It's just your baby...

I was asked recently why having a natural birth was so important to me... I knew I had a reason. I knew I did. But in the moment it took me a while to gather my thoughts, let's blame it on preggo brain... I started writing this more as a way to organize my inner monologue and thought it could maybe help someone, so there you go.

I never for a second considered having an epidural or any kind of pain meds during labor. I fully realize that they are a marvel of modern medicine, but it never even crossed my mind. My mom had natural births. My 2 best friends had natural births. I hate pain, but I believe in the power of my own body. So with my first son it never even presented itself as an option. I told friends "if I change my mind during labor, then I will" but I only said that to make people feel better. I knew I wasn't going to. I knew it. I also, through much research, found myself constantly seeing connections between interventions such as inducing and epidurals and the slippery slope leading to stalled labors and emergency C sections... Ummmm, no thank you.

With that decided, I begin to pray every day. Every time I was in the car or waiting for the doctor. I prayed and prayed and prayed. I prayed for all the specifics of my labor. I wanted an 8 hour labor (I was a realist). I wanted to go into labor at night so the midwife would be at the hospital. And I wanted to use zero pain intervention. The power of prayer is strong because I had all of my prayers answered. Did it hurt?! Like a son of a bitch. Did I survive it?! Absolutely, like a boss. Would I change a thing?! Never. The second my baby was on my chest the work was forgotten and I had literally had control of my entire labor and birth. I didn't have doctors telling me when to push. I knew. My body knew. I was so focused I had no time to worry or stall my labor. I was in it 100% and that control was just beautiful.

So back to my answer. I had a natural birth because I was meant to. That may sound silly, but it was all I needed to know. Now with my second baby due in just 9 weeks I'm facing these questions and decisions all over again. And I've found myself giving advice, offering opinions [when asked] and my main point to those asking is know WHY you want it and don't allow yourself or others to think otherwise. Surround yourself with people who support and believe in you and your body. You need to know you can and will get through labor. You need to remember with each contraction that is just your baby making his way to you. You need to know that it's the most beautiful and primal thing you can ever do. You need to know the amazing power you possess.

Now, sometimes medical intervention is absolutely necessary and praise The Lord for doctors and midwives who know what they are doing, but I would just ask you to know your options. Don't just accept everything you are told. Be educated. Trust your instincts. Take classes. Hire a Doula. Watch documentaries. Be involved in your birth story no matter what path you choose!

My New Favorite Foundation

photo via Kelsey Erin Photography | bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation | bareSkin Perfecting Face Brush

I'm a huge makeup person. I own more than any one person should own. Sometimes I do make up for people, so that's my justification. I may have only had 3 makeup jobs this year… Shhhhh don't tell The Captain. When I cleansed my life of toxins and whatnot, my makeup drawers remained untouched. I'm still working to find natural brands that I like… It's a slow process, but I saw a post on bareSkin foundation via Refinery29 before it was out in stores and how it was formulated with out oil, silicone, fragrance, and parabens, I was determined to try it. When my local exchange had the whole rainbow of colors and only 1 of the patent pending magic brush left, I decided it was time for a new foundation. I was matched easily and loved the sheer application and buildable coverage.  I decided to jump in and buy the brush even though I was skeptical. Well let me say, since purchasing I've fallen even more in love with both the foundation and the brush. You need a shockingly small amount of foundation to cover your entire face. After you shake the foundation you place 1-3 drops of foundation in the well of the brush and then buff it into the skin. I don't find that I need more than that, but if I'm going out-out I might do another 2 drops over trouble spots or any extra preggo redness. I've applied it with a Real Techniques foundation brush which blends it well, but doesn't quite spread the foundation like the bareSkin brush. I really don't like fingers to apply this foundation, I think you loose the ability to spread it well. It soaks into your fingers and I think you end up needing more product.

Bottom line: LOVE IT. This stuff is pretty marvelous. It goes on light and easy, with a nice sheer coverage that can easily be built up to a medium coverage. It gives your skin a lovely airbrushed look and softens the look of blemishes and fine lines. Go buy it already!!!!

Lotion, Sunscreen, and Toothpaste! Oh My!

photo via Kelsey Erin Photography

I know I mention it quite a bit, but I love my city. San Diego is the best, like EVER!! While visiting our most favoritist farmers market, the Little Italy Mercato, I found my super hip sister-in-law found the coolest skincare vendor and made my day week month year. What can I say!? Skincare makes me giddy and The Holistic Science Co. is the bomb dot com. I am so obsessed with their products, their ohhhh-so-many products. Natural toothpastes, mouthwash, lotions, sunscreens, and so on and so forth!!! All of the products are handmade in San Diego by the majorly cool Holistic Science team. Seriously, they are so great. They will spend ages talking to you about their products, why they were developed, what's in them, and how to use them. Every product has a 100% satisfaction guarantee which is magical when you have the most unpredictable skin ever. I have been using the Pure SPF-15 Facial Moisturizer and the Ultra Corrective Facial Cream for a few months now and I am just absolutely loving them! Both products are vegan, #winning. My skin has been so moisturized and glowing since I've started using this regime. My acne still flares up now and again, but it's all hormonal around my chin, so I can deal. The Intense Nourishing Cocoa Butter is so great on my crazy dry legs and helps with my booty stretch marks… what? Girl's got some hips!! They sell at the Little Italy and Hillcrest farmers markets and all of their products are available online. You can also check them out on Twitter and Facebook. I totally suggest that you do!!!!