What is your favorite nursing bra and tank for those first few months when you’re tender and sore from breastfeeding?
Heather: I always wore Cake maternity sports bras during postpartum. They’re a little pricey but worth it to me.. the material is extra soft and my boobs had no business being in any sort of real bra with underwire or straps digging into my skin. I needed comfort all day long. Target has some good options here and here. Now, if you are going out and need some more support for your milk filled tatas and a sports bra just isn’t gonna cut it, you’ll need to get a real bra like this one (with underwire) or this one (no underwire). I think I just have a visceral reaction to the word “underwire” lol but you really can find comfortable ones. Just go in store and try on. As for tanks, I just got Target ones here | here | here. The Henley is my favorite because it doesn’t look maternity and easy to throw on under a cardigan and go. My advice when it comes to tops: go cheap.. they’re going to be stained and spit up on more times than you can count.
I need some good rompers or maxis that I can easily throw on after the beach or pool this summer. Seen any worth purchasing?
Um YES it’s all I wear in the summer so here are some easy breezy cute rompers and maxis that won’t break the bank:
I need a new probiotic… Alix any recommendations? This one is legit if you wanna pay the $$. I switch between this and this one and like both. Here and here are other brands I’ve used and likes as well.
The transition from 1 to 2 kids has been a real adjustment for everyone in our household. To be honest, it’s been a little rough. Heather- how did it go in your house and how long did it take for your new normal to settle in?
They say going from 1 to 2 kids is like going from 1 to 100 kids and I now I understand why (I actually think I heard Kris Jenner say that first haha). It’s a HUGE change for you, your spouse and your first born. Jackson was 23 months old when Cammy was born and while he adjusted fairly quickly, that first week home was scary. Having a second baby is the easy part.. your motherly instincts kick in, your body remembers what to do and you aren’t freaked out over every little noise they make because you know they’re fine. It’s the toddler with the emotional capacity of a gummy worm that you’re dealing with. For some reason, your oldest will become more needy in those first few weeks back home with two. Before, he could easily grab himself a yogurt squeeze or applesauce from the pantry but oh nooooooo now that #2 has arrived and you’re strapped to that thing day and night, #1 needs ALL of your help. But don’t worry, this is normal. And he’ll adjust back.. eventually!
Here’s what I did with Jackson. When I noticed him getting jealous or whining or just obviously needing some attention, I never said I couldn’t do something for him BECAUSE of Cammy. I never wanted Jackson to resent Cam for taking away all of the attention. I just had to change my language and shift focus. If Jackson whined for a snack or wanted to play, I simply said that I was feeding Cameron and in 5 minutes, I would be able to put Cam down and it would be Jackson’s turn. It became a little game.. first was Cam’s turn then it was Jackson’s turn. This helped tremendously. And also teaches them patience! You don’t always get what you want the second you ask for it, right? Also, include #1 in whatever you’re doing.. I’d ask Jackson to grab a diaper from my purse or put a burp cloth in the washing machine or ask if he wanted to play in Cam’s room while I nursed. I didn’t want to separate them.. we did it all together. I think it bonded them more.
I think these are pretty basic tips and any mom could come up with them but it’s just what worked for me. And I didn’t include my husband in this because his routine seemed to go back to normal pretty quickly lol. He’s a super hands on dad and when I asked for help, he was there. But after you have your second, you’re like ok.. go back to work, I need to figure this out and get into a routine. But as they say, don’t be afraid to ask for help! I was much better at that the second time around.. and I did it. I didn’t do the laundry every second of every day, I let my house be a mess and I let myself be ok with it. I slept. I recovered. I rested. And look at us now! Preparing for a third tornado to hit us… I’m told going from 1 to 2 is harder than going from 2 to 3 but I think it’s all hard. I think 1 is hard. I think 2 is hard. And I think 3 is gonna be hard. But I’m sick in the head and can’t wait 😉
Can you suggest some personalized baby shower gifts?
Ok so new moms get SO many blankets as baby presents but I’m telling you, the one I get from Pottery Barn Kids and the one from Jennifer Ann (found her on Insta and her shop/feed is so darling.. check it out) are always crowd pleasers. If you go through Jennifer Ann, make sure you note the fabric choice! I always get the 100% organic cotton. You can choose from different prints and fonts and completely customize it. I got Cammy this one in grey and white. And I recently got my best friend this one for her brand new baby girl.. I went extra girly since I never get to 😉 And the PB blanket.. it’s butter. My boys each have a few of them (J’s is navy and white polka dots with his name in gold lettering and Cam’s is grey and white with grey lettering) and sleep with them everywhere we go.. and a little more budget friendly.
Alix- can you link your Outdoor Voices shorts you posted about on Instagram? I need a new pair of workout shorts.
I have the Hudson shorts in the pebbled rose color and loving them so far! They are a bit short which I like and works for me because I’m short- but tall girls watch out 😉 I also love these lulu’s for gym workouts and runs. These Zella shorts are comfortable and flattering too.
I would love if you could tell us some of your favorite kinds of salads that you make!! I need some inspiration!
I had a few salads/bowls in my 5 day meal plan here. I like to stock up on a bunch of precut veggies and easy proteins at Trader Joe’s…the key is having everything prepped so all you have to do it throw it into a big bowl and toss with dressing.
For my greens I like to use mostly arugula and spinach (kale and romaine are also good choices) and I like to top with microgreens for a little extra nutrient kick.
Protein & fat ideas: shredded chicken, tuna salad, hard boiled eggs, lentils, cut up deli turkey, peas, nuts, seeds, beans, avocado, quinoa, and cut veggie burger patty (use a combination of these) and of course your dressing. This brand is my fav!
Veggies: diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, cherry tomato, mushrooms, cucumber, radish, celery, zucchini, broccoli, roasted sweet potato, cabbage, and beets.
Pick and choose a combination of these ingredients to make a yummy salad. Make sure you have adequate protein and fat to fill you up!
Here (add chicken or another protein to make it a meal) and here are favorite kale salad recipes. I also like this, this, this, and this recipe.
What should you look out for when choosing a salad dressing?
Skip anything with vegetable oils and added sugar and look for a simple ingredient list. You also want fat in your dressing from olive or avocado oil (this will help you absorb the fat soluble vitamins in the salad. (fat free dressings are pointless!) If you’re ordering out you can always ask if they know the ingredients in the dressings and be aware of the added sugar. If it tastes sweet it probably has a good dose of added sugar and/or honey…ask for the dressing light or on the side. My top picks for salad dressing are Primal Kitchen, Bragg, and Tessemae’s. I’m also really into the almond butter turmeric dressing from Trader Joe’s right now (found in fridge section).
Thanks for sending in your questions! Email us at champagnetheory@gmail.com with subject Happy Hour. Have a great weekend. xx
