Did you know that sometimes interventions during labor can lead to more risks? This was one of the biggest factors in my decision to have a home birth. I didn’t want to find myself in a situation where I had to fight for the kind of birth experience I wanted. Instead, I wanted a calm, peaceful environment where my birth could flow naturally, surrounded by supportive, loving women (and, of course, my husband).
Now, before I go further, let me say this: I know women who have had absolutely beautiful hospital births. Their experiences were filled with attentive care and respect for their choices. But I also know women who, post-birth, have expressed that something felt off—like their voices weren’t heard, or they didn’t feel like they could or should express their preferences.
It’s not uncommon. Hospitals often have protocols to follow, and while those policies can save lives in emergencies, they can sometimes lead to interventions that cascade into more risks. For example:
- Pitocin Use. While Pitocin can help speed up labor, it can also lead to stronger, more painful contractions, which may increase the likelihood of needing an epidural.
- Epidurals. While they’re a godsend for pain relief, epidurals can sometimes slow labor, leading to additional interventions like assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum) or even a cesarean.
- Continuous Monitoring. While it’s important to ensure baby is safe, being tethered to monitors can limit movement, which can actually help labor progress more smoothly.
For me, avoiding this domino effect of interventions was key. I wanted to trust my body, my baby, and the natural process of birth as much as possible. At home, I felt in control. I could move freely, eat if I wanted to, and labor in a space that felt completely safe. The midwives by my side were there to support, not dictate.
That said, I recognize that home birth isn’t for everyone. And it shouldn’t be—there are so many factors that go into making the best decision for you and your baby. My advice? Educate yourself. Learn about the potential risks and benefits of interventions, so that whatever birth setting you choose, you feel empowered to advocate for the experience you want.
Birth is a transformative moment, and every woman deserves to feel respected, heard, and supported—no matter where or how it happens.
These were delicious! My mixture was pretty wet and goopy - maybe because my lentils were still very warm from cooking? I added almond flour and two tablespoons of coconut flour to the processor and they came out wonderful :)
Ingredients:
- 2 2/3 cups Green Lentils (cooked, drained and rinsed)
- 1/3 cup Tahini (divided)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sea Salt (divided)
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt
- 1/4 cup Water
- 8 cups Mixed Greens
- 1 cup Sauerkraut
I also like to add: avocado, mushrooms, sliced peppers, cucumbers, tomato, capers and/or olives.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the lentils, 2/3 of the tahini, cilantro, cumin, apple cider vinegar and half the salt.
- Form the mixture into balls using about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture for each ball. Place on the baking sheet and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until warmed through and firm.
- Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking together the yogurt, remaining tahini, remaining salt and water.
- Divide the mixed greens onto plates and top with the lentil tahini falafels, sauerkraut and tahini yogurt dressing. Enjoy!
Oh, but it absolutely does.
I used to think my thoughts were just... thoughts. Little whispers in my head that I tried to keep mostly positive, but honestly, I didn’t pay them much attention. Then, I learned just how powerful they really are—and how much they shape not just my emotions, but my physical health, too.
Your mindset is a game-changer. It’s not just a motivational quote on a coffee mug—it’s science. Studies show that your thoughts can literally influence your gut health, mental health, and overall well-being. If that sounds a little out there, take a look at Joe Dispenza’s work on mindset and healing. He dives deep into how beliefs and emotions can affect the body on a cellular level.
Here’s why this matters:
Your Mindset Affects Your Stress Response. When you’re stuck in a negative thought loop, your body doesn’t know the difference between a real threat (like a lion chasing you) and an imagined one (like worrying about a meeting). This keeps you in fight-or-flight mode, which wreaks havoc on your hormones and immune system.
Your Beliefs Shape Your Habits. If you believe you’re “too busy” or “not disciplined,” you’ll act accordingly. On the flip side, if you believe you can make small changes toward a healthier life, you’ll start noticing opportunities to do just that.
Your Thoughts Influence Healing. Research has shown that optimistic patients recover faster from surgery, and people who practice mindfulness often report fewer symptoms of chronic conditions. Belief isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a major piece of the puzzle.
So, if you’re rolling your eyes thinking, It’s not that deep, I get it. I was there, too. But the more I paid attention to what I was feeding my mind, the more I saw changes—not just in my mood, but in how my body felt.
Here’s my challenge for you: start small. Notice your thoughts. When a negative one pops up, ask yourself, Is this really true? Then flip it. Because what you believe doesn’t just stay in your head—it shows up in your life, your health, and even your happiness.
Before having a baby, your mind will likely race with all the “essentials” you think you’ll need. Do babies need shoes? (Nope! Their tiny toes are just for show at this point.) Will you need one of those donut pillows to sit on after labor? (For me, not at all—those things were not the lifesaver I imagined.) Should you plan on a home food delivery service? (Not if you have a partner who meal-preps like a champ. Shoutout to my husband for filling the freezer with meals that were lifesaving when sleep was nonexistent!)
But there’s one thing that often flies under the radar for expecting moms: how you’re going to recover and balance your hormones after giving birth.
Let’s be real: postpartum recovery isn’t just about catching up on sleep (though, yes, please). Your body has gone through an incredible, life-altering event. Blood loss, healing tissues, and hormone fluctuations are part of the journey. Focusing on the right foods during this time can make a world of difference.
Here are a few nutrient-packed powerhouses to keep on your radar:
- Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps fight postpartum blues and supports your brain (which needs all the love it can get during those foggy newborn days).
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale): These are rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium—key nutrients for rebuilding strength, aiding in milk production, and replenishing what your body has lost.
- Eggs: A simple, versatile food full of protein, choline, and vitamin D to help with healing and energy.
- These foods don’t just taste great; they work hard to help your body bounce back. They’re like little cheerleaders for your hormones, energy levels, and overall healing.
So, while you’re preparing for the arrival of your little one—stocking up on diapers and cozy onesies—don’t forget to think about you, mama. Your recovery matters.
We’ve all been there—those days when your mood is swinging like a pendulum, your energy is in the negatives, and “that time of the month” feels like it’s sneaking up on you, ready to wreak havoc. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like your body is running the show.
But what if I told you there’s a simple, natural way to support your hormones and take back some control?
Yep, I’m talking about essential oils.
I know, I know—essential oils can seem like a trendy buzzword. But hear me out. These plant-based powerhouses have been used for centuries for a reason—they work. When it comes to hormones, a few specific oils can do wonders for balance, stress relief, and overall well-being.
My Top 3 Go-To Oils for Hormone Support
- Clary Sage: This oil is a game-changer for hormone health. Clary sage is known to help balance estrogen levels, which can be a lifesaver if your hormones feel like they’re running wild. Whether it’s that time of the month or just daily hormonal ups and downs, this oil can offer some much-needed support.
- Lavender: If you’re feeling stressed (and who isn’t?), lavender is your best friend. Stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, and lavender helps calm your mind and body, reducing cortisol levels. It’s also fantastic for sleep, which is essential for overall health.
- Frankincense: This oil is a multi-tasker! It promotes emotional balance, reduces inflammation, and supports hormone health. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together when your body feels out of sync.
You can diffuse these oils, apply them topically (diluted with a carrier oil), or even add a few drops to a warm bath for a relaxing, hormone-supporting soak.
If you’ve been looking for a way to feel more in control of your hormones—without turning to chemicals or invasive treatments—these oils might just be the natural solution you’ve been searching for.
Ready to try them? Trust me, they’ve been a game-changer for me, and I can’t wait to hear how they work for you!
PS - I only recommend using Young Living essential oils!
