If you, like us, have been working from home, there’s a good chance that once standard-issue items, like heels and jeans, lie dormant in the closet while the jogger, historically reserved for the weekends or a cozy night, has taken point position. It’s also likely this now-staple piece has begun to feel a little uninspired, and it’s time to shake it up.
There’s something about head to toe tonal that automatically elevates an outfit. Therefore whether home for the holidays or headed to the in-laws, we’re taking it up a notch in matching sweater sets plus kitten heels. Yes, (mini) heels with sweats are now a thing.
Work from home but make it elevated (yet still comfy) in joggers, loafers and a fitted turtleneck. Even if you’re not headed into an office, making an effort in the morn’ makes a difference.
Celebrating with your nearest and dearest means turning up the fancy…but like, just a little. Pair your cashmere joggers with a sweater and heels (yes, heels, told you, it’s a thing). Plus, throw a bow in your hair for good measure.
Raquel Horn, Creative Director + Fiancé to Entrepreneur Damon Dash, Talks 7-years to pregnancy.
By Colleen Crivello | Photos by Erika Miyagiwa
Modern-day renaissance woman, creative director of Poppington, and partner to entrepreneur and music mogul Damon Dash, Raquel is a total vibe and the (very) new mama to their son, Dusko.
In celebration of her journey to motherhood, we caught up with this soulful mom-boss while on location at their ranch in Wyoming *just* before she went into labor.
Here, she shares her 7-year road to motherhood—from IVF to late-term loss—and healing in Hawaii before getting pregnant again. Plus, coping with infertility, creating content, being vegan, and living with gratitude.
Damon and I were trying to get pregnant for close to seven years. About three years into the process, we began to see a fertility specialist at SCRC: Southern California Reproductive Center. Initially, we started with Clomid and then did three rounds of IUI before venturing into the world of IVF.
Once we decided to do IVF, a series of tests followed with one test, in particular, that made all the difference. This test was essentially a mock IVF implantation and included all the hormones up to the point of implantation, but instead of implanting me, they take a little piece of tissue and send it off to Spain to examine. The tissue examination took about two months, and from that, we found my progesterone levels were too low for an embryo to imbed. This information changed everything and meant that SCRC could more precisely tweak my hormones and give me the right amount of progesterone for the egg to take to the uterus.
To start, we had gone through the process of freezing and fertilizing our eggs. We had seven viable eggs from our first egg retrieval, of which five were accepted, and two were considered “Grade A” quality: a boy and a girl.
Last year we implanted our “A quality” egg girl, and it was a success! I was pregnant with our baby, and every moment was beautiful. Then, heartbreakingly we lost the baby at 7.5 months. This was the most traumatic experience I have ever had to go through, and I am fortunate to have such a dedicated partner. He is so entirely there for me and beyond supportive. By the time I came to after the loss, he had taken away my phone, deleted all my baby apps, removed every baby item from the house, and eliminated as many triggers as possible; I’m eternally grateful.
Originally we had planned on taking a babymoon to Hawaii but after our loss I didn’t want to go because my emotions were so high. However, I knew I needed to get away to avoid spiraling into a cycle of sadness. So we went to heal.
When we got on the plane, I was gutted. Inflight I had a conversation with the stewardess who fully transformed my perspective and helped me more than she will ever know; she shared with me the loss of her 21-year-old son. Devasted with grief, it dawned on me that I hadn’t even met my child, and yet this woman had spent 21 years with her son and somehow found a way to heal. If she could, so could I. Through our conversation, she opened my mind and showed me a new path, wherein I could either choose to be sad or decide to accept the loss and move forward. Huge thank you to her. I hope she reads this and genuinely knows how grateful I am.
When we arrived it was raining, but after a few days, everything cleared, and the rainbows appeared; it was symbolic. Every day we would meditate in front of the ocean and swim for hours. Our time there was extraordinarily healing.
At the end of our trip we went to a very spiritual and powerful birthing stone in the village. As the story goes, the local women would come together to help a woman give birth on the flat sacred stone. We went, touched it, and said a blessing to lead us into the next phase of our lives.
When did you decide to try again?
The doctor had informed me that we needed 8 to 12 weeks before we could start trying again. Therefore, as soon as we could, I jumped right back in. Initially, I toyed with the idea of doing another egg retrieval because I’m 35 now and wanted more options if our last egg didn’t stick. However, Damon pushed me to stay focused and implant our last embryo rather than spend time doing another retrieval. In hindsight, I’m so grateful we did this because Covid happened. If I had done the second retrieval, I wouldn’t be pregnant right now, considering all reproductive medicine was shut down unless you had cancer. So, that’s what we did. We went with the last egg, and he stuck; our healthy baby boy!
Getting pregnant again was truly the final stage of my healing. Plus, I believe she’s there guiding him and making sure he’s doing well. It’s interesting to come out the other side to speak openly about my struggles and have the emotional space for other women to share with me. I can only hope that my IVF and infertility story can help another woman feel less alone because, as women, we have to support one another.
After the implantation, you’re meant to do a blood test to find out if you’re pregnant or not. One of my friends wanted us to do an at-home pee test just for fun because I had never done one before. With my first pregnancy I only did the blood test. So, she came over with a pile of pregnancy tests, and I peed on the stick. Damon was more nervous than I was, pacing back and forth, but it was the best feeling when we saw the two double lines! I did a second one a few days later, just to be sure :).
How have you felt through pregnancy?
Overall, it’s been easy-ish. Before I got pregnant, I was vegan, but early on, I started craving eggs and cheese; I couldn’t stand vegan cheese, Beyond Meat, or any substitute. I listened to what my body needed and indulged. Other than that, I was nauseous the first trimester, but never threw up—even though Damon had his camera ready to get it on film! As I graduated into the 2nd trimester, my energy returned, and I was able to start working again with Damon. We went out to the YEEZY Ranch in Wyoming and produced a 150-page magazine on our perspective of the ranch. The first issue is out to print now and will launch very soon. I never thought I would have been shooting that much or working that hard at that many months pregnant, but there I was, the woman walking around with the belly and the camera! My third trimester is all about nesting. We have the hospital bag ready, the crib built, and the car seat in the car. Plus, I’m hardly sleeping. I’m in bed super early and wide awake before the sun comes up. Not sure if my body is preparing me to be up with the baby or if this is just the new me, but nevertheless, I’m up. Lastly, pregnancy during Covid has been a blessing. I can see people when I want or not, and I be totally isolated without feeling I’m missing out on anything. Ultimately there is no real urge to be social.
Birth plan?
Funny enough, Damon had two requests of me when we got pregnant; one was that I get an epidural, and the second was that I get a night nurse! Therefore, I have a night nurse, but not a doula since doula’s haven’t been allowed at the hospital until very recently. Regardless, Damon feels that he is all I need. Leading up to the due date he has been practicing the back massages to make sure that I am breathing correctly and other calming practices. Plus, as mentioned, I’m getting an epidural and I have the cord blood retrieval lined up. Damon is a Type 1 Diabetic, so if he and the baby are a match and anything scientific develops for stem cells and the cure of diabetes in the future, Damon could potentially use those stem cells. I believe this is a cool investment in our future.
I have not read much. Instead, I’m planning to rely on my instincts and the amazing women around me, including my night nurse. Too much information is can be overwhelming and only serves to make me nervous.
Working out through pregnancy?
In the beginning, I was working out in the home gym, but now I do a lot of prenatal yoga, and we go for long walks with the dogs (you know, Covid days and all). Also, meditation has helped me a lot, especially with the loss. I usually do my morning meditation after yoga, 20-30 min of each. It’s so powerful and strong.
Cooking these days?
Food is everything in our house and we are always sitting for a meal together; so much so that I have a cooking show, Health is Wealth. I went through this whole phase of baking for the first part of Covid (including Banana bread like the rest of the world). Inspired by our healing trip, we went through a Hawaiian period for a little while, and I’m Puerto Rican, so rice and beans are my comfort food.
Advice?
Talk about what you’re going through, don’t keep things to yourself. So many women dealing with infertility and loss. The strength of sharing your story allows other women to be strong. If we can collectively open up, we can all heal.
Welcome Baby is Supporting Mothers in Need Get to know this awesome organization.
It’s hard enough thinking through all of the stuff new moms need in that first month of our babes’ life. But for women under the poverty line, it’s even harder, and with more dire consequences. Enter Welcome Baby – an organization that provides low-income mothers with one package containing all the items they’ll need for their newborn in the first four weeks of life. Think diapers, wipes, clothing, carriers and gear – essential items that can be a gigantic financial burden, yet are absolutely necessary for the health and survival of new babies. But don’t take our word for it. Below, Welcome Baby co-founder Sarah Steinhardt explains what exactly Welcome Baby does, and why its work is so vital for all the new mothers out there. Get to know them, below and come Giving Tuesday, for every order placed, HATCH will be donating a piece of clothing to low-income families in partnership with Welcome Baby.
The Chicest Gifts Under $50 Sandals, candles and lipsticks FTW.
While we love a luxury unboxing moment, sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones that don’t break the bank. When it’s truly the thought that counts, why not show love with a sweet lil’ bauble, a wellness must-have, or even a rad red lip? So in an effort to bring forth the most stylish stocking stuffers and lowkey giftables, we rounded up some über-chic women to guide us in the direction of the best gifts under $50. Prepare to have your mind blown.
Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director at PEOPLE
“I was working on a segment on mommy and me fashion when I came across these sandals, which come in adult and kid’s sizes. I ordered them in white and gold for me and my daughter. They’re comfortable, waterproof and come in a ton of colors and patterns. Oh, and they happen to smell like milk and honey which is a weird, but a nice bonus.”
Moses Slide Sandals by Freedom Moses Available at Shopbop.com
Julianna Guill, Actress, Director and Producer
“The bath soaks from Amber’s Soap Bar are a FANTASTIC, really luxurious gift at a price point that makes you relaxed before you even start soaking in the delightful aromas. This black-owned beauty company is my 2020 gift-giving go-to.”
Rachel Blumenthal, CEO + Founder, Rockets of Awesome
“Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso is hands down the best lip stain on the market. It’s hard to find because sadly Stila isn’t as popular as it used to be, which let me tell you is extremely underrated. The color says “hello, I’m fabulous” and “take me seriously” and it stays on ALL DAY which is crucial when you’re busy.”
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso Available at Stila
Abby K. Cannon, Founder of Abby’s Food Court
“This is one of my favorite cookbooks. The recipes are delicious, easy to follow, and celebrate whole food, plant based cooking. Chaplin also provides a blueprint for crafting nourishing meals at home for you and your whole family.”
“Whole Food Cooking Every Day: Transform the Way You Eat with 250 Vegetarian Recipes Free of Gluten, Dairy, and Refined Sugar” Available on Amazon.com
Joyann King, Editorial Business Development, ELLE Decor and Town & Country
“I’m obsessed with the Young, Wild & Friedman sensory kits right now. The founder started making them when her daughter was diagnosed with a speech disorder and anxiety and was researching how much sensory play can impact children’s development. My daughter was gifted one earlier this year and still can’t put it down.”
“I love Cloud Nine because it’s super cozy, but also very soft and gentle on my hair. I have a lot of baby hairs from having babies so I need to be extra careful with those bad boys! This headband gives that extra oomph of luxe on a regular day, and with the year we’ve had, I’m allllll about that right now!”
“Elvie makes your life of catching milk so simple and stress free. I’ve been able to pump numerous bottles and freeze milk in the last five weeks without even using my electric pump. For moms of multiples this is also great because you can pump on the go. I am able to breastfeed and pump and play with my toddler and pump and cook and do laundry etc.”
“I love gifting these Super Smalls shoe clips to my friends and hearing how much they enjoy them! Turns out you dont have to be a kid to wear them (just a kid at heart!) and looking down at your own upgraded sparkly sneakers and boots makes walking more fun!”
Super Smalls Clip-On Shoelace Charms Available at Super Smalls
Brandi Sellerz Jackson, Doula
“The book, The First 40 Days by Heng Ou is amazing. Postpartum is tough. Your body goes through so very much during pregnancy, only for it the to experience so much more post baby. Because birth is just an everyday part of life, we often times neglect the healing that needs to take place. Because of this, I recommend this amazing book, as it takes a practical deep dive into the importance of taking space and taking the necessary time to heal and celebrate what our bodies have done!”
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother Available on Amazon.com
Carly Cardellino, Digital Creator
“I always feel like you can’t go wrong with a chic candle as a gift—one that’s style agnostic and can fit with anyone’s decor, but also smells amazing, like you light it and it fills the entire room with a magical, cozy scent. For me, that’s No. 04 Bois de Balincourt from Maison Louie Marie. At first sniff, it reminds you of Le Labo’s signature Santal 33—or sitting by a fire, wrapped in a cashmere blanket with some wine in hand (dreamy), but for a fraction of the price. Its base notes are a few of my favorites: sandalwood, vetiver, and amberwood, but it also loops in cedarwood, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The second best part about giving an expensive-looking/smelling candle as a gift (the first being that you probably gave them their favorite present) is that you can re-gift it IF you need. I have a stash of candles that I plan to burn, but in the event that you need a gift, an already-packaged candle is perfect and always a crowd-pleaser.”
Maison Louis Marie Candle No.04, Bois de Balincourt Available at Maison Louis Marie
Michaela Podolsky, Influencer
“This was gifted to me by my sister when I found out I was pregnant. We always have to be mindful of the amount of water we’re drinking but especially when expecting, this water bottle is a great way to hold yourself accountable.”
Juliana Muñoz didn’t anticipate feeling the way she did, but who could blame her? Upon entering her seventh straight month of working full-time from home as well as homeschooling her four-year-old and dealing with a still-in-diapers 20-month-old, she hit a wall. “I can’t say for sure whether I had a full-blown anxiety attack, but it was nothing like I’ve ever felt before,” says Juliana. “I just shut down, literally. I couldn’t breathe, I could barely see. I just went into full on panic mode and was hysterical for like 45 minutes.”
Cynthia Williams hasn’t had a good night’s sleep since finding out she was pregnant last April. What she and her husband had worked so hard for – having spent more than six months trying to conceive – she feels like she can barely enjoy. “All I can think about is giving birth in the middle of a pandemic,” says Cynthia. “It’s not even about the hospital or wearing a mask. It’s about that I can’t have a shower with my best friends. My parents can’t come see the baby since they live on the opposite side of the country. All of it is so terrible and never how I originally imagined this moment.”
Anxiety. We all have it. Life is tough. 2020 has been hell. And there’s no end in sight. Covid-19 has been ripping across the world and we’re all bracing ourselves for a “long winter” of upticks, illness, layoffs and more school closures. For women, particularly new mothers or moms-to-be, the situation is all the more dire.
In their transition to parenthood, pregnant women need social connection more than ever, yet they’re restricted in their ability to connect and stay safe during pandemic. “You hear stories of women giving birth alone, not seeing friends and family afterwards,” says Dr. Darby Saxbe, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Southern California. “We’re stunned by the levels of distress we’re seeing from women. We believe it’s setting up new parents for higher levels of postpartum depression risks or other difficulties in adapting to parenthood.
“We’re stunned by the levels of distress we’re seeing from women.”
And for current mamas, the news isn’t any better. According to Dr. Saxbe, parents in dual income households are already putting everything together with tape and string. Now, as many young children learn from home, it’s skewing the division of labor in the home. “We know relationships tend to get more traditional in terms of how housework is negotiated after a child is born,” says Dr. Saxbe. “It’s a well documented stat and the pandemic is highlighting that.
Often women’s jobs are more conducive to going remote and couples end up making wrenching decisions about whose job is more important and who can default to the role of remote school teacher. All of this only exacerbates these feelings of anxiousness.
So seeing as we’re pretty far from the end of this mess, what’s a mama or mama-to-be to do to get a grip on anxiety? From CBD gummies to prescriptions meds, to everything in between, there’s no shortage of offerings meant to target uncomfortable feelings. We outline just a few of them below. But, in the meantime, try to remember that first, this is a totally unsustainable situation. We’re talking lose/lose situation.
Try to find peace in that. Also, recognize that this is hopefully a moment in time and that this too shall pass. “There are upsides of having more time with your kids, says Dr. Saxbe. “Try to celebrate silver linings while also being clear eyed about the problems this exposes. Maybe it will lead to us becoming more politically aligned on supporting families down the road. I know it will for me.”
The New Anxiety Treatments
Talk to Someone
When it comes to good old fashioned therapy, there are few substitutions. Dr. Saxbe recommends Interpersonal Therapy, or IPT, which is a well validated structured psychological therapy approach to social relationships. It identifies problems and teaches people how to communicate better, process emotions and make better use of support networks. You can opt for tele-therapy during the pandemic.
Just Breathe
OK it sounds totally cliche to breathe, right? After all, aren’t we all breathing all the time? But Chorus, a new kind of meditation experience utilizes rhythmic breathing exercises that quiet your mind and help you reconnect to your body and reset your thinking patterns. There’s also the VIP of breathing (yep, we just wrote that), the Wim Hof Method, whose special breathing exertions are said to keep the body in optimal condition and calm the mind.
Stick a Fork in It
Tuning fork therapy uses calibrated metal tuning forks to apply specific vibrations to different parts of the body. This can help release tension and energy, and promote emotional balance. It supposedly works similarly to acupuncture, using sound frequencies for point stimulation instead of needles. Proponents of tuning fork therapy claim it helps induce enhanced focus, entranced state, relaxation and sleep.
CBDeez It
From gummies to sports drinks to oils, there is no shortage of CBD – the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, not to be confused with the high-inducing THC. For some it’s a life saver in tackling the everyday stresses of life in Covid-19. But, if you’re pregnant or nursing, check with your OBGYN on their recommendations and whether they feel it’s safe for you and babe.
Go Big Pharma
Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax: Take your pick, these dolls are all commonly prescribed for general anxiety and panic disorders as well as depression, insomnia and more. However, if you are pregnant and/or nursing, there are a whole slew of risks associated with these pills, so definitely speak to your healthcare provider on alternative ways to de-stress.
Get Moving
Exercise is widely considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and has been proven to be a natural stress reliever. It also reduces preggo fatigue, improves alertness and concentration and enhances overall cognitive function. (aka when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate.) When stress affects the brain, with its many nerve connections, the rest of the body feels the impact as well. Or, if your body feels better, so does your mind. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins — chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers — and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.
Write It Down
Note the date, time and place of each stressful episode, and what you were doing, who you were with, and how you felt both physically and emotionally. Give each stressful episode a stress rating and use a stress diary to understand what triggers your stress and how effective you are in stressful situations. This will enable you to avoid stressful situations and develop better coping mechanisms.
Babba, Founder Of Ceremonia On her baby's early arrival and NICU homecoming.
By Ruthie Friedlander
With a smile seen from a million miles away, Babba, founder of the new Latinx haircare line, Ceremonia, recently became a mom to the sweetest Alma.
Just before her daughter’s unexpected arrival, we hung with Babba while pregnant. Here, this mega-watt mama shares the story of her 5-week-early delivery and the joy of her daughter’s homecoming from the NICU. Plus, breastfeeding between Zoom meetings, prioritizing a full night’s sleep (believe it or not), feeling powerful through pregnancy, recovering postpartum, and juggling life with a newborn and a new business.
All things considered, from Alma’s early arrival to launching a company while she was in the NICU and the anxiety surrounding the election, I feel nothing but gratitude and an overwhelming sense of joy for this crazy ride we call life.
Alma came much earlier than expected, just as you’re about to launch your new brand Ceremonia; what’s your birth story, and NICU experience?
Alma decided to surprise us 5-weeks early, and I have a sneaking suspicion she did that only to remind me I’m not in control and ultimately, life has a plan of its own. Case in point, I had “planned” to launch my company about a month before the baby was due, which, in theory, would have given me a solid four weeks to get everything off the ground before going into labor. But as they say, the best laid plans…
Out of the blue, I started having contractions on Sunday evening, October 11th. Without realizing I was having contractions, I figured it was merely “pregnancy discomfort” after a weekend of not-so-healthy eating. However, when the pains continued throughout the night and into Monday morning, my husband began to worry, so, he texted our doula. She responded, ‘I think Babba is in labor.’ What!? How could that be? I was only 35 weeks, and we hadn’t even packed our hospital bag yet! Hilariously, my husband started stress googling what to pack while running around the apartment, gathering our things, and figuring what to do with our dog.
Because I had prepared for birth through HypnoBirthing, I remained surprisingly calm throughout, although part of me was probably still in denial. I kept breathing through each surge and took it moment but moment. By the time we got to the hospital, I was already 8.5 cm dilated! The doctor looked at me with a big smile and said, ‘Mrs. Rivera, I believe we are delivering your baby today!’
From there, everything escalated quickly, and I had the most beautiful birth experience. I went into my own body and fully connected with myself and the baby, without external stressors. I was entirely focused on my mind/body connection, as I trusted my husband, doula, and the doctor to handle the rest.
Once Alma was born, they placed her on my chest and I was in total ecstasy. I remember looking at my husband through happy tears while shaking out of pure joy.
I was in total bliss until three hours later, they suddenly came into the room, told us they were worried she had fluid in her lungs, and they had to take her to the NICU. I’ve never felt so heartbroken watching them walk out the door with my baby, but I also knew deep down that everything would be okay as if protected by guardian angels.
How does it feel to have Alma home with you?
Pure joy!! The two weeks she was in the NICU felt unbearably long, but they also made her homecoming feel extra special.
It happened much quicker than we’d thought it would. I was terrified about pregnancy and childbirth for as long as I can remember, so initially, I was hesitant to go off birth control. However, my doctor had warned that conception could take a while as I’d likely have to wait for my hormones to regulate after years on birth control. Therefore, my husband and I decided I would go off NuvaRing in January but we wouln’t start “trying” until the end of the year. However, to our surprise, we got pregnant the next month in February(!). I firmly believe this has everything to do with the many lifestyle changes I’d made the year before, from stressing less to sleeping better, eating whole foods, giving up alcohol and coffee, and consistent acupuncture plus therapy sessions. In a way, I feel as if I had been prepping my body for pregnancy for an entire year without realizing it.
Pregnant during COVID?
I loved being pregnant! I felt so powerful and beautiful as I watched my body create magic. While Covid-19 has its downsides (i.e. my husband not attending the ultrasound appointments or my mom unable to travel to visit me while pregnant or even now to help with the baby), there have been positives too. That said, early on, I decided to focus on the silver linings of pregnancy during Covid-19. Things like: the fact that travel wasn’t a reality this year meant my husband could be more present and supportive during this phase of our life. Last year, he traveled 180+ days of the year for work. This year, he is working from home and has been a tremendous support. The pandemic also became an equalizer in business. With most people working remotely I could work on the same grounds as everyone else. I didn’t have to cancel drink meetings or company travels because none of that was happening anyway.
Both. Sort of. I’m breastfeeding and pumping; this way, we can exclusively give her breastmilk, but our baby nurse and my husband can help with feedings. Doing this allows me to get a full night’s sleep, which is very important to running/managing a startup simultaneously.
Ah-ha moment to launch Ceremonia?
The idea for Ceremonia first came about last September, while traveling for Fashion Month. Once again, I was reminded how often I was the only Latinx represented in these settings and how incredibly overlooked Hispanics are despite being the largest minority group in the U.S.
Keen to honor my heritage, I began researching the U.S. Hispanic demographic. The deeper I dove into my investigation, the more I got fired up, and the more apparent it became how massive yet underrepresented, and misunderstood the Hispanic consumer is. More often than not, marketers seemed to categorize this demographic based on old data, but the reality is, today’s Hispanic consumer is mostly young, early adopters. Plus, Hispanics spend 46% more on hair care products than non-Hispanics and are among the youngest demographics in this country with a median age of 27 and a purchasing power on a steady uprise.
I just knew it was time to do something big in this category, and it fills me with such purpose to know that I’m potentially paving the way for future Latinx-founded businesses to come.
I know it’s early, but as a working mama how do you envision balancing your new roles, both as the founder of a start-up plus a mom?
The pandemic has been somewhat of a blessing in this regard; it’s allowed me to work from home on the same basis as everyone else while also being able to breastfeed in-between meetings. Based on this, in the future, I plan to split up my work-week to be remote half of the week and in our office the other half which will give me the best of both worlds. I thrive off those around me and love getting dressed for a day of meetings and brainstorming with my teammates; I look forward to doing that again whenever it’s possible. I also hope to be able to have my mom come here soon to help with the baby. Getting help from either family or a nanny is crucial for my husband and me; we both love our jobs and aim to cultivate our professional identities as well as our parental ones.
Read through pregnancy?
Yes, I read a lot while pregnant! The first book I read was Bumpin’, a super informative and uplifting, step-by-step guide to pregnancy by trimester. Navigating pregnancy can be somewhat overwhelming, and having this book was comforting. Another favorite was Marie Mongan’s book Hypnobirthing:The Mongan Method, which helped me prepare my body for labor as well as my mind-body connection.
Listening to?
I was hyper selective about what I listened to while pregnant and actively avoided ‘crazy’ stories to keep a positive and focused mind around childbirth and HypnoBirthing. Therefore, I mainly listened to Marie Mongan’s HypnoBirthing practice audio files, one called Rainbow Relaxation, and the other called Affirmations. The Affirmations became my daily mantra, and the Rainbow Relaxation became my sleep ritual.
Wellness hacks during pregnancy?
I’m glad I kept active during my pregnancy, as I believe it played an essential role in my labor and postpartum recovery. I had a weekly session with a personal trainer at FPC who put together a 30-min workout for me based on my pregnancy. We would record over Zoom so that I could do it independently throughout the rest of the week. I also went to Flower of Life Chiropractic, who specializes in prenatal care by preparing the body for the altering biomechanics. This process eliminates tension in the body to allow the uterus to expand with the developing fetus while maintaining the space in the pelvis necessary for a natural vaginal delivery.
1 Big flowy dresses you can wear post pregnancy too!
2 Long-sleeve tight-knit dresses are super cute with a growing belly, like the cream Claudette turtleneck dress I’m wearing above.
3 Add a blazer to any pregnancy dress for a more elegant and polished look.
4 Balance your look, if you go for an oversized dress, make sure to show some leg with it so that you don’t disappear in the clothes.
5 Show off that belly bump! I love pregnancy clothes that accentuate the bump.
And tips to post-birth dressing too?
Not too much as it’s still so new for me! But, what I can say is stock up on cardigans and shirts with front buttons. Basically anything pullover is a big no-go right now with the ongoing breastfeeding schedule.
One hope for the next generation?
We’ll see the end of systemic racism.
Lastly, any advice you can leave us with?
Remember, we have the power to decide from which lens we want to see our own life. Don’t get stuck on the negative. Instead, focus on the positive, and allow yourself to enjoy being in the now. Our minds are extremely powerful; nurture them with positivity and kindness.
The Gift of Not Having to Think No-fail, luxe lay-ups that'll keep her sane.
She’s got a lot on her mind these days, and for good reason. So do her a favor. Gift her the little luxuries, the essential maternity and postpartum pieces, a diaper bag that isn’t lame, easy no-fail, can’t-possibly-lose, yet totally thoughtful gifts that take the thinking out of her daily life, so she can focus on the big stuff. You’re welcome.
The essential guide for recovery post-babe. Photo by Amazon
A diaper bag that’s actually cute? Yep. Photo by HATCH
A chic, handheld vacuum cleaner. Because crumbs. So. Many. Crumbs. Photo by FineInno
Easy, no-fail shopping. Cue the gift card. Photo by HATCH
Not only is this sweatshirt adorable, but proceeds benefit the Mama Glow Doula Scholarship Program. Photo by Mama Glow
Our HATCH-To-Hospital box curates her hospital packing bag, so she doesn’t have to. Photo by HATCH
You Can Still Celebrate the Holidays Without Family (Hey, it might even be more fun.)
By Babe | Illustration by Ana Heard
Like us you’re probably wondering how to make beautiful holiday celebrations during Covid-19 without the one thing that makes them even worth celebrating: FAMILY. No, your kids might not be opening presents under grandma’s tree come Christmas morning, or lighting Hanukkah candles with pop-pop.
Thanksgiving might lit-er-ally be the same nuclear crew that eats takeout every other night of the week. But, with that in mind, there are ways to create meaningful holiday moments and memories for your kids that might look a little different, but be every ounce as special.
Set up a group Thanksgiving or holiday Zoom with loved ones. But, rather than having it be a cacophony of people eating and screaming collectively into the screen, organize events like “show and tell” or do a gratitude project where every family takes a turn.
Keep it Local
Got those friends who are family? Well, there’s no better time to cement their place in your inner circle than with the holiday. If you can’t hang with family, sometimes the next best thing (and often even better, IMO) is to huddle with the peeps in your life who make you smile on a daily basis, and are in your collective “pod.”
Take It Outside
Ramp up those heat lamps and set the table, because you really can host a family holiday outdoors. Of course, if you’re in Miami or sunny California, this may prove easier than a blustering Northeast November day, but if you really just bundle up and brace yourself, you can hang with the family all you want right in your backyard.
Get Tested….And Hang
We’re not going to sit here and tell you the exact testing schedule that would make an intimate family hang function safely, but you know the general gist: test, quarantine, repeat until you’re all together (and then lock the doors).
Make New Traditions
Try and look on the bright side by creating new memories for your children that will last a lifetime, even if just for a short time. Host a Christmas Scavenger hunt, do a Zoom-friendly Turkey trot on the treadmill, wrap presents outside with some carols and hot toddies. Make it special, make it your own and your kids will be happy. We promise.
Celebrating inside is so last year. No, but really, 2020 — thanks to Covid-19 — has changed our lives in so many ways, including how and where we party. But it’s not all hazmat suits and thermometers. In fact, not only are these backyard soirees more Covid-friendly, thanks to dreamy balloon arches, to-die-for florals, and Insta-worthy tablescapes, they’re also undeniably chic. From birthdays, to dinner parties, we’ve got ample inspiration for your next socially distanced get together.
Can we just keep it up all year long? Asking for ourselves. Photo by Ekin Alagöz
Twinkle lights will forever be a mood. Photo by Villa Olimpia
The Gift of the Splurge Spoil her with luxe blankets, vegan chocolate and lots of cashmere.
Nothing says “I love you” quite like cashmere, so gift her the splurge-worthy lovelies you know she wants but probably won’t ask for. From botanical oils to yummy organic chocolate, to the perfect cuddle-up-to blanket, luxury comes in all ways and however you choose to gift it, we’re here for it. Here’s just a small sampling of the super decadent gifts she deserves.
Our iconic Airplane Cardigan is 100% cashmere and made for blanketing her up in cozy goodness. Photo by HATCH
