Practicing Self-Care: A Mother's Day Reminder
By Guest Blogger and Puffworks Influencer, Maria Higgins, MS, Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine ❤
Pregnancy was mostly enjoyable for me. I didn’t get much morning sickness, I enjoyed the growing bump and I was able to stay active until my due date. Labor and delivery was about 24 hours longer than I would have liked - but, just as we all say, it was worth it. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of the fourth trimester, also known as postpartum. The whole postpartum experience looks drastically different for everyone, just as your pregnancy and birth story is likely different from your best friend and your sisters. But what do we all have in common as new mothers?
Part of that postpartum experience for me - besides the hair loss, sleepless nights, sore nipples and baby snuggles - was this whole realization of what comes next in the decision making for this new life I created! What does that look like? As a nutritionist, that came with a different head space. I always knew that I would breastfeed - probably on demand or a loose schedule based on my baby’s needs. It was kind of that same mindset that I had when I graduated high school - next is college. I didn’t really have to think about it, that was just the “best” or “obvious” option. But after exclusively breastfeeding for a few months, you start shifting into the mindset that you will be introducing real solid foods to your baby relatively soon! 4-6 months is here before you know it.
What type of purees do I buy? Do I only spoon feed my baby? How about baby-led weaning? Gagging? Choking? If you’re a mom, dad, or a caregiver who has spent any amount of time searching mom groups online, you suddenly realize you have to make all these decisions about your baby and the feeding “style” you deem best. Each has their own perks and the bottom line is always doing what is best for you and your baby. But wait, the nutritionist in me says I should only do the most organic, nutrient-dense, homemade food for my little nugget.
What about food allergies? Will my baby react? When should I actually introduce them? One of the biggest allergens is peanuts, and for me that one came with a lot of extra anxiety. I’ve got a good friend who is deathly allergic to the point that she needs two epi pens and oxygen if she comes in contact with even cross-contamination. The opinions of professionals have changed their tune (and their guidelines) for introducing peanuts. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommends introducing peanut foods as early as 4-6 months. So how do I, as a mom, and as a nutritionist, introduce my baby to peanuts without feeling overwhelmed?
Luckily during my research (and thanks to Instagram) I found this amazing product made by Puffworks! For me, introducing my baby to something that made me a little anxious, required extra research. I needed something I felt comfortable with! That’s exactly why I love Puffworks Organic Peanut Butter puffs for babies!
During uncertain times, practicing a little self-care can go a long way. Sometimes self-care doesn’t look like face masks and baths and bubbly champagne. Not when you’re a new mom at least! Self-care for me looks like having an easy answer to a challenging food, and a delicious snack that I feel good about feeding my baby. Self-care for me during this season of life means something easy. Something with simple, organic ingredients, something I can pronounce and feel good about feeding my baby. Time is my self-care. The easy button is my self-care.