Valentine's Day Gifts for Mama + Mama-To-Be, Under $100 Because she deserves ALL of the love.
Regardless of who you’re shopping for this year—be it a mother or mother-to-be—your gift need not be expensive or flashy but rather thoughtful. Think *very her* mindful bath bundles, luxe earth-friendly candles, sparkly earrings, and mini vases. This Valentine’s Day, we understood the assignment: finding the perfect present under $100 for the mama in your life.
Be the gift-giver of cool with this cute-as-can-be head wrap that offers cooling + compressing relief from hormonal and good old-fashioned headaches alike. Photo courtesy of HATCH
For double (ok triple) morning coffee kinda days…give her a handmade ceramic mug. Photo courtesy of Canyon Coffee
A little sparkle changes everything. Full stop. Photo courtesy of DORSEY
Because mama needs a morning pick-me-up after a night of no sleep. Gift a monthly coffee subscription. Photo courtesy of Canyon Coffee
Nothing quite as refreshing as a set of new underpinnings, especially this pair of high waisted undies. Photo courtesy of HATCH
For the woman who needs a little chill, give the gift of time *to herself* with the Mindful Moment bundle. Photo courtesy of west~bourne
The Perfect Vee may just be the perfect gift for before, during, and after. Photo courtesy of HATCH
For the hostess with the mostest, rainbow recycled napkins for celebrations with loved ones (because any day now will be throwing dinner parties, right?). Photo courtesy of Atelier Saucier
Getting dressed may not be what it used to be, but elevate any lewk (sweatpants including) with an interlocking chain necklace. Photo courtesy of Frankie Shop
Handmade mini-vases for mama because she’s likely gonna need somewhere to put all those post-birth-congrats flowers. Photo courtesy of Roman & Williams
This month, in honor of Earth Day, we’re turning our focus to five forward-thinking mamas whose eco-efforts and planetary-do-goodery continue to grow more critical every day.
Here to raise our consciousness, these women are taking sustainability to the next level in small ways at home and in bigger ways as leaders with the planet’s wellbeing at their core. From clean-beauty to mindful living, here’s to the vital work of caring for and protecting our magical world.
Eco-warrior, founder of Blueland (an environmentally conscious cleaning brand), and mama to Noah and Colin. @spaiji
“The story of Blueland is as much the story of a startup as it is a new mom’s journey; after researching types of water my son’s formula, I learned that no matter bottled or tap, the average adult consumes up to a credit card size worth of plastic a week!”
Wellness whisperer, goop’s Senior Beauty Editor and co-host of The Beauty Closet podcast, plus soon-to-be mama @megagirl
“Become a beauty editor at goop three years ago really shifted my “In my world, we talk a lot about superfoods and antioxidants, but it’s a wonder that doctors barely touch on the importance of eating well. It’s such a crucial part of being a human being. Tragically, it’s such an exclusive thing in this country. The fact that organic is more expensive and people live in food deserts is appalling.”
Zero waste activist and founder of west~bourne and co-founder of ROAR, plus mom to one with one on the way @camilla.marcus
“Everything we do at west~boune is rooted in mindfulness from our compostable packaging to sustainably sourced ingredients, feeding people and giving back to our community.”
Co-founder of the good-for-you clean beauty line Summer Fridays and mom to Evan Grey and Ella Raine @laurenireland
“There’s a paradigm shift happening not only in our communities but globally. It’s incredible to be welcoming a whole new generation during the most significant change in our lives, just as we’re creating all new social and eco norms.”
Bid Adieu to Painful Band-Aid Rips We've got just the tip.
I use these fabric band aids on my family members because they tend to stay stuck. But then comes the time to take them off, which can be sad times for a babe who just had their shots. So I started saturating tough, sticky band-aids in baby oil or vegetable oil to remove them softly, without the sadness. It also works on removing temporary tattoos and the grimy part of leftover stickers.
Lindsay J., figured that once she got more sleep, she’d enjoy motherhood. But, by the time her daughter was two-years-old, sleeping through the night and all, she realized she still wasn’t into it. “The baby talk, the playdates, the mind-numbing conversation with other mothers and with her, it’s just not me,” says Lindsay. “I honestly don’t know when I’ll enjoy this experience and I feel so guilty for feeling this way.”
Nicole L. couldn’t wait to be a mother. After trying for over two years, first naturally and then via IVF, she felt like all the work it took to reach that point would only make her appreciate having a baby more. But something odd happened. She felt exactly the opposite. “I didn’t – and still don’t – love being a mom,” says Nicole, whose daughter is now 11 months.
“I don’t think I anticipated the total lack of freedom I have, not to mention sleep, and the toll it has taken on my relationship with my partner. I hope one day I’ll feel differently.”
For so many women, the idea that we are supposed to be obsessed with motherhood from the second we deliver is a myth that’s been forced down our throats with every sitcom and Instagram post on the planet. But, in reality, it’s not always that easy. The sudden life change, compounded with the hormonal and physical toll of childbirth leaves many mothers with emotions that aren’t always what they expected. Worse, they end up feeling disappointed with themselves that the idea of having a child isn’t simply “the best thing ever.
“If we have strong expectations, it is easy to become discouraged or even depressed at our mixed feelings of newborns and the transition into becoming a mother,” says Jacqueline Furst, a therapist based in New York. “When these expectations of ‘bliss and amazement’ are met with exhaustion and disinterest, mothers can find them themselves embarrassed and depressed. And because we rarely talk openly about what motherhood is really like, some new mothers fail to admit these feelings to the people close to them and in turn don’t get the support they need.
When these expectations of ‘bliss and amazement’ are met with exhaustion and disinterest, mothers can find them themselves embarrassed and depressed.
So what’s a mama who’s less-than-siked at her new role to do? First, don’t judge yourself too hard. Feel the feelings, good, bad or indifferent, and try to talk about it – be it with a therapist or someone you trust. And remember that there is no right or wrong to how you should feel about mothering.
“You can always make sure your child is well cared for despite your feelings, says Furst. “A woman will be her best possible mother through compassionate understanding of her real feelings, not by pretending and inauthenticity.”
But mama, if you think your feelings are really big, and you’re having a hard time getting them in check, you could be dealing with postpartum anxiety disorder, and you should contact your healthcare provider ASAP. Be honest to yourself and in getting the help you need.
Your Relationship Will Change After You Have a Baby Watch this video and learn how to deal.
By Babe | Photo by Magda Wosinska
After you have a baby, your relationship with your partner will change. There’s navigating roles and responsibilities, dealing with failed expectations and rekindling intimacy during a time that feels less than sexy.
Fortunately, we enlisted Dr. Jill Campbell, clinical psychologist at The Pump Station to help manage this new dawn of your relationship. Join her as she talks everything from sex post-baby to communication tactics, to every moment in-between.
Karolina Kurkova Talks Having Covid While Pregnant + planning her third water birth.
By Ruthie Friedlander
Having graced the runways of Paris and the cover of Vogue, it’s little surprise that Karolina Kurkova lights up a room. But what really drew us in was her warmth. Now pregnant with her third child (a girl!), this supermodel welcomed us into her home.
A total open book, Karolina talks about being a mom in the modeling industry, her children’s age differences, having Covid while pregnant, and sharing her story to support other mamas.
Karolina in the Jenna Dress
Karolina in the Jenna Dress
Feeling?
Now that I’m in my third trimester, I’m feeling great! However, my first trimester was extremely difficult and completely different from my other two pregnancies; I was super nauseous and exhausted all the time. In my non-pregnant life, I’m always on the go and so are my boys. As a family, we’re constantly doing, moving, exercising, and exploring therefore I’m grateful the sickness has passed so I can rejoin them. Plus, I’m trying to take advantage of this time to prepare and organize while still having a ton of energy.
Boy or Girl?
We’re having a girl! It’s funny, with my first baby I knew it was a boy as soon as I found out I was pregnant. With my second, I was less sure but wanted to know as quickly as possible. And with this pregnancy, I was mainly curious to find out the sex so that my sons could connect to her. Saying “she” or “her” rather than “it” bonds the boys to their new sibling and makes her feel part of our family.
Deciding to have another child after six years?
It wasn’t exactly planned; in fact, none of our babies have been “planned,” per se. We certainly put it out into the universe, but also believe what is meant to be will be. So far, when our babies were ready to come, they’ve found us. It’s wild to think that our first and third will be 12 years apart–I guess we have one every six years!
Do you think you will mother differently now that you’re 37 versus 25?
Yes, I’m sure. With experience comes wisdom which changes how you approach things. While my essence is there, over time, I have come to look at life differently. I have two children now, and with each, I’ve learned. That said, by no means have I “figured it out.” With each baby, there’s new lessons, and all I can hope is that I grow, become more profound, more spiritual, more fun, and more present. I hope this is the case in my life and everything I do, not just as a mom. While some things are better when you’re young simply because you’re freer, other things get better with age, and we have to embrace it all, both the beautiful lessons and the challenging ones too, because it all makes us more seasoned and interesting.
Karolina in The Sarah Dress
Karolina in The Sarah Dress
Different mom to every child?
Each child is a distinct person, and therefore, I’m a different mom to each. It’s like any relationship, whether a boyfriend, parents, or best friend, you have a unique dynamic with each and perhaps even behave a little differently per relationship. Some people are better communicators; some people are not, and you form special bonds with every individual.
Birth plan?
Waterbirth, for sure! Both of my sons were born at home, and I want the same for my daughter. I will have the same midwife and doula as I had with Noah, plus my husband will be there with the boys (Tobin was present for Noah’s birth). Hopefully, my parents can travel to be here too as they were witness to Noah’s birth, and it was miraculous and intimate. I’m manifesting this and putting it out there as I’d love to do it again, but I’m also open to other options and ready for that if need be.
Covid while pregnant?
At first, finding out I had Covid while pregnant was unnerving, especially as I didn’t know anybody who had it while they were pregnant. I remember we didn’t have symptoms but decided to get tested, and sure enough, the next day, the doctor called with a ‘positive’ result. The first night I was a little scared but went into full-on mama-bear mode; I had to stay vital for everyone. I was pregnant with three guys quarantined in our apartment, and no help so every day I cleaned, cooked, vacuumed, and made fresh juices loaded with vitamin C and vitamin D to boost our immunity, all while having Covid myself! Fortunately, none of us had symptoms outside of being a little achy, but it was still intense. It’s hard to explain to a child that they can’t see their friends or go for a bike ride when they don’t feel sick, but all in, they were pretty great about it. We did our best to make it fun and lived upside down for a while because I felt terrible for the kids–the sofa turned into a trampoline, and I had to let go of my love of organization! Now, as a bonus, it looks like the baby will have antibodies which is such a relief. There have been articles noting that pregnant women with Covid are giving birth to babies with antibodies.
Holistic modalities?
In our house, we do a lot of smoothies; they’re the perfect in-between-meal while I’m getting the boys ready for school. I load them up with all kinds of nutrients and vitamins such as probiotics, oils, fiber powder, and protein powder. I’m obsessed with my Amethyst mat and have been using it for years. It warms up to charge the body with negative ions and is very healing; the boys love it too. I’m also a huge fan of rolling my face every morning with a rose roller, plus we all go for cupping, acupuncture, and massages regularly.
Karolina in The Paperbag Pant
Karolina in The Sienna Top
Planning to take maternity leave?
I plan to take it day by day, particularly at the beginning of my recovery. Even though I have done this twice, there’ll be a learning curve regarding sleeping, not sleeping, latching, not latching, none of which you can plan. Plus, I have two others that still need me, and I want to be there for them.
I’m very involved, and while I couldn’t fully shut down, I’ll probably have to ease up a bit initially. Fortunately, with Gryph & Ivy Rose, I have two partners, and we’re all very supportive of one another. My guess is that I will get a lot done while breastfeeding since most of my work is done over the phone and via email rather than in person.
As for my fashion shoots, we’ll see. I’ve worked since I’m 15 years old and have traveled the world; it’s okay not to be everywhere right now, which is a huge mental shift for me. I want to enjoy this moment and be present since this could be my last baby. I feel this new journey will show me things that perhaps I’ve never thought of or been open to; I’m excited for all that’s to come.
Plus, I co-founded a startup mask project with a girlfriend a little over a year ago in response to Covid with proceeds going to Feeding America. Unsure how long we’ll do this, but the goal is to make masks more beautiful, fun, and fashionable while still protective and giving back.
Do you feel sharing your experiences is important for other moms?
Yes, I do. I love to share my journey and connect with like-minded people or moms who might be going through something similar to learn from one another. Hopefully, by sharing, we can all feel less alone and more supported.
Being a mom in the modeling industry?
Before my time, models that were moms often hid their kids, and most of the time, you didn’t even know they had children. Kids were never in the press, you never saw them, and if they came to a location, they would stay in the hotel with the nanny, never on set. Thankfully it’s so different now, and we can celebrate being mothers, talk about it openly, share photos and bring them to work; they can be part of our lives, and that’s beautiful.
More and more, everybody I work with has children, so they’re understanding and compassionate. Being a parent is messy, and it means you might have a schedule, but just as you’re ready to leave, your kid has to pee or decides to have a tantrum, and sometimes that plan doesn’t work out. You can’t be rigid on things, and it’s helpful to work with people that can recognize these realities.
Any advice?
Know that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s all you can ask of yourself. And no matter what, tomorrow is a new day; act accordingly. Plus, a little wellness and lipstick goes a long way to making you feel like a normal, alive, beautiful human.
One hope?
We all have been through a lot; therefore, I hope we can be joyous. I hope that we can live, have fun, and be free to travel and do things. I hope that our children will not have to wear masks and instead be able to touch, love and hug their friends and family; it’s truly heartbreaking to see them growing up without hugs. So yes, my hope is joy and happiness.
Because We All Want to Give Chicer Gifts Meet Call It By Your Name.
By Babe | photos courtesy of Call It By Your Name
Do you ever want to be the friend who gives the coolest, chicest gifts from that under-the-radar French brand? Us, too. Well now we can with Call It By Your Name, a line of stylish handbags and accessories that are designed, manufactured and embroidered in Paris by Colombe Campane. Call It By Your Name plays off the design motif of the classic bandana and embroiders it with names, symbols and designs that make for a cool, personalized gift for babe and mama, alike. From bucket bags to scrunchies to pouches, everything’s assembled in Paris and features high density fabric and embroidery to ensure it’s a gift that truly keeps on giving.
A Pregnancy Community That'll Keep you from Stressing Meet Tribe Called V.
By Babe | photos courtesy of Maria Toscano
Do you ever feel like there’s entirely too much anxiety around pregnancy and postpartum? Dr. Shieva Ghofrany does. And she’d know. The Stamford, CT.- based OB-GYN has seen thousands of pregnant patients come through her doors, and they’re all dealing with massive amounts of stress. “I spend the majority of my day playing defense for people not to freak out,” says Ghofrany. “And it’s because medical professionals don’t have the time to preemptively mediate it. Wouldn’t it be great if a doctor told a patient, ‘Here’s why you shouldn’t be so anxious. Here are the numbers, don’t be stressed out.”
So in an effort to placate the woes of pregnant women everywhere, Dr. Ghofrany teamed up with Jenny Hayes Edwards, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach to launch Tribe Called V, a robust educational platform whose mission is to increase women’s knowledge to decrease their anxiety as it relates to their female health, while having lots of fun in the process. Included in your membership is a 40-week digital pregnancy course, a “My OB and Me” program and even a 200 page e-book. There are also Facebook groups and live Zooms, lactation classes, pelvic floor therapists, all at a members’ disposal, and all with the effort to educate women and be there for them even after office hours are over.
“Even if you have a doctor you love, they don’t always have the time to talk you off a ledge and make you less anxious,” says Ghofrany. “Think of us almost like your coaches. We may not be their doctors but they can log on and be coached and feel great about where they are in the journey instead of stressed.”
*This* Toy Clean-up Trick Why didn't we think of this sooner?
“I use a dustpan to sweep up annoying little toys, like Legos, craft supplies, little soldiers and dolls and more. It used to take me hours to go about picking up every little thing off the floor. Now one sweep and we’re good.”
You Don’t Have to Warm the Bottle And eight other myths about caring for infants.
By Babe | Photos Courtesy of Lianna Tarantin
There’s a lot you think you have to do when it comes to raising a baby, and there’s a lot you don’t. But it’s hard to know which is which. Look, you’re going to stress over when you have a newborn. It pretty much comes with the job. Are they breathing? Are they eating enough? Are they gaining weight? But “is the butt wipe warm enough?” is not one of those things. At Babe, we believe in giving moms a break and letting you all know that no, you don’t need to sweat the small stuff. Here are nine myths about caring for an infant that you can immediately check off your stress list.
1. You don’t have to warm the bottle.
It’s not medically necessary. It’s a matter of preference.
2. You don’t have to bathe your baby everyday.
If you want some bubbly bonding time, go for it. But young babies do not need a bath everyday. You can easily take a damp cloth over their face, neck, hands and diaper region to be kept clean.
3. You don’t need to put your baby on a schedule from day one.
It’s next to impossible to force a newborn baby into a routine, despite books that claim otherwise So why stress it?
4. You don’t need to warm the wipes.
So just stop.
5. You don’t have to deny them a bottle so they stay on the breast.
We’ve never heard of a baby who won’t go back to the boob after taking a bottle. So please, let something else feed them sometimes.
6. You don’t have to sleep train at 12 weeks exactly.
If you don’t sleep-train early, it’s not as though they’ll never sleep through the night. Do what feels right for you.
7. You don’t have to buy a ton of sensory toys.
What actually helps your baby grow smarter is the interaction between you and your baby while playing with a toy, not the color or price tag on the toy, itself.
8. You don’t have to freak out if they’re crying.
Once you do a once-over to make sure they’re not hungry, wet or trying to poop, it’s often that they’re so awake and frazzled, they can’t calm their body down at this young age. The most fussy period is between three to six weeks of life. Of course, if their crying seems extreme, contact your pediatrician.
9. You don’t have to stress every developmental milestone.
An early talker may* tend to do better in language skills later in life, but it doesn’t mean that children who are not early talkers aren’t going to equal or rise above those talkers. If you do notice a delay in walking, that’s an important thing to talk to your pediatrician about.
