Meet Sarah!
We’re excited to kick off 2016 with Sarah, our January feature. Sarah is a 28-year-old Movin’ Mama based on the south shore, MA with her husband and first born son who is edging on 5 months old. She has just returned from a snuggly fall/winter maternity leave to her full-time career as an Account Manager for a local software company. We asked her how she’s Living Well today, and here’s what she said…
As we ring in the New Year, I have to ask, what’s your resolution for 2016?
Right now, my top resolution is to get my son, Ben, sleeping in his own bed! Right now, he’s having a tough time sleeping independently and just to get a few hours of straight shut eye, we have been letting him sleep with us most nights. It’s not recommended and it’s a hard habit to break, but ultimately you know what’s best for your family. At this point, I think we are both ready to stretch our legs out at night, though!
How do you typically start your day?
I have actually just gone back to work this week, so we are in the middle of coming up with our new normal. Before, Ben and I would usually do a little cuddling when we first woke up, followed by some cooing back and forth at each other. Once out of bed, it’s a change of clothes and heading downstairs for some coffee for me and playtime on the mat for my little guy. We both move a little slowly in the morning so we used this time to bond and enjoy some quiet moments together while we still had them!
What are some of your best practices for balancing nutrition as a busy new mama?
It’s hard. I’m still breastfeeding, so I want to be sure I’m getting enough to eat, but not eating junk! I definitely try to make sure I get fruit in each day as well as a few good sources of veggies. My favorite since I gave birth have been avocados. I’ve always liked them, but now they’re a staple in my diet.
The easiest lunch (and a few times, breakfast) is a slice of whole grain toast topped with turkey, mozzarella cheese, avocado and salt and pepper. It’s delicious, healthy and fills you up.
I think the best relief of stress for me has honestly been spending time with other moms, venting and sharing war stories. One of my good friends has a little girl who’s 10 days older than Ben, and we have a blast whenever we get together. Sometimes we go for walks or shop at Target and other times we just let the babes lay on a blanket and play. Whatever we are doing, it’s really a great reminder that you’re not alone in whatever you’re going through. Also, a nice hot bath accompanied by a glass of wine doesn’t hurt either.
Finish this sentence: Being a Mom has made me…
Appreciate how quickly time goes by and cherish every second. It sounds so cliche, but every minute with my son is such a blessing and I can’t believe how fast he’s growing and changing. It’s also softened me up quite a bit. I have always been an “in the moment” type of person, but since I’ve become a mom, I find myself looking ahead and imagining what our lives will be like as he gets older and as our family grows.
What are your top must-have wellness products as a mama?
I have never been much of a product person. I’m the type of gal who changes my shampoo brand every few months. What I have discovered as a new mama, is that there are times you have to choose between shower, sleep and food… and for me, shower almost always wins!
If there’s one piece of sanity advice I can give to anyone with a new baby it’s make sure you find 5 minutes a day to shower! You will find time to eat and at some point you will have to sleep, but taking those extra few minutes to get cleaned up and throw on some mascara and blush will give you a much needed energy and morale boost.
What’s your favorite healthy snack on-the-go?
Nothing beats a piece of fruit and a greek yogurt.
What is a piece of candid advice you’d like to share with a fellow brand-new mama?
Soak up every moment and trust your gut. The first few months with a new baby are unlike any other experience and no matter how much time you’ve spent with babies before, there will be days where you feel like there’s nothing you can do right.
Stick to your gut and be patient and you’ll get through the tough times. Take every piece of advice with a grain of salt. There are a million people who will want to tell you how they did it and how their way is the best way, but at the end of the day, every baby is unique and you know your little one better than anyone.
What Makes You Move, Mama? 