Healthy Chicks

As you know by now, I’m pretty much an open book when it comes to sharing our pregnancy journey, my early miscarriage and the ins and outs of life as a new mom. To be honest, I truly enjoy writing about my journey and the number of messages I get from you guys — letting me know I gave you hope or made you feel not so alone — makes it all the more worthwhile.

Below I’m sharing a candid Q & A of the most frequent questions I’m asked, including some sent to me directly on my instagram stories recently. Feel free to add any other questions in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to answer them!

Any recommendations for holistic fertility treatments?

I recommend finding a functional medicine doctor to get to the root cause of any health stuff that may be going on. When we started trying to get pregnant, I joined Parsley Health, which I highly recommend if you’re looking for a holistic, individualized approach. Aimee Raupp, acupuncturist and author of Yes You Can Get Pregnant, is also an incredible inspiration, sharing great tips on fertility and nourishing your body.

Above all, be compassionate with yourself. I get it; it’s hard when you’re in it and want more than anything to be pregnant now but being kind and patient with yourself is key. Writing daily in my gratitude journal really helped me, even giving thanks for little things like my morning cup of coffee. Each day, I’d also write “I am grateful for my health and my fertility.” I did this throughout my fertility journey!

When I finally decided to let go and fully trust the process, that’s when I got my surprise positive pregnancy test. For those ladies going through the TTC process, I’m sending you loads of love and happy baby vibes that your little miracle is on the way!

What are your recommendations on trusting the process, especially after having a miscarriage?

First of all, know that you are not alone and I totally feel for you. Going through this process can bring up anxiety, especially after experiencing a loss (no matter how early it was).

During my first trimester, a friend shared a quote with me that really stuck: “Stop worrying about what can go wrong and start getting excited by what can go right.” Whenever I found myself going there, I’d instead focus on envisioning our family of three, my growing belly and hearing a strong heartbeat at our ultrasounds. That really helped calm the nerves throughout the first trimester, along with daily meditation through the Expectful app.

Also once you can feel those little kicks, everything feels a bit more real and exciting! You can read all about how I learned to trust my body again after having a miscarriage here.

Did you experience morning sickness? What are your tricks?

Oh yes I experienced morning sickness all right…all the way up until the 18 week mark! And for the record, there was nothing “morning” about my sickness; it was an all day affair for me, and especially bad in the evening. While I don’t have any magic tricks to make it go away completely, here are 6 natural tips to get some relief.

What food did you crave the most while pregnant?

During the first trimester, I was so sick that I had more food aversions than cravings. However once I started to feel like myself again, I craved all sorts of foods, particularly french fries, fresh fruit, smoothies, cheese and ice cream toward the end (which is funny since I usually don’t have a sweet tooth).

Learn more about my pregnancy cravings and experiences over here in my first, second and third trimester recaps.

What prenatals or supplements did/do you take?

I took high quality prenatal vitamin packets prescribed to me through Parsley Health, which included a prenatal, fish oil, choline and magnesium supplements. I also continued to take my Vitamin D3 drops and thyroid medication, which I monitored closely throughout my pregnancy.

Post pregnancy, I now take Actif Organic Postnatal, Vitamin D3, and Wholemega Fish Oil for Moms (which I buy discounted at Thrive Market).

That being said, it’s important to do what works for you, and always consult with a medical professional before starting a new supplement or medication.

When does the bloating during early pregnancy go down?

I wasn’t super bloated early on, but that could also be because I was so sick that I don’t remember. I was a bit gassy, however. Eating smaller but more frequent meals/snacks and drinking as much water as you can manage (even if you have to just take small sips like me) should help relieve some of the bloat.

Babymoon, a yes or no? 

Heck yes! If you can afford to take some time away with your sweetie, do it, even if it’s somewhere local. We took a much needed Babymoon getaway to West Palm Beach when I was 25 weeks pregnant, and it was absolutely magical. While away, we lounged by the beach, ate all the food, and I finally started to really pop. Read all about our Babymoon here on the blog including our special day of relaxation at the PGA National Resort & Spa!

Did you hire a doula, midwife or any professional to support you with your birth?

We hired a doula, Emma O’brien of Lavandoula, and I honestly can’t imagine going through it all without her. You can read all about my experience with a doula and working with Emma here on the blog.

Did you get an epidural?

I chose not to get an epidural, but I think it’s such a personal decision — you gotta do what works for you! While I did write a birth plan to outline my ideal labor & delivery, it’s important to know you don’t have complete control and things may change during the process, and that’s absolutely okay. All that matters is a healthy baby and mom, regardless of what avenue you choose to take.

You can read all about my crazy, beautiful, long labor & delivery experience over here on the blog.

Do you miss your pregnant belly?

Yes, I actually really do! After the first 18 weeks when I was really sick, I absolutely loved being pregnant and my growing bump. In fact, I loved it so much that during the early weeks when people would tell me, “You don’t even look pregnant,” I’d actually get really upset. Soon those comments turn into, “You must be having twins!” so you take it all with a grain of salt.

Anyway, I loved having baby girl with me 24/7 and feeling her little kicks and turns, but having her here is all the more sweeter. It does make me excited for having another baby someday!

Also, while I was the heaviest I have ever been during pregnancy (I gained 40 pounds), I was never more in love with my body. Oddly enough, I actually struggle more with my postpartum body image (nothing fits well and everything is different), which is something I’m working on. Women’s bodies are absolute miracles and I think it’s important to be patient with yourself as you embrace your new postpartum body and life as a mom.

Go ahead, ask me anything! Post your pregnancy questions in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer.