It’s no secret: I love breastfeeding my son. I can’t help but get all sad when I think of the day when Liam and I will no longer have those tender nights, just the two of us… It’s depressing just thinking about it. My only consolation is thinking of all the benefits he will have reaped by then. […]
Read MoreWe are preparing ourselves for our first, two week long family vacation and it will without a doubt be quite the adventure (did I not mention we are traveling with a baby, a dog, two suitcases filled with christmas gifts, a duffle diaper bag, a stroller, and a car seat?) I thought it would be a […]
Read MoreI am so glad I can finally share Jolene’s incredible birth story! It doesn’t get more inspirational than this. It’s so empowering to deliver your baby vaginally and naturally… but with twins?! If she did it, we can all do it. I hope her story inspires and empowers many. * “Five days after conceiving, I […]
Read MoreWho doesn’t love cookies? This recipe is not only moist and delicious, but super healthy, especially while breastfeeding. These scone-like cookies are perfect for breakfast on the go or a mid afternoon snack… 1 cup quick oats ¾ cup whole wheat flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder 2 tsp ground cinnamon ⅛ tsp salt 2 tbsp coconut oil […]
Read More4 months is a tough time for a baby… So many changes! According to The Wonder Weeks, the “leap” that your baby enters around 4 months is a big one. He will now be able to perceive transitions (observing a bouncing ball, grasping objects with his hands, etc…) and starts to notice and enjoy sounds (especially your voice!) […]
Read More(YUM.) Here is my super easy recipe for dairy free, wheat free, sugar free protein pancakes (serves 2 people… or one very hungry breastfeeding mama!) 1 medium sized banana 1-2 heaping scoops of whey protein (preferably with no artificial sweeteners!) 4 egg whites 1/3 cup oats 2 tbsps unsweetened vanilla almond milk 1/4 teaspoon baking […]
Read MoreMy father’s first piece of advice when I told him I was pregnant was, “You and Joe are going to have to be team players. Some days are going to be rough. The most important thing is for you to support each other even when you are exhausted and just want to snap at each other.” My […]
Read MoreAs a teenager, I was sometimes too nice. I often didn’t voice my opinion in order to not make a scene. I didn’t like ruffling feathers. I wanted others to like me. I said “yes” too often to satisfy others rather than myself. I replayed what I actually should’ve said over and over in my […]
Read MoreAs we celebrate Liam’s 4 month birthday (be jealous, it’s a party every month at our house!), I find myself reflecting on how motherhood has changed me. Far gone are the days when I whined about being bored or slept in on weekends… Nowadays, I pray for a long nap so that I can get all my chores, […]
Read More“Millions upon millions of women of all ages take the pill every day, and many of these women — women who consider themselves healthy and selective as to what they put into their bodies — are absolutely clueless when it comes to how it works, even though it impacts every organ and function of the […]
Read MoreI’m back, people! It’s been a tough couple of weeks now that I’m officially teaching again. Two college courses and 45 papers to grade each week… oh, and a 3 month old at home who needs constant attention. No biggie! As a breastfeeding mama, I’m always concerned about my milk supply dropping unexpectedly (I’m hoping to make […]
Read MoreLast Sunday, Joe and I went apple picking with friends in North Salem, New York. The orchard was bustling with activity, even at 10 A.M. so early in the season: fresh donuts, wood fired pizzas, lemonade and cider stands, pumpkin pies, and live country music. After wandering around the farm store, we grabbed our bags and strolled through […]
Read MoreHiring a doula (also referred to as a birth coach) for Liam’s birth was not something I ever gave any thought to. The reason is simple: I had a midwife who was hands on with me during every stage of labor, my husband is a firefighter, unaffected by blood and extreme pain, and my mother had […]
Read MoreAs a new parent, you often feel as if all you are able to provide your newborn with is food and comfort… and more food. There seems to be no interaction beyond the bouncing, rocking, cradling, and endless feedings. But believe it or not, there are many ways you can interact with your little one […]
Read MoreMy life has changed drastically since Liam has come into the world. Aside from the obvious–budgeting for diapers and wipes, the bags under my eyes, my sore back–being a Mom has made me a better, stronger person. I try to be healthier. I’ve always been concerned about health and nutrition. I choose organic whenever I have the […]
Read MoreWe all know those first three months are tough. Veteran Moms will try to warn you about how hard it is at first, but you’re not quite there yet so it doesn’t sink in… Really, you’re still trying to cope with the idea of childbirth and dilating to the size of a bagel. Truth is, once […]
Read MoreBreastfeeding for as long as possible is my priority. Since my first day postpartum, I have been drinking Fenugreek tea (this one) and eating a healthy diet of protein, carbohydrates, and veggies. Some great foods for breastfeeding are: Salmon (Wild-caught only) – Like other fatty fish, salmon is loaded with a type of fat called DHA, crucial to […]
Read MoreEssential oils have been used for centuries around the world (notably in China, Egypt, Greece, South America, Middle East, and Africa) and are still recognized around the world for their powerful therapeutic properties. If you have any doubts about their power and efficacy, rub the bottom of your feet with eucalyptus radiata (also known as […]
Read MoreLabor probably won’t start with your water breaking all at once like it does in the movies. It might start with mild contractions (and your doctor might even need to break it himself) or with your water breaking… very little. Then it’ll most likely continue to break in little spurts. In my case, it broke so […]
Read MoreI haven’t written an article in a while because–shocker!–taking care of a newborn is basically a full time job. Between the sleepless nights, dirty diapers, tummy time, full hampers, packing away newborn size clothing, and rocking Liam to sleep using a creative array of methods, Joe and I have both been pretty busy (and exhausted). But before […]
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The Real Johanna Riehm 