Nothing can prepare you for a C-Section birth, nothing!

My intention is not to scare you but to educate you. This is from my own personal experience.

A C-Section is a MAJOR surgery. It is not the simple procedure that shows like, “A Baby Story” will portray it to be. It is not glamorous like Hollywood stars would make you believe. And the recovery is long, painful and tiresome.

1. Be prepared to feel groggy – VERY groggy. I had an emergency C-Section. We had but a mere few minutes to get Hunter out of my belly. Therefore, I was put out for my surgery and Brian was not allowed in the room. This was traumatic for us but completely necessary. When I finally awoke from surgery about 45-minutes after Hunter was born, I was delirious and exhausted. (Mostly from the medication) I couldn’t wait to hold my son, but I was so groggy that I barely remember those first moments. This is precious time I will never get back.
   

   FINALLY, holding my boy.

2. The post-op pain is severe. One thing they will tell you in the hospital is to stay ahead of your medication. In other words, do not skip any of your scheduled pill times. I made this mistake. I told the nurse I was feeling great and did not need anything. Boy, was I wrong. I paid for that decision the rest of the day. The throbbing lower abdominal pain was unbearable and they had to give me something through an IV. Keep in mind, this is a major surgery. Your muscles and organs need to be removed to get the baby out, that is no simple task and you will feel the after affect.
   

   Two hours before I gave birth.

3. Bonding time is limited. The first six weeks of recovery are tough. Your Dr. will likely advise you not to climb stairs, drive a car or lift anything over ten pounds. This makes it tough when you have your new bundle of joy. Much of the time you would spend connecting with your little one, is spent taking care of your incision, lying in bed and just taking time to recuperate. It’s exhausting.
   

   Finally holding my baby almost an hour after birth.

4. You will need help, lots of help. And don’t be afraid to ask. I am the type of woman who is go, go, go! I am used to juggling multiple tasks at a time, effortlessly. However, when you have a C-Section, you are down for the count. There is no driving, there is no cooking, there is no laundry or dishes. You are ordered to rest, preferably in bed, but rest as you seem fit. This is nearly impossible with a newborn, but possible if you have some help the first week or two you are home. Luckily, I had a very hands-on boyfriend. He would take care of Hunter in the morning and at night so I could get some much needed rest. But my advice, ask your family and friends for help. Whether it’s to help cook a meal or throw in a load of laundry, every little bit helps.
   

   I went grocery shopping the day before Hunter was born. And yes, I carried it all in. I was ready for him to come out!

5. Brace yourself for your new found mommy curves. I had a relatively healthy pregnancy. I gained somewhere around 30 pounds in total and I was all belly. I assumed I would have no problem losing the baby weight. Hunter alone weighed almost 9 lbs, so I only had 22 lbs to go. Boy, was I mistaken. I am 4 1/2 months post op and still have need to lose around 30 lbs. Another shock, my stomach. Goodbye flat tummy, hello dreaded MOTHER’s APRON. Yes, it’s called a Mother’s Apron. This is the muscle and fat that hang over your C-Section incision and in most cases it never fully goes away. I have talked to many mom’s, tall, short, skinny, plus-size and average and mostly all have it – it is just part of the C-Section package! Luckily, my co-worker informed me  about the Bellefit Waist Girdle. (Thanks, Polly) It is supposed to help your stomach go back to it’s normal shape. The reviews on Amazon are mostly 4 and 5 stars. Stay tuned for a full review of that product.

http://www.amazon.com/Bellefit-Postpartum-Post-Pregnancy-Medical-Grade-Compression/dp/B004PBJ1RS

Bellefit Girdle

 I hope this blog on my C-Section helps! I will say this, the pain and body changes were all worth it. Hunter is the greatest gift I could have ever asked for.

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me. I am happy to answer.

xo,

Alison

Happy Friday, Mama’s!

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, one of my favorite holidays. Why? Because this is our opportunity to celebrate LOVE and all of the people we LOVE!

Unfortunately, here in New England we are getting yet another snow storm which will put a damper on many people’s Valentine’s Day plans. But you can still have a lot of fun staying in-doors!

Here is a list of my top 5 ways to make your Valentine’s Day Red Hot!

1. Make breakfast in bed. There is no better way to start off the morning, then with a little coffee, R&R and a delicious breakfast in bed. There are so many cute and simple ways to make it extra special and sweet. Here are a couple of cute ideas below:

Eggs-in-a-Basket

Heart Shaped Pancakes with Fruit

2. Snuggle up and watch a movie. Yes, a gushy love movie. It’s the only day of the year you can get away with this and your husband won’t want to pull his hair out.

 My personal favorite, The Holiday. It stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law. It follows two heartbroken women who swap houses for two weeks. What happens during that time is magical. And shows you that love can come into your life when you least expect it.  It’s funny, charming, witty and has a HAPPY ENDING. I never get sick of watching it.

3. Start the night off with a fabulous cocktail and horderves. I prefer a martini on a special occasion. And with the bitter cold here up north, it will surely help keep you warm.

I found a great recipe on www.marthastewart.com. It’s called a Raspberry Chocolate Kiss Cocktail. It’s a great date night drink. (And RED)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Mint-Infused Simple Syrup, plus more for rim
• 3 chocolate cookies, finely crushed, such as Nabisco Famous Wafers
• 10 raspberries
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 2 tablespoons cranberry juice
• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Fill a shallow dish with enough simple syrup to just cover the bottom. Place crushed cookies into another shallow dish. Invert a martini glass into simple syrup and then immediately into crushed cookies to coat the rim of the glass.
2. Place raspberries in a cocktail shaker; crush with a muddler. Add simple syrup and muddle again. Add vodka and cranberry juice; fill shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled. Strain into prepared martini glass. Serve immediately. (www.marthastewart.com)

 4. Give a personal gift. Now that we have a 4-month old, I really enjoy giving gifts, “From Hunter.” You can either have a craft day and make one from home or take advantage of the photo center at Walgreens.com. They have great personalized gifts that can be made the day you order, which is just perfect for a working mama like me.

5. Set up a Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt. If you have the time, put sticky note’s all over the house with clues, which will lead your lover on a scavenger hunt throughout the house. It’s fun to leave V-Day inspired gifts at each note, ie: Hershey Kisses, a lip stick kiss, a flower. It is up to you what the Scavenger Hunt will lead to. Maybe a nicely set table with dinner or champagne and chocolates. Be creative and have fun!

Also, I haven’t forgotten my single mama’s. You don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day! It is also the perfect night to have the girls over and relax. Or, if you are feeling frisky, get a sitter and go out and spend a night on the town. You would be shocked at how many single people go out and celebrate. I’ve always had a great time.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mama’s! I hope you all have a fun filled weekend with your friends and family. Don’t forget to tell the people you LOVE how special they are to you!

Dress – Victoria’s Secret – $19.00

XOXO,

Alison

Happy Monday, Mama’s,

I love being a mom. It is the most  fulfilling aspect in my life. However, every mama needs a night out with the girls. A time to reconnect, laugh, dance, chit-chat and have a good time. Leave the guilt at home, you DESERVE  a night out. So, put on some red lipstick, your favorite heels and go out and enjoy a night with the girls.

After having Hunter, I also learned who my true friends are. These are the people who didn’t head for the hills once my baby arrived. I am so lucky to be surrounded by smart, beautiful and fabulous women! It makes these nights out even more special.

So, in the midst of your busy week, plan a Ladies Night Out with your girlfriends. I promise, it is well worth it.

Grapefruit Martini – ONLY 10 calories!

Below, find pictures of our Ladies Night Out at Rooftop 120 in Glastonbury.

And to my fellow New Englanders, stay WARM in Storm Ellie.

xo,

Alison

The Girls :)

Good morning, Mama’s,

It’s Monday! Sigh…the weekend is officially over. It’s time for us to get back to work and our daily responsibilities. I know for a lot of us this day is a DOWNER. I used to dread Monday’s, but now I embrace them.

Start off your Monday with a fresh outlook and a BIG cup of coffee. You have the whole week ahead of you to accomplish all of your goals and plan your upcoming weekend. Monday’s don’t have to be so dreadful.

Coffee – my FAVORITE Monday pick-me-up!

I set positive goals every Monday so I have something to look forward to all week. This week, I signed up for 4 classes at the  gym; yoga, spin, Zumba and Pilates. This is my personal time where I can de-stress and focus on getting back in to shape.  I also planned a Ladies Night Out on Saturday night. That’s right, daddy will be babysitting Hunter while I venture out with the girls. I can’t wait. It’s a much needed break. I’ll be sure to post some pics of our fun.

SMILE – you have the whole week ahead of you!!!

So EMBRACE each Monday and every day for that matter. Each day we are given is a gift!

Enjoy this beautiful day!

xo,

Alison