Listen, friend. That bloating, exhaustion, mood swings, or breakouts? They’re not random. Your body is talking to you all the time—sending little (or not-so-little) signals about what’s happening inside. But most of us have been conditioned to ignore, push through, or just accept feeling “off.”
I’m here to tell you: you don’t have to live like this.
🚫 Stop ignoring your energy crashes.
If you feel like you’re constantly running on fumes, it’s not just because you’re “busy.” Those afternoon slumps? The urge to nap right after eating? That’s your blood sugar swinging up and down like a rollercoaster. It could also be a sign your adrenals are overworked from stress and lack of sleep. Instead of reaching for another coffee, try balancing your meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your energy stable.
🚫 Stop ignoring your painful periods.
Cramps so bad you have to cancel plans? That’s not “just part of being a woman.” Painful periods can be a sign your body is struggling with inflammation, estrogen dominance, or low magnesium. Upping your magnesium intake (hello, leafy greens and dark chocolate!) and reducing inflammatory foods like processed oils and sugar can make a huge difference in how you feel every month.
🚫 Stop ignoring your cravings.
Cravings aren’t just about “willpower.” Your body is literally telling you it needs something. Sugar cravings? It could mean blood sugar imbalances or a need for more protein. Craving salty snacks? You might need more minerals like sodium and potassium. Instead of beating yourself up, get curious about what your body is really asking for—and fuel it with nutrient-dense foods that truly satisfy.
🚫 Stop ignoring your gut health.
If you’re constantly bloated, dealing with irregular digestion, or breaking out along your jawline—it’s time to look at your gut. Your gut and hormones are BFFs, and if one is out of balance, the other will be too. Eating probiotic-rich foods, reducing processed foods, and managing stress can help bring everything back into harmony.
When I finally stopped ignoring my symptoms and started supporting my body with food, lifestyle shifts, and intentional hormone balance—it changed everything.
You don’t have to suffer through your cycle, deal with energy crashes, or feel like a hormonal mess every month. Your body isn’t working against you—it’s trying to get your attention.
Start listening. Support it. And watch how everything shifts.
I knew gut health was important long before I got pregnant. Years ago, I tackled my own gut issues and saw how much better I felt—physically and emotionally. But when it came to growing my little human, I realized gut health was about so much more than just me.
A healthy gut helps a mama-to-be absorb essential nutrients like folate, iron, and calcium, which are vital for the baby’s development. What’s even more incredible is how your gut health directly impacts your baby’s microbiome, especially during birth. That’s right—your little one’s gut health journey starts with yours! Knowing this made it a no-brainer for me: my baby needed a healthy start, and that started with me.
Here’s something else that blew my mind: your gut produces about 90% of your serotonin—the “happy hormone.” A balanced gut isn’t just about digestion; it helps regulate your mood and may even reduce the risk of postpartum depression. And let’s not forget that most of your immune system resides in your gut, meaning supporting it can keep you healthier when you’re running on little sleep and caring for a newborn.
After giving birth, your body is in full recovery mode. It’s rebuilding strength and needs nutrients more than ever. A healthy gut plays a huge role in how well your body absorbs those nutrients. That’s why I made it a priority to fuel myself with gut-loving foods during my postpartum days.
I leaned on foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, which are loaded with probiotics to balance the good bacteria in the gut. I stocked up on fruits and veggies to keep everything moving smoothly and to nourish the good bacteria. And water? I drank plenty to stay hydrated and support digestion—it’s amazing how something so simple can make such a difference.
Taking care of your gut is one of the best ways to care for yourself as a new mom. Those early days are all about your baby, but don’t forget—your body needs love and attention too. A healthy gut helps you feel your best so you can show up for your little one (and yourself) with all the energy and joy they deserve.
Your postpartum journey might be chaotic, but a little gut health TLC can make it feel just a bit smoother—and that’s a win in my book!
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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.
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.
