Month: January 2017

MEET TERESA!

Congrats to Teresa on landing our first feature for 2017, welcome to the Mama squad! Teresa is a 29-year-old Movin’ Mama based in Charlotte, NC with her husband and first-born son who is turning 1 next month! When she’s not kicking’ it as a SAHM, she’s traveling the world with her family and works as a Marketing Consultant. We asked her how she’s living well today, and here’s what she shared…

As we enter the New Year, I have to ask…what’s your top resolution for 2017?

To get my little one out as much as possible.  I think it’s imperative for his growth and development to get out of the house, meet new kiddos and do more traveling! Right now, I try to pick a new place each week to go. I want to continue to meet other new Moms in the area, as well. All Moms need relatable, non-judgmental and supportive friends!

How do you typically start your day?

I always start the day in Cole’s nursery. Most mornings, he’s up by 7AM (early riser), so I like to start the day slowly with lots of kisses, snuggling, reading books in the rocker, and just some quiet play before we come downstairs and start the busy day.

By the time my husband comes in the room, we’re all ready and we go downstairs as a family (with the pup, too)! My husband will typically take the dog out while I make some coffee and then he’ll watch him while I use that 20-30 minutes to shower and get myself ready for the day. Those few minutes in the morning are crucial for me to feel like a human being. It’s so important as Moms that we still make a little time for ourselves!

What are some of your best practices for balancing nutrition as a busy new mom?

I try to not be too hard on myself. I don’t deprive myself of anything I want (and I am guilty of having a bit of a sweet tooth). With that being said, walks are essential for me. I also try to stick to the basics. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, plan meals for the week and drink plenty of fluids.

What has been your most effective outlet for stress relief since you had your son?

Getting outside….and WINE. Let’s be real, some days you just need that glass of wine at the end of the day to detox! Staying active and getting outside for walks was imperative for me in the beginning—and still is!

I remember in the first days of Mom-hood, it took so much effort (while being so exhausted) to get out of the house. It was daunting to get the diaper bag, car seat and stroller together…it felt so much easier to just stay home. Pushing myself out to go places and getting fresh air was so essential to being healthy and feeling good! Also, enjoying a movie or dinner date is an amazing way to relax and feel completely refreshed.

Finish this sentence: “Being a Mom has made me…”

Put my life in perspective. I have learned so much and feel so lucky to be able to raise this little human being. When the littlest tasks feel repetitive, I remind myself I am raising a person and a man. Every bit of effort and love I put into this is worth it.  Watching him learn, grow and change daily has truly put my entire life and priorities in perspective.

What are your top must-have wellness products as a mama?

Coconut Oil. I loved it all through my pregnancy and I’m still obsessed with it! It’s amazing stuff!

What’s your favorite healthy snack on-the-go?

CHEESE, bananas and salads from Trader Joe’s. It’s nice to have healthy options when you don’t always have the time to prep at home! Also, stepping up my water intake has been crucial for me.  I’m still breastfeeding, so this has been a key part of not just my daily wellness, but being able to produce enough milk.

What is a piece of candid advice you’d like to share with a fellow new mama?

Do what feels right for you. There are a MILLION resources and websites advising you to do things one way, while others say the exact opposite. The most difficult part of being a new Mom for me was the constant contradictions.

I found myself questioning….”Should I put him on a schedule?” “Should I feed on-demand?”…“Should I crib-train?”…“Should I co-sleep?”

The bottom line is that if you love your child and do what YOU think is best, that’s all that matters. As Moms, we always feel guilty and think we can be doing everything better. Don’t be so hard on yourself and know that you’re doing great.  Every person and Mom does things differently, so try not to listen to everything you hear.

If you and your baby are happy, that’s truly all that matters!