Prenatal Massages... Have Your Partner Read This!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re also a fan of massages and are constantly trying to conveniently place your partner’s hand on your back in hopes that they’ll start massaging. For whatever reason, it takes a lot of effort to actually schedule a massage. Not to mention, during COVID they’ve been so hard to lockdown! Sometimes, it feels like maybe it should be something that’s a liiiittle more accessible (hi, partners!).

On top of them being a little hard to schedule/commit to, you may also be hesitant to visit a massage therapist for perfectly understandable reasons (COVID and well, getting naked while your body has changed). Or your reasons for not getting a professional prenatal massage may be logistical. After all, you’re already comfortable at home and settled in for the night. And if you work in a city, who wants to drive home in traffic after a relaxing massage?

For those times you can’t get to the massage therapist, enlist the massage skills of your partner with these tips about when and how to give a prenatal massage. We’ll cover the reasons prenatal massage should be part of your pregnancy journey with specific instructions for body parts under the most strain.

Prenatal Massage is a Panacea for What Ails You

Did you know prenatal massage can lower your cortisol levels? Cortisol is your body’s stress hormone and while it promotes fetal and neural development, too much of it can be a risk factor for miscarriage. Prenatal massage has also been shown to lead to easier labor. Even mamas with a short weekly massage of twenty minutes reported decreased leg and back pain and less depression and anxiety.

If your feet, legs, and hands start swelling during pregnancy, the culprit could be decreased circulation and pressure on your major blood vessels. Massage can help stimulate the soft tissue, move the extra fluid, and reduce the swelling. Plus, since you’re more relaxed, sleep comes easier. Consider how prenatal massage calms your central nervous system. Hello, uninterrupted sleep!

A study also showed that newborns of massaged mamas were less likely to be born prematurely, had lower cortisol levels, and more often a healthy birth weight.

Body Parts to Concentrate on During Prenatal Partner Massage

Let’s go from the ground up with feet. Have your partner sit in a comfortable seated position. Apply a generous amount of massage oil or lotion and loosen the ankle with a gentle shaking motion from side to side. Next, hold the foot with both hands and then rub the top of the foot with firm upward strokes. Always stroke upward toward the heart to increase circulation. Massage the toes by giving them a gentle tug. Rub between the toes. Squeeze mama’s heels too! Extra weight can lead to heel pain. Lastly, rub the bottom of her foot.

You can repeat the above steps on mama-to-be's calves and thighs. When it comes to the lower back, have her sit in a chair without arms, straddling it with a pillow in front of her belly. Begin with light strokes from her neck to lower back. Remember to alternate the amount of pressure by using your fingers to apply lighter pressure and your thumbs, knuckles, and palms to go deeper.

If you follow these steps, while remembering to breathe along with her, you will all benefit from in-home prenatal massages.

Still, need help? Try looking up some videos on YouTube for more tips. For anything mama related, we love Bridget Teyler! Check out her channel here!

Self-Care Practices For Pregnancy and Beyond

Self-care is not a destination but a journey to figure out safe ways to nourish your health. In this blog, we identify 8 safe self-care practices to start during pregnancy and to continue even after your baby is born.

A Body Pillow (Physical Health)

Body pillows are designed to support your neck and lower back and due to their size and weight, don’t shift around as easily as your regular pillow. Body pillows provide the necessary support to your front and back body to alleviate pressure on your ever-growing (and glowing!) body. Body pillows extend the length of your body so side sleepers can have a pillow between their legs. Being in this position maximizes blood flow to the uterus without putting pressure on the liver. Body pillows come in various shapes so research which one works best with your sleeping position and where your pressure points are. The more comfortable you are, the sounder you sleep, and the less groggy you’ll feel in the morning.

Postpartum moms also benefit from body pillows since they offer comfort, support, and pressure relief. Your body may have adjusted to sleeping with one and going back to your regular size pillow (or partner) may feel… less than ideal.

A Lavender Bath Treatment (Emotional Health)

 Since lavender promotes calmness and reduces stress/anxiety, it’s a great example of emotional self-care. Additional pregnancy-related advantages include lavender’s ability to ease us into sleep - which is something you should cherish while you can! Lavender can also help relieve nausea that occurs early on in your pregnancy.

Check the label for lavender essential oil because “lavender oil” is usually diluted with fillers and synthetic ingredients.

Meditation (Spiritual Health)  

Even busy moms-to-be can find a few moments each day to meditate. If sitting puts unnecessary pressure on your belly, lay on your side using your body pillow. For ambiance, use a diffuser filled with lavender essential oil. If you find meditation difficult, apps like Headspace can guide you through short meditations.

Once your baby is born, especially in those early weeks when they’re actually sleeping, take that time to continue your meditation practice. If you’re lulled into sleep, you’re sleeping when the baby sleeps which still remains one of the best, yet obvious, pieces of advice we’ve ever heard.

Mocktails for Mama (Social Health)

When many of your social situations involve alcohol but you’re pregnant, don’t just dismiss yourself to missing out on seeing your friends. Invite close friends over for drinks while you enjoy a mocktail. And lucky for you, many bars in Oakland and Chicago have finally realized that soda water just isn’t cutting it.

Reclaim Your Time with Meal Delivery (Physical Health)

During pregnancy, the calming, mood, sleep, libido, and bone-enhancing hormone, progesterone, increases. This leaves you especially lethargic in the first trimester. Unfortunately, feeling tired doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily sleep like a baby- where did that phrase come from anyway? Totally inaccurate if you ask us.

 Rather than stress about what to make for dinner and spend time preparing it, consider a meal delivery service or meal kit. Read this pregnant mom’s reviews of various subscription meal services. You will end up making fewer grocery store trips when you subscribe to a meal kit and you can customize your meals to get the nutrients your body needs during your pregnancy.

 Want a heat and eat option? In Oakland, we like Planted Table and in Chicago, Eat Purely. Time is still a precious resource, pregnant or not, so consider subscribing to a service post pregnancy or add it to your gift registry.

Spoil Moms-to-Be with a Spa Gift Card (Mental, Physical and Emotional Health)

Maybe we’re a little biased, but Glow Birth and Body offers incredible regular and prenatal massages. Prenatal massage has been shown to reduce swelling, lower back pain, provide natural pain relief, and improve the quality of your sleep.

Prenatal massage not only bestows benefits to mama while pregnant but also while giving birth. Studies from the Touch Research Institute suggest mamas who get a weekly massage have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and higher levels of the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Researchers have linked these hormonal changes to fewer childbirth complications, including a 75 percent reduction in premature births among depressed women.

 Remember to drink plenty of water after your massage. Drinking water post-massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials released.

 Massage is beneficial for anyone who wants to lower their stress levels and sleep better, and these needs don’t disappear when you’re no longer pregnant.

Journal Your Pregnancy Journey - Spiritual

Glow Birth and Body’s Journal and Birth Deck set is the perfect gift for expectant moms to record their pregnancy and practice gratitude while the Birth Deck helps their partner support them throughout the pregnancy.

Keep up your journaling post-pregnancy. According to scientific studies, people who journal say it’s therapeutic and one of the best ways to consistently find gratitude when life is overwhelming.

House Cleaning Helps…..A Lot! (Physical)

Pregnancy and harsh cleaning chemicals are not a good combo. If you enlist a house cleaner, ask them to use natural, non-toxic cleaners.

Even before pregnancy, the average time spent cleaning is 6 hours a week. You may need those six hours back because you’re tired, you have pregnancy-related appointments, or you’re preparing your home for the baby's arrival. Having a clean environment, free of clutter can lessen anxiety too and a calmer mom-to-be is a win-win for all parties involved. Because personally, when our cars and houses are a mess, we are too.

What self-care practices have you adopted? What will you keep doing post-pregnancy? You can’t go wrong choosing whatever keeps you calm, well-rested (this is HUGE!) and with more time for the things that matter! 

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.

Coping With Pregnancy Anxiety During a Pandemic

The process of bringing new life into this world is one that deserves to be joyful, secure, and full of exciting anticipation. But what about when the world itself is uncertain, hazardous, and full of new rules and regulations? We cannot ignore the ways in which our lives must change and adapt given the strange circumstances our world is facing. We also believe your pregnancy can still be a beautiful expression of the female experience and you deserve nothing less. Which is why we are offering a few simple daily habits that may alter your experience for the better:

1) Create A Sacred Morning Routine

A morning routine that you look forward to the night before and gets you out of bed the next day is something worth cultivating. A few simple moments taken for yourself can set the tone for your entire day. So, be protective and even a little selfish about this time- after all, it is for you. You’re growing a tiny human in your own body, for goodness sake. We suggest starting with either morning breaths or meditation followed by a skincare routine you absolutely love. We challenge you to not check your phone the first thing in the morning- studies have actually found it causes anxiety that lingers through the day when you read emails as soon as you wake up. Try to go a full hour without looking at your phone- set your alarm, or buy an old fashion alarm if you think you’ll feel tempted, and do your best to start your morning naturally. Then go ahead and indulge in that 200 milligrams of caffeine while catching up on your favorite podcast (check out the Armchair Expert Pod if you’re into laughing and soul searching, which we know you are).

2) Incorporate Adaptogens Into Your Diet

If you haven’t heard this buzz word around your local health food store or a wellness blog by now, it’s time to get into it. Adaptogens are super herbs and mushrooms (not those kinds of mushrooms) that grow in harsh climates which they’ve learned to adapt. Because they’ve developed this radical adaptation, once they are ingested into the body, they help us adapt to whatever harsh climate we are facing such as stress, lack of sleep, and muscle strain. They find what we need and adapt. Pretty cool, huh? They are often in powder form and go deliciously well with coffee, tea, and smoothies. Some examples are ashwagandha, Shatavari, and maca. Keep it simple by trying out this adaptogenic wellness blend in capsule form, Super You from Moon Juice, proven to reduce cortisol over time by 30%.  

Super You

3) Connect The Mind And Body

It’s easy to forget that we store emotions in neglected parts of our body. Tight muscles and achy joints are not just caused by exercise or overexertion. Release whatever your body may be holding onto by using a foam roller. Lay on the floor, belly up and place the roller vertically between your shoulder blades. Release your arms out wide and gently roll back and forth, opening up the chest. Breath deeply into this heart-opening exercise and you may be surprised with what comes up. Roll with it.

Foam Roller

Read our article with a few yoga poses to help you gain mental clarity and reconnect with your breath! Check it out here!

Look, we know that all the tips and tricks in the world will not be able to soothe inevitable stress. Fear, uncontrollable emotions, and future tripping are abundant during pregnancy even without a global pandemic present. But that’s where we’re at right now. And this will always be your story to tell. And you’ve got this.

C-Section Scar Massage How-To

Lindsey Vestal of The Functional Pelvis guides you through scar massage.

BRAND YOURSELF PODCAST INTERVIEW W SARA LYON

Why she’s amazing:

Sara founded Glow Birth & Body in 2010 as a childbirth educator, doula and massage therapist. The mission of Glow is to empower more women to feel good in their bodies during pregnancy and receive the support they need to achieve a fulfilling, non-traumatic birth experience.

Nearly 10,000 clients later, Glow continues to thrive as the preeminent prenatal massage source in the Bay Area. And Sara’s latest venture, The Birth Deck, is a compilation of 50 super effective comfort techniques for childbirth housed in a deck of cards and mobile app.

In our conversation, she shares:

• How she structured her business so that it could basically run itself and so that she can be bi-coastal

• What led her to study massage therapy, women’s health, and birth in the first place and why she moved to Australia for 5 years to deepen her education

• The role collaboration and partnerships played in the initial traction and growth of her business and the role they play today

• Why she recommends narrowing the focus of your business and the reasons it sets you up for success

• Her top 3 tips for building referral partnerships with other wellness practitioners

• And so much more!

Resources:

• Glow Birth & Body’s Website

• Glow Birth & Body’s Instagram

• Glow Birth & Body’s Facebook

• Glow Birth & Body’s Twitter

• Glow Birth & Body’s Pinterest

• The Birth Deck’s Website

• The Birth Deck’s Instagram

• The Birth Deck’s Facebook

• The Birth Deck’s Youtube