Dear Kate the Midwife,
I have high BMI/haven't lost "the baby weight" from my last pregnancy/have been told I am overweight - can I still have a home birth?
Can your weight be an influence on your health and how you feel, physically?
Yes.
Can there be negative side effects to carrying more weight than what our body needs?
Of course.
But.
When I sit with someone for the first time, when we are feeling each other out and wondering whether or not we're a good fit for one another, BMI is not at the forefront of my mind. No. Want to know what I care a heck of a lot more about? Here it goes...
Yes.
Can there be negative side effects to carrying more weight than what our body needs?
Of course.
But.
When I sit with someone for the first time, when we are feeling each other out and wondering whether or not we're a good fit for one another, BMI is not at the forefront of my mind. No. Want to know what I care a heck of a lot more about? Here it goes...
Do you choose to fuel your body with good, real food?
Lots and lots of vegetables. Clean proteins. Healthy fats. Probiotic foods (one of us is a super-fan of these fermented friends (Amber), the other is learning to embrace them (Kate)). Cooking from scratch. Nutritive beverages. Bonus points if your food is organic and locally sourced (one of the perks of living in/near farmland or close to a good farmer's market). Confused about what good nutrition means, but really want to learn? That's fantastic! Happy to help, in any way I can. Overwhelmed financially and feeling like good, healthy foods are out of reach? Shoot me a message - I'll share some super inexpensive recipes and ways to stretch out a kitchen-dollar. Have zero time? Again. Hit me up. I'll help.
Do you sleep like a champ (or, at least make every effort to)?
Sleep is how we reset. It is how our body heals from our day. It is how our brain can concentrate on processing all of the things we encountered during our waking hours. Good sleep is crucial for our whole-health.
Now, I know (I know) that a straight-8 is not always obtainable when you have an itty-bit(s) at home (or when you're a midwife who is constantly invited to awesome all-night birthday parties). On the nights, or in the seasons of life, when your sleep is less-than-optimal, do you make finding extra rest a priority? Do you "sleep when the baby sleeps"? Do you have mandatory "rest time" in your home? Do you take a portion of your lunch break at work to close your eyes? Do you say "NO" to the extra things - do you set up boundaries with the people in your life in a way that allows for regular sleep?
Now, I know (I know) that a straight-8 is not always obtainable when you have an itty-bit(s) at home (or when you're a midwife who is constantly invited to awesome all-night birthday parties). On the nights, or in the seasons of life, when your sleep is less-than-optimal, do you make finding extra rest a priority? Do you "sleep when the baby sleeps"? Do you have mandatory "rest time" in your home? Do you take a portion of your lunch break at work to close your eyes? Do you say "NO" to the extra things - do you set up boundaries with the people in your life in a way that allows for regular sleep?
Do. You. Move?
We have GOT to move, people - for real and for serious. We (and by "we" I mean me, too) are so sedentary in the U.S. (generalizing here, of course - you amazing movement-fueled mamas, I tip my hat to you!). So many common complaints/discomforts can be remedied, in whole or in part, simply by moving our bodies.
But Kate, it's expensive!
Uh, no. Walking is free.
But Kate, it's really hard to get a workout in when you have kids!
If you are averse to the word "workout" *fist bump*, change your mindset around what movement means. Have you noticed how much our kids move in a single day - heck, in a single minute?? Move your body with your kiddos. You don't have to be fancy - play a game of "What Animal Am I?", walk to the library instead of driving, or play a game of Chase in the backyard (you get the idea).
But Kate, WINTER.
That's what coats and hats and gloves are for. Move.
But Kate, I'm tired.
Yep. Me too. I feel ya'. Work, kids, errands, second jobs, trying to keep your home clean - I understand. Move, anyway. You might even find that you have more energy after a few weeks of daily movement.
But Kate, it's boring.
Make it fun! Go do something active with a friend, turn on some tunes, laugh with your partner and/or your kiddos or come join me on a hike, sometime!
Okay... where do I start?
My personal favorites (for myself and for pregnant people):
walking/hiking outside
ALWAYS outside. The outdoors are so freaking restorative for our brains and spirits.
yoga
I really have to be in the mood, both in mindset and in my checkbook for this one, but anytime I go I'm glad I did.
(Psst! Candlelight yoga feels insanely decadent and so, so lovely.)
swimming
I don't do this in a "normal" way - I prefer pretending to be a mermaid (What? It's fun!) or playing a good game of water tag, to the breast stroke.
foam rolling
I'm new to this, but love it so far - I purchased a roller and a book and have been watching youtube videos to make sure I'm "doing it right".
Side Note:
I know Amber would be bummed if I didn't mention dry-brushing and massage, while talking about moving your body. Ask her about it - she'll totally nerd-out with you on these topics.
But Kate, it's expensive!
Uh, no. Walking is free.
But Kate, it's really hard to get a workout in when you have kids!
If you are averse to the word "workout" *fist bump*, change your mindset around what movement means. Have you noticed how much our kids move in a single day - heck, in a single minute?? Move your body with your kiddos. You don't have to be fancy - play a game of "What Animal Am I?", walk to the library instead of driving, or play a game of Chase in the backyard (you get the idea).
But Kate, WINTER.
That's what coats and hats and gloves are for. Move.
But Kate, I'm tired.
Yep. Me too. I feel ya'. Work, kids, errands, second jobs, trying to keep your home clean - I understand. Move, anyway. You might even find that you have more energy after a few weeks of daily movement.
But Kate, it's boring.
Make it fun! Go do something active with a friend, turn on some tunes, laugh with your partner and/or your kiddos or come join me on a hike, sometime!
Okay... where do I start?
My personal favorites (for myself and for pregnant people):
walking/hiking outside
ALWAYS outside. The outdoors are so freaking restorative for our brains and spirits.
yoga
I really have to be in the mood, both in mindset and in my checkbook for this one, but anytime I go I'm glad I did.
(Psst! Candlelight yoga feels insanely decadent and so, so lovely.)
swimming
I don't do this in a "normal" way - I prefer pretending to be a mermaid (What? It's fun!) or playing a good game of water tag, to the breast stroke.
foam rolling
I'm new to this, but love it so far - I purchased a roller and a book and have been watching youtube videos to make sure I'm "doing it right".
Side Note:
I know Amber would be bummed if I didn't mention dry-brushing and massage, while talking about moving your body. Ask her about it - she'll totally nerd-out with you on these topics.
Do you create space in your life for things that feed your soul?
Do you find time for quiet, do you have a creative outlet, do you pray, meditate or journal - what ever jam is your jam, whatever it means to you, do you make time for art and beauty? Do you acknowledge the good in the world and in your life? Do you have a heart of gratitude and of joy? Do you take a minute to just... BREATHE?
Last, but certainly not least...
Do you have community? Do you have people in your life that you serve with your whole heart and who love and serve you back? If not, please - please - find your people. Find your people. Carry one another' s burdens and lighten the loads. Laugh, cry and do life together. Bring meals. Love on kids. Be a shoulder. Be an ear. Ask for help when you need it. Offer it, every time you can. Cheer each other on, hold each other accountable - find your people.
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