Summer is gone, fall is here, and winter is creeping up on us. My favourite event was making donuts out on the bonfire while the kids had a blast running around. It was just before the temperature dropped, running the risk of them getting sick with a cold. Sounds perfect, right? Well it was.
QUEEN B’S GOT IT ALL
In the coveted September issue of Vogue Magazine, Beyonce graced the cover and the feature talked about her pregnancy, body acceptance and a little about breastfeeding after the birth of her twins. The pressure of losing your baby weight and the mom pouch can be daunting. She might be Queen B, have her own A-list stylist, but she opened up and told her story to the whole world, making it real and relatable. Most mothers face this dilemma. But we don’t have access to the latest and greatest sensational Marni Senofonte to style us and make the mom pouch look normal, like it was meant to be part of “the look”. Let me tell you that it is actually part of our look as a new mother. Some don’t mind keeping it natural and don’t feel the pressure or the criticism to work out and tone their bodies until much later, if at all.
FASHION VS BREASTFEEDING
I keep hanging on to the most valuable thing I learned in Fashion school; it’s all about having the basics and knowing how to put them together. There are ways to flatter your figure without baring it all – or covering it all. Firstly, don’t shop the trends. Dress for your body shape and find a “look” that works for you. Stick with it. It’s ok to have a couple of statement pieces, but they’ll get old soon. Then you’re stuck with an item that is barely worn, but don’t want to be seen in ever again. That would portray a lack of imagination. Secondly, invest in some good jewelry. Classics are always a go-to and are very versatile. Just like the LBD; this is essentially your best friend.
Let’s move on to talk about a mom feeding babies, most likely getting covered with spit-up and vomit. Not impressive at all when it happens, but it’s our reality. So do something nice for yourself and make the most of this stage of your life. Invest a little time and care in your appearance. Be your own fashionista while being totally functional. The items in your wardrobe don’t have to be all cross wraps or button downs, which can hurt baby. The fact that you don’t need to compromise your sense of fashion will blow you away. Just like the basic black turtleneck by Momzelle in the feature. “This chic turtleneck nursing top is incredibly flattering on the post-partum figure while also being cozy and warm. A breastfeeding mama’s must-have. The high quality fabric will look great and maintain its shape through your entire breastfeeding journey and beyond!”
In each issue of this magazine, we pull together a series of shots that focus on clothes designed for breastfeeding. They have either hidden zippers or lift up/pull out flaps, cross wraps or button downs. Some are flattering and some are simply accessible for breastfeeding without baring “it” all.
LOOK IN THE MIRROR
My daughters are just over a year apart and when they’re both awake, I don’t have much time left for myself. Everything is pretty much a routine. Feed them, nurse them, clean up after them, change them, play with them, repeat. So where’s the time for myself? I just have to power through and do it. Some days are harder than others, but they know by now that mommy needs time to care for herself. That meant I had to figure out quick routines to put my face on, slap on makeup and do my hair, all before they get bored of watching me and move on to attention getting tactics. As challenging as it sounds, I just do it! I encourage everyone to see how other moms do it. Learn something valuable you didn’t know before.
BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding both of my daughters was rather easy right from the start. However, my current state of extended on-demand breastfeeding is beginning to get irritating at times. This is usually followed by thoughts of “If I stop, this is it. I can never go back to this stage. I will never be able to experience that again.” So I hold them closer, suck it up and let them suck on.
I recently read a breastfeeding guideline for indigenous women that was quite beautifully laid out. Part of the circle of life is conception, pregnancy, and birth. “Breastfeeding was thought to nourish, protect, guide, comfort, and ensure a strong bond between infant and mother”; it is the great honor of cherishing and nurturing which is the fundamental structure and beginning of communities and ultimately our nations. It lays the foundation for a caring and trusting relationship between mom and baby because it provides hours of closeness and nurturing every day; not to mention all the benefits the milk provides. No manufactured product can equal breast milk for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. Just as the umbilical cord did before birth, it contributes to a healthy start to life.
MAGAZINE LAUNCH
Whatever your experience is, was, or if you have a friend who is in this stage; whether difficult, easy, powerful, or sweet, there is a tremendous amount of support out there for each of us. Even if it seems like a breeze to you, don’t try to do it alone. It really does take a village to raise a child. Talk to other moms. Connect with them. There are many stories and mom blogs on the internet and on social media.
This magazine is about bringing moms together to contribute and share their stories, experience, and expertise together in one place. Let’s create a positive impact in the lives of mothers all over the world by celebrating creativity, balance, humor, and connectedness.
From one mom to another – much love!
Feature model: Neta Bodrug – This is me: this is my story.
