A few weeks ago a client of mine called me at 36 weeks to tell me her baby was breech. She was planning a home birth with an autonomous midwife who had a great deal of experience and trust in supporting breech delivery. We talked through all of her options and she said “I feel good going forward with my plan to birth at home. I trust my baby’s wisdom, my body and I feel well supported by my birth team”
In most states licensed midwives are not legally permitted to support breech delivery. Breech delivery is no longer taught in medical school so most OBs refuse to assist in breech delivery making cesarian delivery prior to the onset of labor the default “option” for most women.
For this reason, when babies present breech in the final weeks of pregnancy it can result in a great deal of stress for the mother birthing within a system who won’t support her wishes. Those final sacred weeks of pregnancy are spent attempting to spin her baby through a number of interventions and routines. Sometimes successful, sometimes not.
Last week when my client went into labor she was ready to birth her baby however he presented himself. There was zero stress or expectation placed onto her or her baby, just trust. To our surprise his head emerged first. He flipped in labor!
I share this as a reminder not to mistake your providers limitations as your limitations. 🙏🏼🤍
Photo via @lindseymeehleis @indiebirth
A few weeks ago a client of mine called me at 36 weeks to tell me her baby was breech. She was planning a home birth with an autonomous midwife who had a great deal of experience and trust in supporting breech delivery. We talked through all of her options and she said “I feel good going forward with my plan to birth at home. I trust my baby’s wisdom, my body and I feel well supported by my birth team”
In most states licensed midwives are not legally permitted to support breech delivery. Breech delivery is no longer taught in medical school so most OBs refuse to assist in breech delivery making cesarian delivery prior to the onset of labor the default “option” for most women.
For this reason, when babies present breech in the final weeks of pregnancy it can result in a great deal of stress for the mother birthing within a system who won’t support her wishes. Those final sacred weeks of pregnancy are spent attempting to spin her baby through a number of interventions and routines. Sometimes successful, sometimes not.
Last week when my client went into labor she was ready to birth her baby however he presented himself. There was zero stress or expectation placed onto her or her baby, just trust. To our surprise his head emerged first. He flipped in labor!
I share this as a reminder not to mistake your providers limitations as your limitations. 🙏🏼🤍
Photo via @lindseymeehleis @indiebirth
14 Months of Breastfeeding (and counting) 🥛
We’re told it’s hard or we’re told it’s a breeze but for most its an experience somewhere in-between.
We’re told that everything is supposed to be easy for it to be right but I don’t believe that to be true. It you’re a new mama in those early days of painful latching and engorge breasts, or a seasoned pro feeling hungry/ thirsty and tired from constant night feeds (🙋🏼♀️), if your baby is teething and biting your nipple or your battling mastitis or pumping at your office desk or trying to night wean a toddler, I see you. You’re not alone. Hang in there.
For all the mamas anticipating their future breastfeeding journey I want you to make space for all of it. The highs and the lows. Breastfeeding takes patience, it requires commitment and it’s so worth it.
I know that one day Lou will no longer want to crawl into my lap for milky and it will be bittersweet for both of us. Until then, I am savoring every moment and feeling grateful for this gift my body gives her and that she gives me. These bright blue eyes staring up at me is the greatest feeling in the world.
In 2023 I didn’t stick to a workout routine, not a whole lot of meditating, not a single full night of sleep, more sugar consumption than ever before, and moments of “self-care” were few and far between. My business didn’t get nearly enough attention from me, I couldn’t show up for friends in the way I had in the past and I probably forgot to respond to your texts and emails more than once.
All that said, 2023 was a year of so much joy and when I look at my daughter I am reminded it’s was my most productive year, it’s just that productivity looks different these days. Helping a little being grow and thrive is a season that won’t last forever. I know that with each year she will need me a little bit less and in time my capacity to tend to other aspects of myself will return. For now I’m having grace for myself and basking in the present moment and the new pace of life that comes with the integration of motherhood.
Join me in the first Growing Together Pregnancy Circle of the New Year starting in Janurary !! Link in bio ✨
Photo by @erikaorbison
Yes, the coat is Hypoallergenic 🐾
Cellular Consciousness & Communication
When I was pregnant I read a book called The Secret Life of The Unborn Child which reinforced what I knew in my heart to be true about the relationship between mother and child during pregnancy. A baby’s understanding of the world is shaped before birth. Babies learn in the womb, they listen, they are sensitive to their mothers feelings and responsive to her touch and voice. Our cells remember farther back than our cognitive brain does. Birth is not the beginning of the mother-baby bond, just a milestone.
We often underestimate the emotional intelligence of early life but I would argue that while in utero and in the early years beyond the womb we are the most in-tune and sensitive to emotional frequencies.
I don’t subscribe to any parenting “methods” but I appreciate the aspect of RIE Method that encourages speaking to your baby with respect no matter how young. Explaining things to your baby as you or she is experiencing them and trusting your baby’s wisdom makes them feel important, validated and respected as a human being.
Speaking to Lou in utero was also helpful for my nervous system. If we were going to be in a loud environment, a cold ocean or if I was feeling stressed I would simply explain to her what was happening and why. Reminding her she is safe and not the source of any negative feelings. This dialogue carried both of us through pregnancy, birth and each days since.
No matter what stage you are in your conception journey, pregnancy or motherhood it’s never too early or too late to foster connection through communication.
Photo by @mackenzierouse 🤍
Approaching 18 months with the sweetest fairy. We’ll really its 27 months because I count every day of pregnancy as Motherhood and could feel her essence within me from the beginning. When I ask her If she remembers being in my belly she says “YES!” and nods effusively and I have no doubt she’s right. I know that she was experiencing in the womb and that her birth will forever be apart of her emotional blueprint. We often underestimate the intelligence of children. Their brilliant ability to recall the past, create from their imagination all while living so truthfully in the present moment. Leaning on all of their senses to make sense of the world. Every morning I wake to a kiss. She then request we visit the “ribbit” living in the gutter and the garden where she can identify more plants than I can, “shishito” “yarrow” , “mushroom” “rosemary” “Apple tree”. As she bends down to smell the lavender she looks at me and says “baby”. The smell of lavender reminders her of lavender infused babydoll her grandma gave her. She can’t wait to walk into the house to tell her dad “I saw the ribbit. And it did a jump.” Before we can respond, she does so for us “WOW”. Which was her very first word. For days she’s been telling us about the mama dove that she saw sitting in the nest “it flew away and came back”. When I was pregnant with her in the spring time I too was fixated on the mama dove in my garden. Pregnancy, motherhood gives you the gift of seeing the world through fresh eyes , of slowing down and noticing the profound yet simple wonders of living. Photo by @krowkaphotography
I traded in California sunshine for the occasional -17 degree snow day to live in a log cabin in the woods and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jacket of my dreams designed by @baba.bytasha
I traded in California sunshine for the occasional -17 degree snow day to live in a log cabin in the woods and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jacket of my dreams designed by @baba.bytasha
I traded in California sunshine for the occasional -17 degree snow day to live in a log cabin in the woods and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jacket of my dreams designed by @baba.bytasha
In addition to an 11-week interactive gathering packed with information to prepare you to be your own best advocate through pregnancy, birth and motherhood, joining the Growing Together Pregnancy Circle means having support for years to come. Every circle has its own group chat where we stay connected and continue to grow together as mamas sharing our joys, challenges, triumphs, wisdom and everything in between.
This community of women has shown up for each other in such profoundly beautiful ways through all seasons of motherhood. I’ll never forget when a mama wrote into the group chat in despair the middle of the night. She was having a hard time breastfeeding which was something very important to her. Within hours breastmilk from other mamas in the circle was delivered to her doorstep so that she could feel her new baby liquid gold while receiving support to build her supply. This is the kind of sisterhood that makes the world go round.
Only three spots left in the next virtual circle beginning Janurary 28th ✨ Link in bio to join
Photo by @mackenzierouse
Autumn in the magic mountains 🍁🍂🍄
Autumn in the magic mountains 🍁🍂🍄
Autumn in the magic mountains 🍁🍂🍄
The most wonderful time of the year ✨🌲🎅🏼
The most wonderful time of the year ✨🌲🎅🏼
The most wonderful time of the year ✨🌲🎅🏼
The most wonderful time of the year ✨🌲🎅🏼
I rarely wear makeup but when I do I like to keep it simple and fresh. My time is more valuable than ever as a new mama so multipurpose products are my go to.
I love the brand @irisandromeo because they share an ethos with @candthemoon -there’s nothing more beautiful than a woman who feels confident in her natural self. It’s important to me that my daughter grows up watching me use products made with integrity and sees me celebrate the skin I’m in.
My morning skincare line up includes:
– A mini lymph massage using C & The Moon Glow Oil
– Iris&Romeo Weekend Skin tinted moisturizing sunscreen. I love it because it gives me a smooth and dewy complexion without covering up my freckles
– Iris&Romeo multi balm is the perfect cheek & lip moisturizer and tint with no sticky residue. It makes a great blush
– Mascara and a touch of brow gel
Available at @sephora
#EditYourLife #LessMakeupMoreYou #Iris&RomeoPartner
✨ NEW Postpartum Growing Together Circle ✨
For the very first time I’ll be hosting a six week container for women in the first year of motherhood!!!!
For the past few years Growing Together has been a space for community and learning through pregnancy. I’ve received dozens of messages from mamas seeking that same intentional community and doula support in those early days, weeks and months after birth. So here it is, a place to go beyond birth, to continue growing together as we explore topics related to early motherhood.
Link in bio to join
Use code EARLYBIRD for a discount
I see so many mamas commit to good nutrition and supplementation in pregnancy and then once baby is born the focus shifts to restricting calories to fit back into pre-pregnancy jeans leaving them depleted. The postpartum time (especially while breastfeeding) is an equally important time for a woman to maintain a diet of high nutrients, healthy fats and proteins. By doing so she replenishes her reserves and has more to give her baby through her magic breastmilk!
Eggs- Pastured eggs are an excellent source of Choline which is crucial for brain development and mamas brain function particularly memory and improved cognition.
Roe – Wild salmon roe is the amongst the most abundant food source of omega-3s which is also very important for brain health for mama and baby. Studies have found correlations between optimal levels and increased IQ scores, protection against psychiatric disorders and visual development.
Jujube- In the weeks after giving birth we had Jujube tea summing on the stove all day long filling our home with the sweet aroma and providing a great source of Vitamin C for immunity, collagen synthesis and to help with iron absorption.
Seaweed – Seaweed is rich in iodine which is an important nutrient for mama to consume for her and her baby’s thyroid production.
Chicken Livers – High in folate, iron, choline, Vitamin A and B12. Chicken livers are a postpartum superfood to replenish mamas nutritional reserves and enrich her breastmilk with properties to support baby’s brain development, motor skills and immune system. It is also a good source of protein which is key for maintaining supply. Protein needs are actually higher while breastfeeding than in pregnancy!
(check out our recipe on the @candthemoon blog)
1. Iron • Although an iron rich diet is important in pregnancy Synthetic Iron can wreak havoc on the digestive system causing constipation, nausea and indigestion. Excess iron can lead to oxidative stress which is why I believe it should be addressed on an individual bases and always through diet first.
2. Artificial Coloring • Believe it or not some prenatal vitamins contain dyes that are banned in other countries and linked to complications such as cancer and ADHD. Steer clear or any prenatal with synthetic dyes.
3. Heavy Metals • Look for a prenatal that is 3rd party tested for heavy metals such as lead which have been found in a number of prenatal vitamins on the market
4. Folic Acid • Folate is an important nutrient to promote a healthy fetal development especially in the first trimester. However, folic acid, the synthetic form of folate or methyl-folate does not covert effectively. Choose a prenatal that contains methylated folate instead of folic acid to assure its proper function.
5. Hydrogenated Oils • Industrial seed oils are highly processed and cause inflammation in the body even in small amounts.
✨ Laboring women are deeply in tune and will pick up on the fears of those around her. Of course nerves are to be expected but having a partner that is rooted in confidence and trust will make for a more positive birth experience for everyone. Spend time talking about your fears together, addressing them prior to birth and seeking out support and tools that will help you face them (hint hint: a doula or a good birth prep course)
✨ Make a postpartum plan and be very clear about who is welcome in your sacred space when and for how long. We decided to wait three weeks before inviting family into our home postpartum. There’s no one right way for every family but it’s important that you are two are united.
✨ Discuss how you anticipate needing to be cared for in the early weeks postpartum. Where will you need to seek out additional support so that you can all feel held? This includes a plan for nourishment.
✨Where will baby sleep? If you partner has any reservations or concerns about co-sleeping and it’s something you want to do discuss it before baby comes. I love the book Safe Infant Sleep by James McKenna to help provide info.
✨ Discuss how you plan to carry yourself and each other through those hard days. Make a list of the things that make you both feel good, a warm bath, a nap, a healthy meal, a sweet treat, exercise, a long embrace etc. so that you know how to best nurture one another.
What was the most important conversation you had with your partner (or wish you had had with your partner) before having a baby?
“Standard” practices are often positioned as non-negotiable in a hospital birth setting and rarely is a mother informed of the lack of evidence and risks that are associated with them. The standard of care is not always dictated by what is best for mama and baby but instead what is best for insurance companies, the hospital in the face of litigation and the convenience for providers who are operating within a flawed system. You always have a choice when it comes to your body and your birth. If your provider doesn’t honor your right to choose, time to find a new a one.
• Inducing labor immediately upon water breaking
• Cervical exams
• Restrictions on eating and drinking in labor
• Continuous fetal monitoring
• Tugging on the cord to “help” deliver placenta
