Nursing Bras You Need!

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka 

Post pregnancy, nursing bras are one of the most essential items to a new Mom. When shopping for a good nursing bra I always look for two things, comfort and support. They could literally match the bra of my 90 year old Nonnie and I would not care, as long as it is comfortable!

Then usually when I start to come out of the first month of post partum and actually feel like getting dressed I like to have a couple stylish nursing bras too (Like this Le Mystere Sexy Mama Nursing Bra, on sale now)!

I read several reviews, and took advice from my followers to compile a list of the best maternity bras out right now. See my list below!



Favorite places to shop for nursing bras:

Target (beware of the sleep bras though, they tend to shrink)

Nordstrom

H&M

Amazon

 

The Coolest Contraction Monitor: Bloom Life

I had just finished my 10th patient of the day, and suddenly there it was again. A strange pressure, and an intense tightening of my pregnant belly. Since being pregnant with twins is a whole new ball game to me, I thought Baby B was doing his usual roll from one side of my stomach to the other. Then ten minutes later it happened once more, and then again about twenty minutes later. I had four more patients to go, and had several more of these episodes as I finished work. It occured to me that these “episodes” were happening more frequently, although at irregular intervals. Yet they were starting to make me nervous, but I was reassured by the fact that later that day I would be seeing my doctor.

 

I rolled into my appointment per usual, and nonchalantly explained what I had been experiencing throughout my work day to my doctor. My doctor turned to me with a stern face and said, “do you know how far apart these contractions are happening?”

 

Contractions?? Say What??

The truth is I didn’t know they were contractions, how many I had been having or how far apart they were. I only knew they were happening a few times an hour over the last several days. And just like that I was put on a machine to monitor for contractions and had a really fun ultrasound (and by fun I mean not fun at all) to ensure my cervix wasn’t shortening or opening.

 

We found that my contractions were irregular, not causing any progression of labor or cervical changes, and if I kept off my feet they would slow down. I felt so funny as nurse, and one time mom already that I didn’t realize these were fake contractions. If I was going through my OB rotation in nursing school I would have definitely failed at this point ( I blame my pregnancy brain, because in nursing school I actually got an A in this rotation)! The doctor sent me home, and told me this time to track any and all contractions so I could report my activity to him at my weekly visit.

 

As I was leaving I thought to myself that is super simple and I will come back with a full report.  Except I would have these contractions taking Willow to school, while driving, when checking out at the grocery store, then forget to capture the time, length, etc. Needless to say my report was not accurate the next time I saw the doctor. That’s when I stumbled upon Bloomlife, a women’s health company focused on improving the health of moms and babies.

 

Bloomlife created the world’s first clinically validated smart pregnancy tracker that automatically tracks and counts contractions for you sending the data directly to an app on your phone. It is a small sensor that sticks directly to your belly, so you can remain hands free. I actually forgot I was wearing it a few times. As you go about your daily activities, Bloomlife’s automated contraction tracking and timing does all the hard work for you from the comfort of home.

 

I know what your next question will be already. Is it safe and what is that little sensor pumping into your body?? Well, Bloomlife has been clinically validated for accuracy and safety. The award-winning sensor technology is 100% passive and simply listens and decodes the natural electrical chatter of the muscle without sending any energy into the body. Need I say more?!

 

My doctor was overly impressed with me during my last visit as I was able to show him my Bloomlife app complete with my contraction pattern bar and contraction stats! It’s simple, safe and accurate!

This device honestly brings comfort to any expecting Mother. Use code ChicMamas20 to receive $20 off your Bloomlife at checkout.

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka 

The Most Stylish Maternity Brand: Pink Blush

Getting bigger is never an easy thing, and dressing for a baby belly can feel difficult at times. When I was first pregnant with Willow, I had a hard time with my changing body. I constantly covered up with a giant muumuu. With this pregnancy, I have really learned to embrace and love my bump!

Since having more confidence in my pregnancy this go round, I have really enjoyed styling my bump. I have talked previously about how to shop while pregnant (see it HERE), but I wanted to share with you Pink Blush Maternity, a brand that has all you need for your maternity wardrobe.  Seriously they are a one stop shop, carrying everything from fitted florals, swinging maxi dresses, flattering wrap dresses to bathing suits for your growing belly.

I have worn their dresses to my gender reveal, on the red carpet and pretty much on the daily. They are stylish, yet comfortable making a Mama feel good! They have many on trend-items that won’t break the bank and help you keep your personal style alive!

Shop My Favorite Looks From Pink Blush:


Gender Reveal Dress:

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Galentine’s Day with Priv

Valentine’s Day is full of red, pink, chocolate and overrated expectations. I always feel like you have to stress out making plans and restaurants are usually over priced and crowded. So this got me thinking, what if you could celebrate it from the comfort of your own home??

That’s where Priv comes in, it is the uber of beauty services bringing beauty and wellness to your door. They offer a plethora of services such as blowouts, facials, massages, make up, nails, spray tans and even workouts! You pick the date and time, and a stylist shows up to your house. Simple and easy.

Now being married to an actor sometimes means celebrating holidays at a later date due to crazy work schedules. So I thought this year I would plan an amazing Galentine’s Day with some of my closest girlfriends. I honestly do not get to see them enough, and I need all the girl time I can get before these boys make their arrival.

My Galentine’s Day had a pajama theme of course (I mean I’m 32 weeks pregnant, so pajamas all day is completely acceptable at this point). I found beautiful pajama sets and robes for the girls to wear while being pampered by Priv. I also made them gift baskets of beauty products as a Galentine’s Day treat.

Shop The Gifts:

 

We had three stylists from Priv come and provide facials, manicures, and blowouts. It was beyond amazing and relaxing. When planning your next girls night, make some Priv appointments for you and your girlfriends! Use code “thechicmamas10” at checkout for a discount on your first services!! Happy Galentine’s Day!!

Super Bowl Sunday Nachos

 

I know most gals yesterday could attest to “I came here for the food”, I understand! Although Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone, the good news is that football food sticks around all year long! One fan-fare guilty pleasure of mine is a good plate of nachos! Not the healthiest… but delicious! Here’s my quick & easy nacho recipe!

 

Ingredients

Nachos

1 bag of chips

1-2 grilled chicken breasts (diced or shredded)

1-2 cups of thickly shredded cheddar cheese

1 small can of black beans

1 small can of sliced black olives

1/4-1/2 cup of salsa (I like to use a medium heat roasted salsa + a pico de gallo)

1 tsp of cilantro (finely chopped)

1 jalapeno (chopped)

 

Chipotle Crema

3/4 cup of sour cream

3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream

1 tbsp of hot sauce (your favorite!)

2 tsp of lime juice

1 tsp of chipotle seasoning

 

 

Directions

 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. In a bowl, mix together all crema ingredients until smooth and set aside
  3. Line baking sheet with chips, layer with half amount of cheese
  4. Top with diced chicken and beans
  5. Sprinkle on remaining cheese
  6. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted
  7. Remove from oven and top with salsa(s), olives, jalapeño, cilantro, and chipotle crema

Enjoy and watch the game! (or just enjoy!)

 

 

The Real Difference Between Boys and Girls

Growing up I was such a tom boy that I always thought Willow would follow in my foot steps. I was outside playing ball with the boys for most of my child hood. I must say that over the last four years my baby girl has been nothing but princesses, purses, make up and dress up. Things that she gravitated towards all on her own. Now that I am having two boys, I have been reading all about gender research, which shows more and more that gender differences can be hardwired since birth!

I fully understand that they can be born loving dolls or dresses and I am totally fine with that. They can play with whatever they choose as far as we are concerned. Yet the more I read I seem to find a common theme with little men according to science and gender research. Here are some facts about little boys:

  • They love to move. They tend to squirm, kick and wiggle more than little girls.
  •  Little boys will watch mechanical motion over human motion, and appear to have spatial skills starting as young as 3-5 months old (the ability to solve problems involving size, distance, and the relationship between objects).
  • The stereotypical notion that little boys are less emotional is completely false. Little boys are just as sensitive as little girls and should be treated as such.
  • Little boys tend to be less fearful than little girls according to multiple studies.

I cannot wait to meet these little boys soon! Do you notice gender differences in your children??