The Daily Bloom Page 10

What Not to Say to Someone After a Miscarriage

Seeing a loved one go through the trauma of a miscarriage can be a scary and heartbreaking experience. While you want to be there to help and support them, it can be difficult to know exactly what to say to bring them any kind of peace. And while you might think you know what to say, there are actually some common phrases and well-meaning words which you should refrain from. We talked to psychotherapist Perri Shaw Borish, who specializes in postpartum depression and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, about what not to say.

While your instinct might be to look on the bright side of things, pause before you say something like, “At least you know you can get pregnant,” Shaw Borish says. This is likely not what your loved one wants to hear. Other seemingly harmless assurances like “This was God’s plan” or “You’ll have another pregnancy” are also on the list to avoid. And if this person already has children, please don’t say, “At least you already have a baby.”

“Any time you start a sentence with ‘at least,’ you’re minimizing somebody’s experience,” Shaw Borish explains. Instead of trying to cheer them up or convince them to be less sad, turn to empathy. “Tell the person that you care and you get that this is super significant in their life,” she suggests. Simply acknowledge that their loss really matters, rather than try to make them move on when they’re still grieving.

It’s also helpful to be mindful of this person’s partner and to check in on them as well. “The partner lost this pregnancy too, so acknowledging that they lost something is important as well,” says Shaw Borish.

If you do say the wrong thing, don’t panic. You’re not the first and certainly not the last person to do this. Apologize and turn back to empathy. Ask what you can do to help and always be a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or a helpful hand around the house... but be sure to give them space to heal as well.

Erin Reimel

Erin Reimel is a freelance beauty editor and copywriter from the Philadelphia area. She has worked for publications like SHAPE, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Glamour, and Women's Health. She currently works in education teaching beauty communications at her alma mater, Syracuse University, and working in the advancement department of the all-girls high school she attended. When Erin is not at school or writing and editing beauty content, she can be found playing with her brussels griffon puppy, Freddie, and singing show tunes.

Your Survival Guide to Potty Training

You’ve probably been both looking forward to and dreading this giant milestone. Potty training marks a huge change for you and your child, but it can also be a wonderful bonding experience. Allison Jandu, owner and founder of Potty Training Consultant, says every child's potty training journey will look different, but you can make the training process as painless as possible by following these expert tips...

When to Start Potty Training

“While age certainly plays a role (I generally recommend somewhere in the 22 to 28 month range) it isn't the most important factor to consider when starting to potty train,” says Jandu. It’s best to look out for certain developmental signs which can signal that your child is ready to start potty training. “If they are staying dry for longer periods, asking to have their diaper changed, showing an interest in the bathroom, or hiding to have a bowel movement, this may be the perfect time to start,” she continues. Be sure that they can also follow basic instructions, communicate verbally or physically, and walk and sit comfortably, and note if there are any other changes happening in your child's life at the same time. Try to make this period as normal as possible. If you’re moving, welcoming a new baby, or going through another big life change — hold off to be sure that stress won’t derail the process.

How to Prepare for Potty Training

Try to mentally prepare yourself and your child so you’re both ready to successfully make this change. “Before ditching the diapers cold turkey, try to incorporate some fun potty training-related activities into your daily routine a few weeks in advance,” suggests Jandu. Read some potty books, watch potty videos, and even play "potty" with your child's toys so they can start to understand the steps of how to go potty before they have to do it themselves. “I like to compare pee and poop to our body's trash — food and drink goes in, our body uses up the good stuff, and then the pee and poop need to be thrown away,” Jandu explains. This comparison will help them understand the concept of going potty. “Since many toddlers can be resistant to change, try counting down the days of wearing diapers to give them some time to prepare and gain confidence. You also want them to realize that this change is a permanent one and that one day they’ll be too big for diapers just like they’ll get too big for bottles, pacifiers, and cribs.”

The Potty Training Equipment You’ll Need

“I always recommend starting with a floor potty since it’s your child's size and they can get on and off independently,” says Jandu. She also likes that they’re portable. (If your child has already been introduced to the potty at daycare or somewhere else try incorporating a seat insert for the regular toilet.) Jandu also recommends having flushable wipes on hand so your child can learn to wipe on their own, as well as buying a few packs of underwear. (Get them one size too big so they’ll feel less like a diaper and help with body awareness.) If you’re concerned with accidents throughout the day and overnight, pick up some puppy pads for the furniture and a waterproof mattress pad for the bed.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Potty Training:

Jandu recommends five basic steps for potty training:

Step 1: Plant the seed -- Take some time to introduce your child to the concept of using the potty to get them familiar with it.

Step 2: Choose a weekend -- Ideally these first days should have no disruptions so you can focus your attention on helping your child learn to use the potty and you can learn their patterns and cues.

Step 3: Stay bottomless -- During the first day to day and a half, keep your child totally bottomless — this helps them to learn their body's sensations and be more aware when they have an accident. It also helps you be aware as soon as they start to have an accident so you can catch some pee and poop in the potty, creating a learning opportunity.

Step 4: Don't be held hostage -- Incorporate some short outings as soon as Day 2 to give your child some practice with potty use out of the house. If you go to a new place, explore the bathrooms there together so they can become familiar with using the potty places other than home.

Step 5: Get back to reality as quickly as possible -- Don't rearrange your entire lifestyle to accommodate potty training. Kids thrive on their routine, so keeping them out of their normal schedules could actually hinder potty learning.

Reward Your Child

“I am a big fan of using rewards during potty training,” says Jandu. So try offering them a reward they wouldn’t get any other time like a certain candy, toy, or video to watch. Offer the reward immediately after potty success to make the connection that they earned the reward because they used the potty, and keep doing it after each potty use -- whether they ask for the reward or not.

If Things Get Stressful — Stay Calm

Jandu recommends having another person around, whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, who can step in during potty training in case things become frustrating and you need to take a moment. “If your child is resistant to using the potty, try to step back and give them some control over the situation. Ultimately that is what kids are trying to maintain,” she says. And if they do have an accident, that’s okay! Every accident is a learning opportunity. “Simply say, ‘Oops, accidents can happen. Remember pee and poop only belong in the potty.’ Then clean up and then move on.”

Don’t Rush the Process

Every child is different, but it usually takes about seven to ten days for a child to be accident-free if you’re going without any diapers. Nighttime could take a bit longer. “Every child's pace will be different, and the amount of time it takes is never a reflection on your parenting,” says Jandu. Just be patient!

Erin Reimel

Erin Reimel is a freelance beauty editor and copywriter from the Philadelphia area. She has worked for publications like SHAPE, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Glamour, and Women's Health. She currently works in education teaching beauty communications at her alma mater, Syracuse University, and working in the advancement department of the all-girls high school she attended. When Erin is not at school or writing and editing beauty content, she can be found playing with her brussels griffon puppy, Freddie, and singing show tunes.

10 Holiday Movies Perfect for the Whole Family

There is no denying that December is a nonstop month of celebration from dinners, parties and holiday activities. In between the chaos, it is also the perfect time to cuddle up with your family for a movie marathon that can take place in one day, eight crazy nights or sprinkled throughout the month. No matter how old you are, there is something nostalgic about rewatching a holiday classic with your kids or enjoying one together for the first time. Snuggle into the couch with a cozy blanket and savor the quiet with these movies that can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime or Disney + or get the DVR ready to record one of these ten films as they play on television.

The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021)

Rating: G

Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Remy Hii, Nick Sagar and Sam Palladio

Available: November 18 on Netflix

Christmas Story (1983)

Rating: PG

Starring: Peter Billingsley, Jean Shepherd, Zack Ward

Available: HBO Max

Elf (2003)

Rating: PG

Starring: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart

Available: Hulu, HBO Max, Starz

Home Alone (1990)

Rating: PG

Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Catherine O’Hara, Joe Pesci

Available: Disney +

Holiday Rush (2019)

Rating: PG

Starring: Romany Malco, Sonequa Martin-Green, Darlene Love

Available: Now streaming on Netflix

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Rating: PG

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Rita Wilson and Jim Belushi

Available: November 1 on Disney +

Feliz NaviDAD (2020)

Rating: PG

Starring: Mario Lopez, Paulina Chávez, AnnaLynne McCord, Marycarmen Lopez

Available: Vudu or Lifetime on Demand

Last Holiday (2006)

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Giancarlo Esposito

Available: Amazon Prime Video

Eight Crazy Nights (2002)

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Jon Lovitz, Jackie Sandler

Available: Amazon Prime Video

The Holiday (2006)

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law

Available: Netflix and Hulu

And a bonus for the adults when the kids go to bed…

A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)

Rating: R

Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon

Available: Amazon Prime Video

The Essentials Edit: Your Newborn Starter Kit

You’re about to have a baby. You’ve read the books to prepare, you’ve taken the classes, and you’ve talked to every parent you know… but there’s still so much to learn.

To make things easier, we've created a product guide of all the newborn essentials you’ll need before your baby arrives. It’s our cheat sheet to all things baby -- so stock up on these options (in high, mid, and low price ranges) and you’ll officially be ready for your little bundle of babe...

Breastfeeding essentials --

NIPPLE BALMS

BREAST PUMPS

BOTTLES

High: Joovy Boob Baby Bottle $15.99
Mid: Comotomo Silicone Baby Bottle $12.99
Low: Philips Avent Anti-colic Baby Bottle $7.49

BOTTLE DRYING RACK

High: Philips Avent Drying Rack $17.99
Mid: Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack $14.99
Low: Munchkin Fold Bottle Drying Rack $7

NURSING BRAS

High: Wacoal Underwire T-Shirt Nursing Bra $65
Mid: Hatch The Bra $48
Low: Seamless Clip Down Maternity and Nursing Bra $24.98

FORMULA

GRIPE WATER

LACTATION COOKIES

High: Totum Women, Pack of 3 $55.00
Mid: Booby Boons Lactation Cookies $19.99
Low: Freshly Moms Lactation Granola $11.99

APPS TO TRACK FEEDINGS

Daytime essentials

TUMMY TIME MATS

PACIFIERS

BABY LOUNGERS

PORTABLE ROCKERS

High: BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss $249.99
Mid: MamaRoo 4 $219.99
Low: Graco DuetSoothe Baby Swing and Rocker $90.99

BABY CARRIERS

CAR SEATS

STROLLERS

High: UPPAbaby Vista Stroller $899.99
Mid: Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller $499.99
Low: Baby Jogger City Mini GT Stroller $251.99

Digestion and diaper essentials

DIAPERS

WIPES

CHANGING MATS

CHANGING TABLES

DIAPER BAGS

High: Burberry Flap-Top Canvas Diaper Bag $1,050
Mid: Abundance Boxy Backpack $209.94
Low: Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag $48

Bathtime essentials

BATH TUBS

WASHCLOTHS

High: Aden + Anais Washcloth Set $20
Mid: Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Washcloth Box $9.95
Low: Gerber Washcloths 6 Pack $4.99

SOAP

TOWELS

Sleeping essentials

BEDSIDE BASSINETS

High: SNOO Smart Baby Sleeper $1,295
Mid: HALO Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series $279.99
Low: Graco Dream Suite Bassinet $162

SWADDLES

SOUND MACHINES

CRIBS

The Essentials Edit: Craft Supplies for Your Tiny Artist

From kindergarten to college, my favorite part of going back to school was getting new supplies. I can still feel the satisfaction of sharpening fresh pencils, unwrapping a new eraser, and carefully placing them into a fresh pencil case. It’s a feeling of limitless opportunity: the markers still have all their caps, the paints aren’t dried up, and stacks of construction paper sit neatly in every color of the rainbow.

This excitement may help explain why I became an artist and started a stationery company, Adelfi, with my sister who shares my love of a good pen and notebook. I get to refresh my supplies year round (a HUGE perk of the job). While COVID-19 has meant that I’m no longer wandering the aisles of art stores, I still love to research new, innovative products online.

And, lucky for us, I've found that many companies are creating non-toxic, environmentally friendly art supplies that actually work and look cute on your shelf. (Bonus points!)

Check out my 10 must-have art supplies for kids (and adults too)!

Be sure to download the free Mini Bloom coloring sheet and print out copies. Coloring is a fun and calming activity for all ages!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Riverside 100% Recycled Construction Paper. All you'll need is scissors! See it now!
Kitpas Art Crayons are a classic. They can draw on almost any surface (like paper, glass, or mirrors) and they’re water soluble, so take a wet paintbrush and turn any drawing into a watercolor! See it now!
Not only does glitter get everywhere, it’s also a micro plastic that winds up polluting our oceans. Enter biodegradable glitter, still messy but a crafting necessity. See it now!
Elmer’s School Glue Naturals, a glue stick made from 88% plants, in a 25% recycled plastic container: See it now!
Playon Crayons, stackable, non-toxic, and extra cute. See it now!
Jumbo Colored Pencils, ergonomically shaped for children’s hands and made using reforested wood with a natural lacquer finish. See it now!
Kid Made Modern Wondrous Watercolor Kit, including 30 pigmented watercolor pants, brushes, and a paper pad. See it now!
Engel Pencil Case, a rainbow case made from recycled plastic bottles. See it now!
Omy Magical Felt Pens, non-toxic felt tip markers with a color changing marker included. See it now!
Twee Chalk, comes in fun colorful shapes from donuts to unicorn horns. See it now!

Parenthood Playlist: Inspiring Songs From Yoga Teacher Heather Lilleston

Music is who we are at the cellular level.

We are sound. Everything we do in life is seeking to return us to the harmony we once knew.

Music reminds us of that.

It crosses over borders and language and culture; it is the great unifier. It moves what has gotten stuck, and returns us to the heart of the matter: this may mean we need to cry or dance or sing at the top of our lungs, or run around the neighborhood, or take a drive, or put on a dress, or cook or clean or reorganize, or rearrange the furniture.

Whatever the music inspires it usually heals and brings us home. To ourselves.

The songs on this playlist each mean something different to me, have had a lot of airplay, and I imagine will be useful to you in bonding with all the people you love the most.

Enjoy!

5 songs for Loving

“When I See You Smile”
by Singing Sweet

“That’s Where It’s At”
by Sam Cooke

“You’re Too Precious”
by James Blake

“So In Love”
by Curtis Mayfield

“Lovers Rock”
by Sade

5 songs for Bathing

“You And Me”
by Penny & The Quarters

“(What A) Wonderful World”
by Sam Cooke

“O-o-h Child”
by The Five Stairsteps

“Here Comes the Sun - Remastered”
by Nina Simone

“It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”
by Duke Ellington

5 songs for Feeding

“Forest Nativity”
by Francis Bebey

“Mama Said”
by The Shirelles

“(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano”
by Sampha

“Mother’s Love”
by Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

“Angel’s Rest”
by East Forest

5 songs for Sleeping

“Opening”
by Trevor Oswalt, East Forest

“Past Present Future”
by Oliver Tank

“Immunity”
by Jon Hopkins

“Faith’s Hymn”
by Beautiful Chorus

“Closing”
by Wah!

Heather Lilleston

Heather Lilleston is a yoga teacher based in Venice Beach. She is the co-founder of Yoga For Bad People with Katelin Sisson, a yoga based company that leads retreats worldwide. Learn more about Heather at heatherlilleston.com.

PLAY PLAYLIST

Lauren’s List: Workouts to Help Get You Back in Shape

In a world where mental and physical health is as important as ever, I wanted to share all of my resources on health and wellness. Here is our comprehensive list of the top websites that I have personally found to be beneficial and helpful in my life.

Lauren xx

For Your Physical Health:

Bodyline Pilates Online Classes

Tracy Anderson Live Streaming

Brooks Laich's Open Gym

The Sweat Spot Dance Parties

Urban 728 Yoga

Pilates By Amanda

Mat Pilates by Julie Mason

Ryan Huffington’s Amazing Dance Class

Pilates Anytime

Peloton App
(no equipment needed)

LittleSegal

Insight Timer

The Class by Taryn Toomey

Melissa Wood Health

For Your Mental Health:

Calm Meditation

Breaking the Covid Anxiety Cycle and How to Stay Sane

Expanded with Lacey Phillips Podcast: Coronavirus Episode

Expanded with Lacey Phillips Podcast: Healing Through Food Episode

For Your Internal Health:

Hum Nutrition

The Nue Co Probiotics

The Best Gifts for a Busy Toddler

Finding gifts that inspire kids to imagine, explore, and create can be challenging, so we’ve rounded up our top picks to ensure pure happiness in whomever you may be gifting for upcoming holidays and birthdays.

Block Sets:
A dozen ways to categorize, sort and built all while practicing color, shape and number retention!

Magna-Tiles:
Imaginative free play that fuels creativity and fun!

Kitchen Play Sets:
Play kitchens have always been one of the most popular children’s toys for a number of reasons. Beyond the fun they also provide language and communication skills, teamwork, responsibility, problem solving, and numeracy.

Etch a Sketch:
Unplug with one of the best classics, perfect for the mini-artist.

Meet Ooly:
A colorful place designed to help you create your happy with a range of art, school, and interactive supplies. We love just about everything they make.

Sight Words Giant Activity Dice:
A fun way to learn to read, this is an interactive game the whole family can play.

Puzzles:
Puzzles help develop positive self-esteem because children set small goals and achieve them with each puzzle. Along with motor development and hand/eye coordination it’s the perfect family-fun activity!

Stickers:
Keep your little ones fingers and imagination busy with these favorite reusable sicker sets.

The Essentials Edit: Beach Day Must-Haves for Newborns & Toddlers

Whether you loved it or hated it, being cooped up at home for the majority of last year definitely made enjoying the outside that much more special. If you’re anything like us, you’re hitting the beach extra hard this summer, making up for lost time. But when doing so, there’s nothing more important than being properly prepared… especially when braving the shores with newborns and toddlers.

We’ve rounded up some of our go-to beach essentials that we make sure are in our beach bag before stepping a foot on the sand.

Reusable Swim Diaper

i play. by green sprouts Brim Hat | All-Day UPF 50+ Sun Protection

100% UV Proof Sunglasses for Baby, Toddler, Kids

Long Sleeve One Piece Rash Guard with Shorts UPF 40+ Sun Protection

Baby Girl Swimming Suit with UV40 Sun Protection

One Piece Toddlers Zipper Bathing Suit Swimwear with Hat UPF 50+

The Cooler Tote Bag

The Beach Blanket

Yeti Kids Water Bottle w/ Straw

Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Broad Spectrum

How to Spark Your Sex Life Post-Baby

Just like in a book, life has chapters. Some pages build to big events, and some are life-changing all on their own. After bringing a baby into the world, a couple’s relationship enters a new phase in many ways. It’s not just the two of you anymore — you have a baby to take care of, 24/7.

Childbirth can uproot your sex life. You’re tired, sore, and still healing from something that was quite possibly the bravest and most alarming experience you’ve ever been through. In short, you’re just not in the mood. But keeping your love life healthy is important for a strong relationship, so here are some ways to keep the spark alive and maintain sexual intimacy after having a baby…

Start small with hand holding and cuddling --

You don’t need to go from 0 to 100. The simple act of physical touch will naturally lead to foreplay and eventually intercourse when both parties are ready. Ask for a back or foot massage, have your partner run their fingers through your hair, nibble on earlobes, or simply play footsies under the table at dinner. Little gestures will spark your libido and remind you of the attraction you share.

Be open about what’s going on in your mind --

Don’t be afraid to share what you’re going through with your partner. If you’re open with him or her they will better understand your feelings, rather than being left to their own thoughts about what could be going on. They could feel rejected or unwanted, so letting them know that it’s not THEM, it’s YOU simply needing more time will put you on the same page and save some hurt feelings.

Take time for self-love and self-care --

When you feel confident you feel sexier, so don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Go on a walk alone, do dinner with your girlfriends, and spend as much time as you need on your nightly facial routine. If you’re overdue for a pedicure, your roots are showing, or your body needs a good sweat at SoulCycle, do what brings you joy — because joy is contagious and your partner will feel it when you’re happy.

Bring in some extra fun --

It’s a simple fact of life that sometimes sex hurts… especially after having a baby. Because you may be more dry than usual, Foria Wellness makes Awaken, a natural arousal oil made from CBD and a variety of plant-based aphrodisiacs, while Rosebud Woman has created a stimulating serum called Arouse that’s chock-full of clean ingredients like maca, suma, and ashwagandha. And, never underestimate the power of adult toys. Maude has a portable phthalate and latex-free personal massager that can be used solo or with a partner, and Lioness has a “smart vibrator” that works in sync with your body via an app on your smartphone. How millennial of you!

Balance your hormones with clean eating and supplements --

Throughout pregnancy your hormones are experiencing mega shifts and afterwards they don’t just miraculously go back to normal. It takes time and patience but getting enough sleep, eating clean and reducing alcohol, minimizing stress, and removing toxins from the home can help in a major way. If you want to add some healthy supplements that are known to increase libido, pine pollen, maca root, and the stimulating blend of adaptogens in Moon Juice’s Sex Dust have been known to pack a punch and boost creativity… in and out of the sheets.

Go on a date, sans baby --

The reason you and your partner work is that you genuinely like spending time together. However, with a baby in the picture your solo time spent with one another is likely saturated with baby cries and diaper changing. So it’s important that you keep looking at your partner the way you did before. Schedule a date, get a sitter, dress up, and go back in time just a bit to enjoy what made you fall in love in the first place.

Majka's Lorena Garcia on Eating Right, Parenting Tips, and Whether or Not Santa is Real

Lorena Garcia is the Co-Founder of Majka which specializes in supplements and snacks for quality-obsessed moms.

The brand was born out of the challenging and overwhelming experiences of becoming a mother. Lorena and her partner set out to make nutrition the least of a new-mom’s worries. With their wholesome products they are taking the guesswork out of nutrition, ensuring mama and baby are getting only the very best.

We caught up with the mom-preneur to chat about balance, pregnancy, and the resources that helped her during her own pregnancy experience.

What is the self-care practice you do to maintain balance?

I make sure that, despite whatever happens in the AM, I can always do my morning meditation. It helps me start my day with more balance and focus, and not feeling like I’m all over the place.

What is the one lesson you’ve learned that you’ll pass along to your children?

There are no real limits except the ones that you put on yourself.

What excited you the most about being a mother?

Being able to see my boys grow up and be there for them. I am excited to see who they grow up to be and look forward to being there for them every step of the way.

Tell us about your children’s names… is there a special meaning behind them?

My boys are Diego and Andres. I am Mexican and my husband is American so we wanted names that would be pronounced the same in both countries. Diego means teacher and I love that because as my first baby he came to teach me everything!

What was your pregnancy journey like? What has surprised you the most about pregnancy?

My first pregnancy was full of stress. I had a couple losses before so I was always worried. The most surprising thing for me was how sick I was! I had always thought that pregnant women were glowing and I spent the first three months throwing up.

What are your three most helpful parenting resources you’ve come across, and why do you love them?

Hands down, the most helpful parenting resource I’ve found is the Philosophy of Mindful Parenting, and also the books: The Whole-Brain Child and Raising Good Humans.

How has life changed for you since becoming a mother?

It's completely different — everything from how I manage my time to what I prioritize. I went from being super excited about taking risks (like skydiving!) to not wanting to fly on a plane alone because of the fear that something might happen.

What are some examples of how you are different or similar to your own mother?

I always thought my mom was super strict and I never understood why! Now I understand and I find myself trying to raise my kids with the same values she did, just with a little different style. I also love how my mom’s family always came first and that's something she passed on to me as well, and something I’ll pass on to the boys.

What is the best / most useful piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood? How do you incorporate it into your life?

YOU have to prioritize YOU! If you are happy and healthy then you will be able to be the best version of yourself for the people you love the most.

Have you ever been mom-shamed?

YES! One time someone told me I needed to stop breastfeeding because my pumped milk was not fatty enough. She told me I was hurting my baby, and that made me feel so bad. But now I know she had no idea what she was talking about!

Since becoming a mother, what is one product you wish existed that you haven’t been able to find?

A robot to clean the house!

What is a recent parenting experience that made you laugh or cry?

My son Diego trying to understand if Santa Claus is real or not. He has become so curious and asks so many questions. Some of them are too logical and he loves putting me on the spot. His last question about the topic was “You would totally tell me if Santa was not real… right?” I just smiled.

Do you have any mom icons?

I love Sarah Blakely! She is very dedicated to her family, and at the same time has built an incredible business. I love her story and enjoy following her on Instagram.

What are you eating these days?

I am a big fan of easy and healthy meals, so I love smoothies and veggie bowls.

What is your go-to meal for your children?

They love smoothies as well… and I’ll also give them egg muffins full of hidden veggies. #lifehack!

Lastly, what’s your all-time favorite recipe?

Mmmmm… I love this simple salad by Melissa Wood because it only has 5 ingredients and is literally SO easy!

How Pregnancy Changes Your Skin

We deep dive into how your skin changes during pregnancy -- from ingredients to avoid to self-acceptance and mommy-to-be radiant glows.