Category: Pregnancy

Pregnancy

How to Control Gestational Diabetes with Food

by Wholeness Mama1 Comment on How to Control Gestational Diabetes with Food
How to Control Gestational Diabetes with Food

Nearly 10% of pregnancies are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. A few months into my pregnancy, I got the dreadful news that I was diagnosed with diabetes. I cried inconsolably after hanging up. How could this happen? Is my baby going to be okay? Why me? After some pep talks with family and friends, I realized that it wasn’t the end of the world and my situation wasn’t all that bad. So I decided to take a proactive approach and do everything that I could do to manage my gestational diabetes for the sake of myself and my baby. In this article, I will discuss how to control gestational diabetes with food.

My Story

My OB referred me to a perinatologist (an OB that specializes in high-risk pregnancies).  During my first visit, I met with the registered dietician nutritionist (RDN) and this is where I almost LOST IT.

The RDN was a very nice woman; however, I could not come to fathom the diet she wanted me to follow. More concerning to me was that this diet was supported by the American Diabetes Association. Never in my life had I ever questioned healthcare professionals or dietary standards put out.  In my opinion, this suggested diet will push you to the point where you NEED insulin or medicine to manage gestational diabetes. Below is the American Diabetes Association’s list of “Diabetes  Superfoods”:

Diabetes-Superfoods-ADADownload

Lets Talk Carbs

The body breaks down and converts carbohydrates (such as whole grains, beans, and fruit) into glucose, resulting in a rise in blood sugar levels. Yet, I was being advised to eat carbohydrates as part of a “healthy” and “balanced” diet. SAY WHAT? This made ZERO sense to me. 

I felt as if the healthcare industry wanted to make the sick, sicker. By putting people on this diet, blood sugar levels spike to uncontrollable levels, resulting in a need of medicine for diabetes management. But what is their motive? Well my sweet friends, money talks. In 2012, the global diabetes market yielded $28.1 billion in sales, with $16.4 billion in the U.S. With the predicted increase in disease prevalence, global sales are expected to grow to $67.7 billion in 2022, with $38.8 billion in the U.S. 

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Pregnancy

The ONE Breastfeeding Product that Every Mama Needs

by Wholeness Mama
The ONE Breastfeeding Product that Every Mama Needs

The Haakaa is sold on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aSRlJm

In this video, I discuss what a Haakaa is and the world’s most CLEVER HACK for building your frozen milk supply.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Pregnancy

3 Essential Stability Ball Exercises for Pregnancy

by Wholeness Mama2 Comments on 3 Essential Stability Ball Exercises for Pregnancy
3 Essential Stability Ball Exercises for Pregnancy

After finding out I was pregnant, I was elated and terrified all at the same time. Over the years, other women had shared their labor stories with me. The thought of my perineum tearing made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I acknowledged that there were certain things that were out of my control. But, I was determined to do everything in my power to ensure my body was prepared for childbirth. And so starting at week 37, I used a stability ball to incorporate these three simple, yet effective exercises into my routine. These stability ball exercises for pregnancy promoted lightening (baby dropping) and prepared my pelvis for labor. Each day, I did five sets of these three exercises, usually in the morning and then again at night. I also included these items into my diet.

Be prepared for childbirth by incorporating these stability ball exercises for pregnancy into your regimen:

Disclaimer: These exercises worked for me. However, you should consult with your doctor before trying anything new.

Ball Bounces

Sit on the stability ball at a 90 degree angle with your hands by your waist and bounce on the ball for 60 seconds.

Stability ball exercises for pregnancy - ball bounces

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Pregnancy

Inspiration: Simple + Cost-Effective Ideas for a Rustic Baby Shower

by Wholeness MamaLeave a Comment on Inspiration: Simple + Cost-Effective Ideas for a Rustic Baby Shower
Inspiration: Simple + Cost-Effective Ideas for a Rustic Baby Shower

Venue: Hacienda Los Robles Barn (Homestead, FL)

  • Hay: Local animal feed ($10 per bale)
  • Baby Burlap sign: Amazon ($10)… we cutoff the “girl” part and only left “baby”
  • Faux Reclaimed Wood Cake Backdrop: Lowes ($20)
  • DIY Donut Display: Michaels (1″ Dowel $3.49 + Round base $.39)
  • Cake Base: Hobby Lobby (bought a while back)

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Pregnancy

Review: 2019 Nuna Tavo Stroller and Nuna Pipa Carseat (Caviar)

by Wholeness MamaLeave a Comment on Review: 2019 Nuna Tavo Stroller and Nuna Pipa Carseat (Caviar)
Review: 2019 Nuna Tavo Stroller and Nuna Pipa Carseat (Caviar)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZeQ9h7A0Q

In the video above, I discuss all the bells and whistles of the 2019 Nuna TAVO stroller and the Nuna PIPA carseat (color: caviar). When putting together my baby registry, I was torn between the UPPAbaby Cruz and the Nuna TAVO. I ended up going with the Nuna because it came in for $200 less and I loved the color of the frame, the brown leather detail, and the overall quality of the stroller.

Pregnancy

Moisturizing DIY Belly Butter

by Wholeness Mama2 Comments on Moisturizing DIY Belly Butter
Moisturizing DIY Belly Butter

Disclaimer:This regimen worked for me. However, you should consult with your doctor before trying anything new, such as this DIY belly butter.

During pregnancy, a growing baby causes rapid weight gain and a woman’s skin to expand (to make room for baby). As a result, the supportive layers of tissue under the skin may begin to tear. These tears are commonly referred to as stretch marks.

A positive family history is a risk factor for stretch marks. Moreover, stretch marks are more common in younger women than in older women. However, this does not mean that avoiding stretch marks is impossible. My mother experienced stretch marks while pregnant with me and I also gained a few on my hips during my teenage years. However, I managed to make it through my first pregnancy with ZERO stretch marks. I accomplished this feat by using the DIY belly butter recipe along with these other tips for preventing stretch marks. Keeping your skin moisturized and promoting skin elasticity from within, limits the possibility of developing stretch marks.

DIY Belly Butter Ingredients

  • Shea Butter (Amazon) 1/2 cup
  • Coconut Oil (Amazon) 1/3 cup
  • Vitamin E oil (Amazon) 4 drops
  • Lavender Oil (optional)

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Pregnancy

How To: Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

by Wholeness MamaLeave a Comment on How To: Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
How To: Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

    With pregnancy comes so many wonderful emotions. However, stretch marks may also come along for the ride. Although we don’t always have control of these situations, my motto has always been, “you don’t lose anything in trying”. As a teenager, I developed stretch marks on my hips. So after finding out that I was pregnant, I was determined to do everything in my power to prevent additional tiger stripes. Below I have put together a list of the four tips I followed to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

    Bone Broth for Preventing Stretch Marks

    Consume bone broth (not stock) – Everyone talks about topical creams, but how about the first line of defense? Fight stretch marks from within. Bone broth is made from animal bones and connective tissue, which have been boiled into a broth. This liquid gold is packed with protein, collagen, and gelatin, which will improve your skin’s elasticity. You can sip the warm broth, blend it into your morning coffee, or add it to your smoothie – basically, whatever floats your boat.  

    Grass Fed Gelatin for Preventing Stretch Marks

    Consume grass fed gelatin – Gelatin is a protein extracted from the bone marrow of beef and contains collagen. Incorporate one teaspoon of gelatin into your morning cup of coffee or smoothie. But beware, two spoons of Gelatin in one sitting may give you the runs.

    Water for Preventing Stretch Marks

    Drink Lots of Water – Water makes skin softer and less susceptible to scarring. The American Pregnancy Association, recommends that women drink 8-12 glass a day. So, drink, swallow, and repeat. 

    Bio Oil for Preventing Stretch Marks

    Apply Bio Oil – Oil yourself up once a day during the 1st trimester, twice a day during the 2nd trimester, and three times a day during the 3rd trimester. I also incorporated some DIY belly butter into my regimen.

    In case you’re wondering, I delivered my baby at 39 weeks and had zero stretch marks. By applying this regimen (and possibly luck), I was able to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

    Note: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.