New Born

Fashion, New Born, New Mom
3 Flattering Post Baby Swimsuits
- 4:13 pm
- 3 Comments
- by Adanna Dill
A few weeks ago, I wrote a post that I hope would encourage body acceptance for both new and veteran moms, if you haven’t read it yet you can read it here. Today, I wanted to share some swimsuit inspiration, especially for new moms. It’s really tough to have a baby in the middle of the summer, I had The Super Knight in the summer so I know that dressing post-baby was a challenge. Just because it’s a challenge doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I’ve shared this video and this post with tips for choosing clothes to flatter your post-baby body but I’ve never shared swimwear. So today, I’m going to encourage you to do the scary, scary thing of wearing a swimsuit post baby. Here are 3 flattering post-baby swimsuits:

1. Go Vintage with a high waisted bikini!

Old school pinup girl high waisted bikinis made a big come back in recent years and I think one of the main draws to them is how forgiving they on most women. They flatter feminine curves and highlight beauty instead of highlighting flaws. You’ll be able to cover your post baby belly without losing your style, plus show off a slither of skin.

2. Become Besties with Ruching!

As a new mom, you have to become friendly with ruching, especially on your swimwear. The advantage of ruching is that it camouflages all the uneven areas and make your body appear much slimmer. Make sure to focus on finding modern styles with ruching. I love this swimsuit for a new mom post-baby body. You’ll look super cute while feeling extremely comfortable.

3. When in doubt, go peplum!

I love peplum tops and dresses, I am even wearing a peplum top right now. This is one of the styles that’s guaranteed to give you some new more swimsuit comfort while keeping you trendy. This one is particularly cute and dare I say sexy.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS!

ps: If you decide to wear a swimsuit, snap a photo and post it, please add the #rattlesandswimsuit hashtag or tag me so I can celebrate with you. Enjoy your weekend!

Which one of these swimsuits would you wear?
Baby, New Born
3 Bonding Activities for New Baby and Toddler
- 10:43 am
- 0 comments
- by Adanna Dill
While I was pregnant with my son, I spent a lot of time brainstorming ways to get my new baby and toddler to bond. I wondered “What activities would a 2 1/2-year-old and baby actually enjoy together?”

[Tweet “3 activities that your new baby and toddler can bond over #parenting #momoftwo @rattlesandheels”]

It’s been three months since he’s joined us, and in that time, I organically found three activities that they both love and are able to bond over. What’s wonderful is that these are activities that I already did with my daughter so I’m thrilled that her routine didn’t have to get shaken up too much to accommodate him.

Here are three things that they both love to do together.

1.     Reading Books

I’ve been reading to my daughter since she was an infant so it’s no surprise that she now loves books. Every week we go to the library and she makes her picks. As we snuggle up on the couch or in bed to read, the baby remains calm and stares, sometimes giggling at the bright pictures. I like reading to them in loud animated voices which hold both of their attention. My daughter loves to show her brother the illustrations and explain the story to him. When I ask her questions to ensure that she comprehends what we’re reading, she, in turn, asks her brother and explains it to him. Lately, whenever the baby is fussy my daughter would suggest we read a book and that usually calms him down.

[Tweet “Want to calm a fussy baby? Read him a book in animated voices #momtip @rattlesandheels”]

2.     Listening to Music

The Princess Fairy like most kids her age loves to dance and sing. She sing-along and practices her ballet steps to toddler music. The baby sits in his bouncy chair and kicks his feet while laughing at his sister and all of her over the top moves. She likes to go up to him and hold his hand while she dances or she’ll laugh with him. I usually take a seat off to the side and allow them to interact.

[Tweet “Music have a way of creating bonds and memories even for newborns and toddlers #siblingbonding@rattlesandheels”]

3.     Going for Walks

I love going for walks and my kids enjoy it as much as I do. My toddler is happy to be a big girl walking while her brother is in the stroller. They both enjoy their new POV of the world around them. The baby rarely fusses during walks. He’s too busy staring at everything; he remains very quiet and sucks in all the information around him. His big sister introduces him to new sights such as Halloween decorations on neighbor’s lawn or the ice-cream truck which is great learning for both kids.

[Tweet “Take them for a walk together, a change of scenery and activity will help #siblingbonding @rattlesandheels”]

Do you have any other suggestions of other activities newborns and toddler can bond over?
Baby, Breastfeeding, New Born, New Mom
Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Nursing Moms
- 9:57 pm
- 1 Comment
- by Adanna Dill
Are you looking for healthy breakfast ideas for nursing moms that are quick and easy to prepare that can increase your milk supply?

I was in your shoes just a few weeks ago. I spoke with my lactation consultant, friends and combed the internet for information. I came up with some great tips and information. I thought it would only be fair to share some of the meals that I came up with that have been working for me so far.

These two meals are great choices for breakfast and will increase your milk supply while keeping you satisfied and healthy.

Oatmeal with Blueberries

Oatmeal is touted as one of the most lactogenic foods. Almost everyone who I spoke to had success with it or knew someone who did. I have been using Trader Joe Rolled Oats with much success. I prepare it on the stovetop with a little cinnamon and honey. Prep. time 5 mins.

I like to add blueberries to my oatmeal. Nursing moms benefit from consuming antioxidant-rich blueberries. It’s a great option for breakfast because it gives you the energy that you need to get through the day.

Green Smoothie

I started drinking green smoothies for breakfast over a year ago. I will be honest, I initially started purely for superficial reasons. I heard so many women brag about how clear and beautiful their skin became after consistently drinking smoothies that I had to try it. I found the hype to be real and became addicted. However, due to nausea and food aversions, I stopped adding vegetables during my pregnancy and well, it was just a fruit smoothie.

Green smoothies can be customized and once you have identified lactogenic foods you can just add them to your smoothie. I make my green smoothie with Kale, Mango, Moringa, Chia Seeds and Ginger. Why? Because all of these ingredients are excellent foods to help increase your milk supply.

I am sure you’re already familiar with the greatness of Kale and Mango so I wouldn’t bore you. But if you’re like me, Moringa may be new to you. I learned about Moringa only a few months ago but it’s already become a staple in my kitchen. Moringa is great for treating and preventing a number of ailments including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, kidney, and arthritis. Moringa is also known to increase milk supply and is used in many parts of Africa for this purpose. Chia Seeds are rich in calcium, omega fatty acids, and proteins which will provide you with a jolt of energy to get through the day with a newborn (we sure need that). The Ginger is great for natural flavor and also promotes milk production.

You can find Moringa & Chia Seeds for sale on Amazon.com

Organic Moringa Leaf Powder

Organic Chia Seeds

Green Smoothie for Breastfeeding Moms Recipe:

1 cup Kale

1/2 cup mango

1 teaspoon chia seeds

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 1/2 cup water or coconut water.

Prep. Time 5 mins.

Ladies, I know first hand that newborns are demanding but always try to have breakfast. This is the most important meal to have a productive and happy day 🙂

If you can’t squeeze in the time to make oatmeal or green smoothie, try Mother’s Milk tea. This organic tea taste great sweeten with honey (a bit spicy) and I am always surprised at how quickly you notice an increase in milk supply after consuming it.

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If you are breastfeeding, you may want to check out these Stylish Nursing Tops and Clothing.

*This post may contain affiliate links