All posts by Holly

What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag

February 21, 2016 Holly 4 Comments

There is a lot of prep going on over here as we anticipate baby number 3’s arrival.
Some say pack your hospital bag by 35 weeks and have it in the car…I am almost 39 weeks, am packing it now and want to share what I am packing.

Here are my absolute must haves for the hospital bag.

Music player- we use the jawbone jam box with my favorite music on it to play during labor.
Inflated birth ball- if you’re planning on a natural delivery these are great to rock on, get in a comfortable position, etc.
Lip balm. You know me? You know I’m addicted to always covering my lips in lip balm, and hospitals and labor have a habit of drying you out so pack some now.
Hair bands. I have a new fresh pack so I know there will be no way I will go without. You will want your hair back during labor.
Essential oils (I used lavender) to breathe in for the calming properties.
Lollipops or hard candy- it’s nice to have something other than ice chips to suck on during labor
Rescue Remedy- this worked to keep me calm and peaceful while I was in labor with baby #2.
Gum and mints
Refillable water bottle so you don’t have to drink out of plastic water bottles and be exposed to xenoestrogens.
Dark colored nightgown and robe for after delivery. Dark colored so you don’t have to worry about blood showing if your pad leaks. Nightgown should have easy access for baby to nurse.
Breast pads and nursing bra
Comfy Socks to keep your feet warm
Slippers or flip flops to walk around your hospital room
Baby wash if you’d like to use a natural and organic kind instead of the one the hospital provides. Or better yet, avoid the bath altogether!
Non-toxic diapers by Honest.com if you’d prefer not use the ones the hospital supplies
Organic cotton squares and Organic/non-toxic baby oil. We use these as wipes and to get that first sticky meconium off of baby’s bottom
Nursing pillow- this is my hands down favorite one. I’ve tried them all, but the Blessed Nest is the best.
Journal and pens
Phone charger
Camera
Selfie stick? hey, why not.
Snacks- trail mix, nutrition bars, for middle of the night cravings.
Change and small bills for the vending machine
Swaddle blanket
Hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, makeup, other toiletries
Going home outfit for baby
Going home outfit for you
An extra bag- the hospital give you tons of diapers and wipes, pads, disposable undies, etc. and it’s nice to have the extra room. I also took home a few packages of the bed pads. They are so convenient!
Something else to consider-
A string of white Christmas lights. That way you don’t have to turn the harsh hospital lights on and off, and can use the warm peaceful light the whole time.

Things you probably won’t need:
Underwear- the hospital gives you these amazing stretchy disposable undies
Pads- unless you want organic cotton ones, then bring your own
Towel- yes, the hospital towels are thin and not super soft, but I would so much rather just leave everything behind after showering for the first time post baby

That’s my must have list!
Continue reading What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag →

Prenatal, Recipes

Dates For a Faster Labor

February 1, 2016 Holly 1 Comment

Looking for ways to have a quicker labor? Try eating dates! I recently found this study showing that eating 6 dates per day in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy has a significant impact on a woman in labor.

In the trial, women who ate 6 dates per day were compared to women who ate none. The women who ate the dates:

Were more dilated upon admission to the hospital than those who had none
Were more likely to have intact membranes (meaning their water had not broken) upon hospital admission. (This is significant if you know what it’s like to labor before your water has broken compared to after. That cushion makes a difference!)
Went into labor spontaneously (date consumers-96% versus non date consumers- 79%)
Had a lower need for Pitocin use

If all of the above is not enough to convince you to try eating 6 dates a day in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, the women who did not eat dates labored for 6 and a half hours LONGER than those who ate the dates. That sold me.

Dates are high in fiber, iron, potassium, b vitamins- especially b6 which helps with pregnancy related nausea, vitamin K, calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium.

Here is an easy way to get your 6 dates per day!

faster labor recipe

Banana Date Smoothie

Ingredients:

6 pitted raw dates
2 ripe bananas
2 cups organic milk or alternative milk
1/4 cup raw almonds or cashews
dash of cinnamon
3 or 4 ice cubes
optional- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for those brain building omega 3s!)

Combine all ingredients in a powerful blender and blend until smooth.

Pour in a tall glass and enjoy!

Noonday

Shine!

January 31, 2016 Holly Leave a comment

The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.

-Henry Ward Beecher

I am still reeling from the annual Noonday Ambassador Conference that I recently attended in Austin.

We had many amazing speakers including Glennon Doyle Melton of Momastery fame, Jen Hatmaker, Melissa Russell of International Justice Mission, and John Ruhlin.

noonday ambassador conference

In my opinion the real stars of the weekend were the women who traveled from Uganda, Guatemala and Ethiopia to speak to us about the artisans they employ. Artisans who make beautiful, handcrafted goods that Noonday Collection purchases from them.

hollyandjalia

{This is Jalia- she is the founder of African Style and creates all of the incredible jewelry made using paper beads in Uganda. Seconds before my friend snapped this photo, she said blessings over my baby and kissed my bump!}

I heard first hand how women have been rescued from the pit of prostitution, abusive marriages, and hopeless poverty. All because they now earn a dignified income.

These aren’t just stories, they are lives. And these lives are forever changed thanks to Noonday Collection and our fearless founder desiring to make a difference in the world. We’ve created a marketplace for them in the United States that they would otherwise not have access to.

Many of these women are moms who now are able to keep the children they were considering giving up for adoption because they now have money to buy food to feed them.

So if you ever wonder if your Noonday purchases really make a difference, let me reassure you- they do. Every single order, no matter how small, means a new order for our artisan partners. The ripple effect is huge. And I felt it last weekend.

Natural Products, Natural Skincare, Prevention, Resources, Websites

Gift Ideas for the Women In Your Life (Some Ideas for Men Too!)

December 4, 2015 Holly Leave a comment

For the past few years my husband I and have decided to give gifts that give back. That’s why I am recommending these two socially responsible companies for gifts! AND, you can shop from the comfort of your own home.

Noonday Collection works with 28 artisan groups in over 10 countries, and provides dignified jobs, no interest loans, scholarship programs and emergency assistance to these artisans. In turn, through YOUR purchases, we create a marketplace for these artisans here in the U.S..
Noonday has an amazing selection of beautiful jewelry and accessories. Many under $40! Everybody wins.
You can check out the website here.

One of my favorites is the Paper Dreams Necklace– only $38! It is made from PAPER beads in Uganda, and looks like turquoise. I love it.

If the women in your life love the idea of natural products, or you’d like to introduce them to some, look no further.

Ava Anderson Non Toxic is an incredible skincare line. Almost completely organic.

They also have home cleaning products, products for men, and baby/kids items!

shavegel

I love the pet deodorizer (it works as a stain remover! The best one I have ever tried), the dishwasher pods, the cotton pads and the entire skin care line.

And there is a limited edition candle that is perfect for the season- this candy cane candle is subtle, but refreshing. Not in the least bit overpowering. It is made with organic coconut oil and an organic cotton wick.

PLEASE contact me directly if you have any questions about any items recommended above. As always, I only recommend products I can whole heartedly get behind, and these products make such fantastic gifts with meaning.