Lactogenic overnight oats for nursing mothers

The official countdown is on- I have less than a week (let that soak in for a minute!!!) before Clark joins our family! I am equal parts ecstatic and ready and nervous and preparing all the things. Breastfeeding is always my number one priority after giving birth (I have already spent 3.5+ years of my 6.5 years of motherhood dedicated to this expression of love!) and am gearing up for another two years of nourishing our son.

Since morning times are the most hectic in my household and we all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I wanted to focus on making that rush time less stressful by having an easy go-to meal; and these lactogenic overnight oats are just the answer!

Not only are they easy to prepare, just throw everything into a mason jar, you prep them the night before and let the fridge do its magic and the oats soften and the flavors mingle. Even better part? Use the same mason jar to heat and eat from! This can't be easier.  Bonus: all the ingredients in this recipe help produce/sustain your milk production!

Lactogenic Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1 fresh or 2-3 dried apricots, diced

1 TBSP honey (a natural sweetener)

1 TBSP flaxseeds, optional

1/2 cup almondmilk or more depending on how thick/thin you like your oatmeal

Layer all the dry ingredients and then top off with almondmilk. Cover and shake to incorporate all the ingredients. Place in fridge overnight and heat in microwave the next morning. +Due to the variances in all microwaves I would say start at 30 seconds and check for 'doneness'. My microwave has low wattage so it takes about 1 minute to heat to my likeness. Enjoy!

*Oats are a great source of iron, calcuim and fiber. (source)

*Almonds and cashews are believed to boost breastmilk production. (source)

*Apricots are high in fiber, Vitamins A, C, potassium and calcium. (source)

*Flaxseed has phytoestrogens that can influence breast milk production and also contains essential fatty acids. (source)

This post was first seen on The Vintage Honey Shop blog.

Linking up here.

   

   

Minimalist Hospital Packing List {Baby #3}

This being my third trip to the Labor and Delivery unit at our local hospital (which so happens to have been my place of birth, my husbands and our siblings and two daughters!) I felt confident packing my bag this go around. Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog! 

I call this my minimalist packing list as I don't bring "everything and the kitchen sink". I also don't plan on staying longer than a day (or any more than I have to!)

Nursing tank- more coverage and support than those hospital gowns.

Cozy cardigan- a robe or hoodie would work just as well.

Yoga/jogger pants- I forgo the hospital gown ASAP after delivery and found that it makes me so much more comfortable when I'm in my own clothes.

Non Slip Socks For Hospital- no one wants to put their bare feet onto hospital floors (shudder).

Toiletries- toothbrush/toothpaste, facial soap/lotion, Travel Size Shampoo + Conditioner Kit, deodorant (and extra points if they're travel-sized!) hair ties, lip balm

HUGGIES Wipes- so easy to use and dispose when changing those first sticky merconium diapers! 

Going home outfit for you and baby- truth be told I usually stay in my post-birth uniform of nursing tank/yoga pants/cardigan but a maxi dress would be just as comfy! But Baby's going home outfit is a pretty big deal, am I right?

Boppy Nursing Pillow- this item could technically be left off and regular pillows used but the shape is superior and using it to nurse is so much more convenient.

Water Bottle- I don't go anywhere without mine!

Phone/charger- how else will you share baby's birth announcement on social media? ;)

***Car seat installed in car- this will stay in your car but is a must.***

I hope this list helps other mom's find that packing for the hospital need not be stressful or  feel like you're laden-down with "stuff" as the best bundle is the one you get to carry in your arms for the first time after growing for nine months!

This post was first seen on The Vintage Honey Shop Blog!

Linking up here.

   

   

Announcing the A Year of Color link up!

I have been so excited to share about this link up ever since Justine asked if I wanted to be a part of it! This is a fun, color-centric monthly link up where each month a new color will be the focal point and how you share it is entirely up to you! So what does that mean? You can take this in any direction you want to! A recipe, a DIY, a printable, an outfit... whatever! Super fun, right? Join, Desiree, Stefanie, Justine and me and make 2017 A Year of Color!

I hope you'll join us every third Friday of the month! Below are the details for the first half of 2017:

Dates/colors

January 20th= white

February 17th= pink

March 17th= green

April 21st= pastels

May 19th= yellow

June 16th= purple

You can also join us on social media using #YearofColor2017

Linking up here.

   

   

Our Favorite Christmas Movies {Fortunate House Guest Post}

I'm over at Evelina's blog, Fortunate House today sharing all about our favorite Christmas movies! Did yours make the list? Come on over, say "hi" and get into the movie-watching spirit!

Congratulations to Kerry for winning the Baby Led Weaning Giveaway!

 

Postpartum Dressing Formula

I am guest posting over at Colleen's blog, Meet the Sullivans, today. She just welcomed her second son and is taking some much needed time for baby bonding. Congratulations Sullivan Family! I'd love for you to pop on over, say "hi" and share about your postpartum dressing secrets!

Postpartum dressing formula by work-it-mommy 

Gap knit top / Hue stretch legging / Madden Girl short heel boots / Old Navy round scarf

And if you're looking for more postpartum information, I've got you covered!

Postpartum Dressing: hiding the tummy

Bringing Home Baby: new mom medicine cabinet

Lactation Supporting foods and drinks

Returning to Work: Pumping Essentials