It’s entirely possible that I’ve never been to a home so lovely or hung with a girl quite as cool as Jessica. And when I say cool, it’s not in an overt way, but rather in the most honest and confident way—a breath of fresh air. Join us as we chat pregnancy ups and downs, mushroom obsessions, plus a life motto which is so simple, and so poetic it’s no wonder that if her pregnancy were a song it would be Journey in Satchidananda by Alice Coltrane.  @jmaumau 

Mornings are my favorite! During pregnancy, the first thing I do is eat. I am such a hungry pregnant lady. I wake up ravenous so I go straight to the kitchen to make breakfast—usually eggs with toast plus grapefruit or orange juice. Then I have a few rounds of tea, followed by a couple cups of  hot water with lemon. Afterwards I head out for a walk in my neighborhood with my dog while listening to podcasts, followed by a stretch at home and then I read for awhile.

I keep essential oils, coconut oil, and fresh spring water by the bed.

I didn’t have many because my beauty routine has always been fairly clean and simple. The brands I use are Living Libations, Simply Divine Botanicals, Pratima Skincare, plus apple cider vinegar, and baking soda. I’m pretty strict and untrusting when it comes to complicated ingredients—if I don’t know what it is or if I can’t eat it, I stay away from it.

I’ve always been a tea drinker. I occasionally have sips of my hubby’s coffee but never a whole cup. I love earl grey and green tea but for most of this pregnancy I’ve been drinking herbal tea or a rooibos chai. Lately I’ve been starting my day with hot cocoa plus medicinal mushrooms mixed in.

I am obsessed with mushrooms. Both ecologically and health wise I believe they’re earth’s little problem solver. My personal favorites are Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Lions Mane. 

I mix it up depending on how I feel that day, some days I oil cleanse with Sea Buckthorn Best Skin Ever by Living Libations, and some days I tone with apple cider vinegar and a splash of water. 

I wash with Simply Divine Botanical’s Black Velvet Face Wash, and then I alternate between exfoliating with baking soda, or toning with apple cider vinegar. After which I apply a mix Best Skin Ever Sea Buckthorn Oil with Dew Dab Essential Oil Blend by Living Libations. Once and awhile I’ll add Doterra’s Ylang Ylang Essential Oil to the program or Cell Serum by Living Libations with a spritz of rose water.

During the last half of pregnancy I’ve taken a couple of months off from work, which has been really wonderful. My life before baby was full of travel, airports, and hotel rooms. I always had a suitcase half packed and ready to go. Since taking time off to stay home, I’ve been able to root myself, be aligned, develop routines, and nourish my body—all of which is really important for growing a healthy baby.

My biggest issue has been on and off lower back pain. To be physically out of commission some days has been really hard for me.  It’s not an everyday thing but when I’m out of alignment it can be very frustrating.

How all encompassing it is! Pregnancy has taken over my whole being. Physically, mentally and emotionally. It feels like a full time job!

Feb 20

Girl

Orange juice, steak, and anything with tomato sauce on it

I’ve become so relaxed with food as a pregnant lady, especially compared to before. I eat whatever I crave except for corn and wheat; those I stay away from like the plague but embrace everything else.

Yes pretty much, except for runny eggs. I’ve been eating those nearly everyday.

The plan is to have a natural birth at a birth center. I love the idea of using the birthing tubs there. Beyond that I want to keep my expectations pretty loose. We did a weekend intensive birth class called Embotica which was incredibly helpful for us. It allowed my husband and I to access parts of ourselves that aren’t otherwise readily accessible—which hopefully will help facilitate the birthing process.

Some days I love feeling curvy and womanly, other days I miss feeling limber and flexible—depends on the day. Pregnancy is full of ups and downs.

We met on a photo shoot. We were both super shy and bonded over a bran muffin.

Ride the wave. Stay soft.