Updates from Leah Negrin

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy carrots, one of nature's tastiest root veggies. The cooler weather makes them sweeter and crunchier, perfect for soups, stews, or snacks. Their bright orange color comes from beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A—a nutrient essential for eye health. So this recipe is a delicious way to get in your carrots this season!

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Motherhood can be lonely.

There, I said it.

Even with people around who love you—your partner, family, friends—somehow, it can still feel isolating. It's not constant, but there are those moments, like in the middle of the night when you’re up for the fourth time, and you think to yourself, "How am I doing this again?"

Or maybe it’s when you finally carve out a second for yourself, but instead of soaking in that precious ‘me time,’ you’re tending to your little one’s needs. As much as we love our children, the relentless demands of motherhood can make us feel like we’re on an island, alone.

The truth is, women thrive in community. We need a support system—people who understand, who can lift us up when we're down, and who won’t judge us for feeling overwhelmed. And who better to understand the rollercoaster of motherhood than other moms? They get it because they’re living it too.

That’s why I’m so passionate about creating a space designed just for us—a community where we can connect, share, and support one another through this incredible, challenging, exhausting, and beautiful journey. Whether you’re navigating the early days of motherhood, juggling work and family, or trying to prioritize your own health amidst the chaos, this community is here for you.

In this space, there’s no judgment, no competition, just real women supporting each other. We’ll talk about everything from our health and wellness to the struggles and joys of being a mom. This is your place to be heard, to ask questions, to share advice, and to simply be yourself.

Because, as much as we love our little ones, we need to take care of ourselves too. We need to feel connected, supported, and understood. And most importantly, we need to remember that we’re not alone.

So, whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, I invite you to join us. Let’s lift each other up, celebrate our wins, and be there for one another when things get tough. Because together, we can thrive in this journey called motherhood.

I really wanted to try this ice cream, it brings in a little bit of fall with that chai flavor and yet has the summer aspect of ice cream-plus coconut ice cream is so creamy and delicious!  

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Did you know that sauerkraut is actually really beneficial for your gut health? It contains a high level of probiotics, which help you have a healthy digestive system. Sauerkraut is rich in dietary fiber, which helps keep you regular and feeds the good bacteria in your gut. It also contains vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Integrating sauerkraut into your diet can contribute significantly to maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being. It's important to choose a sauerkraut that is from the refrigerated section of the store (or better yet homemade from a farmers market!) as that has the ability to still have the probiotic strains alive and well! 

I did NOT want to give birth in the hospital.

It wasn't always like this for me. I used to think, “Sign me up for anything that removes all pain and hurries this up. Bonus for instant pre-baby body!” Obviously, some of that is just not really possible, and other aspects might be for certain women, BUT...

The reason I decided against it was because nearly 60% of women at hospital births receive at least one medical intervention during labor, such as induction, epidural anesthesia, or C-section, even though many of these interventions are not always medically necessary. This high rate of intervention can often lead to a cascade of additional procedures and potential complications, making the birthing process more medicalized than it might need to be.

Why does this matter? For me, it was about wanting to have more control over my birthing experience. I wanted to avoid unnecessary interventions that might complicate things further. I wanted a birth that felt natural, empowering, and tailored to my body’s needs.

Here’s the deal: every single body is different, but there are some fairly compelling numbers when it comes to the birthing system. For instance, women who have continuous support during labor, such as a midwife or doula, are less likely to need pain medication or other interventions. They also report a higher satisfaction with their birth experience.

Choosing not to give birth in a hospital was about staying empowered, staying informed, and advocating for the birth experience I deserved. Here are a few tips if you’re considering a similar path:

Every birth experience is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to stay informed and make the choices that are best for you and your baby.

Short story, stay empowered, stay informed, and advocate for the birth experience you deserve.

Your birthing experience is just that—yours. Make it a story you’ll look back on with pride and empowerment. You’ve got this!