Being pregnant with my first baby was hands down the most exciting experience of my life. I’m not saying anything new here, but babies… change you. It’s all so unbelievable & overwhelming & beautiful (except for the wiki-image of a placenta. That did not work for me. At all.) I’d think to myself, I’m making a person. There should be a term for what first time moms go through- obsessive giddiness might capture it.
But as the due date approached, mundane matters started to encroach on the fun. For one, I felt utterly clueless about how to have a baby. I spent hours a day studying up on pregnancy, labor, breast feeding… And then there’s the shopping. The clothes are pretty fun, actually. Picking out tiny onesies & fluffy blankets makes it all feel real- a little person will be wearing this!
But a lot of it I could have gladly done without. I remember trolling the internet, studying the lists of “Things You Need to Have a Baby.” I admit shopping has never been my favorite thing. But eight months pregnant, as big as a house with straight up pregnant kankles, & I’m trudging around town trying to figure out which kind of “X” to buy. Between all the running around & hormones, I felt exhausted & depressed. I remember asking my husband (as if it was his fault), Why doesn’t somebody just sell this stuff in a kit so I can buy it all online & be done with it? Because really, I have better things to do. (Like napping!)
Meanwhile, Andrea was in the same boat, but six months ahead of me & trailblazing with all sorts of crazy information on toxins. Andrea pointed out that not only do we have to buy it all. We have to worry about how these products will poison our vulnerable babies with X-rated chemicals that make adults blanche, & pollute the world they have to live in. Aak!
Once that whole vista opened up I was officially overwhelmed. So on top of learning how to feed a human from my boob, I have to become a chemist & an environmentalist?
From then on, the links flew back & forth. I hope everybody finds themselves a pregnant buddy to compare notes with. It was a huge comfort, going through it all with a sister. And it opened up a whole new world. Because once you start thinking about your children, “good enough” no longer applies. You want everything in their world to be safe, beautiful & perfect.
So there you have it, the story of the Everything Kit. Two concerned, new mothers, wishing it were all done for you. An idea years in the making. So moms, prop up those swollen feet. We’ve got your nap covered!
Name something really important that you never seem to find the time for… If you picked exercise, we’re with you. Which is why we chose Lawson Harris of The Fitness Guru NYC as the subject of our very first Duck Duck Green Chat. In fact, we were so inspired by our conversation with Lawson, we asked her to put together some simple pregnancy stretches. They’re quick, simple & leave you feeling energized. Give them a try… and feel good!
ddg: Hi, Lawson! After 2 babies each, we don’t feel quite as… spry as we once did. Can you relate?
Lawson: As a 44 year old mother of 2 who has gained and lost 40lbs twice I take none of this lightly. No one tells you how incredibly difficult it is to be pregnant, and even worse, to lose the post-pregnancy weight. It takes drive and dedication and an insane amount of bravery. Bless you all and best of luck!!
ddg: What is the biggest fitness complaint you get from new moms?
Lawson: Exhaustion! You’ll never get over how incredibly tired being pregnant makes you- never. I was convinced that I had mono or the flu during both my pregnancies, I felt so worn out. You’re not sick, you’re making a person- this takes an amazing amount of energy. Listen to your body and rest, rest, rest. Then go workout in a reasonable manner that makes you feel good.
ddg: Are there any specific exercises that help with labor?
Lawson: You’ll be using your abdominal and back muscles to push the baby out so Pilates is perfect! Kegels and pelvic floor strengthening Pilates moves will help your vagina get back to normal faster after the baby is born as well! Light cardio with a heart rate monitor is also very important. If you’re going natural you’ll need that cardiovascular stamina to last through your labor as well as to keep pregnancy weight gain in check.
ddg: As new moms, we’re always tired. Any foods that leave you feeling energized?
Lawson: Eating at regular intervals is crucial, skipping a meal is a strict no-no. 3 meals a day and 2 snacks between is best. Stick to lean, organic meats, fruits and vegetables. Drinking water is also key- half your body weight in ounces is a good guideline. In other words, if you weigh 100lbs. drink 50 oz of water a day. Consuming 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily is also a good way to stay energized.
ddg: Any tips for pregnant moms? For swollen feet or back pain maybe?
Lawson: Exercise! Back pain during pregnancy is usually due to a lack of exercise and stretching as so many pregnant women take the time as an opportunity to sit around- bad idea! Keeping your abdominals and back strong and toned during your pregnancy and stretching daily will save you from a world of hurt.
ddg: Are there exercises Pregnant women and/or new moms should avoid?
Lawson: It’s not recommended that pregnant women begin a new form of exercise after they conceive. Wear a heart rate monitor and stay in a fat burning zone during your workouts. If you want to stay on the conservative side, try this simple equation to find your best heart rate for working out during pregnancy. Take 180 and subtract your age. Try not to let your heart rate go more than 10 to 15 BPM above that number.
ddg: What is the biggest problem area for new moms?
Lawson: We get fat in some really nasty places during pregnancy: lower back, backs of the arms, the giant bootie spread… It can get pretty depressing. I’m sure I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but keeping up with your exercise routine is crucial. I got back down to my pre-baby weight and lost an extra 5 lbs. after my second baby due to the energy and motivation I found while working out during pregnancy. Yeah, I know- whatever, “Fitness Lady”… But that could be you, too!
ddg: What’s the least amount of time a new mom can spend a day & still get in shape?
Lawson: Most new moms will skip a workout because they only have 15 or 20 minutes to spend. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Some time spent on your health and well-being is better than none-time. Plus it’s cumulative- you can spend 10 minutes on exercise 3 to 4 times a day and the next thing you know you’ve worked out for a total of 40 minutes that day. Bottom line, do what you can, as best you can.
ddg: Why do you recommend organic foods & non-toxic products to your pregnant or nursing clients?
Lawson: When you’re pregnant or nursing, everything you put in your mouth goes into your baby’s body. Less stress on your body means less stress for your baby. Eating organic foods and using all natural products translates into a stronger immune system, healthier digestion and a cleaner planet. It’s a win-win-win situation.
ddg: This is all excellent advice, but we feel lazy! Can you give us a pep talk?
Lawson: There is no way you can be there for others if you’re stressed and exhausted. Now that you’re a Mom it’s even more important to take time for yourself. Making excuses by saying you have no time and too much to do is total B.S. Hire a baby-sitter for a few hours. Give the baby to your husband when he comes home, and leave the house immediately. Start a baby-sitting co-op in your building and take turns watching each other’s kids. There are a million options. Being a victim to motherhood isn’t one of them.
ddg: OK, one last question. Will that extra, floppy tummy skin go away with exercise, or is that here to stay?
Lawson: Usually after the first baby the loose skin on your belly will tighten back up within a few months. Eating organic and using natural products is key. Holding toxins in the body causes bloat and attacks the quality of the skin, which will add to the drama of the loose skin. So keep your diet clean and use all natural cleaning products, detergents and soap. Doing cardio daily and drinking plenty of water is a tremendous help in the battle of the jiggle belly. Above all…. be patient.
ddg: Thanks, Lawson! We’re off to work out now…
-m & a
Fitness Guru Lawson Harris looking cute in a hat.
Lawson Harris is one of founders of The Fitness Guru, a company dedicated to bringing people to new levels of fitness and well-being through education and instruction in multiple fitness disciplines using Pilates as the base. Lawson has been an innovator and educator in the fitness industry, specializing in Pilates for over 25 years, and enjoys passing on her wealth of knowledge to her instructors and clients at The Fitness Guru Lab in NYC. She lives with her husband and 2 children in Brooklyn, NY.
This righteous little fellow graced our inbox this week & we couldn’t help but share. (How does one manage to be so tiny, yet look so very distinguished?)
This Mother’s Day, we asked you to tell us the best thing about your mama. Below are all of the fantastic responses we got. Some funny, some sweet, some.. a bit cryptic. All goes to show, there are many ways to love a mama.
Here’s our special entry that won the $25 gift certificate. Congratulations, Marnie!
“…because she raised three little ones on her own after my father died unexpectedly when my twin and I were six months old (we have a brother 3.5 years older than us) and never gave any indication of having a rough day. I know now how hard it must have been and I only have one baby and a partner that helps a great deal! She is resilient and keeps her head high. A true hero who set an incredible example for her children.”
-Super sweet and will talk to anyone, sometimes too much;) Many times my friends have said “I wish your mom was my mom.” -Anne
-She’s got the best homecooking EVER that makes any day that much better~ -Tomoko
-LOVE LOVE RED -Pam
-My mama is soo amazing because she has been so supportive of me becoming a mother. She came to help me in the first few months of my daughters life, and I will cherish not only the time she had with my daughter, but the time my mom and I had together. I only hope to be as good a mother to my daughter as she is to me! Love ya momma -Bethany
-She likes to tell dirty jokes, but whispers the naughty punch lines. -Amanda
-Need a map? She’ll draw one to scale. Need your car packed? You didn’t know it was possible to fit so much. Need an ear? She’s got that too. -Joshua
-My mom is like an elephant (minus the dung or the large size). In the elephant culture, matriarchs are prized for their ability to guide the herd. Fearless leaders, these elephant mothers are responsible for directing the younger females and making the major decisions that decide the fate of the herd. They are loved by their sisters and daughters, who flower them with spritzes of water on the hot, days of the African summer. In my household, the matriarch was prized for her ability to guide my father from point A to point B without getting lost. A fearless leader, my mother was responsible for directing her children to illustrious careers through her example. My mother is loved by her family, who flower her with flowers on mother’s day. So, my mom is like an elephant (minus the dung or the large size), and I love her very much. -Sonny
-There are lots of ‘Best’ things, but I like my mom’s cooking, especially her pizza and chocolate chip cookies. -@ExtremelyAverage (via twitter)
-My mama is so…140 characters isn’t long enough!! She’s so awesome, she makes me want to be a better mama! -@thenorwexchick (via twitter)
-She can be very serious but once she finds something funny there is no way to stop that giggle – until it turns into astonishingly loud, belly-aching laughter. 10 minutes later she’s got tears streaming down her face and everyone around her is happy. – Andrea
-She has a wonderful, wicked sense of humor. Which is surprising because she’s this sweet, warm mama & you just wouldn’t see it coming. If you’re sick or sad, there’s nobody more comforting in the world. But say you got just a little bit hurt or embarrassed- like your chair broke & you fell on your butt. Or you sneezed & your skirt ripped. The lady will laugh herself to tears at your expense. Pretty awesome. Plus, she taught me to love vegetables & Martini’s. Cheers, Mama! -Maryann
It’s almost Mother’s Day. Now that we’re moms ourselves, the holiday has taken on a new significance. This stuff is hard!
Mom’s are pretty incredible people. They wipe our noses. We throw up on them repeatedly & they don’t think we’re gross. They stay up all night with us when we’re sick, check our homework & make us brush our teeth.
So in honor of mothers everywhere, we would like you to share the best thing about your mom. Each & every “Ode to yo mama” will be posted on a special Mother’s Day blog. One extra-special entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to duckduckgreen.com (*see below for details*)
Whether you want to share the winnings with your mom, or keep it for yourself… we’ll let you wrestle with that one.
Let’s hear it for moms! -Maryann & Andrea
To enter, just email us a short anecdote (1oo word max) or even a few sentences. Anything awesome about your mom. Or simply send a picture of your mom looking rad, with a caption.
I’m going to date myself here- when I was a kid, we rented a Betamax machine for my birthday party & watched ‘Splash’. My parents were extreme late adopters. We were probably the last family in Michigan to get a cordless phone or a microwave. To me, that Betamax was like having a magical movie-robot in our house.
Fast forward to today: I find it a little odd that my 2 year old can play YouTube Muppet videos on the iPad all by himself. Or that my 1 year old taps at my laptop screen impatiently, wondering why it doesn’t react like an iPhone. So I admit I got a big Luddite-grin on my face when my son recently called “Mixing Colors” his favorite game.
This is such a simple project but so far it’s given my son hours & hours of technology-free fun. Here’s the gist:
• Gather food coloring (Red Yellow & Blue) & seven or eight glass jars (a random assortment from mustard, jam, pickles etc. works great.)
• We had our son stand on the step ladder at the kitchen counter. You can do the craft anywhere- outside might be perfect now that it’s spring. (But getting to stand on the step ladder alone is enough to make him ecstatically happy, so there you go.) We also put a little apron on him. This is in case of spills, but also because the mad-scientist vibe made me happy.
• We filled the jars 1/2 full of water & added 2 or 3 drops of the red, blue & yellow dye. *One tip- Go light on the red dye. It’s such a strong color it can overwhelm the others.
• Then we let him pour away. Red into yellow.. ORANGE! Yellow into blue… GREEN! Red into blue.. PURPLE!!!
We’ve been trying to teach our son the concept of color mixing for weeks with very little success. After one round of this game, he got it: when you mix colors, they make a new color. Add more water & the colors get lighter. Mix them all, you get brown. And man, the excitement! It was like the boy invented secondary colors.
Making forts out of couch cushions, avoiding the cracks in the sidewalk.. Good to know the oldies are still goodies.
-m
Looking for a fun book to teach toddlers about color mixing? Mouse Paint rules.
Since I was a girl, I’ve loved dandelions. Bright splashes of color across a field- what’s not to like?
Dandelions provided hours of fun for me as a kid. They were magic wands & floating boats. You could weave them into a crown of flowers, decorate the spokes of your bike wheels, or turn a puddle into flower soup. Then all of a sudden the dandelions turned into fuzzy puff balls that you could send flying through the air with a breath.
And remember, “Mama had a baby & her head popped off!”- then you’d use your thumb to pop off the flower? OK, that sounds kind of sadistic now that I’m old enough to notice. But at the time, decapitating dandelions was about as cool as it got.
I understand not everyone shares my love of the humble dandelion. Some call it a pernicious weed. A pox on a manicured lawn. To each his own. But before you bust out the weed killer, consider this: in the early spring, when other flowers are scarce, dandelions provide crucial nutrients to bees. And bees could use a little help.
Over the past 50 years, wild & domesticated bee populations have been cut in half due to invasive mites & pesticides. Bees don’t just make delicious honey. They are the unsung helper to the American farmer. Many fruit, nut, vegetable, legume, & seed crops depend on bee pollination.
So I say we (re)learn to enjoy the spritely yellow dandelion & give our worker bees something to snack on till summer.
Tomorrow is the first day of spring! After all of this gray winter nonsense, I’m anxious for some sunshine & color. Luckily Eco Modern Baby hit Duck Duck Green this week. Their bold patterns & saturated colors have brightened up our shelves!
Eco Modern Baby designer, Kristen Angelo, brings a fresh perspective to the stuff parents use every day. The Kerchief is the best bib idea ever. Your mini-hipster will look too-cool-for-preschool. (My daughter has been rocking one all week to rave reviews.)
Kristen has kids of her own & it shows in all the little details that make parents fall in love. Check out the Infant Sleeper with snap & zip closure for fumble-free midnight changes- smart! Sleeper sacks are a really smart idea for newborns in general. No loose blankets means a safe & snug sleep.
The Burping Cloth is made with soft organic cotton, so you don’t have to worry about nasty pesticides or chlorine touching your baby’s sensitive skin. Nice! The Change/Play Mat is great for quick diaper changes on the go. Just roll it up & wrap with the simple elastic strap. It’s larger than most baby mats, so it’s great for Tummy-Time too. In fact, we dig it so much, we put it in our Bum Bums Kit!
But what I love most about Eco Modern Baby is how they’re made. All EMB products are designed & manufactured in Seattle, Washington. They even use certified organic cotton textiles grown & milled right here in the USA.
Oh, & they’re nice, too! They recently donated baby blankets to child survivors of the 2010 Haiti natural disaster.
We are so excited to offer these great new products for your baby. Now let the sun shine in!
Still from Healthy Child Healthy World's "Wake-up Story."
From the moment they are born, over 200 toxic chemicals pollute infant bloodstreams. 200. What is going on?
Scientists used to believe that the placenta provided an effective barrier against most chemicals. Now we know that all manner of environmental pollutants are being carried to the developing fetus via the cord blood.
In 2004, The Environmental Working Group conducted a study on the umbilical cord blood of 10 babies born in the US. The results were shocking. Two major labs found, on average, 200 industrial chemicals & pollutants in the blood. Of the total 287 chemicals detected:
134 are known to cause cancer.
158 are toxic to the brain & nervous system.
186 cause infertility.
151 cause birth defects or abnormal development.
PLEASE watch this video. Share it with friends. Help send a universal wake-up call to inform parents about the dangers of toxic chemicals in our world.
There’s nothing worse than a sick baby. I know colds are an unavoidable part of growing up. But that just doesn’t make it any easier to watch your kids suffer.
This winter has been a really terrible one for colds. Our families have been sick non-stop since December. Rotten all around, but truly miserable for little ones.
Most over-the-counter cold remedies are dangerous for infants. Babies can’t spend their colds zoned out on Nyquil, watching re-runs of Northern Exposure like some adults I know. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make colds a little less distressing. Here are a few very simple, safe & natural ways to help your baby feel better. (But nothing can replace the advice of a pro, so consult your doctor!)
When a baby is sick, getting enough fluids into them is extremely important. If you are breastfeeding, just increase the frequency. Breast milk is the perfect food for a baby, sick or healthy. Otherwise, offer fluids every 10 or 20 minutes. Water & natural juices that are high in vitamin C are the best. These will hydrate while thinning out mucous. If your baby is drinking milk, cut back while they are sick. Dairy can cause mucous to thicken, making it more difficult to clear airways.
Having trouble getting a sick toddler to take enough liquids? Try a homemade popsicle. Just pour natural juice into an ice tray. Use a toothpick, or a popsicle stick cut in half, for the handle. Freeze & serve up smiles. Laughter is the best medicine after all.
Chest Rub
I’m going to try not to sound like a fanatic here, but I can’t rave enough about Sniffles Baby Chest Balm. Erbaviva’s organic formula relieves cough & cold symptoms naturally. Most chest balms are not recommended for children under 2, but Sniffles Chest Balm is gentle enough for all ages. And unlike most conventional balms, it’s petroleum-free.
Just apply the balm to your baby’s chest and back, & use the palm of your hand to rub with a gentle, circular, massaging motion. Organic essential oils of Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and Myrrh warm the chest & open breathing passages. The calming massage, along with organic Calendula, Lavender & Chamomile, help your baby to relax. (And you and your baby will enjoy the incredible scent.)
When Andrea first started using Erbaviva’s Chest Balm, she was surprised to find her toddler loved the stuff. Whenever he is sick, he runs to her with the jar & says, “Want nice cream, Mommy.” Her glowing review lead me to try it on my son. I was shocked to get the same reaction. When something brings that much comfort to your sick kid, you fall in love.
Steam & Warm Baths
Steam & warm baths are tried & true sickie remedies that work great on babies & adults. Steam loosens congestion, allowing your baby to breathe easier. To create a steam room, close the bathroom door & run hot water in the shower for several minutes. Switch to cold water for a minute to create lots of steam. Sit with your baby in the steam room for several minutes. Repeat three or four times a day, as needed.
Warm baths work much like a steam room to clear nasal passages and soothe lungs. Baths are great because they relax overwrought little nerves while they do their magic. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus, thyme or sage essential oil in the bath water too. The vapors will help to clear the sinuses.
Moms aren’t the only ones who enjoy a little spa treatment. We love Erbabviva Baby Cream for after-bath massages. Colds come with achy muscles & baby massage can ease the pain. Baby Cream is made from the highest quality, natural ingredients. It’s very light & soaks in easily. And the Organic Lavender & Chamomile essential oils are specially formulated to help your baby relax.
Sleep!
Nothing cures a cold faster than lots of sleep. So throw out the schedule. Let your baby go to bed early & nap as long & often as they like.
*This article is provided for information purposes only. Please consult your baby’s health care provider before trying home remedies.
