right from birth provided parent’s with more uninterrupted sleep, less stress generally, and more confidence when responding to their infants at night.
This nursing cover is Calmmother approved as a necessity for Mom’s who are breastfeeding or expressing milk (only if you prefer to cover up of course!). It offers comfort and peace of mind when feeding at home, at work or on the go. The beautiful patterns add some flare to a disheveled new Mom look.
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Sleep is so important but the optimal amount is different for each family member.
It depends on age and other factors.
Find out the healthy sleep ranges by age, for you and your growing family.
Starting with babies (newborn to one year),
toddlers, preschoolers, school aged
children, teens and adults.
Guide to optimal family sleep (daytime naps & at night)
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