Pregnancy Cravings & How to Deal With Them

According to a recent survey, women reported spending an average of over 44 minutes each day thinking about what they wanted to eat- can you relate or can you relate? (And that’s just the amount of brainpower spent on what you want to eat, not even taking into account the time spent thinking about what you already ate). When you consider that expectant mothers dealing with hormonal swings are eating for two, pregnancy cravings are legit. So, while the weight loss industry is pervasive and unrelenting, pregnancy is sometimes seen as a rare hall pass to eat Whatever. You. Want.

There are a million theories about why pregnant women experience such intense cravings. And there’s a difference of opinion about why we’re suddenly drawn to something we’ve never liked before. Either it’s 1. a product of our weird relationship with food and we want foods that were previously off-limits, or 2. a specific food contains some element your body needs. One proven reason we crave these foods is that our sense of smell and taste, like so many of our body parts, evolve over the course of our pregnancy.

Pregnancy Cravings Are Common

Let’s cover this first: you are not alone. Approximately 50-90% of expecting mothers report a craving for a specific food during pregnancy. Other than pregnancy, the week before your period marks a time where caution about what we eat might be thrown to the wind. The body wants what the body wants, and I want two pounds of chocolate and a milkshake, is that too much to ask for?

Why We Crave Certain Foods is Anyone’s Guess

There’s differing theories about why pregnancy cravings happen. The first says that there’s too many reasons, emotional and hormonal, that you’re better off not worrying about the why. The second theory is to outright blame pregnancy hormones (always the easiest to blame). And we’re no stranger to how crazy those are.

 A third theory is that pregnancy cravings are your body’s innate knowledge of what it needs. Nowadays this might be more along the lines of what’s called intuitive eating. This isn’t so far fetched when you take into consideration how crazy it is that women can sync up their periods just by being together (sounds weirder every time we say it).

 All goes to say, nobody has a direct answer as to why pregnancy cravings are a thing.

Beware of Emotional Eating

If emotions influence when, what, and how much you’re eating, it’s worth asking yourself if you’re an emotional eater. One sign is that you feel guilt or shame after eating. Another is that you turn to a specific food when emotions overwhelm you. Emotional eaters often find they don’t remember the process of eating and in rapid succession go from the first bite to an empty plate.

Redirection is an underutilized tool when it comes to emotional eating (and parenting, but that’s for another time). One piece of advice is to make a list of things you can do that don’t revolve around food. Or try to identify the exact emotion and make sure your snacking alternative satisfies it. So if you crave comfort, snuggle up with a book, call a friend, draw a bath, go for a walk (or waddle) or call an old friend (seriously, when was the last time you called and didn’t text?). Another approach you can try is intuitive eating, which is based off of the idea that you shouldn’t restrict yourself (but in turn, learn: 1. how to read what your body is craving, 2. when you should stop eating, and 3. what foods nourish and feel good to eat, as opposed to ones that bloat you or make you feel icky).

You’re Eating What Your Body Needs 

There are a few categories of pregnancy cravings that deserve attention not only because they’re satisfying but because they could indicate that your body is making the right choice for you.

First up is our favorite, cheese. A craving for large amounts of cheese might be your body telling you it’s lacking calcium. So have your cheese but also mix in other calcium-rich foods like seeds, yogurt, almonds, and dark leafy greens.

Next, chocolate. Good news: in moderation, dark chocolate is actually beneficial for pregnancies. This has been proven in many, many studies. Benefits include reducing the risk of blood pressure, and improving blood flow to baby and to mama.

Spices - You may have heard that spicy foods like Thai or Mexican become more appealing during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, your core body temperature rises. Extra spicy pad Thai = sweat = a lower body temperature. Way to self regulate!

Meats - While it’s not recommended to eat raw or pink meat during pregnancy, eating medium-well or well-done meat is totally fine while pregnant. If you’re feeling especially carnivorous, it may mean your body needs more protein or iron.

Citruses - Some of you, when pregnant, may want to eat a lemon-like it’s an apple (no judgment here). Because hormonal changes wreak havoc on our taste buds, salty foods may become saltier while bitter or sour foods become less so. Try sipping lemon water to help digestion, reduce constipation, lower blood pressure, and pack in the Vitamin C. Just don’t overdo it as lemon’s acidic nature could take you on a trip to heartburn city.

When Your Pregnancy Cravings Strike At:

Home: Boil some eggs, steam some vegetables and throw in a little salsa. You know there’s always a jar in the back far right (or is that just us)? 

On the road: Take a pass on those Doritos and other salty snacks and satisfy that craving with dried fruit or a fresh apple.

 Going Out to Eat: At an Italian restaurant, opt for a green salad and pasta with veggies and skip the white sauces. Cream-based sauces, heavy in butter, could trigger acid reflux, common during pregnancy because of increased levels of progesterone that slows digestion.

Pho, a Vietnamese staple, is delicious and nutritious but skip the bean sprouts (if raw, they can carry salmonella, listeria, or e-coli), and don’t order your meats rare in case they don’t cook enough in the broth. 

Grocery Store: Nut butters, hummus, bagged carrots, and bagged salads with dark leafy greens will be your go-to. Leafy dark greens are packed with magnesium that will help your baby’s teeth and bones. Other magnesium-rich options are pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds, brown rice, quinoa, squash, beans, and lentils.

Clean Body, Clean Mind - A Simple Pre-Pregnancy Detox

Let’s be honest: there’s no perfect time to stop drinking wine during the week, binge-watching Netflix, and eating pasta like it’s your job. But when you see that plus sign on your pregnancy test, you’ll wish you started thinking about it sooner. Alcohol, caffeine, meat, and sugar are extremely addictive so it’s good to have a plan before you just pop that first prenatal vitamin hoping it’ll cancel out all your bad habits. Negative thoughts, self-doubt and not being able to say no will interfere with motherhood, so we’re here to help with that, too.

Another reason to commit to a pre-pregnancy detox is that 40% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended. Crazy, right? Many women don’t even realize they are pregnant until they are six or eight weeks along if their periods are already irregular.

How to Swap Foods If Needed:

We want to preface this by saying: every woman’s pregnancy is different! Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to cut out everything we talk about below, so make sure you consult your doctor first. The topics below provide some alternatives if you do have to make these changes!

Alcohol & Caffeine

With advancements in shrubs and kombucha, we now have so many more non-alcoholic options than your mother’s soda water. Tea is a great coffee substitution with half the caffeine of coffee. Just a six-minute drive from Glow Chicago brings you to Rare Tea Cellar with enough tea blends and varieties to make your head spin (in a healthy, non-drunk way). If you’re in the Oakland area, and bubble tea and smoothies are more your speed, RareTea Oakland is only 5 minutes from Glow Oakland.

Sugar

The daily recommendation for sugar for a female is 25 grams. One fruit-flavored non-fat yogurt is 47 grams! Even if a food label doesn’t have sugar, it usually has a substitute and your body doesn’t know the difference. Honey, or agave, are acceptable substitutes when you’re baking, but otherwise, try to limit any added sugar. After all, fruits have sugar too, albeit natural. Low sugar fruits are blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries whereas cherries and bananas are high sugar fruits.

Time for a Mental Detox

Let’s get your mind right so you can be an attentive, connected mama. If you’re grappling with limiting beliefs about yourself, find it hard to set boundaries, or find yourself caught in a negative thought loop - we’re here to help.

Comparison is usually the culprit that knocks on our door when hormones are raging. Nowadays, comparison can come in many forms: through social media, personal relationships, and stories you hear about what everyone else is doing during their pregnancy. Let’s start here: detox your social media. If you thought you were self-conscious before, it’ll only continue to get worse while you’re carrying a baby, gaining weight, having crazy mood swings/ cravings, etc. The reality is, we don’t need to follow people who bring us negative energy. On the flip side, there are so many models and figures on Instagram now that focus on body positivity, transparency, and bring women encouragement. Try to unfollow anyone who doesn’t make you feel good about yourself. You have no reason to follow them, anyway.

Next,

if you have friendships that no longer serve you, this is a perfect time (and excuse) to let that person go. Boundary setting is easier with preparation, so practice all the ways to say no when you don’t want to do something.

If positive psychology seems like a “fake it till you make it” philosophy that you can’t get behind - we feel you. Instead, challenge your negative thoughts. As soon as you think, “I look awful” ask yourself, “how is saying this to myself helpful?”.

Thinking of “giving up” foods, friendships and thoughts aren’t always easy. We’re here to challenge you: try to put yourself (and your little one) first for once. You should never feel bad about prioritizing yourself during such an important time in your life. Rid all the negativity, and bring in as much light and positivity as possible. Happiness is the best detox of all.

Eating According to Chinese Medicine: Are Salads Bad for You?

Our belly is our “fire” that we must keep stoking and burning at just the right temperature to maintain a warm and inviting home... says Chinese Medicine. So, what’s all the fuss- is Chinese Medicine something worth listening to?  

For pregnant mamas, our body is a home for our little ones, so what we fuel our fire with is so important. According to Ayurveda, every food has an innate potency of either hot or Ushna, or cold, Shita. These classifications have nothing to do with whether food is kept at room temperature or chilled in the fridge. Instead, each food we eat either cools or heats our digestive system.

Maintaining a balance of hot and cold foods is important because hot foods are believed to aid our digestive system and cold foods nourish and strengthen our bodies.

Just as acupuncture may help women become pregnant (or induce them into labor), other tenets of Eastern medicine (like eating to maintain your body’s balance) may help you feel nourished during your pregnancy.

What Foods are “Cold”?

Examples of cold foods include:

• Asparagus

• Apples

• Bananas

• Cauliflower

• Coconut

• Cucumbers

• Eggplants

• Egg whites

• Fennel

• Grapes

• Lettuce

• Lychee

• Mango

• Mushroom

• Melons

• Oranges

• Pumpkin

• Pears

• Spinach

• Strawberries

• Tofu

• Tomatoes

Remember, cold has nothing to do with temperature but rather the cooling effect the food has on your body’s digestive system. Cold foods refresh us when the temperature outside is hot, but they are generally harder to digest. They can restrict digestion and make the immune system less active.

 A quick glance at the list above reveals many ingredients that make up a delicious salad. However, eating all of these foods raw goes against Aruyedic traditions that have served the  Chinese well for over 2,500 years. A popular notion in Chinese medicine is to “Keep Your Stomach and Spleen at 100 Degrees”. All of us, and especially pregnant mamas, can do this by eating less “cold and raw food” and eating more foods that are cold, but slightly cooked.

So What About That Salad?

A grilled salad? Really? Absolutely. Practitioners of Ayurveda heat up cold foods because our bodies are able to extract more nutrients from slightly cooked foods rather than raw foods.

This practice does have its detractors, namely raw food advocates who claim uncooked foods are more nutritious than cooked foods because enzymes, along with some nutrients, are destroyed in the cooking process. Proponents of raw food diets argue that lack of enzymes stresses your body. However, there are no scientific studies to support this claim or even to show that food enzymes contribute to better health.

Whether you lose out on nutrients or not really depends on HOW you’re cooking your cold foods. Boiling results in the biggest loss of nutrients but stir-frying, roasting, and steaming are better ways to keep the nutrients on your plate. Also, remember the “slightly cooked” part and keep your burner low enough to lock in the nutrients. Cooking raw foods with excessive heat can lead to oxidation (or in nonscientific terms, a loss of energy, and in the case of food, nutrients give us energy). Although consuming copious amounts of water is usually a good thing on its own, steaming foods with too much water can dissolve the nutrients in cold foods.

Do you believe that certain foods have the power to induce labor quicker? Check out an article in our library titled, Do These 3 Foods Actually Induce You?

What Foods are Especially Good for Stoking the Fire in Your Belly?

Now that you understand more about cold foods and how to prepare them, what is so special about some of the specific foods Aruyvedic practitioners recommend?

According to Josie Bouchier, acupuncturist and holistic women's health expert, spinach nourishes the blood (and you’re pumping for two!) strengthens organs, treats constipation, is high in folate, and is simple to add into dishes and smoothies. Eggs, meanwhile, nourish the blood, calm the mind, harmonize digestion, and are a wonderful source of protein and iron.

Pregnancy and Protein

Because women tend to tinker with their diets more than men, we’re more likely to be deficient in many nutrients. Protein is no exception with most women falling woefully short of recommended guidelines. To figure out how many grams you need, take your weight and multiply it by .36. So, a 165-pound woman needs 59 grams. Mamas-to-be need to ramp that up to 75 grams or three servings every single day. Mamas who are more active or who are 35 + need to pack in the highest levels of protein.

(Telltale signs you may already be operating at a protein deficit are puffy skin and brittle hair and nails).

You have enough to take care of bringing life into this world so instead of trying to concoct intricate protein-rich meals, choose snacks like peanut butter, Hippeas, or fresh chickpeas, and hummus paired with veggies.

Best All-Around Cold Food

If we had to pick one powerhouse “cold” food, it would definitely be bananas. They regulate blood sugar and are full of potassium, Vitamin C, and fiber. Potassium helps to lower blood pressure and fiber aids digestion. Vitamin C helps boost a strong immune system - so important while you’re pregnant and especially when we’re still dealing with a worldwide pandemic.

Nutritional Benefits Are Only the Beginning

Just as you and your baby can benefit from a diet of equal parts “cold” and “hot” foods, there are also emotional advantages to Chinese medicine. Eastern traditions of meditation, yoga, and massage are healthy and healing practices for pregnant women dealing with the ups and downs of gestation.

Ultimately, ask yourself if you are fueling your mind, body, and soul or if you are reacting to what’s happening around you. A proactive and prepared pregnancy mindset is so beneficial for you and your baby now and into the future.

Do These 3 Foods Actually Induce You?

Alright, so just about every scientific study about going into labor seems to be contradictory. When hormones are raging, searching Google for medical advice is the last thing anyone should be doing. Trust me, you’ll pull your hair out (or end up snorting wasabi). It’s no different than those news headlines about eggs or coffee swinging wildly back and forth between “good for you” and “cut it out of your diet completely”. Anyone else just gets confused? Same. Also, please don’t snort wasabi.

So let’s preface this article by saying: there’s no ruling evidence that these foods absolutely induce you. They work for some women, they don’t for others. It’s interesting to try though, and we will say: there’s a pretty high success rate for some of these.

P.S. - if you’re in the Oakland area, try the Prego Pizza from Skipolini’s Pizza. Unsure of the method here - it could be to replace your baby with a pizza baby, seeing as there are 13 toppings on this pizza. Worth a try!

And if you’re in the Los Angeles area, you’ve probably heard of the famous Maternity Salad from Caioti Pizza Cafe. They see sometimes 30 pregnant women each day, flocking from all over in hopes of this magic salad inducing them.  

For some more accessible foods available at any grocery store, below are three foods rumored to induce labor chosen based on their nutrient value.

Pineapple: Is it a Miracle Inducer?

Pineapple is positively packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and other helpful compounds and enzymes to fight inflammation and disease. Just one cup of pineapple equals 131% of the daily recommendation of Vitamin C. Can we say pineapple is the new orange? 

Vitamin C is especially beneficial, promoting growth and development, a healthy immune system, and iron absorption. Pregnancy hormones wreak havoc on mama’s digestive system so snacking on pineapple, containing digestive enzymes called bromelaina, means you are a little less likely to turn to Tums or Maalox.

Pineapple shouldn’t be eaten as if it’s candy (or wine, right?). It’s high in sugar and with a pH of 3.3 to 5.2, very acidic. Acidic foods only intensify pregnancy-related heartburn and acid reflux. Too much bromelain may lead to diarrhea or cramping, which may be mistaken for the beginning of labor.  

A study showing that pineapple extract caused uterine contractions is dampened by the fact that extract was applied directly to the uterus, a result without much practical application.

Not only is it better to eat nutrient-rich foods during your pregnancy, stocking up on the RIGHT vitamins and minerals is also essential to ensure that both you and baby’s health are at their most optimal levels. Probiotics are a key part of that regimen… read more about it here!

Dates on your due date?

Dates are high in fiber with natural fructose keeping you happy and energetic. Nature’s broom, anyone? Dates are also a source of folate, which helps reduce the likelihood of birth defects. These Middle Eastern delights are high in iron and vitamin K, boosting your energy levels and fighting anemia. In addition, vitamin K helps a growing baby develop strong bones, and it can improve your muscle and nerve function. 

In a 2011 study, researchers had 69 pregnant women eat six dates a day for 4 weeks leading up to their estimated delivery dates. The study also included 45 pregnant women who didn’t eat any dates prior to their delivery dates.

Date-eating mamas had significantly higher cervical dilatation than those who abstained and spontaneous labor occurred in 96% of those who consumed dates, compared with 79% women in the non-date eating bunch.

Raspberry Tea Leaves:

Red raspberry tea is an excellent source of magnesium, calcium and antioxidants, and potassium. It has been called a “natural Pitocin” by many but despite anecdotal evidence, there isn’t much scientific support. Drinking too much may have a diuretic effect so sip with caution. Unless you’re near a loo, then you do you!

Final Thoughts:

Due to moral and ethical concerns of testing on pregnant women, scientific evidence will always be sparse. The power of suggestion and friend and family’s stories may tempt us to try these foods but unless you have a medical reason to induce, patience is always a wise prescription.

Lockdown 2.0: Planning The Ultimate Night In

Well, this is awkward. Things aren’t going exactly as we’d hoped, to say the least. The return to some shred of normalcy is suddenly far out of reach. The scramble to clear out the toilet paper aisle is beginning all over again. In many cities, outdoor dining has been suspended and a curfew has been set. I don’t know about you, but we’re having deja-covid. However, we’re one quarantine older and wiser and we’ve all found our lockdown style by now. If it’s possible, let’s not allow this time to be as daunting and anxious. So we’re here to give you something to look forward to. We’re going to walk you through what we’d call the Ultimate Night-In. Grab your significant other, a member or two from your quarantine pod, or just yourself… surely you’ve gotten good at being alone by now.

5:00pm: Get Comfy

As far as we’re concerned, your workday ends now. So switch on that “do not disturb” setting on Slack and take off that designated zoom meeting blazer and maybe also your bra. Honestly, if you’ve even managed to put on a bra during this time, you’re an overachiever and you deserve this. Make sure whoever is joining you knows the dress code: sweatpants, sweatshirts, and fuzzy socks. No heels or crop tops allowed. That being said, being comfy can still mean being chic. The following brands accomplish both goals with beyond reasonable price points. New quarantine, new wardrobe. Right? RIGHT?!

 Le Cloud Clothing

*A seriously cool, comfy, and functional collection by comedian Amy Schumer.

Leimere Loungewear

*Classic and sophisticated neutrals that you’ll even be able to wear out once all of this over.

5:30pm: Make Yourself A Drink

Whether you’re drinking alcohol, La Croix, or some immunity-boosting, crime-fighting turmeric tonic, a ritual evening beverage sipped in a state of relaxation tells your brain it’s officially “me time.”

While we can’t all live like Cameron Diaz, we sure as hell can try by drinking her new brand of organic, biodynamic wine, Avaline. Not only is it delicious, but there are also zero added sugars or dies which are what give you the infamous wine headache. Available through Drizly or Harry's Wine (<<links).

Drink Avaline

If you’re skipping the booze, try Kin Euphoric mocktails which contain serotonin-producing superfoods and delightful botanicals like hibiscus and ginger. Find these at Whole Foods.

Kin Euphorics

Cheers.

6:00pm: Set The Tone

We may be stuck at home all over again, but let’s not underestimate the value of creating a completely different vibe throughout your space with something as simple as music. Re-create the sultry mood of a dimly lit bar, an elegant romantic restaurant, or even a hipster dinner party with the following playlists that strike just the right tone for an immersive night in.  

"Sexy Dinner Party" by Delaney Rowe on Spotify

"A Single Vibe" by Alex Delany on Spotify

6:30pm: Dinner Time 

The ultimate night-in calls for the ultimately culinary experience. While tee-ing up Postmates (now Uber?)  is easy, these recipes are just as easy and far less expensive. Okay, okay… maybe not just as easy. But Postmates doesn’t leave you with leftovers to dive into with a spatula at 10pm once your friend leaves. Not to mention that cooking something food-coma-worthy is the perfect activity to prime you for a few hours of screen time. More on that later. These recipes are among the reigning champions in the simple, delicious, and cheap category.

Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs with artichoke hearts

*Expect a bright, tangy flavor profile that’s grounded in warming, comforting dark meat and crispy chicken skin. Recipe by Alison Roman from New York Times Cooking.

Ratatouille Pasta

*If you’re looking for something vegetarian with the sophistication of a traditional French ratatouille but the indulgence of a bowl of carbs. Recipe by Sarah Jampel from Bon Appetit.

Seafood Okra Stew with black rice

*For when you’re an adventurous eater but a lazy cook. A spicy, cajun one-pot dish that will trick your friends into thinking you’re fancy AF. Recipe by Alexander Smalls from Food & Wine.

7:00pm: Pamper Yourself

Getting “pampered” used to mean time-consuming manicures, over-priced massages, and painful waxing treatments. We’re now living in a world where these indulgences simply aren’t as accessible anymore, and maybe for the better! The opportunity to be pampered is waiting for you right at home, in your pantry. With a few simple ingredients, we know you already have, you’ll be feeling luxurious in a matter of minutes. Just like Cameron Diaz. And go ahead and refill your drink right about now.

Brightening Superfood Face Mask

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

1 Teaspoon Turmeric

2 Teaspoons Raw Honey

Combined ingredients in a small bowl. Spread a thin layer of the mask on your face and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and a cleanser. Oh, and don’t use a white towel. Turmeric, while healing and delicious, stains absolutely everything.

Hydrating Refrigerator Hair Mask

3-4 Egg Whites

1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

2 Tablespoon Olive Oil 

Combined ingredients in a small bowl. Massage through dry hair. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner. Make sure to rinse really well or else you’ll end up smelling like a vinaigrette.

8:00pm: Movie Time

You don’t need to convince me that watching The Parent Trap for the four-hundredth time is a good idea. It is. However, the Ultimate Night-In is about creating a memorable experience that separates it from every other night-in you’ll be having over the next few months. Challenge yourself to watch something completely new and current. You need something interesting to talk about during your FaceTime happy hour with your extended family with whom you have nothing in-common, don’t you? We’ve got you:

Palm Springs starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti.

*An existential romantic comedy accurately described as Groundhog Day meets Wedding Crashers. It’s funny, smart, and will quickly make it onto your “re-watchable” list. Available to watch on Hulu.

Sh*thouse starring Cooper Raiff and Dylan Gelula

*There’s a reason why an endless amount of charming, indie, coming-of-age movies get made: because they’re the best type of movies. This one made a huge splash at all the festivals and you’ll be the friend who knew about it before it became huge. Available to watch on Amazon Prime.

10:30pm: End Your Night With A Moment of Gratitude

Take a hot bath. Listen to a podcast. Call a loved one. However you choose to wind down, take time to reflect, and express gratitude for the privilege of a night-in. Not everyone has such a luxury. Let’s remember that the Ultimate Night-In is, ultimately, the Safest Night-In. So wear your masks, social distance and take care.

Not quite tired yet? Grab your partner, set the mood and finish off the night with a sensual party for two. Read more about postpartum sex here.

Your Heart is Depleted.

My lovely baby girl is 18-months-old today.

Around her first birthday, I started managing crippling abdominal pain. The pain stops me in my tracks and wakes me in the middle of the night. Causes me to double over, grimacing and sweating while I wait in line at the grocery store; somehow still managing to dangle something – anything -- in front of my daughter’s face to keep her content for Just. Five. More. Minutes. Yet another attempt to stave off the piercing scream that marked her entry into this world and continues to sound out throughout each day to signal hunger, sleepiness, boredom, displeasure, disapproval…

My soul was not prepared to withstand the overwhelming amount of adoration and responsibility that accompanied my daughter's birth. I remain unstable. Many days I’m convinced that I will feel this way for the rest of my life. I often marvel at the fact that we are only at the very beginning of this journey together. Down the road remains teaching her how to ride a bike, helping her with math homework (ahem, learning how to do math), and holding her close when someone breaks her heart. Once you enter motherhood you can’t turn back. We are forced to evolve at someone else’s pace and keep up, keep up, keep up.

And I want to be the best. Mostly because I want her to be the happiest, healthiest person that ever was. Also, selfishly, I want her to love me as much as I love her.

But I digress -- back to the stomach pain. For months I’ve endured this pain. Most days I thought it would go away on its own. Some days I thought it was a sign of a heart attack. At some point, I think I just accepted that living with chronic pain was my new reality.

The truth is that between keeping a relatively new job, keeping a relatively neat home, keeping my husband relatively happy, toddler giggles, first steps, “Goodnight Moon,” changing diapers, changing clothes, filling bottles, cleaning the cat litter, feeding the dog, “Twinkle, Twinkle,” Doc McStuffins, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and “MOMMY!,”I just didn’t have time to figure out what was happening to me. There were never enough hours in the day to genuinely check “Take care of me” off of my to-do list.

My body showed evidence of this, too. Post the initial breastfeeding weight loss, I’d put on some weight. I ate whatever was nearby without thinking. My grad school days of eating only raw food, cognizant of the intentionality of food consumption as fuel for my body, soul, and mind, were long gone.

Then one day I sat in a meeting, pain searing through my stomach to my back and radiating down both sides of my ribcage. The room was fuzzy. I couldn’t focus on my colleague’s words. I could only focus on taking shallow breaths and contorting my body in just the right way to make it through this flare-up. I was finally fed up. I made my first appointment with my doctor.

As of today, I’ve had several appointments with specialists, including the one where they stick a camera down your throat. Nothing has been named. No plan for healing identified. No relief in sight. The ‘diagnosis’ does not ring true with my experience. I called my gastroenterologist the day after that procedure, failing to hide my lack of faith in his opinion, “This is not acid reflux. I was pregnant about a year ago. I know acid reflux intimately.”  

A month ago, I started seeing a Chinese Medicine practitioner. She is convinced that the pain is related to food sensitivities and digestive disturbances, and I’m inclined to believe her. After some changes in my diet and the addition of some digestive herbs, I feel better. I’m not 100%, or even 85%, but I feel better. 

During our second meeting, she did fire work over my body as she walked me through a guided meditation. This was the start of the shift to less pain. I felt at peace. As she closed the session, she shared what she’d learned about me that day. Four words rolled off of her tongue that will stick with me for the rest of my life, “Your heart is depleted”.

Having met the love of my life just a year or so prior, I could not fathom that this was true. My heart had never felt more full. The rewards of motherhood outweighed the pains every day -- not every moment, but definitely every day. She continued to tell me that I needed to find time to connect with other grown-ups – to laugh, to dance, to escape the to-do list.

I’d been so wrapped-up in giving all of me to my family, to my daughter, that I’d opted to endure a life full of pain just to keep doing it for her. My healer went on to explain that in the end, that choice would only be hurting my little girl as she would get a lesser version of her mother. I’m certain I’d heard this once or twice before, but it's so easy to get sucked in without even realizing it.

This time the light bulb went off. To help create the happiest, healthiest person ever, and even to achieve the impossible of having her love me as much as I love her, I have to make time for self-care. And, every once in a while, I have to attempt to define my health and happiness as separate from hers. I imagine this will be something I will have to remind myself of often.

The spa day is scheduled. I’ll keep you posted.

RESOURCES 

Get yourself some bliss:

ACUPUNCTURE | Cara Brockbank’s Temescal practice combines classic acupuncture with divine aromatherapy, set in a charming craftsman cottage.

TAROT | Are you having trouble tapping into your gut feelings? This is your remedy. Laura Zuspan’s tarot readings are just the dose of reality you need, with a sprinkle of magic on top. Laura pulls from her beloved tarot deck and offers grounded, pertinent observations without judgment.

INDIAN SPRINGS | Located in Calistoga, this resort and spa is the perfect day trip to fit between daycare drop-off and pick-up. Our favorite treat is the mud bath and mineral pool combo.

GLOW POSTPARTUM DOULA CARE | Email us to find out more about our postpartum doula services which include a suite of wellness therapies tailored for your experience. 

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MEET IMAN MILLS GORDON

Iman is an independent consultant living in Oakland, CA with her husband and their daughter, Lena. With the support of her family, Iman continues to actively pursue her ultimate balance.

“Prenatal” Vitamins Help Every Woman Every Day

Are you exhausted?  Try taking some of your prenatal vitamins like Floridix Florivital!

Floridix Florivital provides ample doses of iron, Vitamin C and B Vitamins. Iron supports your immune system, boosts red blood cell generation thereby supporting your heart, your liver and your digestive system. Vitamin C works synergistically to boost iron absorption, and support your immune system. Florivital’s B1, B2, B6 and B12 vitamins keep the body functioning optimally. You’ll notice increased energy and healthier hair, skin and nails.

Floridix is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding but, as usual, check with your healthcare provider if you have health concerns that may preclude you from taking Floridix Florivital.

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Babymoon Breakfast Cookies

Makes 5 dozen cookies - an excellent make-ahead food to prepare for while waiting for baby. Freeze 2/3 of the cookies in ziplock baggies, and they are there to grab whenever you are desperate for a meal, whether it's breakfast, a missed dinner, or middle of the night breastfeeding munchies. These cookies are delicious, and full of nutrients your body needs to heal and feed a growing baby!        

xo Sarah Vine, Glow Doula

Ingredients

• 2 c oats

• 1 1/4 c whole wheat flour

• 1 c high fiber cereal (any sort! I used this Trader Joe's kind last)

• 1/2 c wheat germ

• 1/2 c oat bran

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1/4 c seeds - can be sesame, hemp, pumpkin, sunflower, flax, chia

• 1 c butter, room temperature (or coconut oil)

• 1 c applesauce

• 2 eggs

• 2/3 c brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla

• 1 c chopped almonds and walnuts

• 1 c rasins or cranberries,

• 1 c chopped dates

• 1 c dark chocolate chunks

Method

• Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie pans with baking paper. Combine all dry ingredients.

• Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.

• Add dry ingredients a bit at a time, until mixed.

• Stir in nuts, rasins or cranberries, dates and chocolate bits.

• Form golf ball sized cookies, flatten onto cookie sheets 1 inch apart. Bake 13/15 minutes, cool, enjoy!

Benefits

• Oats and oat bran - iron, also known to increase lactation

• Wheat germ - vitamin E, zinc, B vitamin folate

• High fiber bran cereal - good digestion regulation

• Seeds and nuts - good sources of essential DHA fats important for infant (and mother) brain development

• Walnuts - omega 3, calcium, iron, vitamin B6

• Almonds - increase milk production

• Dates, raisins and cranberries - iron, carbohydrates, potassium, help regulate the gut.

• Dark chocolate - makes you happy! And that is always a good thing.

Probiotics Every Day for Every Woman

Did you know that probiotics like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are good for your mental health?

Studies are finding that daily probiotic ingestion increases our ability to cope with stress, reducing both depression and anxiety.

The neurochemical composition of your brain is impacted by what you’re eating and how it’s populating your intestines. Furthermore, a healthy gut will reduce your cortisol levels, elevating your mood and balancing your hormones. As women, our gut flora impacts the chemical environment of the entire body, impacting the flora in our reproductive systems as well. Fighting candida (yeast) and promoting regular bowel movements, probiotics are a girl’s best friend.

Probiotics and Pregnancy 

From a Chinese Medicine perspective pregnancy increases damp heat, making us susceptible to swelling, increased blood pressure and yeast growth. Probiotics populate your body with good microflora, fighting the growth of pathogenic flora like candida or yeast. Probiotics are an easy way to promote a healthy amniotic environment for your baby’s growth.

Probiotics and Postpartum

Candida growth can impact uterus healing and breastfeeding. Thrush is a yeast infection that can plague your nipples, your baby’s mouth, your own healing uterus and your vagina. Help your healing body by taking various strains of probiotic. Your breast milk will benefit from probiotic use, giving you and your baby a boost of beneficial bacteria.

Purchasing Probiotics

Pharmaca sells a home-brand probiotic line produced by Natural Factors. The 12 billion count capsules will provide ample probiotic support at any age and stage of life. If you aren’t close to a Pharmaca, you can find Natural Factors Acidophilus & Bifidus Double Strength Capsules at your local health food store.