Kick off 2021 with a New Mocktail (and Cocktail) by Dante Might as well....

By Babe | Photo courtesy of Dante

2020 sure was a doozy, so we’re ushering in 2021 with two new refreshing drinks, courtesy of Chris Moore, Beverage Director at Dante. One is a mocktail because, ya know, pregnancy and/or Dry January vibes. The other, a cocktail because, well, LIFE.

Toasted Martini

“The Toasted Martini was created as a way of enhancing the traditional tasting notes that are usually associated with vodka; grain comes in the form of toasted rye, spice through white peppercorns and vanilla (or creaminess) through the Dolin Blanc vermouth that we use as a modifier. The result is golden, rounded and has a really nice warmth and richness.”

2 oz Rye & White Pepper Grey Goose
2 oz Dolin Blanc
½ oz Panna
2 dashes Grain Bitters

The Florist

“The challenge with non-alcoholic drinks is creating complexity and intrigue. This drink balances bitter elements with sweet ones, but is also aromatic and has a dry finish thanks to the tonic. Raspberry and rose are a beautiful combination, as long as the rose element is subtle, it becomes a great aroma.”

1/2 oz Fresh Raspberry Cordial
2 dashes Rose Water
1 dash Peach Bitters
San Pellegrino Tonica

L’Chaim!

Drinks On Us

Hacks

This One Word Will Help You Keep Your Resolutions Peep it.

Work out more, drink less, find your gratitude practice. If these resolutions are a familiar refrain come January 1, just remember: a whopping 80 percent of people who make resolutions don’t stick to them.

According to the professionals over at USC’s Performance Institute, who have spent years studying motivation, emotion regulation and behavior, there’s one key factor in creating resolutions you can stick with. Purpose. By encouraging people to reframe their resolutions to emphasize purpose-based performance, they’re likelier to see them through.

Purpose is associated with positive outcomes. Those with a sense of purpose make more money, cope better with life hardships and are healthier across the board. Organizations that foster or reinforce employees’ sense of purpose are now referred to as “high performance workplaces.”

So the next time you’re thinking about eating way more greens than you want to be, reconsider the purpose. Is it just to look healthy for your social media, or to become healthier so you can enjoy all the years to come with your kids?

Purpose, people.

hacks

The Nines

Nine Conversations to Have Before Maternity Leave theSkimm's Danielle Weisberg breaks it down.

By Danielle Weisberg, co-founder and co-ceo of theSkimm | image courtesy of theSkimm

There are some conversations you have to have before going on maternity leave, like telling HR and your boss that you’re pregnant. But in my experience, there are a lot of other important conversations that we don’t talk about as much, but can help your leave go much more smoothly. Check them out, below:

1. Yourself: How long will you take? Will you work up until your due date, or start your leave early? Do you want colleagues to keep you up on the latest office happenings or do you want to be totally unplugged? There’s a lot to think about before you step away from your job for a couple of months and bring a new human into the world. I felt overwhelmed, but sitting down and putting my thoughts on paper (okay, Google doc), and getting organized really helped. I also thought about the moments where, even though I was on leave, I would want to be involved or updated on things (like board calls, hiring, and budget process). This led to Carly Zakin, my co-founder and co-ceo sending me a weekly email to keep me up to speed so I didn’t feel like I’d been living under a rock when I returned.

1A. [or 1… Continued]. Yourself… again. This is my biggest tip from what I have learned on mat leave. Most of what you wrote down in the paragraph above is not up to you.

You probably have a plan. I did: work until my due date in October. Aaaaand Gabe was born on September 13. There’s only so much you can control, and Gabe’s early (and healthy) arrival was definitely a happy surprise. Fortunately, Carly and I had really drilled down on my mat leave plan earlier in the summer, so we were in good shape, but I’ve had plenty of friends go into early labor and on top of everything have to deal with scrambling to sort out their work situation.

As someone who is a bit Type A…and used to operating on a schedule, this is very hard. You can’t control when you are going to have your baby (there are caveats here but that’s for a conversation with your doctor and not for the purposes here). You can’t control how your labor will go physically. And that can affect your timeline too. You can’t control what your hormones are going to do. I went through a ton of ups and downs emotionally which made trying to connect with work almost impossible until a certain point in time.

Basically, you make a plan and your baby laughs.

2. Your Work Wife: We all have one. Since the day we started theSkimm in 2012, Carly’s been mine. This is the person who’s not just your colleague, they’re a friend. And you probably still want to hear from them while you’re out on leave! So set expectations—do you want actual work-related updates? Or just to be tagged in Instagram memes? A weekly zoom coffee to catch up on all of the above? As co-founders and friends, Carly and I have worked hard to find a good balance between work-time and friend-time, and we wanted to maintain those boundaries while I was out. Good news: my first week home with Gabe, we took a walk to meet Aunt Carly and just talk about this brand new addition to our team.

Above: Danielle and her new son, Gabe.
At Top: Danielle and Carly Zakin

3. Your Partner: My husband is also a business owner and his three person company doesn’t have a solidified parental leave plan. We weren’t sure how much leave he would take or what would be most helpful for both of us and the baby. Because of Covid-19, we were both already working from home, but establishing that time period we’d both be away from work and focused on our new family made us both feel good. Also, he cooked a lot and froze meals that we could eat later which was key to helping me get back to feeling like a person.

4. Your BFFs: I was so excited to be pregnant, and also slightly terrified. About being someone’s parent, about going through this during COVID, about whether I needed a Snoo or not (yes, they are definitely super expensive), and about stepping away from my company for a few months…. Unloading my fears and anxieties to my text chain of friends from home who had all recently had babies really lightened my mental load. It helped me stay focused in those last weeks before having the baby, and feel more confident once I was on leave (or at least I knew I always had someone to text who wouldn’t judge me for not knowing what a dream feed was). Also, I felt really isolated as a new mom, in a pandemic, not being able to see friends and family. Connecting with other new moms, especially women I have grown up with and I know have my back, made a huge difference.

5. Your “Working Mom Goals” Mentor: To all of the amazing women who came before me, I am just starting to realize what some of the advice you were giving to me really meant. Reaching out to my network of women who have mentored me over the years, asking for help navigating maternity leave and then getting back to work, was one of the smartest things I did. They were honest about how hard being a mom and an exec can be and they didn’t sugar coat things to make it look easy.

6. Your Family: This is especially important as we are all still living in a pandemic atmosphere. Set expectations early on who you feel comfortable seeing you and the baby and when. We weren’t sure whether or not our hospital would allow visitors but ultimately decided that we didn’t feel comfortable with the potential Covid risk anyway. It’s very hard to tell family, and for them to hear, that you aren’t comfortable with them meeting your newborn or what you will be comfortable with—but it’s very helpful to have those conversations upfront. My advice is to think through the risk you feel comfortable with ahead of time so that you’re not making decisions once your baby is born.

7. The Person Filling in for You: Carly and I started theSkimm together, and while I’m grateful I already had a partner I trusted to cover for me, I knew she would be taking on a lot (in the most stressful year we’ve had since launch), so we had a really honest talk about what would work best for us. It was important to me that I do everything I possibly could to make the transition as seamless as possible, which meant detailing everything in a doc for her. Whether you already know who will be taking on your responsibilities, or the company will hire or outsource the work, I would also highly recommend starting this process early, and not when your 8-month pregnancy brain has kicked in.

8. Your Childcare Situation: This one is probably a convo for during maternity leave, but it’s a big one. It’s such a personal decision for each parent what will work for you, whether it’s help from your family, daycare, a full-time nanny, a nanny-share… But for me, this is such an important part of the puzzle for me to head back to work with peace of mind. It’s a process to decide which route you want to go, when to start interviewing nannies or touring daycare centers, and talking to friends about their experiences. Knowing myself, and what I need to be focused at work and the best mom I can be at home, I hired a nanny before Gabe was even born. This is insane, I know, but I met someone who was great and decided to go for it.

9. Your Dog: Medford has been our only (fur) child for six years, so we knew this would be a big adjustment for her. Adam and I were already working from home due to Covid, but having me home all the time during mat leave instead of commuting to work was something she was pretty excited about. We had to break it to her that this would also involve bringing a new baby into the house, and less attention for her, but fortunately she’s adapted to the big sis role with only mild depression.

The Nines

Mom Crush

Five Pregnant NYU Nurses Share their experiences becoming moms during Covid-19

By Ruthie Friedlander

When we caught wind there were five pregnant pediatric and neonatal nurses working throughout the pandemic at NYU Langone Hospital, we were humbled, to say the least, and grateful for a much-needed dose of good news!

Accustomed to being pillars of strength for others, real-life superheroes Amanda Gercone, Meghan Burton, Jackie Stein, Jessica Tessalone, and Nicole Sprotte describe the special bond they’ve formed while sharing their pregnancy experience during this beast of a year.

Nicole in the Claudette Dress
Amanda in the Belen Sweater Dress
Jessica in the Cord Overalls

Meghan in the Penelope Dress
Jackie in the Manon Dress

Nicole Sprotte

A beacon of positivity, Nicole is a critical care nurse in neonatology and pediatrics, due in January with a little boy. Also, she’s the founder of friendRN, a company providing services and support for mother’s seeking one-on-one advice and education and previously practiced as a neonatal intensive care nurse and primary care pediatric nurse.

Feeling?

I am feeling well! Every trimester has felt different: first being the most physically challenging with exhaustion and nausea (although these last weeks of my third trimester with reflux and sciatica make their statement). My body and husband continue to remind me that slowing down isn’t an option despite my best efforts. And, while I’m due in January, if there’s anything I’ve learned from neonatal nursing, even with the best-laid plans, the baby makes the ultimate decision for us (and I am okay with that).

With five of you expecting, what’s it like being pregnant with your colleagues?

Getting pregnant while working during the peak of Covid-19 in New York meant colleagues and managers knew before families for our own safety–which is definitely not how we all expected that to ever look like. Jokingly we say we were each only 30 seconds pregnant, and already everyone knew, which was so nerve-wracking.

Jess and I had a funny interaction when she shared her news, “So I’m pregnant.” To which I replied, “Well, funny, you should mention it, me too!” Our boys will be two weeks apart.

Is there a group chat?

Don’t you know it! Labeled with 2 blonde and 3 brunettes pregnant woman emojis. While we’re all pediatric nurses, this is still our first time being pregnant and becoming mothers. We don’t know it all. Topics of conversations and questions know no bounds: what breast pump are you getting? Did you register for (fill in the blank)? What does your OBGYN think about induction? Being each other’s go-to normalizes anxieties, emotions, and peeing your pants.

Best part of sharing this experience?

We are five pediatric and neonatal nurses who worked through a pandemic. We also all became pregnant for the first time. We all have had very different pregnancy journeys–some met with surprise and shock and others with instant relief and gratitude. Having one another on our best and worst days has been the greatest plan-not-plan we never had.

Path to pregnancy?

We conceived naturally after a few months of trying. Truthfully, considering my mindset amid the endless hours of work and stress on the pandemic, I never imagined my body would be able to get pregnant. And yet, on a rainy Friday evening, with a sigh of relief, wonder, and a few too many pregnancy tests later (just to be sure), I walked out of the bathroom unromantically telling my husband we were pregnant.

Being pregnant during COVID, especially as a nurse at the hospital?

I was human and humbled like everyone. Before becoming pregnant, I assisted as a resource to an adult Covid-19 ICU and facilitated education as we learned what best practices were day by day. I was trying to be a “hero,” but felt fallibly human. After realizing I was pregnant, my exposure to Covid-19 areas and interactions were limited where possible. Hardest for me was helping my colleagues to the extent that I could and then watching them continue to put on their masks, gowns, gloves, and face shields and walk into it day after day. Was I doing enough? What was the right balance of keeping myself and this baby safe and living out my unequivocal agency of wanting to help others?

Advice you can share for new moms or newly pregnant women that may feel really nervous or anxious with Covid at this time?

You are not alone. Remembering to separate what is in our control and wYou are not alone. Remembering to separate what’s in our control and what’s not has been an enormous help. Thoughts are thoughts: think them, feel them, and remember they are just like any other thought: fleeting. Decide what makes you feel safe and comfortable. Make those choices and decisions for yourself and your baby–unapologetically.

**As a soon-to-be working nurse-mama how do you envision balancing being at the hospital and having a new baby?**

I think if 2020 taught me anything, it’s to take everything a day at a time. Fortunately, I will be taking maternity leave to spend with my baby–and I look forward to embracing that time to learn how to be a mom.

Lastly, one hope that you have for the next generation?

To raising humans who unequivocally respect, empathize, listen, and learn. To meeting people where they are, despite circumstance, to become better versions of ourselves.

Jessica Tessalone

Bright as can be, Jessica, a pediatric RN, started her nursing career in the Neonatal ICU and then transitioned to the Pediatric ICU. Currently, practicing in the pediatric post-anesthesia recovery unit at NYU with a baby boy coming January 1st!

Feeling?

Depends on the day, but overall, I’m feeling very grateful for this healthy pregnancy.

This is wild; what is in the water at NYU? How fun to be becoming new moms at the same time as your colleagues, what has that experience been like to lean on each other?

I think pregnancy in itself can be very isolating for a woman, especially as a first-time mom, so going through this journey with close colleagues and friends has made all the difference. If I didn’t have them to talk through all the highs and lows of this process, I don’t know what I would have done.

Best part of sharing this epic experience?

The special bond of strength and support we’ve formed is unlike anything I could have imagined – juggling the fears of working as a nurse through this pandemic coupled with the uncertainty of being a first-time mom.

Path to pregnancy?

Grateful to share that our path to pregnancy was speedy. My husband and I were supposed to get married in Brooklyn in May 2020, but Covid-19 had other plans for us. While we put our wedding date on hold, we decided we didn’t want to do the same with our growing family.

Being pregnant during Covid-19, especially as a nurse at the hospital?

It’s been a journey. When the pandemic first hit NYC, I transitioned from pediatrics to an adult COVID ICU nurse, where we soon learned of our new pregnancy. Balancing the daily fears of being on the frontlines, along with the struggles and excitement of this pregnancy, has been challenging yet humbling.

Advice you can share for new moms or newly pregnant women that may feel really nervous or anxious with Covid at this time?

Be kind to yourself. Pregnancy is not a comfortable journey for everyone, and compounding that with the anxiety of Covid-19 certainly makes this problematic. Being understanding of your unique needs during this time is really helpful to get you through the tough days.

What about wellness? How are you making sure to stay healthy now, and are there any special precautions you are taking?

NYC went into lockdown really early, and having seen how serious this illness is, my husband and I decided to limit our interactions. It was unfortunate to skip birthdays and holidays, but being so close to meeting our baby boy (and thankful for FaceTime), we kept our sights on staying safe.

Lastly, one hope you have for the next generation?

This year was full of divisions on the surface – be those political or how to abide by guidance in what’s best to protect ourselves and others’ safety. What I hope for the next generation is the understanding of togetherness we need to practice. We are all linked together in our actions. I want this year to be remembered for the selfless acts and the lessons of helping others in need that change the world, one at a time.

Jackie Stein

Originally, a pediatric anesthesia recovery nurse in New York, Jackie transitioned to becoming an adult Covid-19 ICU nurse during the peak of the pandemic. Just after we met, Jackie had her baby and is happy and healthy, on maternity leave.

Path to pregnancy and baby’s arrival?

Following all intuition, just as Covid-19 was peaking, I decided to take a pregnancy test! My husband and I usually love taking the road less traveled (but traveled by us the way we know best): we abandoned the idea of a traditional wedding and eloped a few years back; here we were abandoning all plans by getting pregnant ahead of our intended schedule in the midst of a pandemic. Nevertheless, grateful and humbled, our baby girl arrived on December 3rd to bring some joy to this year that’s been every ounce of unprecedented.

Meghan Burton

Lovely as ever, Meghan, a pediatric nurse in Neonatal Critical Care is having her first, a girl come April.

Feeling?

Great! Now that I’m out of the first trimester

What has been your experience to lean on each other?

It’s been great! I’m a little behind everyone else, so I definitely have been going to them with my questions and when I need advice.

Best part of sharing this experience?

With Covid-19, it’s made it difficult to share my pregnancy as I would have with my family, but these girls have been like family through this process and couldn’t have gotten through without them.

Path to pregnancy?

We conceived through IVF.

Being pregnant during Covid-19 especially as a nurse at the hospital?

It’s a little nerve-wracking for sure, but I try to stay as safe as I can with my mask and wash my hands.

Advice you can share for new moms or newly pregnant women that may feel really nervous or anxious with Covid at this time?

It’s ok to feel anxious! Find ways to channel the anxiety – for me, keeping my bubble has helped with my anxiety.

**As a soon-to-be working nurse-mama, how do you envision balancing being at the hospital and having a new baby?**

My husband and I both work pretty long hours, so after leaving, it will be a bit of trialing different ways to make schedules work. And thank goodness for grandmas!

What about wellness? How are you making sure to stay healthy at this time and are there any special precautions you are taking?

I try to work out 3-4 times a week to move my body and clear my mind. I’m commuting to work on public transportation for precautions, so face masks, hand sanitizer, and vitamin C have been my best friend!

Lastly, one hope that you have for the next generation?

I hope the next generation grows up, showing compassion and grace towards each other. My hope is my husband and I can raise our little girl to be compassionate and show grace to those around her.

Amanda Gercone

New mama, Amanda, a pediatric and neonatal transport RN, with a passion for caring for the tiniest of patients; her background is primarily in neonatal ICU nursing, caring for sick and premature infants. Amanda gave birth to her daughter Sloane 4 weeks before we met in mid-November.

Feeling postpartum?

Being a new mom is challenging but also so rewarding! I never could have prepared myself for the intense emotions and all the love that I would feel for both my daughter and my new family.

How wonderful to be a new mom at the same time as your colleagues; what has that experience been like to lean on each other?

I feel so fortunate to share this journey with some of the most amazing women I know. It has been tremendously helpful to have someone to confide in who is going through a similar experience at the exact same time. Whether it is the 2 am text freaking out about a new symptom or just having someone to sympathize with and truly understand what the other person is feeling as we navigate this new journey together.

How did you tell each other?

Because of the rising pandemic and how uncertain the medical community was with how Covid-19 would affect pregnancy and developing fetuses, all of my co-workers learned shortly after I did about my pregnancy. At first, this was challenging sharing the information and left me feeling very vulnerable, but I was thankful to have these ladies’ support during that time.

Is there a group chat?

We started a group chat shortly after discovering each other and continuing to update each other often about what is happening. As many of our due dates are approaching, we are anxiously awaiting texts of each of our new babies arriving in the world.

Path to pregnancy?

I am fortunate enough to say my husband and I had no problems conceiving our daughter, and she was somewhat of a surprise post honeymoon. My husband and I both are wholly grateful and recognize that this process is not easy for all couples and acknowledge that many struggle with fertility issues.

Birth story?

Although getting pregnant was not a struggle for us, I would not say I had the most fantastic pregnancy. I struggled with nausea throughout all three trimesters and ended up diagnosed with both gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension. At my 36 week appointment, I was told that we would be induced no later than 37 weeks due to newly diagnosed hypertension. Three days later, we were in the hospital being induced for my safety and the baby’s. Labor was relatively easy and lasted about 24 hours; we welcomed our daughter at 11:52 pm on November 16th. Both she and I were healthy and happy after delivery and couldn’t have asked for a better team to help us welcome her into the world. We are beyond thankful for all the NYU Langone staff who took care of us made sure we were both healthy and safe during and after delivery!

Are you breastfeeding?

Yes, I am currently breastfeeding, and although it is going well, it can be challenging at times due to how time-consuming it can be. This process has made me realize what warriors women really are and how powerful our bodies are. I am beyond thankful for what my body has done for me (and my daughter).

Being pregnant during Covid-19 especially as a nurse at the hospital?

Being pregnant during Covid-19 was an added continuous stressor to an already stressful situation. Being pregnant for the first time brings its own set of challenges as it is hard to know what to expect and what is “normal”. On top of that, OB visits were limited and reduced to about half of that from normal times and partners were not allowed. So my husband had to attend all of our visits via facetime instead of being there to hold my hand and experience it all for himself as well. This caused the pregnancy to not feel like “real” right off the bat because he was not allowed to be as involved as he usually would.

Additionally, having limited visits made it stressful for me as a first-time mom because I did not get that constant reassurance that the pregnancy was going well. Each visit felt rushed as the providers were trying to quickly get patients in and out of the office to prevent any transmission risks. After having my daughter, Covid-19 continues to play a role in our birth story. We are cautious about who we allow visiting our daughter, and most of our families have still not had an opportunity to meet her as they all live out of state. We knew it would be challenging to navigate after her arrival, which continues to be right now even as she is here.

Advice you can share for new moms or newly pregnant women that may feel really nervous or anxious with Covid at this time?

Take each day in stride and try not to overthink it too much. We can only control so much in an ever-changing environment, focusing on the things you can manage and ways to keep you and your infant healthy and try not to stress about the things you cannot control.

**As a soon-to-be working nurse-mama how do you envision balancing being at the hospital and having a new baby?**

I am still trying to figure this out myself and probably won’t have a clear answer for a while.

The emi quilted denim bomber jacket

$378.00

mom crush

New Look Who Dis

Clear Skies, Clean Slate Start fresh with new pretties by HATCH.

Pre-spring is all about turning the page—subtle shifts, the hope of possibility, walking out into the great wide open (literally and metaphorically). We’ve got new styles for feeling lighter in, easy pieces for living in and florals as fresh as the brand new year. In the end it’s the little things—stuff like the first warm breeze on your skin or how good it feels to sit in a patch of sun or taking down a really good sandwich and most importantly the way your clothes make you feel. With that in mind we focused on working with fabrics to write home about: hammered satins for just the right amount of special, softly textured crinkled cottons and softer-than-soft garment-dyed terry numbers that feel so good. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat (and don’t forget to throw in a twirl or two).

New Look Who Dis

Mom Crush

The Moms of Credo Beauty And their major baby-boom.

By Ruthie Friedlander

We’ve got a thing for moms (obvi), so when we heard that five ladies from our fave beauty retailer (that also carries HATCH Mama) were becoming moms around the same time, we knew we wanted *all* the deets. Enter: Credo Beauty, the San Francisco based brand who’s having a major baby boom!

Today on Babe, meet superstar teammates Emily Koko, Michelle Connelly, Lydia Kandel, Dana Esterkin, and Laura Frances as they discuss raising (and making) babies. Plus, the power of working for a company that supports mothers and work-life balance, and how their Credo Mamas Slack channel is where it’s at.

It was an absolute dream to get to sell in the doors of our favorite clean beauty retailer and even better to get to work with these incredible mamas.

Lydia Kandel

Adorable as ever and new mom to one, Lydia, the Senior Director of Marketing Credo, gets real on all things motherhood. Plus, catch her clever self-care beauty hacks like masking during bath time. Genius.

Current mood?

Thrilled the vaccine is rolling out, and 2021 is here! I’m dog-tired from working, mummying, cooking, cleaning!

Balancing your role with work?

It’s a juggle, that’s for sure. But I have to say that I am super grateful my small child isn’t in school yet! We’re fortunate that our nanny share has still been going through the pandemic, which allows me to work during the day. My hours are a little shorter than usual due to everyone’s schedules, so I tend to jump back on the computer to answer emails at night – not a good habit but then again, there isn’t much else to do. The biggest bonus of not going to the office right now is that I can see my little man in the middle of the day to say hello and grab a quick kiss.

Experience with your colleagues becoming new moms all together?

We have a little slack group that we use when we have questions or find little life hacks. It’s lovely to be in such great company with coworkers that understand those sleepless nights/early morning wakeups and why you might have a fist full of yogurt on your shirt. All in all, Credo has been super understanding if Teddy pops up on the screen or starts screaming in the background it makes life a lot easier knowing that I don’t have to hide my personal life.

Wellness hacks?

The few new additions to my life are 1) masking during bathtime. I apply 27 Rosier Ready Selfie Go Instant Mask while Teddy plays in the tub, it’s perfect since the bathroom is already a bit steamy. 2) I’ve started drinking The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost– all you do is add a spoonful to water, and I swear it has rejuvenated my skin in the few short weeks. 3) For the nights that are a bit shorter because someone woke up at 4 am, I apply Alpyn’s Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel while brushing my teeth- it’s a game-changer, and I look refreshed and had a nice 12-hrs of sleep.

One hope for the next generation?

Been thinking about this a lot lately, it’s tough to pick just one. I hope that starting now and going forward, we seriously reduce the amount of plastic consumed in this world, it’s a product that does not ever leave this Earth, and I fear one day we’re going to have more trash than living environments. It’s lofty, but I think with perseverance and innovation, we can do it!

Lastly, any advice you can leave us with?

In the last 1.5 years, the one thing I’ve learned is that everything with babies and toddlers is temporary – thank god! I was so worried that Teddy would never give up the bottle or the pacifier until he went to college, and voila – 3 hard days, and he did it all by himself.

“Thrilled that the vaccine is rolling out and 2021 is here! I’m dog-tired from working, mummying, cooking, cleaning!”

Dana Esterkin

Looking gorgeous at 38 weeks pregnant, Dana, the E-commerce Merchandising Manager at Credo Beauty, gave birth to her baby a few weeks. Here, she gives us the lowdown on transitioning to her new life (hello, exhausted) and her go-to prenatal fitness app.

Current mood?

When we shot this feature, I was 38 weeks pregnant and have since had my son, who is now 4 weeks old! That said, I am learning something new every day, in awe, watching my husband become a dad and transition into this new life. And also, I’m tired, very tired!

What was your experience being pregnant during COVID?

I found out I was pregnant the first week of lockdown in March and was already working from home. For the most part, I spent my entire pregnancy dealing with the unknown of COVID and how it would affect and continue to affect our lives. During this time, being pregnant definitely had some benefits, such as not commuting to work, sneaking in naps when needed, and living in sweats! 🙂 However, there were some downsides as well – I had to tell my dad the news we were pregnant via FaceTime, instead of in person, and the same for a lot of my best friends. Plus, my husband and I had to be extra careful on outings to the grocery store because the risk seemed so much higher with another vulnerable life involved.

Thoughts on maternity leave and balancing your new role with work?

I am enjoying my time off and feel lucky to have this moment to focus on being a mom, which takes all your focus! When the time comes, I will be eager to get back to work, plus a schedule (that is not decided by an infant), and contribute to my team again – though I know when the time comes, it will be tough!

Experience with your colleagues becoming new moms all together?

It was awesome being able to discuss pregnancy products together. Moms know best, and I have reached out when I have a question during these early weeks. We also have a ‘Baby Mamas‘ Slack channel where we share tips, advice, and pics of the little ones.

Fitness while pregnant?

I worked out almost my entire pregnancy. I was an avid “gym-goer” and runner before getting pregnant and lockdown. With gyms closed, I stuck to at-home workouts and runs to a nearby park. During my pregnancy, I ran up until about 33 weeks. For workouts, I downloaded the app FitOn (it’s free!), which has tons of prenatal fitness. I did those up until about 38 weeks pregnant, along with stretches and pelvic floor exercises.

One hope for the next generation?

I really hope the next generation is just kind to one another. Simple as that; there’s so much negativity and animosity in the world. Kindness and understanding could go a long way.

Lastly, any advice you can leave us with?

Always do what works for you. Do what works best for you and try not to read into what ‘they’ say too much. Educating yourself is great, but every mom and every baby is different; don’t focus too much on internet opinions.

“We have a ‘Baby Mamas Slack channel where we share tips, advice, and pics of the little ones…moms know best!”

Emily Koko

Pregnant with her second, Emily, the Merchandising + Operations Associate Manager at Credo Beauty, dishes on pregnancy through Covid with a toddler. Plus the silver linings (like no pants or commutes), learning the power of small moments, and why every Zoom meeting at Credo begins with ‘how is everyone feeling and how are the babies?’.

Current mood?

Good! My pregnancy has flown by with Baby #2. I can hardly believe I’m already in my third trimester!

Experience being pregnant during COVID?

It has been interesting, to say the least. I am trying to go about my day-to-day as normal as possible, with extra precautions. The most significant difference for me between this pregnancy and my first is working from home. I would not say it’s the silver lining of COVID, but it has certainly made things a little bit easier. Plus there’s the added bonus of avoiding having to squeeze my belly into pants.

Thoughts on maternity leave and balancing work with your new role as a mom of a toddler and an infant?

I am fortunate to work for a company that is made of working moms and really supports us. I recently read an article about the small moments for a child. We can get so busy and focused on our own tasks that it can be hard to pull away for even a second. But, it really just takes a minute, or even a few seconds, to take a moment for your child. To us, it may be an insignificant second to look up when they say “Mom! Watch me!”, or engage when they want to pretend their baby doll needs to use the toilet. But, to them, those moments are important. Those moments become the memories of their childhood and influence how they engage with other people around them and us. So, I try to remind myself of that when I feel like I’m failing at balancing work and motherhood. I dont need to spend hours/days creating elaborate, memorable experiences to be a good mom (although those are nice too when we can). Sometimes it’s just the small moments that can make their day. That being said, it is never easy to leave the baby and go back to work! I’ll probably start considering a move to Sweden in those last couple of weeks of leave ;).

Experience with your colleagues becoming new moms all together?

Yes! We have a Credo Mamas slack channel where we share pictures, tips, links to great resources. Everyone is super supportive and continuously checking in on each other. I don’t think I’ve had a single team zoom meeting that didn’t start with, ‘how is everyone feeling, how are the babies?’. It can be challenging to be a working mom at times, so it’s great to work with supportive and understanding women, even if they are not moms themselves.

What is one hope that you have for the next generation?

Empathy. I think so many of our problems can be solved with a little more compassion.

Lastly, any advice you can leave us with?

This one is for the new mama’s and papa’s – don’t let other people’s opinions and judgments affect you. Is your baby crying in the middle of the grocery store, and you’re afraid people will be disturbed? Forget them! You handle your baby the way you want to. There is too much mom-shaming out there!

“I am fortunate to work for a company made of working moms that support us.”

Laura Frances

New mama and Marketing Manager at Credo Beauty, Laura, shares her path to pregnancy and the loneliness of expecting during Covid. Plus, her daily routines and hopes for the future.

Current mood?

Happy! Tired. Stressed. And a little overwhelmed (#2020) but feeling happy, grateful, and weirdly at peace.

Path to pregnancy?

After two years of hardship and obstacles, we went through IVF and couldn’t be more thankful for what medicine can do these days.

Experience being pregnant during COVID?

It was lonely and stressful at times. Lonely because I couldn’t connect in real life with my family, girlfriend, or other moms. Stressful because all our classes to prepare for birth and life with a newborn were canceled, so we had to find different ways to learn. And at one point, there was also doubt on whether my husband could accompany me at the hospital for the birth (thank goodness he was able to)… but at the same time, it allowed us to build our little cocoon and spend a LOT of time just the two of us before baby’s arrival, which is priceless!

Thoughts on maternity leave and balancing your new role with work?

I came back from maternity leave 4 months ago, and I’m not going to lie; it’s been an adjustment. The exhaustion is REAL. So is mom brain, by the way…it takes time to get into this whole new rhythm and find what works for you. I feel lucky to be in a company led by strong women (who are moms themselves) who support mothers and work-life balance.

I now start earlier in the morning and make sure to spend time with my little one from 5 to 7pm, until his bedtime. And because we’re all working from home, I feel so lucky to be able to go steal kisses throughout the day in-between meetings; it’s the best kind of break!

Experience becoming new moms at the same time as your colleagues?

It’s awesome! There is indeed a Slack channel situation, and everyone is so helpful and supportive. It’s been amazing to share this experience with them, and it has brought us closer together. I feel like I’m part of the gang now!

Any wellness hacks or daily routines you can share?

I just started putting 30-minute blocks in my calendar to go outside for a quick walk which is a game changer. And then, it’s all about skincare for me! I take my time for my nighttime routine, go through each step slowly, and it’s my little self-care moment. I find it so relaxing. All clean beauty from Credo, of course 😉

Working out through pregnancy?

Yes, I worked out until the very last month. Only pregnancy-safe exercises, of course, that prepared my body both for birth (hello 23-hour labor…) and to build strength to take care of the baby (spoiler alert: there’s a lot of carrying and kneeling involved). My workout coach was Alexia Cornu, and my yoga teacher Karin Karlsson . Both specialize in pre-and postnatal.

One hope for the next generation?

Less fear and uncertainty. More hope, love, and a real, profound awakening regarding environmental issues.

Lastly, any advice you can leave us with?

Moms to be, new moms, experienced moms… be kind to yourself, take time for yourself, and listen to yourself. You’ll be a happier, hence better mom, wife, friend, and colleague.

“The exhaustion is REAL. So is mom-brain, by the way.”

Michelle Connelly

New mama and VP, Merchandising and Planning at Credo Beauty, Michelle talks about finding a rhythm while working from home with an infant, plus Credo’s baby boom!

Current mood?

Tired! We started working from home just a few weeks after returning to work from maternity leave, so I basically feel like I have been living in a bubble for the last 15 months. In the beginning, I was actually very grateful for the extra time with my 6-month-old while my husband and I worked a split shift schedule taking care of him. Eventually, we felt comfortable enough bringing him to daycare (in July), and he is much happier there than being on zoom calls all day.

Balancing your new role with work?

I spend a lot of time working during naps and after bedtime. Working from home blurs everything together anyway, especially the first few months when we had no childcare, and my husband and I were both attempting to work full time. I also found that working from home helped me nurse my son longer than I might have if I were back in the office (trying to look at the bright side of COVID… 😊)

Experience becoming new moms with your colleagues?

We do have a group slack channel! Credo had a big baby boom in 2019, which has trickled into 2020. Almost a quarter of the company had a baby within around a year! It’s definitely a supportive and understanding environment. There are always people to ask questions, and we’ve passed around many maternity clothes as well!

One hope for the next generation?

I really hope we can learn to treat our planet with more respect and kindness.

Lastly, any advice you can leave us with?

I definitely don’t feel qualified enough to give any advice—I’m just over here trying to get through each day with my 14 month old and hoping things turn out ok. 😊

Credo had a big baby boom in 2019, which has trickled into 2020. Almost a quarter of the company had a baby within around a year!

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If You're Having a Baby, You Need a Will Get your affairs in order.

By Babe | Photo by Stocksy

If you’re anything like us, you’ve often wondered, very late at night, or maybe right before a plane takes off, what happens if something happens to me? No, it’s not cute, it’s not fun, it’s not super joyful, but the idea of getting a will is the reality of being a parent. “Anyone over 18 should have their affairs in order, even more so once someone finds out they’re expecting or just had a baby,” says Cori A. Robinson, a New York and New Jersey-based trust and estate lawyer. “When you get your affairs in order, it means, at a minimum, what you need to have is a last will and testament, a power of attorney and a healthcare proxy. That’s your general basic package.”

But if the idea of “gathering one’s affairs” feels very Six Feet Under, and you’re not even sure what that means, all you know is that junior should go to YOUR sister and not HIS – then read on. Robinson helps us navigate through the legal jargon so that you’re covered, no matter what.

The Will

“It’s important to have a last will,” says Robinson. “That’s the document that governs who your child goes to when you die. While you’re living, you’re the natural guardian of your kids. When you pass away, unless you specify in the will and testament who you want to be the legal guardian of your kids, the local courts will choose, and the person who the court chooses may not be the person you want.”

Let’s say, for example you hate your mother-in-law, but she might seem like a lovely person. According to Robinson, if you don’t have a last will and testament of who you want to serve, the “take charge person” in your family can petition to become the legal guardian and that might not be the person you chose. In a last will, sometimes people also have separate guardianship papers, but as long as you have a will, you’ll be covered.

Under your will, you will also appoint an executor. “That’s the person taking charge when you die,” says Robinson. “It can be one person or you can appoint individuals. I never advise for all of your kids to be appointed, it’s an absolute disaster. Less is more.”

The Power of Attorney

This document used in an event you become incapacitated while living. Let’s say you have an accident and fall into a coma and your husband needs money for home care.
“The power of attorney provides him access to financial assets during your lifetime,” Robinson says.

The Healthcare Proxy

This document gives agency to someone else for medical decisions in the event you’re unable to speak for yourself. “Let’s say you have surgery and it goes awry and you’re kooky for a week,” says Robinson. “The doctor brings up whether you should have a second surgery and you can’t give consent. This mainly comes into play in a hospital.” Just remember, signing one in the hospital is not the best time. With a spouse it’s obvious, but always do it in advance.

Just remember, a will is going to give instructions, but you can’t micromanage your kids from the grave. It will not include instructions on what to eat or do after school everyday. “You’re dead, you don’t get a say,” says Robinson. “But let’s say you’re religious and your extended fdamily isn’t, you can make a note that you want them in a traditional upbringing etc, but you request you don’t direct. Appoint someone who will do their best to raise your kids in the matter in which you’d raise them.”

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Yes, You CAN Take a Bath While Preggo With these simple (and safe) tips.

The bath has long been considered a luxurious pregnancy ritual for centuries — from the mikvah to the water birth. But all a nervous mama-to-be will read on Google is everything that could possibly go wrong!

The truth is, taking a bath is a totally safe preggo activity with incredible benefits like easing pregnancy aches and pains (hello, lower back and round ligament pain), reconnecting with your growing babe, and enjoying a few minutes of much-needed “me” time.

“There is zero harm in taking a bath,” says Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, an OBGYN based in Stamford, CT. “What women actually need to avoid is a hot tub or anything that’s elevating their core temperature. The minute you get into a regular bathtub, the temperature is getting incrementally cooler every millisecond, and so your core body temperature will not rise, and therefore you’re totally safe.”

So take that bath, mama, and enjoy it! But if you want more information on how to make it super duper, fool-proof pregnancy-safe, read on for some tips and tricks and make your bath experience a luxuriously happy one.

Watch the Temp.

The number one thing to be conscious about when soaking in a preggo bath is that the water temperature is safe, even in the first trimester. Don’t make the water too hot (i.e., stick to 99 degrees or lower, which means your skin shouldn’t turn red at the touch). If that’s too vague for you, get a bath thermometer to put you at ease that you’ll use with babe later.

Ninety-nine degrees Fahrenheit is a safe rule of thumb for a healthy pregnancy bath water temperature because it provides a little bit of a buffer. The absolute max temperature that your bath could be at before being a potential risk for your pregnancy health is 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

When water exceeds 102 degrees, this strong heat can raise your core internal temperature, which can become unsafe for growing babies in bellies. While this means that you likely can’t use hot tubs or jacuzzis while pregnant (or saunas), water wellness can still be part of your self-care routine.

Enjoy an at-home relaxation period in your bathtub — besides getting to pick the Epsom salt bath combo you prefer, you can have full control over the temperature of the water. A hot bath can wait until after the fourth trimester.

Go Fragrance-Free.

Don’t use irritating products that contain chemicals, fragrances, or other irritants. The last thing you need is a yeast infection in pregnancy or another reason to get nauseated!

Fragrances and products with chemicals and dyes can be harsh in that they can make you more susceptible to vaginal irritation. Instead, opt for gentler, fragrance-free choices to nourish your skin during your bath time.

Instead of taking a bubble bath, or popping a bath bomb into the tub, try for Epsom salts added to your bath water. Epsom salts can help alleviate any body aches or muscle discomfort that are so synonymous with the second and third trimesters.

If you add two cups to your bathwater, and allow it to fully dissolve before getting in the tub, then you can experience a soothing bath time that can also help to reduce your stress to leave you feeling calmer.

Add Your Vitamins.

You’ve heard about eating your vitamins, but what about literally wearing them?! Well, now you can every time you get in the tub.

DO add in some nourishing ingredients to ease aches and pains and soothe dry, itchy hormonal skin, such as Mama Calm Belly & Body Bath Soap. We personally love the coconut milk and Himalayan sea salt.

The Himalayan sea salt is filled with minerals that can help detoxify your skin and relax your body. The organic coconut milk further helps nourish your skin to assuage sore, swollen sore muscles and to support your skin’s elasticity.

This calming belly and body bath soap is free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, and phthalates, which means it is safe for pregnancy. Additionally, it’s dermatologist and allergy tested and has magical moisturizing capabilities that help leave your skin feeling silky soft and glowingly smooth when you get out of the tub.

For some extra zen and moisture, combine the bath soak with a few drops of our beloved Belly Oil. The oil can help alleviate stretch marks and add an extra mineral boost for your pampering needs and dreams.

Get Planty With It.

Embrace the natural goodness of plant-based oils in your bath routine, mama! Adding a touch of almond, coconut, or jojoba oil to your bathwater can work wonders for your skin, which often craves extra moisture during these nine months. These natural oils, known for their hydrating and soothing properties, offer a safe and luxurious way to pamper your stretching skin. Just a few drops create a calming, spa-like ambiance in your bathroom. While they’re generally safe, it’s always wise to chat quickly with your healthcare provider before diving into new products. And here’s a little heads-up: these oils can make the tub a bit slippery, so be extra careful stepping in and out. As you settle into this blissful soak, let the natural, organic oils nourish your skin, leaving it feeling silky smooth and oh-so-loved. So go ahead, add that splash of nature’s best to your bath and relish in the joy of self-care during this magical time.

Keep It Short.

Your pregnancy bath might be more of a ten-minute sesh versus your old 30-minute romp in the tub. But that’s all you need to get a little relief, and it’s great practice for finding those small moments for you post-babe!

The shorter time assures that your internal core temperature stays at a healthy, safe level for both you and babe. Plus, docs say that besides overheating, spending too long in a bathtub while preggo could contribute to increased risks of vaginal infections.

To prolong the relaxation, after you wash your face and get out of the bath, add the face oil and serum duo from our Pregnancy Glow Bundle to your post-bath routine. Pregnancy can bring a lot of changes to your skin. But thanks to our glow bundle, with yummy ingredients like apricot, grapeseed, safflower oil, camellia, papaya, and primrose, you can feed your skin a lovely dose of vitamins with each application.

The Glow Bundle’s nourishing botanical blend is designed to deeply hydrate your pores so that you can have smooth-looking skin that radiates a natural glow. Your face won’t just look glamorous, either — you’ll likely be able to feel the difference with softer skin in texture too.

Get Comfortable.

Take extra steps to make the bath a more comfortable experience for your changing bod. You might want to line the tub with a towel or pad and grab a neck pillow to help as you grow and shift.

Once you get out, get even comfier by applying Down, Girl, our cooling leg and foot cream. This soothing ginger and mint infusion is a gel-based cooling cream. With calming and remedying ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile, the antioxidant-rich cream can help decrease swelling, hydrate, and enhance skin regeneration.

Put on our fave retro Compression Socks right after you invigorate your tender, swollen limbs to seal in the moisture and get the blood flow started again. Check out our Swell Relief Duo, which offers both the soothing cream and the compression sock in one bundle for your convenience. You might even want to bring a hot water bottle into the fix for your sore muscles from early pregnancy on — you deserve it!

Support Your Balance.

All that extra weight with your glowing baby bump means that your center of gravity can change while preggo. Falling can be easier, and your balance can feel off more often.

Make sure your towel or robe is ready for your close by on the other side because you have less balance while you’re pregnant. Take it slow while stepping out! You may want to place a non-slip mat directly next to the tub to help guide you on your way up and out.

Happy Bathing for a Happy Babe

A tub full of warm water (not steaming) should be perfectly safe and can even be beneficial to take a bath during your pregnancy. Relaxing in warm bath water can help you relax, wind down, and eliminate stress, which is positive for both you and your little one. If you have any questions, reach out to your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Taking a bath can also help soothe pregnancy symptoms such as stretch marks, hemorrhoids, cramps, muscle pain or soreness, and body aches.

With these simple safety precautions, you’re on your way to a safe, relaxing bath that boosts your self-care routine and nourishes your preggo body through all your trimesters.

Happy bathing!

Sources:

During Pregnancy | American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists

Can Pregnant Women Take a Bath? | Verywell Family

9 Health Benefits of Epsom Salt & How to Use It | eMediHealth

Pregnancy and Skin Changes | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Back pain during pregnancy: 7 tips for relief | Mayo Clinic

Is It Safe To Take a Bath While Pregnant? | Parents

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Let Your Plus-One Have Baby Time, Too Don't hog the mic, mama.

“If you’re the primary caregiver, make sure your significant other gets daily one-on-one time with your kiddo if possible (and you get a break). My husband takes her on a dog walk – twice a day if possible. On weekends we alternate getting solo time.

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