Fertility – Healthy Grocery Girl https://healthygrocerygirl.com Mon, 01 Aug 2022 18:27:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.9 https://healthygrocerygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-hgg_logo-black-32x32.png Fertility – Healthy Grocery Girl https://healthygrocerygirl.com 32 32 Episode 14: Great Job Mama Podcast | IVF Nutrition & Finding Connection Through Infertility with Elizabeth Shaw https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2019/10/14/episode-14-great-job-mama-podcast/ Mon, 14 Oct 2019 09:15:15 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=67072 We loved chatting with Elizabeth Shaw (Liz) on this episode of the Great Job Mama Podcast! Liz has been a nutritionist for over 10 years, an adjunct professor for over 7 years and is a certified personal trainer. Liz is a best-selling author of the Fertility Foods Cookbook and recently released The Stress-Free IVF Nutrition Guide, with a family friendly healthy Instant Pot book on the way! She’s a nutrition expert and owns a nutrition communications business and maternal health practice in San Diego, California. A guest on local and national television, she discusses the importance of leading your healthiest life through sound, evidenced based nutrition. In addition, Liz is a freelance writer and is frequent quoted as a national nutrition expert in the news for national publications such as Shape.com, Women’s Health, Muscle and Performance, FitPregnancy.com, Parents, and others. Her current position has led her to what she loves most, educating the public about the importance of nutrition and health in daily life through sharing recipes and simple, quick nutrition tips! You’ll find Elizabeth sharing daily over on her popular Instagram feeds (@shawsimpleswaps and @bumps2baby)! She believes all foods can fit in a balanced lifestyle and shares these tips via her blog, Shaw’s Simple Swaps, and in her work as a national spokesperson.

Podcast Highlights

– Infertility journey and getting pregnant with her daughter

– Details on her Stress-Free IVF Nutrition Guide

– Thoughts on mom guilt & how to deal with this issue

– Discussion on survivors guilt and depression that comes with infertility

– Advice for moms in a season of waiting and TTC

Listen Here: 


STAY CONNECTED WITH ELIZABETH!

Liz’s Website: www.shawsimpleswaps.com

Liz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawsimpleswaps &  https://www.instagram.com/bumps2baby/

Liz’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleswaps/ & https://www.facebook.com/bumpstobaby1/

Liz’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shawsimpleswaps

In Case You Missed It:

There are so many incredible past episodes to catch up on! Click the links below to listen to any and all episodes now!

Episode 1: Unmedicated Births & Creating A Successful Organic Beauty Brand with Emily Silverstein

Episode 2: Overcoming Fertility Struggles, Balancing Motherhood, Career & Healthy Living with Heather Lake

Episode 3: Hypobirthing & How To Prepare For A Positive Birth Experience with Siobhan Miller

Episode 4: Home Births. Healthy Family Recipes & Pursuing Your Passions As A Mom with Catherine McCord

Episode 5: A Discussion On Birth Centers, Home Births & Midwifery Care with Hayley Oakes

Episode 6: Birth Stories, Mama + Work Blend & How Reality TV Prepared Her For Motherhood with Desiree Siegfried

Episode 7: Creating Peace In The Midst Of Messy Motherhood with Kathryn from Do It On A Dime

Episode 8: Endometriosis: What It Is, Resources, TTC & Pregnancy with Jeni Hollifield, RDN

Episode 9: What I’ve Learned As A First Time Mom with Megan Roosevelt, RDN

Episode 10: How To Keep The Peace With Toddlers & Kids with Caitlyn Doerksen

Episode 11: Pre & Postnatal Nutrition & Baby Led Weaning with Whitney English, MS, RDN, CPT

Episode 12: Postpartum Anxiety, PPD, Birth Trauma & Breastfeeding with Carley Hall

Episode 13: NICU Mama & Postpartum Support with Jess Baumgardner

Want More?!

Have you joined the Great Job Mama Village? Join the GJM Newsletter here for exclusive content, podcast episode updates and support!

Stay connected on Instagram at @Great.Job.Mama

Loving the podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes! xo

]]> Episode 12: Great Job Mama Podcast | Postpartum Anxiety, PPD, Birth Trauma & Breastfeeding with Carley Hall https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2019/09/30/episode-12-great-job-mama-podcast/ Mon, 30 Sep 2019 10:14:12 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=67173 We are so excited to have Carley Hall on the Great Job Mama Podcast this week! Carley is a mom of two and she never really wanted kids until she met her husband. She was always a career / goal-oriented person and wanted to go to med school since she was really young. Halfway through her undergrad career she realized she didn’t want to continue. Having a pretty extensive medical background – she found herself interested in birth. Carley read BIRTH by Tina Cassidy in college and was “awakened” by the entire birth process. She eventually settled into a career in the legal field and then left this job completely a week before her first child Jaxon was born. Carley went on to start her own business and online shop for moms and babies as a way to be home with her children and also work from home.

Podcast Highlights

– Birth stories and trauma with her son and daughter

– Talking through birth consent and education

– Postpartum depression and anxiety

– Experiences with breastfeeding between both her kids

– Inspiration for start up company

Listen Here: 


STAY CONNECTED WITH CARLEY!

Carley’s Website: www.carehaandco.com

Carley’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Carehaandco

Carley’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Baybeeboutiqueonline

In Case You Missed It:

There are so many incredible past episodes to catch up on! Click the links below to listen to any and all episodes now!

Episode 1: Unmedicated Births & Creating A Successful Organic Beauty Brand with Emily Silverstein

Episode 2: Overcoming Fertility Struggles, Balancing Motherhood, Career & Healthy Living with Heather Lake

Episode 3: Hypobirthing & How To Prepare For A Positive Birth Experience with Siobhan Miller

Episode 4: Home Births. Healthy Family Recipes & Pursuing Your Passions As A Mom with Catherine McCord

Episode 5: A Discussion On Birth Centers, Home Births & Midwifery Care with Hayley Oakes

Episode 6: Birth Stories, Mama + Work Blend & How Reality TV Prepared Her For Motherhood with Desiree Siegfried

Episode 7: Creating Peace In The Midst Of Messy Motherhood with Kathryn from Do It On A Dime

Episode 8: Endometriosis: What It Is, Resources, TTC & Pregnancy with Jeni Hollifield, RDN

Episode 9: What I’ve Learned As A First Time Mom with Megan Roosevelt, RDN

Episode 10: How To Keep The Peace With Toddlers & Kids with Caitlyn Doerksen

Episode 11: Pre & Postnatal Nutrition & Baby Led Weaning with Whitney English, MS, RDN, CPT

Want More?!

Have you joined the Great Job Mama Village? Join the GJM Newsletter here for exclusive content, podcast episode updates and support!

Stay connected on Instagram at @Great.Job.Mama

Loving the podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes! xo

]]> Fertility Tips For When Trying To Conceive https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2019/09/25/fertility-tips-for-when-trying-to-conceive/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 10:14:36 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=66433 Did you know that 1 in 8 women have a hard time getting pregnant or staying pregnant? If you’re looking for natural ways to boost your fertility, how to increase your chance of conceiving and simple ways to hormone health, today’s blog post is for you! 

Infertility is not rare, even though it can feel that way! The reason for infertility is varied and complex and conditions such as PCOS, Endometriosis, Auto-Immune Diseases, diet, lifestyle and more can play a major role. However, there is hope and many women go on to conceive, carry and birth a baby with consistency in their TTC journey – whether it happens naturally or with the help of modern medicine. The content of this article is just the tip of the iceberg. Custom and unique care under the guidance of a doctor, naturopath, fertility specialist, dietitian or combination of all these health care professionals is the best route to ensure your personal health needs are being met. Below are some suggestions to support fertility as you begin or continue your journey. 

As someone who personally struggled to get pregnant with our first child, you can watch my Fertility Video Series Here, I understand the emotional, financial and physical toll that infertility can have on your body and relationships. You’re not alone, you’re doing a great job and don’t give up. Trust the timing of your life and know that you will become a mama one day – even if that day is not exactly when or how you planned. Life is full of powerful moments, but you are powerful too and this season of waiting will not be forever. 

Fertility Tips:

Reduce Stress

Stress is a part of life, however living with chronic stress can negatively impact our health in a big way. When you’re trying to conceive and especially if it’s taking longer than you hoped for, this can be stressful. Stress can then affect our sleep, desire to exercise, food choices, overall physical wellbeing, ovulation and hormonal disruption which all play a significant role with your body’s ability to get pregnant. There are many ways to combat stress and figuring out what works best for you is so important. Journaling, meditation, exercise, yoga, getting fresh air, staying hydrated, connecting with a friend, unplugging from social media, diffusing essential oils, eating real, whole foods and engaging in an activity that is relaxing such as painting or your favorite hobby are just a few ways to relieve and manage stress. Self care is extremely important to reduce stress. Acupuncture, massage and counseling are also wonderful ways to support your mental, physical and emotional health. 
 

Gut Health 

Did you know that gut health directly relates to immune and hormone health? A study done in 2013 showed that when eating a fiber-rich diet enhanced with estrogen, gut health increased compared to a sugar filled diet. The theory is that correct amounts of estrogen along with probiotics can lead to a healthy, happy gut and promote fertility. When our gut health is out of balance, our hormones, immune system, digestive system, and even autoimmune conditions can flare up and be disrupted. Improving gut health is a great place to start regulating your hormones. The first step to healing your gut is changing your diet. A gut healthy diet includes foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, packed with fiber and low in sugar. In addition, probiotics and probiotic rich foods can support gut health. Some foods that naturally contain prebiotics and probiotics are bananas, oats, quinoa, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, yogurt, asparagus, apples and dark leafy greens. Probiotic supplements are also available at your local health food store. If you are concerned that you may have gut issues, speak with your health care provider or Registered Dietitian to explore your diet, symptoms and health status further. 
 

Low Sugar 

In the same way that poor gut health can distribute hormone health, sugar plays a major role in negatively affecting hormones. Excessive sugar can lead to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Insulin issues have been directly correlated to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which may significantly effect all reproductive hormones. While hormone health is complicated and can seem very overwhelming, the best place to start with is a blood test. Having your various levels checked will give you a true depiction of what is working well and what is off within your body and then you can work with your healthcare team to create a plan! However, a low sugar diet is beneficial for everyone. You can begin today by cutting back on eating packaged or processed foods which typically contain added sugar. Aim for your natural sugar and starch sources to come from real, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains. 
 

Tracking Cycle

Keeping track of your monthly cycle can help you understand when your body has a higher chance of conception. There are different Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) that can help you keep track of when your body ovulates, which is when your ovaries release an egg each month. When your body releases an egg, it stays in your fallopian tube for about 24 hours as it waits to be fertilized. Sperm can live anywhere from 48-72 hours. Knowing your ovulation window is so important since your egg only has 24 hours for fertilization. A “normal” cycle is 28 days with ovulation happening around the mid-way point at day 14. However, what is “normal” or textbook is not always what your body may be experiencing. Some women have longer or shorter period or they ovulate early or late. Below are a few ways you can track your body and cycles to know when personally are most fertile.
 
Temperature Method: This method is where you take your temperature every day right when you wake up and keep track of the temperature on a chart. Although there are some great Apps now that make this easer! Why is this helpful? Your temperature will typically rise to around 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit when ovulating. Overtime as you track you’ll see that your temperature likely stays consistent all month and then there is a rise in temperature when you ovulate. If your temperature is up and down and not consistent, this could indicate an imbalance that is worth looking into! It’s also important to make sure you are truly taking your temperature first thing when you wake up, before you speak or drink anything, are still laying in bed and at the same time every day. If you take your temperature at 5:30am one day and then 9am the next time, the temperature will likely be different simply because of time of day. 
 
Cervical Mucus Method: This FAM method is where you chart your daily discharge. Your body typically produces the most mucus right before ovulation. As you are closer to ovulation your cervical mucus will become more creamy, thick and white. 
 
Keeping track of these bodily changes will help you develop a pattern to know when you are ovulating and most fertile. You usually need to chart for at least 6 months for a correct pattern to develop and the week be most accurate. 

Blood Work & Checkups

Our body’s are extremely complex and even correcting small things can make a huge difference. This is why it is important to get a check up and blood work done from your primary care provider. Your blood work should include thyroid levels and hormones since they are key in your fertility. Another test to consider is getting a food allergen test. A food allergy or intolerance can cause an inflammatory response in the body, which can lead to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause reproductive conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids and cysts, adenomyosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Discovering what foods trigger inflammation can help you create a diet that works best for you and your body. 
 

Limit Caffeine & Alcohol 

Caffeine affects activity in our hypothalamus, pituitary glands and adrenal glands, which all contribute to stress and secreting hormones. Caffeine can stimulate or re-create “stress” and can cause an imbalance of hormones in our body. Some research has also shown that caffeine may alter estrogen levels, which directly impacts our reproductive health. Alcohol can disrupt hormones by impairing the function of the glands that secrete them, including reproductive hormones. Intense chronic drinking can disrupt or cease your menstrual cycle, leading to cycles without ovulation or some extreme causes, early menopause. 

Yoga & Acupuncture

Yoga is a great form of exercise and meditation that may be perfect for you to add into your weekly routine. Yoga has been shown to reduce stress, which as mentioned above, can affect our fertility. Specific poses can also increase blood flow to our pelvic cavity, which stimulates hormone producing glands as well as relaxing muscle tension.
 
Acupuncture uses very small, thin needles on specific points of the body to stimulate blood flow to that area. I have seen many positive personal benefits from acupuncture and as someone who is not a fan of needles, you can’t even feel them! Acupuncture may be helpful for some to circulate blood flow to their reproductive organs, balance hormones and even relieve stress. Research acupuncture in your area to find an acupuncturist with a license and one that provides a safe practice. 
 

Whole, Foods Plant-Powered Diet 

There is no “fertility diet” that works for every person. However a predominately plant-based, whole foods diet will be nutrient rich and high in antioxidants. A plant-based diet is one that is rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Some individuals may find success with a gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diet. While other may benefits from a plant-powered diet that includes quality sources of animal protein in small amounts, this type of diet is commonly referred to as Pegan (Paleo Vegan Diet). The goal is still always whole foods, minimally processed, limited sugar and LOTS of plants. At Healthy Grocery Girl, we are passionate about a diet rich in plant-powered foods along with figuring out what type of diet works best for you! As an HGG Member, we offer a a wide variety of educational nutrition videos and courses, meal plans, community support and much more. To learn more about HGG Membership, click here!

 

]]> Nutrition Tips To Help Fight Endometriosis https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2019/08/21/nutrition-tips-to-help-fight-endometriosis/ Wed, 21 Aug 2019 09:14:58 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=65846 Friends! Today we are talking all about Endometriosis. It’s Jeni Hollifield, your HGG Registered Dietitian Nutritionist here to share with you another blog post! I’m so excited to be sharing on this specific topic. This is one that is personal to me because I was diagnosed with Endometriosis and work daily to support and heal my body. Did you know that 1 in 10 women have endometriosis? It can be an overwhelming, emotional and painful journey, but you are not alone! We are here to talk about it and support you! Know when reading this post that is was written by someone who not only is an expert in health and nutrition but has personally experienced endometriosis and has empathy for others who do too!

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder where the tissue inside your uterus grows outside of your uterus and can grow over your fallopian tubes, the lining of your pelvis and in some severe cases, up into other organs. This tissue overgrowth can be extremely painful because it is not released and shed during your menstrual cycle. Endometriomas are cyst that form around your ovaries and are normally filled with tissue and blood. Along with pain, endometriosis may cause infertility issues with some women. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, but may be from hormones, starting your period at a young age, an immune system disorder, producing higher levels of estrogen, or scars from a previous surgery. 

Common Symptoms

Some common symptoms of endometriosis include heavy and painful periods, pain with bowel movements, pain with intercourse, fatigue, bloating, constipation and infertility. These symptoms vary among women depending on the severity of their condition. 

Solutions / Treatments

Luckily, there is plenty of solutions and treatments for women with endometriosis. This condition has become more well known over the past few years and more research is going into treatment! Nutrition is a great place to start and we will get there in a bit! Medically, your primary care physician may suggest taking an over the counter pain reliever for temporary relief, hormone therapy, laparoscopy or fertility treatment. One of the most commonly used medical treatment is laparoscopic excision surgery. This is where a surgeon makes a small incision and looks into your pelvis. This gives them a full look at the severity of your endometriosis and they would be able to removal as much as possible. This treatment has been shown to help with fertility in some cases and ease pain, but has the potential of growing back later on. 

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a big role in endometriosis with alleviating pain and not exacerbating tissue growth! The most researched diet to help with endometriosis has been an anti-inflammatory diet. This diet is one that avoids specific foods and even some that are considered healthy, but give you trouble. Nutrition is not one size fits all and taking time to discover which foods work best for you is going to be crucial for your journey! Below I’m going to list the most common foods to avoid and best food to enjoy! Again, be in tune with your body and tailor your needs with what works best for you. Take some time to experiment and keep a food dairy to record which foods help or hinder your pain.

Foods To Avoid

Some foods you will want to avoid on an anti-inflammatory diet include:

Foods high in sugar / sweets

Gluten (has varied effects on people)

Dairy (some people can handle limited dairy such as yogurt or goat cheese)

Alcohol and caffeine

Processed food

Red meat 

Try to purchase organic as much as possible to avoid chemicals, additives and hormones

Eat and drink these items sparingly and experiment with each to see how your body responds. Take out one at a time and slowly add back into your diet after a couple of weeks to see how you feel. You may notice that your body feels great with a few or potentially horrible with all. I have noticed that my body does not respond well to most of these! I enjoy these items on occasion (I love coffee and tea), but generally avoid them as much as possible. 

The worst part about any condition is hearing someone tell you all these things you cannot eat. The great thing about this specific diet is that there is plenty of foods to eat and incredible substitutes available to still enjoy all your favorite foods! 

Foods to enjoy on an anti-inflammatory diet:

Vegetables

Fruits

Beans, legumes (2-4 servings a week)

Cold-pressed oils such as olive or avocado

Whole-grains (gluten-free if necessary) 

Nuts and seeds (1-2 servings per day)

If not vegan, 3-5 servings of lean meats / fish each week

If gluten and dairy are problematic, there is plenty of substitutes for you!  Try some gluten-free flours, grains, and bread along with dairy-free cheeses, milk, yogurt or even a homemade cashew cream sauce. Make sure to read ingredient labels to find the cleanest possible brands. Remember, try to avoid products with tons of ingredients you cannot pronounce. 

HGG Recipes To Enjoy:

We want this transition and healing process to be as painless as possible. The majority of HGG Recipes are compatible with this diet, which is amazing and easy for you to navigate! Below are 15 recipes that I personally love and add regularly into my weekly meals!

1. SWEET POTATO NOODLES WITH SPICY PEANUT BUTTER SAUCE

2. GARDEN NOURISH BOWL

3. TURMERIC NOODLE SOUP

4. YOGURT GRANOLA BREAKFAST POPSICLES

5. VEGAN CRUNCH CHOCOLATE SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM

6. MAKE AHEAD VEGGIE CHILI

7. LOADED SWEET POTATO NACHOS

8. GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN SLOPPY JOES

9. COCONUT LEMONGRASS NOODLE SOUP

10. 3 GLUTEN-FREE PANCAKE RECIPES

11. FRESH JUICE FOR GLOWING SKIN

12. THE BEST BROCCOLI TACOS

13. PINK LEMON BANANA ICE CREAM

14. THE BEST DAIRY-FREE PESTO PASTA

15. THE BEST QUINOA CHICKPEA BURGERS

Resources

For more nutritionally balanced plant-based meal plans, check out the Healthy Grocery Girl Membership here! 

]]> Episode 9: Great Job Mama Podcast | What I’ve Learned As A First Time Mom https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2019/08/05/episode-9-great-job-mama-podcast/ Mon, 05 Aug 2019 09:15:04 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=66448 We are thrilled to have our host, Megan on this episode where she shares what she has learned as a first time mom. Megan is vulnerable, raw and real about the hard parts of motherhood as well as all the incredible aspects she loves. From breastfeeding to finding mama friends, she shares it all! She is also joined by women of the Great Job Mama community who also share what they have learned as a first time moms! Whether you’re expecting or reflecting back on your journey as a mama, this final episode of Season One is one you don’t want to miss!

Listen Here: 

STAY CONNECTED WITH MEGAN!

Megan’s Website: www.healthygrocerygirl.com

Megan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthygrocerygirl

Megan’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthygrocerygirl

Megan’s Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hlthygrocerygrl

Megan’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/healthygrocerygirl

In Case You Missed It:

Season One is packed with so many great episodes! Click the links below to listen to any and all episodes now!

Episode 1: Unmedicated Births & Creating A Successful Organic Beauty Brand with Emily Silverstein

Episode 2: Overcoming Fertility Struggles, Balancing Motherhood, Career & Healthy Living with Heather Lake

Episode 3: Hypobirthing & How To Prepare For A Positive Birth Experience with Siobhan Miller

Episode 4: Home Births. Healthy Family Recipes & Pursuing Your Passions As A Mom with Catherine McCord

Episode 5: A Discussion On Birth Centers, Home Births & Midwifery Care with Hayley Oakes

Episode 6: Birth Stories, Mama + Work Blend & How Reality TV Prepared Her For Motherhood with Desiree Siegfried

Episode 7: Creating Peace In The Midst Of Messy Motherhood with Kathryn from Do It On A Dime

Episode 8: Endometriosis: What It Is, Resources, TTC & Pregnancy with Jeni Hollifield, RDN

Want More?!

Have you joined the Great Job Mama Village? Join the GJM Newsletter here for exclusive content, podcast episode updates and support!

Stay connected on Instagram at @Great.Job.Mama

Loving the podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes! xo

]]> Episode 8: Great Job Mama Podcast | Endometriosis: What It Is, Resources, TTC & Pregnancy https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2019/07/29/episode-8-great-job-mama-podcast/ Mon, 29 Jul 2019 09:14:11 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=66348 Friends! We are thrilled to have Jeni from Healthy Grocery Girl here on the podcast today! Jeni shares her Endometriosis story with us from painful periods, diagnosis, how she balances endo with a busy lifestyle and the nutrition plan she implements to help with her endometriosis, through TTC and pregnancy. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women worldwide and is one of the leading causes of infertility. Today we shine a light on this common and often painful disease – know there is hope and you are not alone!

Podcast Highlights

– What is Endometriosis and what are the symptoms

– What were your treatment options and what worked best for you

– Journey to wanting to start a family and getting pregnant with Endometriosis

– Tips and wisdom for women with Endometriosis

– How has pregnancy been going with Endometriosis and things to look forward to in motherhood

Listen Here: 

STAY CONNECTED WITH JENI!

Jeni’s Website: www.healthygrocerygirl.com

Jeni’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenihollifield

Jeni’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlfrewin

Jeni’s Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jlfrewin

Want More?!

Have you joined the Great Job Mama Village? Join the GJM Newsletter here for exclusive content, podcast episode updates and support!

Stay connected on Instagram at @Great.Job.Mama

Loving the podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes! xo

]]> Episode 5: Great Job Mama Podcast | A Discussion On Birth Centers, Home Births & Midwifery Care with Hayley Oakes https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2019/07/09/episode-5-great-job-mama-podcast/ Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:14:59 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=65947 I am so thrilled to welcome Hayley Oakes, LM, CPM to the Great Job Mama podcast this week! Hayley is a midwife, educator and new mother. She had attended 300 births from home, birth center and hospital and has had the opportunity to train with Ina May Gaskin and the midwives at The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee. She is committed to supporting women in having a safe and satisfying pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience and to help grow healthy, happy babies. She is also our midwife! We worked with Hayley when I was pregnant with Ella. If you’re interested in learning more about midwifery prenatal and postnatal care, what an out of hospital birth experience can look like, the benefits plus common concerns or questions – Hayley shares her wealth of knowledge with us in today’s episode. As a new mother Hayley also shares more about her own birth experience and how being a midwife impacted her birth!

Podcast Highlights

– What is a midwife and what does it mean to have a midwife during pregnancy and postpartum

– Benefits of out of hospital births

– Common concerns when choosing to work with a midwife

– How experiencing motherhood impacted Hayley’s career as a midwife

– Hayley’s home birth practice opening and podcast Milk Trails

Listen Here:

STAY CONNECTED WITH HAYLEY!

Hayley’s Website: www.hayleyoakes.com

Hayley’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heybales

Hayley’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayley.oakes.94

Hayley’s Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/theoakesmidwife

Want More?!

Have you joined the Great Job Mama Village? Join the GJM Newsletter here for exclusive content, podcast episode updates and support!

Stay connected on Instagram at @Great.Job.Mama

Loving the podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes! xo

]]> NATURAL PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH BOOKS https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2018/01/09/natural-pregnancy-childbirth-books/ Tue, 09 Jan 2018 12:23:27 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=46325 The first thing I bought when I found out we were pregnant were some pregnancy books. While I grew up around babies having lots of cousins, was a Nanny in college and felt well educated when it comes to my reproductive health and fertility – I still had so many questions about the weekly process of being pregnant, how all the baby appointments would go and how birth will take place.

We knew that we wanted to give birth at a birth center with a midwife. We were really inspired by the movie, “The Business of Being Born” which I highly recommend watching. I strive to live as natural of a lifestyle as possible and so a natural birth just felt right for us. However, I’m also really realistic and at the end of the day and I’m willing to do whatever is best for the health of my baby and me. So while our plan is a natural birth – only God knows how it will go and I’m going to do my best to let go of expectations and trust that God will bring our baby into the world in the way that she is meant to. Our years of infertility have taught me that every woman’s journey to motherhood is different, unique and beautiful. 

All that being said, I wanted to learn more about the basics, especially from a natural perspective. The following are books that I have read and really enjoy. Some of them are pregnancy books and other books have helped me with anxiety and building my relationship with God during this beautiful season of life.

THE MAMA NATURAL WEEK-BY-WEEK GUIDE TO PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH

This is one of my favorite books that I feel it does a really good job explaining the week-by-week process, the different testing options and things I didn’t even know that I wanted to know! I love the natural holistic approach and how up to date and modern this book is because let’s be real – some pregnancy books, while filled with valid information, just feel outdated and are hard to “connect” with. Maybe that’s just me? LEARN MORE + GET THE BOOK HERE

THE FIRST FORTY DAYS: THE ART OF NOURISHING THE NEW MOTHER

My cousin sent me this book and I love it. Essentially it talks about how when a baby is born all of the attention may transition to the baby, when in fact both mother and baby still need to be cared for. When a baby is born, a mother is also born and it takes time for a new mom to heal from birth, rest, recover, get a good handle on breastfeeding and so forth. The first forty days are crucial for a new mom and baby to properly rest, bond and get into a healthy routine. I love all of the tips and recommendations this book has for helping both new momma and baby have a healthy, relaxing and supportive start. LEARN MORE + GET THE BOOK HERE 

BIRTH PARTNER

This book my husband is reading. It’s a great compliment to the Bradley Method Birth Classes we are taking which prepares the husband to be your birth coach. Your birth coach will be your main support system for helping keep mom relaxed, emotionally cared for and having her voice heard if something needs to be said. However, a birth coach doesn’t replace the role of a doula, midwife or your care team. LEARN MORE + GET THE BOOK HERE

ACTIVE BIRTH

At first I thought this book felt outdated based on the photos, however birth essentially is the same even years late, so the information is still great. When I tried to read this book in my first trimester it felt. I honestly think I just wasn’t ready then to process the information. My main goal in the first trimester was to rest and not throw up! But as we entered our second trimester I noticed I was was ready to handle the information, learn about the birth process and learn what happens to a woman’s body during each stage. This information has really given me a lot of confidence. Fear often comes from not knowing or understanding fully. Fear can increase adrenaline which can slow the birth process. For me, knowledge helps to build confidence and reduce feelings of fear which I hope will help improve our birth experience! LEARN MORE + GET THE BOOK HERE

THE HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK

This book is written by Dr. Harvey Karp. He teaches techniques for sooth babies and increase sleep. This book also includes the latest insights into infant sleep, bedsharing, breastfeeding, swaddling, and SIDS risk. Dr. Karp’s highly successful method is based on these four concepts:

  • The Fourth Trimester: Why babies still yearn for a womblike atmosphere . . . even after birth
  • The Calming Reflex: An “off switch” all babies are born with
  • The 5 S’s: Five easy steps to turn on your baby’s amazing calming reflex
  • The Cuddle Cure: How to combine the 5 S’s to calm even colicky babies

INA MAY’S GUIDE TO PREGNANCY 

This is another book my cousin gave to me that I found so insightful! I learned so much! Ina May is one of the nation’s leading midwives. This book covers topics like:

  • the benefits of breastfeeding
  • nursing challenges
  • pumps and other nursing products
  • sleeping arrangements
  • nursing and work
  • Medications
  • nursing multiples
  • Weaning
  • sick babies
  • And more!

LEARN MORE + GET THE BOOK HERE

IN THE WAIT

I actually bought this book to help me during our time of infertility. I ordered this book and then we found out we were pregnant. I used this book to help me through the first trimester when I felt a lot of anxiety. It’s such as good book that I can see myself reading again and again. I like that the devotionals ar broken into days, so I had something to read everyday. LEARN MORE + GET THE BOOK HERE

PRAYING THROUGH YOUR PREGNANCY 

This is a weekly pregnancy devotional. My only feedback is that I wish it was a daily devotional because once a week felt like an eternity! However, I enjoyed the content and the prayers provided with each week. LEARN MORE + GET THE BOOK HERE

MORE BOOKS

Below is a list of books my midwife recommended for optional additional reading…

Birth as an American Rite of Passage 

Baby Catcher

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth

The Nursing Mother’s Companion

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International

Your Amazing Newborn

 

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

What are / were some of your favorite pregnancy books? Let me know in the comments below!  

Thank you so much for reading, subscribing to our YouTube channel and also following HGG on Instagram!

]]> DAILY PREGNANCY SUPPLEMENTS https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2017/12/12/daily-pregnancy-supplements/ Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:47:20 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=45518 Hi Friends! Welcome back to Healthy Grocery Girl. Today I’m sharing with you my daily Pregnancy Supplements. If you’re new to HGG, welcome! We share food, wellness and family themed blogs and videos. Make sure to Subscribe to our YouTube channel and also Follow HGG on Instagram!

WATCH THE VIDEO 

SUPPLEMENTS 

As a Registered Dietitian I support and recommend getting your nutrition from food first. If you’re eating a varied, balanced diet rich in plants you will be consuming a great amount of vitamins and minerals! However, no one eats perfect all of the time and there are many times in life when supplementation is a good idea.

Supplements are also personal and what works for one person may not be best for another. Today I’m sharing with you the supplements I take everyday while I’m pregnant. As always consult with your OB, Mid-Wife or Doctor to discuss the appropriate supplements for you.

PRENATAL 

A good prenatal is essential during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contain a higher dose of a variety of vitamins and minerals that support mom and baby. For example, Folic Acid, Calcium and Iron. This is the Prenatal Vitamin I take. 

PROBIOTIC

Probiotics support gut health, digestive health, immune health and even hormone health. Taking a quality daily probiotic can also support feminine health and reduce the risk of UTI also known as Urinary Tract Infections, which are are common during pregnancy. This is the brand of Probiotic I’m currently taking! 

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is important for bone, hormone, gut health as well mental health and mood! Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. This is the Vitamin D3 I take. 

FISH OIL 

Certain types of Omega-3 fats, particularly EPA and DHA have been shown to have a positive effect on visual and cognitive development of the baby. This is the Fish Oil I take.

There are vegan EPA and DHA supplements derived from algae, however I personally found that most of these options contained additional ingredients and oils I did not want to consume.

COLLAGEN 

I personally take collagen almost every day to support gut health, which if you have watched our Fertility Series know that I struggled with gut health issues prior to getting pregnant. Collagen was part of my natural treatment plan that I continue with daily. Collagen is also important for helping to build a strong amniotic sac for the baby to live. This brand of Collagen is a powered form that I can add to my smoothies or tea. It dissolves easily and has no taste at all.

PROTEIN POWDER 

The average pregnant woman should consume 75 – 100 grams of protein per day. How much protein we need can really vary based on height, weight, activity level and health needs. Research studies have shown that consuming enough protein per day can help reduce the risk of preeclampsia. In addition to getting protein from real, whole foods I also make a smoothie everyday with a protein supplement. A few of my favorite brands include Orgain, which has 21 grams of protein per serving and is pea protein based. I also love Manitoba Harvest, made from hemp seeds and contains 15 grams of protein per serving.

SHARE WITH US!

We’d love to know your go-to supplements. Share with us in the comments below! 

]]> FERTILITY QUESTION & ANSWERS https://healthygrocerygirl.com/2017/12/05/fertility-question-answers/ Tue, 05 Dec 2017 16:34:04 +0000 https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/?p=45199 Hi Friends! Welcome back to the blog! Today’s video is a follow up to our Fertility Series which you can watch here. We received some great questions from you all via YouTube and Instagram after we posted those videos.

Click play to watch today’s Fertility Q+A! 

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