COTERIE DOES SWIM
No more sagging swim diapers! Diaper brand Coterie introduces the Swimsuit, a super-soft disposable swim diaper with a special no-swell design that won’t balloon or sag or in water. The Swimsuit is breathable, ultra-soft, and all around stretchy with leakguard leg cuffs so you don’t have to deal with any “poop in the pool” worries. Made with skin-safe inks and artist-illustrated prints, the Swimsuit is the accessory of the summer! coterie.com
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT
Mudpuppy comes an adorable selection of sturdy, wooden puzzles to withstand many a play date! This cheerful, six piece wooden tray puzzle pairs perfectly with the My Hair, My Crown board book with the same artwork by Tabitha Brown. A great first puzzle or birthday gift! —mudpuppy.com
ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
Getting ready for Back to School? The new Occasions by Shakira collection has everything you need for a memorable first day. “I’ve made it a tradition to have a fun Back to School breakfast,” says Mini’s Editor in Chief Kate Kirby. “My littles are going to love these sweet crayon treat boxes this year!” —mymindseye.com
Cal
Visit Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena for a Campout! Gather ‘round the campfire, go fishing in a sandy lake, even ride over a Mini Golden Gate Bridge.
MINI MUST-HAVE ▶
The Parisian Edit from Janie and Jack will take your Minis well beyond the Olympics.
The Adler Planetarium in Chicago is home to a brand-new telescope (the largest in the state!) and offers free admission to Illinois residents every Wednesday evening!
With half a million balloons and the world’s best balloon artists, Balloon Story in NYC is one of the largest balloon exhibits you’ll ever see!
Dive into the life of soccer’s GOAT with The Messi Experience in Miami— complete with 9 interactive installations the kids will love!
ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
SAVING BIKINI
BOTTOM: THE SANDY CHEEKS MOVIE ▶
Everyone’s favorite Texan squirrel is finally getting her own movie! Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie debuts on Netflix on August 2! Watch as the iconic Spongebob crew travels to Texas to save their beloved, undersea town!
mini-magazine.com
Head to Mini for more interviews with parents around the world, style, and more
LIVING BABY+KIDS
FOLLOW MINI
Be sure to follow Mini on Instagram and TikTok! We’re sharing behind the scenes peeks at making the magazine, new kids products, nursery tours, and much more!
Find us on Instagram: @minimagazine
THE COMPLETE LIST OF SOFIA RICHIE PREGNANCY
ESSENTIALS The new mom shares her favorites from her journey to baby.
THE CLEANSING ROUTINE THAT CHANGED MY POSTPARTUM SKIN Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your skin— Try this simple trick next time you wash!
30 BEAUTIFUL BABY NAMES INSPIRED BY THE BEACH From August to Coral to Pearl, these summer baby names are perfect for any sand-loving family.
10 MINUTES WITH LAINSNOW FOUNDER BECCA INGLE
The swimwear designer gets personal with details like her favorite kids movie, book, and what’s always in her fridge.
The coziest & chicest new addition to your wardrobe
FOR ALL YOUR LADY BUMPS.
15 | MEET THE TEAM The team that makes all the Mini magic possible
18 | EDITOR’S LIST
A carefully-curated list of Kate’s favorites this season
21 | THE STYLE SPOT Awesome first day fits and super sweet sneakers to match!
27 | MOM It’s the style spot for all of you chic Mini moms from bump to beyond
30 | IN THE BAG Erin Walsh shows us what’s inside her Roger Vivier bucket bag
32 | TECH KIDS Discover the latest and greatest from the Mini tech sphere
6 8 70
35 | BOOK CLUB Beat the heat with these fun, new children’s book titles!
36 | ON THE CLOCK Flourshop founder Amirah Kassem’s fave kids book, fridge staples, and more!
41 | ON THE SCENE Introducing a stroller collab with the ultimate French flair, an all-in-one car seat, and infant seat with uber luxe details!
0 8 10 16 2 0 26 24 5 0 56 6 8 70
46 | ON THE CLOCK Everhem founder Haley Weidenbaum shares her fave restaurant, signature scent, and more!
50 | SCOOP Ideas to entertain your Minis before school starts, a chic labor and delivery gown, and a comeback!
56 | TAKE TWO Ashley Tisdale talks how she’s preparing for her second baby, including what she’s packing in her hospital bag!
60 | BUILDING THE NEST Go inside the bright and whimsical NYC nursery of Nestig founder Sara Slywka (and her son, Henry!)
66 | ICE ICE BABY We asked an OB-GYN everything you need to know about freezing your eggs— a must-read!
74 | CLOUD NINE Chiropractor and co-founder of bbhugme Dr. Ann Kristin Homdrum on staying comfy in your third trimester
summer
MINI-MAGAZINE . com
Discover daily content, interviews, and more in between issues.
Exclusive interviews, Mini fashion, Mom hacks
All in one place.
For life at home.
76 | ON MY OWN Cover mom
Lala Kent dishes on why she chose to grow her family (another girl!) all by herself
92 | TINY AND TIDY Organizing gurus Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit expand into kids books
98 | BEST JOB EVER Hedley & Bennett founder Ellen Marie Bennett recently stepped into a new career as the mother of two boys
106 | THE COOKIE QUEEN Sweet Loren’s founder Loren Castle gives us a peek into her busy schedule building her cookie empire
115 | MY MIRACLE BABY Celebrity colorist Rita Hazan faced a length infertility journey before conceiving her son naturally in her 40s
MINI
Founder and Editor in Chief Kaitlyn Kirby
Cover Photography Kimberly Genevieve
Cover Hair and Makeup Anyssa Maciel
Mini Offices
Mini Magazine
Email | hello@mini-magazine.com Web | www.mini-magazine.com
Mini Magazine is a digital lifestyle publication for the modern parent available online at www.mini-magazine.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in digital and print reviews.
Copyright © 2024 Mini Magazine.
Editor
INSIDE LOOK:
(On Right) Cover mom Lala Kent shares her solo journey to baby via IUI and sperm donation in our cover story. (Below) Kent and daughter Ocean had a blast by the pool during our summer cover shoot.
Since we started, way back in 2011, Mini has been dubbed the magazine for the modern parent and that’s exactly what our cover mom Lala Kent embodies— especially as she prepares to welcome her second baby conceived on her own via IUI using a sperm donor.
Kent’s second child (another girl!) will join daughter Ocean, 3, next month and her decision to grow her family solo is one she feels suits her well. “When it comes to motherhood, I choose to do it on my own,” she tells Mini in our summer cover story. The Give Them Lala
podcast host details her journey, including what to keep in mind for modern mamas on a similar fertility path.
In our first ever Fertility Issue, you’ll find stories with experts from Chiropractors to OB-GYNS, discussing topics like freezing your eggs, pregnancy after 40, and prenatal testing. This issue truly feels aligned with what we set out to provide modern parents, so happy reading, Mini friends! I hope you love it as much as I do!
THREE’S COMPANY
Need to fit 3 across in car seats? The Diono Radian gets it done and in the coolest colors! — diono.com
YO, KIDS!
The Yo Gabba Gabba! cast returns to Gabba Land on August 9 and I’m just as excited as my kids! — apple.com
BACK TO COOL I love Back to School! STATE Bags is the place to go for the cutest backpacks. — statebags.com
EAT AND LEARN
The new Sensory Bowl by Miniware features patterns and textures inspired by real foods! miniware.com
My 1-year-old is still rocking her 3-6 month jammies because of the fold-over feet feature! littlesleepies.com
THE SPOT TO SHOP FOR THEIR MINI WARDROBE
Style
STATE BAGS BACKPACKS FIRST DAY FITS SNEAKER HEADS
NEW BAG IN TOWN
Back to school season comes with a long list of to-do’s, from buying a fresh box of crayons to choosing a cool backpack. STATE Bags is ready to outfit your Minis from age 2 through high school, with the most unique styles you’ve ever seen. For instance, the brand’s best-selling Kane Backpack (made from 45% recycled materials!) comes in dozens of prints and patterns, like Strawberries, Daisies, Astronaut, Robot, Gingham! —statebags.com
FIRST DAY FITS
The first day of school is right around the corner! Plan your Mini’s return with these adorable recess-ready looks.
Celebrate the school year with a good night’s sleep. Above : $45 ; Goodnight Pajama Set in Fall Fruits, teacollection. com; Below : $34 ; Two-Piece Pajama Set in Education Express, littlesleep -
Easy button front and pockets? Check! Instant school fave. $54; hannaandersson.com
The super soft fabric makes this a polo kids will want to wear! $48; osoandme.com
TEACHER’S PET
We dare you to find a more iconic First Day shirt. $22.50; primary.com
Crisp days on the playground call for this colorblock cutie. $48; hannaandersson.com
CLASSIC COOL
PRIMARY COLORS
HANDY DANDY
SCHOOL JAMS
SNEAKER HEADS
EASY ACCESS
Did you know August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month? To celebrate, our friends at Solly Baby— makers of the ever-popular Solly Baby Wrap—just rolled out their latest product, a Nursing Cover! Made with the same buttery-soft and ultra-breathable TENCEL™ Modal as their signature wraps, the versatile design can be used for nursing and pumping, and even over the car seat or stroller! From the brand that helps busy moms go hands-free, the Nursing Cover is the perfect addition in your Parenting Tool Kit. The Nursing Cover is available now in multiple colorways, including basil, taupe, fern chequer, cottage rose, and orion— plus you can save $10 when you purchase with any Solly Baby Wrap! —sollybaby.com
FOR EVERY MAMA
Shaping essentials brand Shapermint just launched its first-ever collection of size-inclusive maternity shapewear—the Shapermint Essentials Embrace Maternity Collection—which marks its first foray into maternity. Available in 7 sizes from S-4XL to fit every body, the 4 new styles in the collection are maternity twists on 4 of the best-selling shapewear styles in the country: a cami, shorts, leggings, and bra. —shapermint.com
Frida—the parent company of the notorious NoseFrida snot sucker—has opened up a whole new world for parents, including those just setting out on their journey to baby. With the launch of products like the Pre-Conception Supplement Set, At-Home Insemination Kit, and Conception Aid Cup, Frida is determined to provide science-backed solutions that make the realities of babymaking a little less trying. “Frida is innovating like crazy, offering help on every step of a parent’s journey” says Mini’s Editor in Chief Kate Kirby. “The fertility products are a game-changer for those in their TTC era.” frida.com
RIGHT NOW WE’RE LOVING
CLEAN LIP OIL
ROLL ON
“I like to layer this with other fragrances and the Neroli.” Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Travel Spray, $32; sephora.com
NEROLI OIL
“Clean, luscious, hydrating, and the most chic packaging.” Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Oil in Chou Chou, $38; sephora.com
WHAT’S IN THE BAG
Erin Walsh
“I am obsessed with getting ‘scent breaks’ and freshening up. You rub it together in your hands and then put it whenever you want to smell great.”
IMMUNE REVIVAL TRAVEL STICKS
$39; tryarmra.com
THE GLOW
“Everyone always asks how I get that ‘glow’ and all of her prod ucts make you glow instead of like you put on a ton of makeup.”
Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick in Lit, $48; sephora.com
The mom of three (to Matilda, Jude, and Hugo) and LA fashion stylist spills her Roger Vivier bucket bag. ROGER VIVIER TRES
LYMA LASER
“I will use this anywhere. Working, in the car, on the plane. It helps with skin texture.”
SKIN DROPS
“I love this to even out my skin as I tend to be a little pink and it’s not just makeup, it’s skin care, so it feels wise.” Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops, $68; sephora.com
Tech
ACADEMY
Give your Mini’s screen time an upgrade as we head into the new school year with Khan Academy Kids! This free, fun educational program was developed in collaboration with learning experts at Stanford for kids ages 2 to 8. The app’s interactive games and activities feature five whimsical characters and engage core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, all while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills! learn.khanacademy.org
With the Olympics in full swing, Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew gives you a backstage pass to all things parenting and marriage with 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson and husband Andrew East. The parents of three tackle topics like postpartum depression and intimacy after baby, to name a few. —spotify.com
Book Club
Whether you’re on the beach or inside beating the heat, these sweet summer reads will whisk you into a new adventure any day of the week.
EDITOR’S PICK
THAT’S MY TRUCK!
by Dr. Becky Kennedy
Now’s your chance to pre-order the Good Inside founder’s highly anticipated debut picture book!
FOR BEDTIME
DINOS LOVE DONUTS
by Ben Okon
If you loved Dragons Love Tacos, this book is for you!
FOR WEATHER
WHY
IS IT HOT?
by Eric Carle
FOR LEARNING
MS. RACHEL AND THE SPECIAL SURPRISE
by Ms. Rachel
The YouTube sensation brings her signature teaching style to her debut picture book out September 24th with favorite songs and language development techniques from her hit videos!
Perfect for summer reading— this early-learning series about weather uncovers why it gets hot outside with the help of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, featuring simple text and classic Eric Carle illustrations!
FOR GIGGLES
BLUEY: GRANNIES AND OTHER STORIES
by Bluey
This storybook collection of your favorite Bluey stories includes Butterflies, Mum School, Barky Boats, and Grannies!
AMIRAH KASSEM
MINI SPENT TEN MINUTES WITH THE mom of two (to Coco, 4, and Kenzo, 2), author, and founder of Flour Shop to get to know her favorite kids movie (so on brand!), what she’s listening to right now, her fridge staples, pregnancy cravings, and the apps she uses most (she’s always planning a party!).
photography by JESSICA GRAY
ON MY NIGHTSTAND Crayola crayons and a notebook because you never know when a good idea will strike!
ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE TO Salsa verde and apparently now cheese sticks.
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Funke or all things Chef Evan Funke.
GUILTY PLEASURE I hope my kids never read this because I eat Flour Shop chocolate chip cookies or ice cream almost every night when they go to bed!
BEFORE KIDS I never thought I would do so much diaper math before trips when I’m packing! P.S. We love Coterie!
IDEAL DATE NIGHT Movies or pasta!
LAST BOOK I READ The Magical Land of Birthdays. Biased, but my daughter loves it!
ON THE CLOCK
FAVORITE KIDS BOOK Bake a Rainbow Cake.
FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
FAVORITE DESTINATION Mexico, always! Nostalgic and magical.
CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO My kids laughing and also Shakira, in general.
FAVE LOCAL SHOPS Bonjour Fete is endless fun and English Rabbit is the absolute cutest!
APPS I USE MOST Mostly Camera, Photos, and Pinterest— always planning my next party!
SIGNATURE SCENT Clean scents like Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey.
PREGNANCY CRAVINGS Tajin on basically everything, especially mango, but I always eat that.
WARDROBE STAPLES
Blue jeans and a white T-shirt paired with a Roxanne Assoulin necklace, Mira Mikati anything, and Vans.
GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE A Singer or actor, but no matter what, I knew I wanted to live in LA.
MY COFFEE ORDER
Hot chocolate, extra whipped cream! I have never drank coffee!
by BELATHEE
photo
Use code XOMINIMAG for 20% off your first Sakara Meal Program or 10-Day Reset.
FRENCH FLAIR
All eyes are on Paris right now— including the new Bonpoint x Stokke YOYO stroller collab! French luxury childrenswear house Bonpoint teamed up with Stokke to launch the YOYO Bonpoint Beige, an exclusive stroller showcasing Bonpoint’s signature cherry pattern and Stokke’s innovative design. The YOYO Bonpoint Beige will become a permanent addition to the YOYO color range, available in both 0+ and 6+ versions, making it versatile enough to be used from birth through toddlerhood. Shop the stroller now at stokke.com and bonpoint.com.
DIONO RADIAN 3RXT
The best-selling 3 Across All-In-One™ convertible car seat with SafePlus™ engineering is in a league of its own, with up to 10 years of use.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DIONO
REST EASY
Side Impact Tested
With a 12 position headrest, the SafePlus™ completes 6 layers of enhanced, rigorously tested, side impact protection.
BABY SAFE
Rear-Facing Tested
With 3 modes of newborn protection, the steel anti-rebound bar reduces rebound rotation by up to 50%.
STOW AWAY
Travel Friendly
The Diono Radian 3RXT is the only all-in-one convertible car seat that folds for travel (FAA approved for airline use!) or compact storage.
PERFECT FIT Fits 3 Across Baby on the way? Diono’s famous slim-fit design easily fits 3 across.
ONE AND ONLY
Birth to Booster
The only car seat you’ll need! From Birth to Booster (4-120 lbs), the Radian 3RXT SafePlus™ offers 4 modes in 1!
ROMER JUNI
With a timeless design, soft mahogany leatherette handle grip, and premium safety features, the Romer Juni Infant Car Seat masters form and function.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ROMER
AVAILABLE IN 3 CHIC NEUTRAL COLORWAYS!
SAFETY FIRST
Winning Combo Juni includes 5 trusted safety features: an anti-rebound bar, steel support bar, load leg, rigid LATCH, and SecureLoc™ automatic seat belt tensioner and lockoff technology!
LUXURY LINE
Top Notch Design
Luxe details include a petal-soft cover made from Seawool (recycled materials!) and woven accents.
EASY CLEAN
Machine Wash
The premium car seat cover is safe to machine wash and dry, made from durable fabrics that will stay looking like new.
QUICK SET UP
Effortless Install
The Versa™ car seat base pairs SecureLoc™ technology with steel rigid LATCH connectors for a simple installation.
SIRONA M WITH
Theonlysmart-techconvertiblecarseatthat providesessentialalertstokeepbabysafe whileyoudriveandwhenyouarrive.
HALEY WEIDENBAUM
MINI SPENT TEN MINUTES WITH THE mom of three (to Judd, 7.5, and twin girls Blythe and Quinn, 3.5), and founder of Everhem to get to know what’s on her nightstand, what she’s listening to right now (save this podcast!), her favorite kids movie, and the beautifully illustrated book she recommends that we’re adding to the shelf immediately.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND
Not very much. A cluttered nightstand doesn’t allow me to sleep soundly.
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Bacari.
ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE TO Oat sweet vanilla creamer for my morning coffee.
NOW LISTENING The Toast podcast.
GUILTY PLEASURE Watching The Real Housewives (NYC OR BH) while cooking dinner.
BEFORE KIDS I never thought I would have three car seats in my car at the same time.
FAVE LOCAL SHOP DÔEN.
LAST BOOK I READ Permission to Parent by Robin Berman.
IDEAL DATE NIGHT A sunset view overlooking Los Angeles with a glass of wine.
ON THE CLOCK
FAVORITE KIDS BOOK Home by Carson Ellis.
FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE Luca.
FAVORITE DESTINATION Amsterdam.
APPS I USE MOST Dexcom GC to monitor my blood sugars (I am a Type 1 Diabetic), Slack, and Instagram.
NOW WATCHING The Bear Season 3, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Seinfeld (nightly to fall asleep).
PREGNANCY CRAVINGS Ice Blended Coffee Drink with Whip Cream.
SIGNATURE SCENT It’s a home fragrance: Ett Hem from Fueguia.
MY COFFEE ORDER Iced Shaken Oat Milk Espresso (Starbucks girly).
WARDROBE STAPLES Anything olive green or denim in color.
GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE A Mermaid, but then a Hotel Developer/ Designer.
IF I HAD MORE TIME I would wake up early and move my body (yoga, swim, walk).
Scoop
LET’S GET CRAFTY
In a recent survey, Elmer’s found that the average parent has to come up with four new ideas and activities daily to keep their children entertained. That’s why America’s most-beloved glue brand is helping kids (and their busy parents!) bust the boredom and find the magic in making with their new Creations Hub. Using fun projects found in the Hub, mom and expert crafter Kate Bast offers her tips for creating hands-on activities that will keep kids engaged and fulfilled as we round out the summer. elmers.com
REINVENT WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. There are so many ways to use what you have at home to make something new! For example, a shower squeegee can be used for soothing glue art or create peelable polish using Elmer’s glue and acrylic paint.
BREAK UP LARGE WINDOWS OF TIME WITH ONE STRUCTURED ACTIVITY. surprised how much a simple 30 minute craft or activity can change the mood of the entire day and lift everyone’s spirits! For inspiration on what to do with your kiddos, there are plenty of free resources (like brand blogs of your favorite craft supplies) to get your ideas started.
BREAK UP LARGE WINDOWS OF TIME WITH LET THEIR INTERESTS INSPIRE YOU. You can put your own spin on simple activities by following their interests. For example, if you have a kiddo who is obsessed with animals, make animal themed window clingies!
PREPARE IN ADVANCE. If you know you have a bunch of free and unstructured time coming up, preparation can be your best friend. Pick a few activities and order the supplies in advance so you have them in your back pocket when boredom strikes. You probably have most supplies at home already! It’s just about knowing what to do
Little Shadows
The new motherhood-first label debuted a luxe, handmade labor and delivery gown meant to elevate the birthing experience.
MADE FOR MOM
Handmade in Los Angeles using sustainable and soft jersey fabric, the Luxe Labor and Delivery Gown from Little Shadows features easy-close snap buttons down the front and back to make delivery, skin-to-skin, nursing, pumping, and bonding a more seamless experience. The gown— available in standard, plus, and petite sizing—is the new label’s first product, created by parenting writer and creator Lex Goodman and fashion designer Lindsay Leidheiser who both agree that mom should feel like her best self on the day she meets her baby. With every detail covered (including a complimentary keepsake box to save any baby treasures), the Luxe Labor and Delivery Gown is on a mission to elevate birthing and has accomplished just that. shoplittleshadows.com
Bellini Returns
Bellini—the beloved ‘90s children’s furniture brand—relaunched this year with a fresh take on modern, chic designs.
THEY‘RE BACK!
Well-loved by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Bethenny Frankel, there was no children’s furniture brand more popular than Bellini during the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The iconic brand—now under the ownership of private investors—has relaunched with a set of fresh, bold designs reimagined for the style-savvy parent looking for high-end, quality products. This new Bellini era includes three distinctive nursery furniture collections: Paris, Aspen, and Vienna, with each easily fitting into today’s modern nurseries. bellini.com
Capturing the beauty, simplicity and magic of childhood.
“Finding out that I was pregnant was a really exciting surprise,”
Tisdale tells Mini . When the Being Frenshe founder and mom to Jupiter, 3, graced our Mini cover in 2022, she shared all about her blissful birth and finding her footing in motherhood. Now, currently pregnant with her second baby, we caught back up to talk how she’s preparing to experience it all once more.
“Honestly, it took Chris and I a minute to realize that we were going to have another baby. We had JUST decided that we were open to having a second child, taking a ‘let’s see what happens’ attitude. We didn’t imagine that it would happen so quickly!”
take two
ASHLEY TISDALE
The Being Frenshe founder will welcome her second baby (joining daughter Jupiter, 3) this fall.
DID YOU ALWAYS IMAGINE YOURSELF WITH TWO KIDS? “Not strictly speaking. I’ve always felt that if something is meant to be, it will be, and that’s how I’ve thought about our family. Life as a family of three already feels full and wonderful, and having another child is just going to add to that. I have a sister and we’re really close, so I know how special the sibling bond can be. I’m really looking forward to our children having the opportunity to grow up together.”
HOW DOES THIS PREGNANCY COMPARE TO YOUR FIRST?
“It’s funny because I’ve learned that every pregnancy really is different. I had so much more morning sickness, acid reflux, and first trimester fatigue this time around. That was challenging during the weeks when nobody but Chris knew that I was pregnant, because I didn’t feel like my usual self, but wasn’t ready to explain why. I started showing earlier with this pregnancy, so I couldn’t keep things under wraps for too long. Fortunately, after the first trimester, I started to feel a lot better. Aside from physical changes, the biggest difference is simply being able to go out and do things. I was pregnant with Jupiter in 2020, so because of the pandemic, I didn’t do things like prenatal yoga and Pilates. I didn’t look at strollers and baby clothes in stores, only online. It has been so much fun to be out and about during this pregnancy.”
AS THE SELF CARE QUEEN, HOW ARE YOU CARING FOR YOURSELF RIGHT NOW?
“Pregnant or not, I love a bath before bed. It’s a cue for me to slow down and start shifting into rest mode. I make sure the
From top: Parachute Waffle Robe ($149, parachutehome.com); Being Frenshe Milky Bath Bomb Set ($14.99, target.com); Flameless Wax Candle ($15.95, crateandbarrel.com); Being Frenshe Hair, Body, and Linen Mist in Palo Santo Sage ($14.99, target.com)
water isn’t too warm, light a candle, and put a Being Frenshe Milky Bath Bomb in the tub. That ritual is so relaxing. If I have any tightness in my legs or back, the tension just melts away. I’ve also been spending a lot of time at the beach during this pregnancy. It’s a good place to take a morning walk and clear my thoughts while getting a little movement in. It’s really beneficial for my mood, too. Being by the ocean, breathing in the salty air, and feeling the waves hit my toes always gives me a sense of clarity.
YOU SHARED WITH US BEFORE HOW YOU CREATED A ZEN-LIKE BIRTH WITH JUPITER. WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO FOR THIS BIRTH? “Giving birth to Jupiter has made me feel pretty confident for this birth. Now
I have a better sense of how labor might go, so there aren’t as many unknowns. Like last time, I’m hoping to create a peaceful atmosphere. I’m super lucky because Chris has a calming energy— he always makes me feel secure and supported even if he’s not saying anything. At the hospital, I do a few things to set a mood. I’m packing some flameless candles and planning to keep the lights dim. I’m a huge believer in the power of scent, so I’m bringing Being Frenshe Hair, Body, and Linen Mist in Palo Santo Sage to help me feel centered. I’m also planning to put my phone on Do Not Disturb mode, so if anyone texts or calls me… I’ll get back to you after the baby is born!”
WHAT ELSE ARE YOU PACKING IN YOUR HOS -
PITAL BAG THIS TIME AROUND? “My doula, Lori Bregman, won’t fit in a bag but I’m definitely not going to the hospital without her! She’s been a huge source of knowledge and support throughout this pregnancy. I’m packing some AirPods so I can listen to a guided meditation. I love our Being Frenshe
Glow On Perfume Oil in Palo Santo Sage because the scent helps me feel present and grounded. Finally, a comfy robe and some coconut water for hydration.
HOW ARE YOU PREPARING JUPITER FOR THE NEW BABY? “She’s looking forward to becoming a big sister! Chris and I talk with her about how our family will have one more person to love, and we’ve incorporated some books about siblings into her bedtime routine. I’m also trying to explain that while some things will be new, like us sometimes needing to change the baby’s diaper ASAP, other things like our bedtime snuggles will stay the same. We reassure her that she will always have her own special times with us, both before and after the baby is born.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR NEWBORN AND POSTPARTUM EXPERIENCE WILL DIFFER THIS TIME? “I’m going to actively appreciate the first few weeks because now I know how quickly they go! When you’re in the middle of those newborn weeks and months, it’s really hard. You’re sleep-deprived, you’re doing 3 a.m. feedings, your body is continuing to change, you’re trying to figure out what your baby’s cries mean— it can be a lot. I do remember those challenges, but I look back so fondly at those early days holding Jupiter and watching her sleep. That bonding time is magical and I’m looking forward to it. I’m also going to make my postpartum mental health a top priority. After giving birth to Jupiter, I had pretty intense anxiety, and it took a while for me to realize that it wasn’t normal. In time and with support, I got to a better place, but I’ve talked with so many other moms who went through postpartum depres-
sion or anxiety. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but it is something to be aware of. I really want to normalize the idea that the Fourth Trimester can bring up all kinds of feelings, and that if you’re struggling with your mental health, there is help available.”
BABY FAVES
“I loved the WOODEN KALON CRIB that we had in Jupiter’s room, so we’re putting it in the new baby’s nursery. It goes with everything and converts into a toddler bed. We’re also going with another NATUREPEDIC CRIB MATTRESS.—It’s organic and non-toxic and you can flip it to become a toddler mattress. Jupiter loved her BABYBJORN BALANCE BOUNCER, and I picked up a second one, so we won’t constantly be moving it from one place to the next. I’m also bringing BAEO BARE BUTTER and TUBBY TODD LOTION back because they are so gentle on skin.”
From top: BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft ($209, babybjorn. com); Try Tubby Kit ($36, tubbytodd.com); Baeo Bare Butter ($20, baeo.com); Kalon Caravan Crib ($1495, kalonstudios.com)
NESTIG CO-FOUNDER SARA SLYWKA DEBUTS HER NURSERY
Nestig co-founder
Sara Slywka has made a career of creating beautiful pieces for baby’s nursery. Now, she offers an inside look into her son Henry’s special New York City space.
BUILDING THE NEST
photography by KELSEY ANN ROSE
Tell us about your inspiration for the space.
“It goes without saying that I love nurseries and designing my own was something I’ve dreamt about for years. I knew more than anything that I really wanted to create a space that was beautiful and functional, a space where I could truly enjoy spending hours and hours. My own interiors style is pretty minimal, so I was also really looking forward to being able to get super imaginative and playful. My inspiration was really the intersection of all of these things— delight, practicality, and beauty—which also happen to be our guiding principles at Nestig!”
What furniture pieces did you choose for the nursery?
“First and foremost, I knew I wanted the Cloud crib, which was the very first product that Nestig launched. I still absolutely love the design; it feels classic and modern at the same time. We used it as a mini crib for the first few months after he was born, rolling it around the house to our bedroom and living room. I loved finally getting to experience firsthand one of the things that’s most beloved about our cribs! I also picked out our Hide and Seek shelf, which is obviously great for storage, but has a super unique design. It’s great to have the combination of shelves and cabinets so that I can hide
messes away while still giving Henry the opportunity to play independently by choosing his own toys.”
What are some of your other favorite elements in the space?
“The minute that I saw our Daydream Wallpaper I knew I had to have it in Henry’s nursery. This design is everything I love about our visual world at Nestig. The print is beautiful leaves with little paper planes and kites dancing throughout. It feels completely timeless, but with playful and unexpected details. With the other elements, I wanted to nod to Henry’s own little world, so we picked art that showcases elements of busy New York City and for his rug I picked a car that looks kind of like our blue Subaru!
When you’re adding things to a kid’s room, everything feels so personal and I’ve loved getting to share these things with my son through Nestig’s incredible designs. It’s so full circle!”
Tell us how you’re spending time in the space with your little guy right now.
“Henry has been really into reading lately, looking at books himself or having me read to him. It’s such a connective activity and it’s been so delightful to watch him pick out which books he wants and then respond and truly follow along as I read aloud. Children’s books hit so different when you’re a parent!”
How do you feel the space will grow with your little one?
“When my co-founder and I were starting
Nestig, we kept this exact question top of mind. We knew parents would be interested in products that easily grew with children— that they’re willing to invest in high quality, ethically made products and especially so if they know they’ll be able to last in their homes for more than just a couple of months or a year. We design almost every single one of our products with this in mind— shelves, his 3-in-1 crib, his dresser, our rugs, all of these things will be staples in Henry’s room for years to come!”
THE LATEST IN THE WELLNESS WORLD
AN OB-GYN SHARES IF AND WHEN YOU SHOULD FREEZE YOUR EGGS
ICE
ICE BABY
Nationally recognized New York OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Anate Brauer, M.D., FACOG, gives Mini the important answers we’re all wondering about egg freezing.
SSHOULD I FREEZE MY EGGS? If this is something you are even considering, talk to a doctor about it. It is important to at least get tested and understand what the process is to be able to decide if you want to do it. Every month, women continue to lose eggs and should be aware of the options they can take to protect their fertility. The most important thing for me is that my patients feel complete and in control of their fertility journey, like they achieved their goal the way they wanted to achieve it.
WHY SHOULD YOU FREEZE YOUR EGGS?
Freezing your eggs is stopping time from a reproductive perspective. Every month, women start with a group of resting eggs. One of them is chosen to ovulate by the brain, producing FSH (follicle stimulating hor-
mone), and the rest will die off. Due to the cycle, it is important to freeze the eggs when you have more and better quality eggs.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW MANY EGGS I HAVE? When you see your doctor, they can do one of three
things. A doctor can do a blood test for AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) that’s made by the small, resting eggs in the ovaries and can be tested for at any time in a woman’s cycle. AMH levels show about how many eggs that are expected to get in the stimulation cycle in order to be frozen. A blood test and ultrasound can be done on the second or third day of your peri-
od to see the follicles that are housing the resting eggs, to get an idea of the quantity. Lastly, an FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) blood test can be performed to see how many eggs are growing during a cycle.
WHAT
IS THE
PROCESS
LIKE? During a regular cycle, you start off with a lot of resting eggs and your brain produces FSH to stimulate one of the follicles to grow. As the egg grows and matures, it makes estrogen. Once you reach the peak level of estrogen, it tells your brain to stop making FSH which will grow one egg every month and the rest of the eggs will die off. When trying to freeze your eggs, your doctor will give you more FSH than your body typically makes to be able to grow all the eggs, not just the one. Patients will take small insulin syringes every night for 10-14 days. Every 2-4 days, they will see their doctor for an ultrasound and bloodwork to measure follicles
and estrogen level. One final injection will trigger the final step of maturation and the egg retrieval can be done 35 hours later before your body has the opportunity to ovulate. The process is definitely taxing on your mental and physical health, so make sure your close circle is aware of what you’re going through so they can check in.
HOW MANY EGGS DO I NEED? As you get older, the quality of your eggs decreases and you will need more eggs to assure a positive result. Egg quality is directly linked to genetics of the eggs which is directly linked to age. Between 30-34, 40-50% of eggs are genetically abnormal. This percentage increases with age. Since the genetics of
frozen eggs cannot be assessed until they are made into embryos, we have to have enough eggs in the freezer to afford a really good chance of making a baby with those eggs. At 30-34, the ideal number of mature eggs in the freezer is 20. This increases with age. If the eggs are used later in life, they are thawed, fertilized with sperm, and grown out to a blastocyst and embryo that has two cell layers: the inner mass that becomes the fetus and the outer layer that becomes the placenta. The embryologist can test blastocysts for the number of chromosomes to see if they are compatible with life and then choose which egg is the best to transfer into the uterus.
With fertility options like donor eggs and IVF success rates increasing, more women are having babies later in life. Fertility expert Dr. Ashley Wiltshire of Columbia University Fertility Center talks what to keep in mind when getting pregnant after 40.
LATER NEVER
NOT
AARE YOU SEEING MORE WOMEN HAVING BABIES IN THEIR 40S AND 50S?
Physiologically, it is much more difficult to become pregnant during our 40s and 50s due to diminishing egg quality. With the development of assisted reproductive technology and the option of a donor egg, I do see more women becoming pregnant in their 40s and 50s. Donor eggs have provided a way to circumvent the issue of egg quality.
ARE THERE CERTAIN TESTS TO RUN IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO HAVE A BABY LATER IN LIFE?
Yes, you should consider undergoing ovarian reserve testing (anti-müllerian hormone and antral follicle count, to name a few) to gauge a sense of your current ovarian reserve, as well as discuss with your fertility doctor the option of fertility preservation via egg free-
zing or embryo banking in preparation for delayed childbearing.
AT WHAT AGE DOES IT START GETTING MORE DIFFICULT TO CONCEIVE?
We see the initial increase in chromosomally abnormal embryos around 35 years old, with a steeper increase
around 37 years old.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS FOR WOMEN HAVING BABIES LATER IN LIFE?
Advanced maternal age is associated with multiple obstetrical risks including a higher rate of miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and C-section.
WHAT ARE SOME MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING PREGNANT AFTER 40?
Fertility preservation via egg freezing or embryo banking provides an ideal method to improve chances of delayed childbearing as the quality of your eggs [and] embryos that are frozen are essentially stuck in time.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ALL WOMEN NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING PREGNANT AFTER 40? I recommend that women over 40 who are experiencing difficulty conceiving should see a fertility specialist right away. This way, we can do a thorough fertility evaluation sooner than later, as well as intervene with treatment, if need be, as soon as possible.
Dr. Wiltshire is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist and a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist.
PRENATAL PREP
Specialist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Medical Genetics at Mayo Clinic, DR. MYRA WICK advises Mini on how to prepare for prenatal testing.
EExpecting a baby is an exciting time, but along with those feelings of anticipation and joy, you may have moments of doubt or fear. Certain prenatal tests can help clear up any questions and determine the health of your baby while they are still in the womb, so we asked Dr. Myra Wick what you need to know before you head into the doctor’s office.
WHAT TYPES OF PRENATAL TESTS ARE THERE?
Some prenatal tests check for genetic conditions in the baby. Two types of genetic tests are used during pregnancy: Screening Tests, which are noninvasive tests meant to identify a pregnancy with a higher risk of certain conditions, and Diagnostic Tests, which are generally more invasive and offered when a pregnancy is at an increased risk of a specific condition based
on family history, ultrasound findings, or screening results.
WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BEFORE SCHEDULING A PRENATAL
TEST?
Before you scheduling a prenatal test, you may want to consider what you will do with the information once you have it and how it will affect decisions regarding your pregnancy. Will it allow your healthcare team to provide better care or treatment during pregnancy or delivery? Ask common questions like how accurate the results of the test are, the risks involved, and how much it will cost, including if it is covered by your health insurance. You will also want to ask yourself if undergoing a test will be worth the anxiety it may cause.
WHAT RISKS ARE INVOLVED WITH PRENATAL TESTING?
Prenatal tests are voluntary and each test has its own risks and benefits. Many pregnant people choose to undergo basic ultrasounds and blood tests. Most people don’t undergo the more detailed diagnostic tests because most pregnancies have a low risk of a genetic condition.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE IDENTIFIED WITH PRENATAL SCREENING?
Prenatal screenings can show whether your baby is at high risk of certain genetic or developmental conditions including Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, Neural Tube Defects, and Abdominal Wall Defects, to name a few.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK IF YOUR TESTS FIND SOMETHING?
If your prenatal tests confirm that your baby has a problem, here are some questions you might consider asking during your appointments: ‘How accurate are the tests results? Is it possible there’s a mistake? How might the baby be affected physically? Are there additional tests that can provide more information about the baby’s condition? Are there other healthcare professonals who can give us more information? What is involved in caring for a child with this condition? What are the chances that this condition will affect future pregnancies?’
CLOUD NINE
The third trimester (especially during the hot, summer months!) can be hard on a mom-to-be. We asked DR. ANN KRISTIN HOMDRUM, co-founder of bbhugme, for the best ways to stay comfortable during the final countdown to baby.
PPregnancy brings many physical and emotional changes, so challenges in getting a good night’s sleep are common. Aches, stiffness, anxiety, hormonal fluctuations, an upset stomach, frequent urination, and finding a comfortable position with your growing belly can all contribute to discomfort and sleep difficulties during the third trimester.
PRIORITIZE REST.
Sleep is critical to health and well-being, and you must prioritize rest for both you and your developing baby. Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging, especially during the third trimester. Many pregnant women prefer to sleep on their side, and a fullbody pillow can help you fall asleep and stay asleep in this position by relieving pressure points that may cause discomfort. The full-body support
should target your belly, lower back, pelvis, knees, and ankles.
TALK TO YOUR CARE PROVIDER. If continuous pain prevents you from sleeping, walking, or staying active, consult your healthcare provider for relief strategies. A visit to a Chiropractor specialized in maternity care can benefit hip, pelvis, or lower back stiffness or strain, improving your chances of getting the rest you need. Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or prenatal massage to reduce stress and tension.
CREATE A SLEEP OASIS. Just as you’ll be creating a soothing sleep environment for your baby, it’s essential to set up a space that promotes relaxation and restful sleep for yourself. Pregnancy can increase your body temperature, so consider lowering the temperature in your bedroom, wearing light clothing, and using breathable bed linens. Keeping the room dark and quiet can also help create a calm, comfortable environment conducive to better sleep.
active during the day can help ensure you’re tired enough to fall asleep at night. Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and other pregnancy-adapted exercises are excellent for general and sleep health. Try to go outside every day. Exposure to natural light during the day helps maintain a healthy sleepwake cycle, improving sleep quality and overall alertness.
CONSIDER
YOUR DIET. During pregnancy, heartburn, nausea, constipation, and indigestion are common and can disrupt sleep. To alleviate these symptoms, it’s best to avoid foods and drinks that trigger them, especially in the evening. Focus on consuming fresh, whole foods that have been exposed to sunlight, and limit your intake of highly processed foods. Additionally, frequent urination can disrupt sleep. Stay hydrated with water throughout the day, but reduce fluid intake close to bedtime, and avoid caffeine, especially in the evening.
STAY ACTIVE. Depending on your stage of pregnancy and any risk factors, staying
Remember to keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different, but these tips can serve as helpful guidelines to manage the physical and emotional challenges of the third trimester and improve your overall comfort and well-being.
OWN ON MY
Due to welcome her second daughter in September, LALA KENT is carving her own path in motherhood and growing her family in the way that suits her best —by herself.
photography KIMBERLY GENEVIEVE hair and makeup ANYSSA MACIEL
LLALA KENT has never been afraid to speak her mind. The host of the Give Them Lala podcast is known for adding her unfiltered, honest takes on topics like tattoos and first dates, but when it comes to motherhood, the soon-to-be mom of two (to daughter Ocean and another baby girl on the way) says she’s softened in some ways. “[Motherhood] has given me perspective,” says Kent. “It’s softened me in some areas and turned me into the ultimate warrior in others. It’s the most sacred part of my life. It can be difficult at times and I question if I’m doing okay, if I’m doing it ‘right,’ but even in all the questioning, I will say motherhood has given me a confidence I can’t quite explain.”
Drawing from such confidence in both herself and her vision for her future life, the
Vanderpump Rules star made the decision last year to grow her family— on her own. Now pregnant with her second child, conceived via intrauterine insemination (IUI), Kent says the path just feels right. “I have had a very negative experience co-parenting,” she tells Mini. “I’ve also seen what the family court system holds. I know the feeling of not having my child every day. Even two and a half years in, I’m still not used to it. I refuse to ever put myself and my future children in that sort of position again. I know love exists and I’ll find it, but when it comes to motherhood, I choose to do it on my own.”
more about carving her own path in motherhood, including parenting daughter Ocean, 3, and preparing to welcome another baby in September.
WHAT WAS THE PROCESS LIKE OF CHOOSING A SPERM DONOR?
“[The process of choosing a sperm donor] was interesting. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I found the process to be really sweet. When people asked, ‘What are you looking for?,’ my response was always, ‘I’ll know what I’m looking for when I find them.’”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MOMS WHO MIGHT BE CONSIDERING USING A SPERM DONOR TO CONCEIVE?
We sat down with the mom-tobe for our summer cover story to talk
“Go into it with an open mind and open heart. The experience is different, but it’s empowering. I’d say make it your own. Involve people close to you. Make the experience warm. And although it’s different, it feels so right.”
YOU’VE SAID BEFORE THAT YOU WANT A BIG FAMILY. HAVING USED A DONOR AND IUI THIS TIME, DO YOU SEE MORE BABIES IN YOUR FUTURE VIA THE SAME ROUTE?
“I dig my family life. There’s nothing more fun or more fulfilling to me than being with my family. As much as I hate to say ‘never,’ I truly don’t see myself having children with someone. Doing motherhood on my own feels very right. It suits me. I’m going to get through this pregnancy, enjoy every second of Baby S and Ocean, then decide if and when we do round three.”
HOW ARE YOU PREPPING FOR BABY RIGHT NOW? WE’D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT THE NESTING STAGE HAS BEEN LIKE FOR YOU THIS SUMMER .
“I started nesting early on with Ocean. With Baby S, I’ve continued working and haven’t fully submerged myself into nesting. I’ll start that at the end of July. The nursery is done as far as the essentials go, now I need to add the personal touches and make it feel like it belongs to Baby S. I do not have a vision when it comes to a space; I always need help. All of the inspiration I’ve pulled is very girly and whimsical with a modern touch.”
don’t need. I have a lot of Gerber white long sleeve onesies. I’ve got a couple diaper caddies on each floor. I remember taking Ocean around the house, getting all comfortable, then having to walk to her nursery any time she needed a diaper change. I’ve got my Nuna car seat ready to go and also got a Doona because everyone swears by them.”
HOW ARE YOU PREPARING OCEAN TO BE A BIG SISTER? WHAT ARE HER FEELINGS ABOUT WELCOMING A NEW BABY?
“I’m trying my hardest to empower her in this role. Letting her know that this is also her baby. The way she talks about being a big sister and just the excitement she gets in her face, I know she is going to thrive.”
“Doing motherhood on my own feels very right. It suits me.”
WHAT BABY GEAR DO YOU PLAN ON USING FOR YOUR NEW LITTLE ONE? ANY GEAR THAT REALLY HELPED WITH YOUR FIRST BABY THAT YOU’LL USE AGAIN THIS TIME?
“I learned a lot about what I need and
HOW IS THE NAME GAME GOING THIS TIME AROUND? CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU CHOSE OCEAN’S NAME AND HOW YOU’RE CHOOSING NAMES THIS TIME?
“Ocean’s name came about three years before she existed. I saw the name Ocean on a yacht and I was obsessed with it. I knew—boy or girl—my first born would be named Ocean. I’ve always been so intrigued by the ocean and how powerful it is, but never thought of it as a baby name. This round, the name I chose has nothing to do with nature. It’s a name I’ve loved for a long time and whenever I go through the list and delete names I no longer like, this name always stays on the list.”
YOU KNOW YOU’RE EXPECTING A BABY GIRL! DID YOU HAVE ANY FEELINGS ABOUT GENDER DURING THIS PREGNANCY OR WERE YOU COMPLETELY SURPRISED?
“I was shocked! Everyone thought it was a boy. I was hoping for a girl because of the dynamics in the house. I know that sounds funny— we are a very female-driven household. Obviously, no matter what, we would have been so thrilled. But when the cake turned out to be pink, my heart got so warm and I just pictured myself with my two girls.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE ONE THING NO ONE REALLY WARNS YOU ABOUT, PREGNANCY WISE?
“I feel like we leave out how our bodies become someone else’s. Because having a baby is so sweet and the thought of a baby makes everyone smile, we forget to warn moms about possible skin changes, cankles appearing, the occasional weird skin tag. Not to mention, the fact your insides become a bouncy house for your unborn child. It’s okay to say it’s not all beautiful, all the time. We can be thankful and still reserve the right to complain.”
sium. However, I’ve been more energetic this pregnancy. I’ve done things with this pregnancy that I haven’t even done when I’m not pregnant! But I want to be real. This pregnancy is so different that I can’t even compare the two. I’m learning so much this pregnancy that I didn’t expect to happen, nor did I experience it with Ocean. I now know each pregnancy can be totally different and you just have to roll with the punches.”
“ When the cake turned out to be pink, my heart got so warm and I just myselfpictured with my two girls.”
THE POSTPARTUM STAGE CAN BE HARD. HOW DID YOU FEEL GOING INTO THE “FOURTH TRIMESTER” AFTER WELCOMING YOUR DAUGHTER? WHAT THINGS HELPED YOU GET THROUGH THAT POSTPARTUM WHIRLWIND?
HOW HAS THIS PREGNANCY BEEN DIFFERENT FROM YOUR FIRST?
“I don’t remember my body hurting this much so early on with Ocean. Baby number two is treating my body like a gymna-
“It’ll be interesting to see how this postpartum journey will differ from the one with Ocean. I was experiencing everything for the first time with [her] and it was beautiful, but I have since learned the ease of my first postpartum experience is not the norm and a lot of women struggle for so many different reasons. After we give birth, all of our focus and attention is directed towards the new baby and as mamas, we tend to neglect ourselves and our basic needs. We forget that in order to be the best for our baby, we need to be healthy too. This is an issue that has become really important to me and I’ve become really passionate about encouraging healthy babies and healthy mamas— not one or the other! [With Ocean], I had my placenta encapsulated, and for me, taking those placenta pills kept me in good spirits.”
LET’S SHIFT THE CONVERSATION TO OCEAN FOR A MINUTE. WHAT DOES YOUR MORNING ROUTINE LOOK LIKE WITH HER RIGHT NOW?
“Ocean sleeps with me, so we have really sweet conversations in the bed in the morning. She’s a little talker bright and early. Once we feel like we’re awake, we go downstairs and love on the dogs. She feeds them and lets them outside while I make her breakfast. She usually asks for chocolate. That never happens!”
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN RAISING YOUR KIDS?
“That they know they have a forever safe
space. I will be their forever nest. They are free to be whoever they want. And when the outside world becomes too much, I will be here to build them back up and send them back into the world to be the strong female forces they were born to be.”
WHERE ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT WITH KIDS IN LA? ANY FAVORITES WITH YOUR DAUGHTER?
“We love the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, the Tar Pits, the Grove, but honestly her most favorite place at all times is our local neighborhood park. She goes crazy over it. We get a plate of fruit at the fruit stand, take a blanket, and spend hours
there. I’ve learned in motherhood that kids are simple creatures. They’ve still got imagination. They want your love, time, and a slide.”
IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR KIDS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“Fall in love with yourself. When you’re in
love, you’ve accepted someone, flaws and all. Your heart and mind are open. That’s the kind of love I want my kids to have for themselves. This world is tough. It will try to break you. But if you’re in love with yourself, the chances of that are slim to none.”
Sitting on the couch, consuming an entire bag of Trader Joe’s Snacky Clusters (sea salt potato chips, corn chip dippers, and pretzel nuggets mixed in milk chocolate) while watching back-to-back Dateline . The mom of two shares fast facts.
COFFEE
Iced vanilla oat milk latte with cold foam.
KIDS BOOK The Wide-Mouthed Frog . NOW WATCHING Presumed Innocent and House of the Dragon 3
TINY TIDY AND
CLEA SHEARER and JOANNA TEPLIN founders of organizing and lifestyle brand THE HOME EDIT are taking their tidying tips to the Mini crowd with the launch of their first-ever children’s book this fall.
Congratulations on your expansion into children’s books! Let’s talk about the first two books in the series, starting with Let’s Put That Away .
CLEA: We wanted to take the ‘Clean Up’ song to the next level and this book is the result of that. It’s super colorful (of course, the rainbow is our signature) and guides kids through where to store familiar items, from toys to towels. We worked with an extremely talented illustrator, Hsinping Pan, who really brought our vision to life.
How can parents start to instill a sense of tidiness and organization in small kids? Did you do anything with your own kids to help them learn to pick up on their own?
CLEA: Organizing is a language, so the earlier you start, the better off you are. The goal is to make putting things away second nature.
JOANNA: I’m all about meeting my kids where they are. If they are struggling to follow the systems in place, tweaks need to be made.
Let’s talk about the second book in your series, The Home Edit for Teens ! What can we find inside this book?
where my inspiration came from. It’s giving them tools that set them up for success.
What tips do you have for parents to help teens create a space that they love that’s also uber-organized?
CLEA: The last thing you want to do is make organizing seem like a chore. They need to feel empowered and inspired to create a space that is all their own. It’s not cleaning up; it’s never having to scramble to find their favorite sweatshirt or school assignment again. Or displaying all of their favorite makeup in a way that gets them out the door faster in the morning.
“Organizing is a language, so the earlier you start, the better off you are.”
CLEA: This book is designed to help teens own their style, confidence, and life, and get organized on their own terms. It’s divided into six chapters that cover a broad range of topics and interests, from how to organize their lockers and backpacks in a way that reflects their style to planning the perfect sleepover and movie night. We also included checklists throughout the book to make it more interactive.
JOANNA: Believe it or not, I was a really messy high schooler, but I would have been a lot neater if I had systems in place. That’s
JOANNA: Focus on the fun, not the functional. The systems will speak for themselves.
What types of organizational products are game-changers in kids spaces?
CLEA: Clear bins. They are extremely versatile and make it easy for kids to access their toys and put them away. Not having to navigate a lid always helps.
JOANNA: We love using turntables for storing everything from art supplies to blocks. It’s so fun for kids to be able to spin something to find what they need, almost like a game.
MEET THE NEW HOSTS OF EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION!
You also recently launched your first cleaning collection! Tell us what you’re most excited about with this new collection.
CLEA: We’ve always said that cleaning and organization go hand in hand when creating a happy, healthy home. Our goal for this collection was to create solutions that solve some of the most common cleaning struggles without sacrificing style. As for my favorite product, I love all of them equally, but if I had to choose, I’d have to say the Broom Closet Organization Strip because it gets those clunky items off the floor so you can use that space to store your other cleaning items.
JOANNA: My favorite product would be the over-the-door organizer. We always talk about maximizing vertical space and this product will help! It also includes customizable pieces, like hooks and adjustable bins, so you can make it work for you.
Give us your non-negotiables for keeping a space clean this summer.
CLEA: Chalk, slime, and glitter are outside toys. No exceptions. If my kids are feeling crafty, I have a designated bin of these items they can take to the backyard, or even the garage, but that’s still cutting it kind of close.
JOANNA: We’re always on the go during the summer, so it helps to contain things in pouches by category so I can quickly grab them on the way out the door and stay organized.
CLEAN IT UP!
Clea and Joanna share their best tips for keeping clean kids rooms.
LABEL EVERYTHING. All items should be clearly labeled by category. Stick to general groupings (i.e. blocks, dolls) rather than specific (i.e. magnatiles, Shopkins).
CREATE ZONES. It helps to create containment zones for each type of activity. If you don’t have space for designated stations, all that matters is that you are storing categories together.
RAINBOW-IZE. Organizing things in rainbow order not only helps kids know exactly where to put things away, but also inspires them and turns cleaning up into a game.
EDIT REGULARLY. If they’ve outgrown a toy, haven’t touched it in ages, or it came from a Happy Meal, put it in a donation bag. If you question whether or not they’ll notice, especially with larger items, you can put it in Toy Purgatory—a place that is out-of-sight, so if they ask about it, it’s easy to bring back out. If they don’t ask in a month, donate it.
BEST JOB EVER
After moving back to Los Angeles from culinary school in Mexico City, Ellen Marie Bennett launched kitchen gear brand Hedley & Bennett. Now, having built the apron-famous business into a skyrocketing success, Bennett’s universe has shifted to welcome two boys (sons Nico, 2.5, and Bodie, 2 months) and catapult her into a new career as Mom “the best job I’ve ever had,” she tells Mini . “Full stop.”
photography by JULIA STOTZ
FOUNDING HEDLEY & BENNETT “I launched Hedley & Bennett after moving back to Los Angeles after culinary school in Mexico City and working in some of LA’s top restaurants. I realized there was a major gap in the market for chef-grade kitchen work wear that the average home chef would love too. Hedley & Bennett has become synonymous with the top chefs and restaurants in the country with a range of lifestyle products including high-quality chef towels, knives, and aprons and collaborations with the likes of Star Wars, Crocs, Vans, and The Beatles. We’ve grown into a brand of cooking essentials, but began with aprons when I realized the ones I’d seen used in restaurants needed a lively upgrade (and at-home cooks deserved chef-grade aprons too). Each Hedley & Bennett product is made with the highest quality that the world’s top chefs approve of and to inspire the home cook with creativity and confidence in and out of the kitchen.”
it’s at its core. Now the business and company are thriving better than ever and I get to do things no one can do better than me. To do that, I had to admit to myself I was no longer needed in every single step.”
GREATEST BUSINESS LESSON
“When your gut is telling you something, don’t ignore it. You know what you know and don’t make less of what you know. I’ve also learned to recap everything. I’m a strong believer in sending an email to recap everything to confirm that everyone is on the same page.”
“Giving birth was wildlyeuphoric, unlike any- thing I’d experiencedever . ”
ADVICE
ON STARTING A BRAND
“Play the long game! Don’t hope for overnight success. If a brand becomes an overnight success, it’s probably the founder’s second or third company and they had a lot of experiences and lessons that led them to that moment.”
ON KITCHEN GLOW UP “Kitchen Glow
PROUDEST CAREER MOMENT
“My proudest moment has also been my hardest. I realized that my involvement in the day to day was no longer necessary. At first, it was me doing everything, but I’ve shed all of the duties except the ones only I can do to envision the next step and future for the brand. With my second son, it’s completed that cycle of peeling the onion back until
Up was a dream come true for me! In the Tastemade series, I work with homeowners to reimagine their kitchens through my eyes and experience in pro kitchens. Each kitchen is transformed into a beautifully designed space fit for a chef without spending a fortune.”
BECOMING A MOM “You don’t go back to being the center of your universe after it shifts to your children, but you experience an amazing capacity for love that you didn’t think you could have. Giving birth was wildly euphoric, unlike anything I’d ever experienced. You go through so many emo-
tions, but the biggest one is love. Being a mom is the best job I’ve ever had. Full stop.”
BABY NUMBER TWO “Bodie is incredibly chill and rolls with the punches more. Part of that is because [my husband] Casey and I know what we’re doing now too and there’s a lot more calmness in our character around him. I can tell if I get a little flustered, he’s flustered too, so I quickly change my tune to calm him. This baby is definitely an old soul.”
WHAT NO ONE TALKS ABOUT WITH PREGNANCY “The identity and priority shift that happens whether you like it or not. All of a sudden, your world no longer revolves around you, your whole world is that baby.
You hear about it a little bit, but not enough. With my second son, Bodie, I was very much in the mindset of surrendering to the feelings of these changes. I leaned into it. If you’re trying to keep things the same as before it’s not going to work. There’s a bit of a stigma around taking time after birth to recover mentally and physically. People try to act like everything is completely normal, but of course, you’re going to feel all types of challenges. You have to treat yourself with respect and take the full 40 days, or however many you can, to recover. In Latin culture, we put an emphasis on taking care of yourself as one of the best things you can do by eating warm foods and not jumping straight back into everything while your body is recovering. You have to be kind to
yourself physically and mentally.”
THE NAME GAME “We felt like we needed to meet our kids before naming them. With our first son, Nico, we showed up with no list. We made it at the hospital and went through it for 24 hours before deciding. With our second son, Bodie, we came to the hospital with a giant list of names and decided from one of those while we were there. Bodie references the tree that is a symbol of total peace and happiness.”
PREPARING FOR A SIBLING “We did a few things before and after the baby because it was a tough transition for him. When Nico came to the hospital, we had a present for him: a puzzle that was from Bodie. We wanted to have photos of him around the hospital room too so he saw himself in this exciting moment for our family, but I had such a quick birth that we weren’t able to get them up in time! We’re also sure not to use language that makes it seem like we can’t do something because of the new baby. We always use language like ‘let me finish this, then I’ll come over’ or ‘in a minute,’ so it’s more general.”
“No one who looks like they’re doing amazing is doing alone.”it
tor’s appointment, but from the outside, it looks like you’re scrolling on your phone. As a mom, your mind is in overdrive and it’s not even work-related, it’s on top of everything you do normally. You’re going through everything in your head constantly. Now that I have two kids, I’m always trying to figure out how to cater to both of their needs while being a business owner and partner. The key is to seek the village around you for help, whether it’s a friend, childcare, or splitting childcare with a friend. No one who looks like they’re doing amazing is doing it alone. They probably have tremendous support from people behind them.”
MORNING ROUTINE “My current routine with a 2-month-old centers around anything I’m able to do consistently. Right now, in an ideal world, it looks like waking up around 5 a.m. to feed and change the diaper of my son Bodie during our quiet time together in the morning. I sit with him in the rocker in his room where he falls asleep again around 7:30 a.m. My husband Casey makes pancakes or waffles every morning for our two-and-a-half-year-old son, Nico, and Casey and I eat whatever leftovers there are once he’s done. We always squeeze in a smoothie if we’re lucky too.”
MOTHERHOOD CHALLENGES “I find there’s a constant worry that I carry with myself from juggling many different things. For example, you might be sitting on your phone ordering diapers or making a doc-
ADVICE TO MY KIDS “Your word is gold so if you commit to doing something, deliver.”
CHEF’S KISS
The founder’s own kitchen must-haves.
UTILITY KNIFE. I use it in all of my cooking videos, when I’m cooking for Nico, when I’m having people over. It’s my go to!
KITCHEN GLOW UP APRON. I’ve been living in this to celebrate the release of my new show with Tastemade. When I’m not wearing that apron, I’m sporting our Liberty Fabrics collaboration in the Elysian pattern.
BASEBALL CAP. I love gifting this because it’s chic and understated.
ELLEN ON THE CLOCK
The new mom of two shares fast facts.
MY COFFEE ORDER
A Dandy brew latte or an English Breakfast tea with milk and honey.
IN MY FRIDGE
Homemade black beans and rice.
FAVE RESTAURANT
Parks BBQ, Quarter Sheets, Botanica.
NOW PLAYING
Age of Anxiety #2 (Rabbit Hole) by Arcade Fire, LA LOM, Natalia Fourcade.
FAVE KIDS MOVIE
Wall-e and Deeply
FAVE KIDS BOOK
Love you Forever by Robert Munsch.
IF I HAD MORE TIME
I would take a hot bath and go to the gym and sit in the sauna.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND
Breast pump, a stack of parenthood books, and Canopy humidifier.
The Hedley & Bennett x Star Wars collab includes towels, aprons, and knives
COOKIE
Loren Castle admits she’s always had a sweet tooth, but it wasn’t until her cancer diagnosis at 22 years old that her quest to find better-foryou baked goods began. After recipe testing to solve the dilemma, the mom of two (to Skylar, 3, and Rae, 1) landed on the perfect combo and Sweet Loren’s was born.
QUEEN ALL HAIL THE
photography by SWEET LOREN’S
FOUNDING SWEET LOREN’S “While I’ve always had a sweet tooth, it was the joy, happiness, and connection that I saw warm cookies bring to people while working at Levain Bakery in NYC. I was diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, at 22 years old, right after graduating college– and everything came to a halt. After six months of chemotherapy, I was cancer free, but realized throughout that year that my health was everything to me, so I removed most dairy, anything artificial, and highly processed ingredients from my diet. There was no bakery or packaged product that made something so delicious with only better-for-you ingredients, so I started recipe testing to solve my own dilemma. After hundreds of trials and errors, I found the right combination. It was the best tasting cookie I’d ever eaten AND I felt good after eating it, so in my opinion, it was the best cookie in the world. When I saw how much friends and family absolutely fell in love with my recipes, I knew I wasn’t the only one who wanted healthier ways to satisfy their sweet cravings. I knew I had to find a way to turn my better-for-you cookie recipes into a business and Sweet Loren’s was born.”
“It was the best tasting cookie I’d ever eaten and I felt good after eating it.”
be incredibly delicious. Our products are always made from simple, high-quality ingredients. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and made without the top allergens. We don’t just make cookie dough anymore; we have shelf stable Breakfast Biscuits, and refrigerated rolled doughs including Puff Pastry and Thin Pizza Crust.”
PROUDEST CAREER
MOMENT “For the last six years, we’ve made it to the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list and that means a lot to me. We don’t stop, we keep growing, and dreaming, and doing the impossible. This year, our Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough became the #1 selling dough in a very conventional grocery store, beating the big conventional brands. That tells me that being in the better-foryou ‘niche’ is a strong, growing category that is only getting bigger.”
GREATEST BUSINESS LESSON “It’s all about incredible quality in our products, listening to our customers, and building the best team. If we continue to do all these three things, there is no stopping our growth!”
HER DEFINING EDGE “Sweet Loren’s creates new products with the purpose of making sure there’s a seat for everyone at the table and to prove that better-for-you can also
FAVORITE FLAVORS “Skylar loves every single flavor of the cookie dough, raw or baked! She also now eats the healthier ‘hot pocket’ for her lunchbox that I make using Sweet Loren’s Puff Pastry and baking turkey and cheese inside.”
ADVICE ON STARTING A BRAND “It’s all about being organized, compartmentalizing, and having support. I think moms are warriors— they most often know how to strategize, multi-task, and fiercely protect the things they love. All of those are some of the best traits to being a successful entrepreneur, but you also need to be very organized, focused, and purposeful because your time is divided now and you’re probably a little sleep deprived. I hired a President before I had my second kid and it has completely changed my life, so my best advice is to have a team you can rely on. Figure out what you want to take on and hand off to others so that you can have enough time and stability to be with your kids.”
MOM GUILT “I feel mom guilt when my kids are crying for me, but I leave anyway to go out to a meeting, event, or date night. Even though I know they’re safe with their nanny, it still pulls at my heart. I feel guilty for a couple minutes when I go work out or do something totally for me, but then quickly remember that the happier I am, the better mom I am, and the more I can give because my cup is full. I quickly get over the mom guilt and remember I want to raise strong women that can handle not always getting their way.”
MORNING ROUTINE “Normally, a 6 to 7 a.m. wakeup with our two little girls who get up around the same time. We have a live-in nanny that just started, so that’s been a game changer for us to have more support. My morning routine might be
more for me in the future, but for right now, it’s all for the girls since we don’t see them most of the day. Skylar—the threeyear-old—was born a fashionista, so she immediately wants to pick out her outfit for the day which is normally some sort of princess dress, wand, and special hairdo. Rae—our one-year-old—needs her milk and breakfast immediately. Usually I’m making scrambled eggs with avocado and fruit for Rae, and steel cut oatmeal with maple syrup for Skylar. I am not a breakfast person, but after a big glass of hydrating water, I make a delicious latte with EveryDayDose, a mushroom coffee alternative that I’ve become obsessed with. I froth up oat milk, add vanilla stevia drops, and top with some cinnamon. We play around in the morning a little after breakfast on the swing set or some make-believe games, and then Skylar is off to school and our nanny takes Rae to the park so we can start working.”
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN “We make breakfast and dinner almost every day at home. Rae is a little too young to help mix, but she holds the whisk and spatula and sees that the family loves being in the kitchen. Skylar loves to bake with me. We find things she’s excited about and we make healthier, delicious takes on them. This morning, we made pink popsicles she can have when she’s back from school with frozen strawberries, coconut water, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup that taste totally sweet enough for her. She loves to mix and measure waffle and cookie recipes. I love getting her excited and empowered that she can bake anything she wants.”
LOREN ON THE CLOCK
The mom of two shares fast facts.
MY COFFEE ORDER
Everyday Dose coffee at home, and hot chai latte with oat milk when out.
IN MY FRIDGE
Blueberries, OJ, and Sweet Loren’s cookie dough.
FAVE RESTAURANT
Bluey’s, best gluten-free pancakes ever.
NOW PLAYING
Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ because my daughter loves dancing to it.
FAVE KIDS MOVIE Moana or Frozen .
FAVE KIDS BOOK Elmo Asks Why.
IF I HAD MORE TIME
I would go on more hikes and be in nature for longer.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND
Several options of hand and foot cream, my nightly self care routine.
IDEAL DATE NIGHT
Sushi dinner at a restaurant on the beach.
THE NAME GAME “My husband thought of [Skylar] while reading a book and it felt magical. We got married and had Skylar during Covid and we felt like we were in our own magical world , that she was really meant to be. She’s Skylar Gail Castle, with her middle name honoring my mom who passed away. Rae was hard to come up with! We couldn’t think of her name and actually changed it several times, but now we call her Rae Rae and it fits her happy personality.
tiful feeling in the world. I feel so lucky to have two healthy, beautiful girls, and to truly appreciate how much love, laughter, and fun these kids bring into our lives amidst the chaos.”
“There is no perfect play- book. Every mother mothers differently, with their own instincts.”gut
She’s Rae August Castle because Greg and I met and fell in love in August for the first time.”
MOTHERHOOD SURPRISES “How exhausting it is! And how there is no perfect playbook. Every mother mothers differently, and you can’t tell a mother what the ‘right’ way to do things is. Each mother has their own gut instincts and connections to their child, plus you have to figure out what kind of person you want your kid to grow into, what kind of values you have as a family, and you have to learn how to teach your kid the millions of lessons they need to learn as they grow. I have also realized the profound and everlasting love a mother has for their child is the most pure and beau-
MOTHERHOOD CHALLENGES “The hardest aspect is learning how to problem solve at every new age and challenge. As a mother, I feel we still do more than fathers a lot of the time, even when we both have jobs outside of the home. I find it tough to figure out how to divide and conquer all the responsibilities, so it feels fair between your partner and outside help.”
TRANSITIONING TO TWO “It’s been easier and harder. We learned everything for the first time with Sky and it was all so overwhelming and sometimes lonely because it happened during Covid. With Rae, we aren’t shocked by the same things, but now we each have our hands full at all times so it’s harder to get a break. Skylar has been an incredible big sister and that’s been really helpful that she isn’t regressing, but actually wanting to help and take care of Rae.”
MOM STYLE “My whole life has changed in the last four years! I moved from NYC to LA, I became a mom of two young girls, and my team at Sweet Loren’s went remote. I love our comfy magenta Sweet Loren’s sweatshirt to throw on in the morning for a pop of color, and my latest obsession is Rag & Bone featherweight denim that’s so light, comfortable, and chic and takes me from
day to night, in the kitchen to an event. My style has changed in that I want outfits that make me feel more sophisticated versus young. I want effortless and chic since my time is limited more than ever. I can’t handle complicated outfits or something that’s uncomfortable. I value machine washable because little kids get everything dirty daily and I don’t want to stress about having to dry clean all the time!”
FAVE SPOTS FOR KIDS “Cayton Museum, the beach, kid-friendly restaurants and areas for them to run around like in the Palisades Village, Manhattan Village, or The Point.”
WHAT’S COMING NEXT
“Our community is incredibly inspiring! We launched our first foray outside of cookie dough last year with the addition of Breakfast Biscuits as a response to so many requests for options for on-the-go and ready-to-eat snacks. This year, we’ve launched into refrigerated, rolled doughs: the first-of-their-kind Puff Pastry and Thin Pizza Crust which I’ve been dreaming about for so long. With these new launches, we’re modernizing those outdated cans of dough and conventional refrigerated doughs, revolutionizing the way we experience these household items. I’m constantly inspired by being able to offer new products to consumers to help make their lives better, more convenient, and more delicious!”
“I did all of the things,” Hazan tells Mini . “Acupuncture, changed my diet, and none of it helped.” The renowned colorist (infamous for taking Beyonce blonde) started trying to conceive at 41 and by 42, had started the IVF process. “It was horrendous,” she recalls. “It took four to five years of doing IVF, going to doctor after doctor at different fertility clinics to try and get better results.” With doctors giving her a less than five percent chance of having a baby, Hazan decided to pause on IVF to regroup. “I took a time out and told my husband to give me six months to get my mind and body back to normal without hormones. Four months later, I found out I was pregnant.”
RITA HAZAN my miracle baby
The celebrity colorist and founder of Rita Hazan Salon faced a lengthy fertility journey, including years of IVF, before getting pregnant naturally in her 40s with her son, Sammy.
MY IVF JOURNEY “We tried to conceive naturally for about a year before we started IVF, but I started in my 40s. In those four years of doing IVF, I wish I took a break sooner; it’s too much mentally and physically. The problem is, in the IVF world, the doctors need to change the conversation. Most people are now starting in their late 30s and 40s, doing IVF or having children— it’s a different world. I think the doctors are disconnected and don’t have empathy or sympathy for people. The IVF doctors I went to all kept saying I started late, which I knew.”
ADVICE TO IVF
“If IVF is not working for you after six months, it’s OK to stop and take a break.”
MOMS “If IVF is not working for you after six months or more, it’s OK to stop and take a break. All of those hormones are a lot on your mind and body. The doctors say the next one will work, and the next one, and the next one. It doesn’t work because you are stuck in this rabbit hole and your body needs to heal. You need to get rid of all of the drugs in your body, then start again. If you are in it for four years, you need to take a break.”
INFERTILITY SUPPORT “I would love to not get advice from other people and all of the ‘good luck’s’. Just silently pray for me. I don’t need you to tell me to get acupuncture or sit with your legs up in the sky
after sex. All of those things are so weird and just mess with your head. Everybody has advice for what works for them and different things work for different people. It is easier said than done to say, ‘just chill’ or ‘just don’t think about it’. Then there’s always someone you know who got pregnant and had a baby or had a miscarriage and you think, ‘I would’ve had a baby at the same time as her’. You need to try to mind trap yourself in those scenarios, but it’s easy to say and impossible to do when you’re in it. My advice for young girls now is to freeze your eggs and try sooner than later in life, if possible.”
CONCEIVING NATURALLY “First of all, I know God loves me because I didn’t find out I was pregnant until 13 weeks. I didn’t know, because I didn’t feel anything. I wasn’t tired, stressed, nauseous. I went on vacation with my husband and then my bra wouldn’t fit. I also didn’t have my period, but I thought I was menopausal so I didn’t really think about it. One day I Googled it, and large breasts are not a menopausal symptom, so I took a test and it was positive. I thought maybe it was a false positive, but I didn’t want to go to the doctor because I hated every single gynecologist in Manhattan by that point. That day I had a client and told her I thought I was pregnant, but I don’t have a doctor because they were all pushing me at the end to get an egg donor. My client recommended me to her doctor and I went, they told me I was 13 weeks pregnant. My husband was with me, sobbing, and I was shocked. One month after that, I told myself, ‘OK, this is real’.”
PREGNANCY IN YOUR 40S “I found out I was pregnant in late December 2019, and then in March, Covid hit and we closed the salon. I was able to stay at home my whole pregnancy and got to enjoy it, even though the whole world was in an uproar. It was perfect timing for me, I didn’t have to work and could just take care of myself.”
“It was worth it. Sammy is the best part of my life.”
PREGNANCY PRECAUTIONS “I had to take progesterone the first couple of months until my body started producing it, then I didn’t need it anymore. I had a geriatric/high risk pregnancy doctor I went to two to three times a week for check-ups.”
MY BIRTH “I changed my doctor for the birth because I knew I had to have a C-section and I didn’t think that doctor was capable of doing it; I did not have a good feeling about her. I switched to a high risk delivery doctor that my family had been seeing for years and that worked out for me. My son was due July 20th, but he had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck two times, so we scheduled it for July 1st to get him out sooner. It was the total opposite from what I expected. I did my hair and makeup, so I could get some gorgeous pictures afterwards, but there were so many complications during that I left looking like hell. It was worth it because Sammy is the best part of my life.”
ADVICE TO MYSELF “I would tell myself to stop, breathe, and that everything is going to be OK. Don’t listen to anybody. Sometimes the doctor doesn’t even know the answer; they’re not God. It’s their job, they are doing the best they can, but it does not always work out that way.”
From left to right: @diymom.ca, @citysage, @myfavoriteroombykbmdesigns, @lewisishome, @tomboykc, @minimagkate, @lifeontheshadygrove, @ashleyaltenbach