by Sarah on 7. December 2012 in Our Favorites | Pregnancy | Well-Being
We love Me2Roo…a clothing line that inspires us to stay fit and feel good about ourselves throughout all stages of pregnancy and motherhood! Check out just a few of our favorites in their line:
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New Jersey-based Me2Roo was founded by Maggie Zembruski in October 2010. Zembruski was born with a passion for fitness and fashion where no stiletto was ever too high, even in her ninth month of pregnancy. After leaving her job at Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, Zembruski went on a mission to combine her passions in life with her newly loved job: motherhood. Zembruski’s belief in a “happy, healthy mommy = happy, healthy baby” is channeled through her clothing line to inspire women to exercise and feel positive about themselves along with the changes their bodies experience pre and post pregnancy.
{Maggie with her son and daughter}
We are so excited to have Maggie as a guest writer on our blog today, and hope you feel as inspired as we do after reading her wonderful tips on pregnancy fitness classes! Enjoy!
Fitness Classes to Shape Up Your Bump by Maggie Zembruski
Fitness classes may not be at the top of a pregnant woman’s list as countless other thoughts and responsibilities move to the head of the class but hitting the gym, or even undertaking an at-home workout can provide real benefits for both you and your baby! Exercise helped me with many of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy, improved sleep (that is, when I got sleep), and elevated my spirit. As always, check with your doctor before undertaking even minor workout but here are several great fitness options for pregnancy.
Excusing myself from the calculated treadmill routine I started with a little yoga to prep mind for my body transformation. Baby steps for the seasoned fit fanatic, but – boy did it do this mommy good.
My prego-exercise journey starts with FITiST (www.fitist.com) which has a mom-to-be smorgasbord of ”doctor approved" plans for a healthy pregnancy. Fitist.com aims to be your fitness coach, curator, and calendar by bundling the best boutique fitness classes NYC and LA has to offer. Mom-to-be, New Mom and Slim are just some of the packages being offered by FITiST. A healthy fit-mom can log into FITiST and create a workout plan which includes twelve Core/Pilates classes, twelve yoga classes and a cycling class. Flywheel for a cardio blast of indoor cycling and SLT which combines cardio and Pilates are just two of my favorite butique classes being offered by FITiST.
Here are some simple exercise ideas that made my pregnancy plans even healthier.
Yoga and pilates are good staples of any new mommy’s workout! Both can serve as amazing routines for maintaining muscle tone to carry some of the extra weight. I found Yoga to be a huge help due to its relaxing quality…a real stress-buster for even the most wired moms!
Step up to the barre at barre3 for a modern alternative with a fusion of yoga, pilates and ballet. Shaking, squeezing and stretching are all part of barre3’s ultimate muscle-shaping routine. The hour long class which combines isometric training (squeezing your butt), elongating your muscles and a bit of cardio to sculpt the perfect routine. barre3 offers locations nationwide. Talk to a professional to obtain some modifications to accommodate the growing belly.
For the final months of your pregnancy, water aerobics can provide lots of splash to ease joint pain while providing a relaxing exercise.
With some simple modifications, this is the time to have some fun with traditional fitness routines. Remember, after your first trimester, utilize a workout bench or stability ball when exercising. Oxygen flow decreases when lying on your back. Core work is fine until you can start to see your belly pop which typically happens between weeks 8 to 20. Take the extra time to stretch your back and legs. And don't forget to do the breathe test - if you can't catch your breath your baby may not get enough oxygen and blood so take it down a step or two.
Learn more about Me2Roo:
:: Website: www.me2roo.com
:: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maternity.activewear
:: Blog: http://me2roo.com/blog/
:: Twitter: @me2roo
by Sarah on 27. June 2012 in Parenting | Well-Being
New parents hardly need an expert to them that they need more sleep. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation is just something that comes with the territory when raising infants… especially in the very beginning. The real cure for lack of sleep is obviously to just get more ZZZ’s….but, since that’s usually an unlikely solution…here are a few tips we’ve used to help minimize the effects of needing more sleep!
:: EAT HEALTHY
One common mistake that we make when we are tired is to stop taking care of our bodies. We can totally relate to not wanting to cook up something gourmet when tired, and we can also relate to those times when we end up reaching for a stale brownie as breakfast! An obviously better choice is to maintain good eating habits. Avoiding processed foods and drinking a lot of water throughout the day will help keep your energy up. Dehydration can make you more tired than anything…so if nothing else…keep that water bottle handy! Also, eating fruits/veggies, or some light bread/pasta instead of pizza, burgers, and other heavy food choices can help you to avoid that post-meal rut.
:: KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Sleep deprivation tends to increase irritability, alter decision making, and make you a bit irrational at times. If you’re lacking in sleep, it’s a good idea to simplify your daily routine. Try to avoid situations that will increase your stress level or test your patience. If you can find a way to scale back the agenda, do it. When it comes to tasks around the house, try to tackle 1-2 small tasks a day…and gradually add back to that list as your sleep routine becomes more regular again.
:: ASK FOR HELP
Involving your partner is essential to figuring out how to best manage the interruption in your nightly rest. Whether you bottle or breast feed, your partner can help to take shifts throughout the night. Planning out the night before it begins can help you to at least sleep in blocks of time at once. Let your partner change the baby and soothe them back to sleep while you capitalize on much needed rest. Trading off blocks of time throughout the night will benefit you both…and will make for TWO happier parents! In addition, don’t be afraid to ask for help throughout the day. We’ve found that family, friends, and neighbors love to be able to spare you off for an hour or two while you catch up. Chances are, if they are parents…they will totally understand what you’re going through, and they will be more than willing to help the cause!
:: CONVINCE YOURSELF YOU’RE NOT THAT TIRED
It may sound silly, but there are things you can do to trick your brain into thinking you’re more alert than your sleep would indicate. Showering first thing is practically worth two hours of sleep! Staying in your pajamas all day only makes you more tired, and we’ve found that getting up and getting ready for the day tends to at least get you through the morning and into the afternoon!
:: SCHEDULE A NAP
It can be a hard to convince yourself of this when parenting infants, but sleep is more important than a clean home. Let some of your chores go, invest in yourself, and try and squeeze in a short afteroon nap. Sleep is so important to your overall well-being. It keeps your immune system strong, your mind clear, and makes your chances of being a good parent much more likely. Even just a 15-20 minute nap can boost your energy and alertness, so when baby goes down…take the first block of his/her nap and treat yourself to one, too.
Remember, this is only a phase…and you will eventually get sleep again! As baby transitions out of the newborn stage…there are so many great resources out there to help you get on a consistent sleep routine. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, MD is one of our favorites. His philosophy is that the most important thing to have is a well-rested family—and we couldn’t agree more!
You can read more about Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child here.
by Sarah on 15. May 2012 in Good to Know | Our Favorites | Pregnancy
Post pregnancy days can be filled with ups and downs, unpredictable behavior, and confusing emotions for a new mom. Two things I could be certain to count on during the early days of postpartum, were my Zella Live-In Leggings, and my Shimera PJ’s! Trust me when I say that stocking your arsenal with these items before baby comes will be one of the best things you can do for yourself.
:: Shimera Pajamas
After the arrival of baby, sleep becomes a precious commodity. Why not ensure the most comfortable sleep possible with the wonderful pajama options from Shimera? Plus- in the early days of motherhood, you never know just who might be seeing you in your jammies. Feel good about yourself any time of day in these awesome pieces.
The Shimera Everyday Pants are soft, fluid, and perfect for lounging without feeling sloppy. They are ultra-comfortable and non-constricting, making them perfect after delivery. One touch of these pants and you’ll quickly understand why they are a must-have! ($42 Nordstrom)
The Shimera Boxy Tee is the perfect complement to the Everyday Pants. It’s loose and light, with super-soft material… perfect for lounging or layering while still looking stylish! ($34 Nordstrom)
Lastly, every mommy-to-be needs a good bathrobe! Shimera’s Lightweight Knit Robe is made from the same high-quality fabric, is relaxed for a classic fit, and is just the right length! ($58 Nordstrom)
:: Zella Live-In Leggings
The Zella Live-In Leggings were my staple for the first 8 weeks after my baby was born! They are by far the most high-quality legging I have ever worn! Perfect for postpartum, they have a high waistband that holds you in comfortably. These leggings are reversible, don’t stretch out, and are flattering on all body types! These leggings are so versatile; you can literally wear them to work or to the gym! These just may be the best purchase you can make for yourself and your post-baby wardrobe! (Nordstrom $52)
by Sarah on 9. April 2012 in Good to Know | Pregnancy | Well-Being
The period of time after baby arrives is not only an incredibly joyous one, but can also be confusing for a new mother. With fluctuations in hormones, sleep deprivation, body issues, and a myriad of new roles…mom can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed with meeting the needs of her family and herself.
Below you will find links to some wonderful articles from Pregnancy & Newborn that are worth reading if you are a mom trying to wade your way through the days after baby is born. Also- scroll a little further for a classic post over at Pregnant Chicken: Happily Giving Birth- 10 Things They Don’t Tell You!
:: Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Partner
Mother Lover: Keeping Your Relationship Strong by Sarah Granger
:: When Baby Has an Older Sibling
And Baby Makes Four by Sarah Granger
:: Navigating the First 7 Days with Baby
Beyond the Belly by Meredith Parker Toy
:: Dealing with Postpartum Hormones
Emotional Overload by Molly Jones
:: Easy Steps to Losing Baby Weight
5 Steps to Lose the Baby Weight by Lissa Harnish Poirot
:: Find Some Humor...
Happily Giving Birth-10 Things They Don’t Tell You: Pregnant Chicken
by Sarah on 7. February 2012 in Parenting | Pregnancy | Well-Being
It seems like positive attention is spoon fed to you during your many months of pregnancy. In addition to the marvel and wonderment others look at you with, there is plenty of talk on how to feel great and look your best while you’re pregnant. However, shortly after you little bundle of joy arrives, the focus changes, and it’s easy to feel negativity come creeping in. Combine sleep deprivation, your changed body, lack of time, and a number of awkward transitions… it’s not uncommon for those joyous feelings of pregnancy to be clouded by a postpartum funk. As much as a new mother relishes the time with her sweet newborn, we understand that feeling great about yourself post-delivery isn’t always the easiest feat. Here are some tips that may help you to fully enjoy this unique time and to feel great about yourself… no matter what size jeans you’re wearing or if your life resembles that of a zombie!
:: Be Real. Be Prepared.
As excited as you may be to rid your wardrobe of maternity gear, it’s important to recognize that most likely you won’t be jumping into your favorite jeans for a few weeks, months, or longer! This is normal! When you think of all that your body has been through, it only stands to reason that it won’t bounce back to normal overnight. They say it takes 4-6 weeks just for your uterus to return back to normal shape—give your body and yourself a break—and be ok with wearing pants that may be a size or two bigger than normal. In the very beginning, allow yourself to revisit your maternity jeans from your first trimester. There is nothing wrong with this, and in all reality will look better for a short while until your body starts to recover. Resist the urge to continue this habit longer than necessary, and if needed, invest in some bigger pants to get you through the transition. Saying goodbye to the panel will boost your spirits no matter what size you’re wearing!
We suggest investing in a few mix-n-match staples for the weeks following pregnancy to help you through this awkward fashion time. While comfort is still key, you can still look put together. We suggest stocking up with items like Maxi skirts, nice fitting tanks or layering camisoles, longer cardigans, and some stylish active wear. Also equipping yourself with some fun accessories can help you to feel like you still have some fashion sense. Jewelry, scarves, or a cute new pair of shoes can do wonders for your slimming black wardrobe for a while! Prepare yourself with a few of these items before baby arrives… consider it a gift waiting for you at home after the hospital!
:: Take Time for Yourself
As mothers here at Oilo, we understand that there is a very real period of time after baby comes home where routines seem to fly out of the window. Cut yourself some slack about this, and just try your best to create new (possibly short lasting) routines that work for your new situation. One habit we feel is absolutely worth getting into is to take a little bit of time for yourself every single day. It may require forcing your tired self out of bed 10 minutes earlier, or accepting some help with baby (even if it is in the form of a baby swing)! The power of getting yourself up, dressed, and ready for a day is real. Some days you may only have the time to pull your hair back, put on some quick mascara, clean clothes, and lip gloss… but, you will feel better about yourself and the day ahead of you having taken this time to take care of yourself.
:: Be Confident
Firstly, there is a very real and proven connection between looking and feeling good. Even if you are competing with a less than desirable roll around the mid-section, you can still look good and have confidence. There is no reason that just because you recently had a baby, you have to forfeit doing the things that make you feel better about yourself. Get your hair cut/colored, indulge in a mani/pedi, or have a relaxing facial. Feeling good about how you look can help ward off those post-baby blues…it’s worth investing in!
Most importantly, find confidence in yourself and the fact that you just brought another life into this world. Your body is amazing, no matter its shape…and you have a darling child to remind you of that every time you hold him/her. Force yourself to admire what you have been through. Grant yourself the confidence that you deserve in your new role as a parent. Trust your decisions, your abilities, and yourself as a mother. Let go (for now) of how you used to look, and embrace the “scars” left and the beautiful time that is those precious days after baby arrives.
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