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I have done a lot to find the right routine that finally works for me. I have dabbled into a few popular diets and fitness programs and now I found what my body is responding to. What works for me is macro counting and weight lifting and cardio when I can but mostly in the form of walks and hikes 1-2 times a week. Now that I have a rhythm, I needed the right supplements. I have started with my gut and it is important to me that the ingredients and protein sources are natural and free of unnecessary additives. Naked Nutrition is a favorite of mine with clean protein powders in flavors I get to choose, so I naturally wanted to try their supplements. My morning starts with my coffee and a scoop of Naked Gut and Naked Greens in 4 oz of apple juice and 4 oz of water mixed. This is 76 calories total between the supplements and juice and works with my macros.

The Naked Green Superfood Powder contains six different organic vegetables and grasses along with organic prebiotics, probiotics, and adaptogens. This mix supports immune and gut health as well as a good detox support. There are no additives or artificial sweeteners. It is a great supplement to pair with the Naked Gut.

Naked Gut has only seven natural ingredients including prebiotic fibers, probiotics, glutamine, and inulin. It is non-GMO, gluten free and vegan. There are no added colors, artificial sweeteners or flavors. It has no flavor. So, when I stir both a scoop of Naked Gut with a scoop of the Naked greens that has that ‘greens/grass’ taste and have that small amount of apple juice, I get a sweeter taste to help get it down. I start brewing my coffee and while that is going I can make my morning gut mix, stir well with a small whisk or use my electronic stir device to make sure there are no clumps left and down it in seconds.

Naked Nutrition has grown to offer over 50 products, with most having 3 ingredients or less. Shop Naked Nutrition now online and at Amazon.

Up to 45% of new mothers have reported experiencing birth trauma, a study in the Journal of Perinatal Education reveals. Birth trauma is physical and/or emotional distress experienced by the mother during or after childbirth. Although symptoms vary from mother to mother, they typically include intense flashbacks, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and anger. If you’re currently experiencing symptoms of birth trauma, there are things you can do to recover, process your experience, and move on from the birth. 

Let go of self-blame

Many mothers blame themselves after a traumatic birth — whether that’s because they feel like they failed their baby, their body failed them, or they should have done something differently. If you’re holding yourself to blame, it’s important to make a conscious effort to let these feelings go. No two birth experiences are the same, and if yours was difficult, you deserve even more love and respect as you’re now being a mother on top of all these unhappy feelings. So, be kind to yourself and take heart in knowing you did your best and will continue to do so for you and your baby.

Get professional help

A birth trauma therapist can help you understand the root cause of your birth trauma, learn new coping skills to manage negative thoughts and emotions, and strengthen relationships that may have been affected by your experience. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, is often recommended by PTSD and focuses on replacing unhealthy patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with healthy ones. Additionally, if you sustained a birth injury like a vaginal tear or pelvic damage, you may also want to consult a reputable lawyer. Birth injury lawyers can help you file a lawsuit and receive rightful compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses. 

Focus on recovery 

After a traumatic birth, it’s important to prioritize rest and recovery in order to help your brain process the experience and move on. This means getting enough sleep, good nutrition, and minimizing stress, which although isn’t easy with a newborn, is key for healing. So, make sure to prioritize “me time” everyday — whether that means reading a good book, watching a movie, having a bath, or spending the day with your baby on the sofa. 

Healing from birth trauma doesn’t happen overnight, but is possible with self-love and patience. By letting go of blame, getting professional help, and focusing on recovery, you can recover and enjoy your new life as a mother.

I have had a blast reviewing some new children’s books for fall reading and these are a hit! Brought to you by Chronicle Books, these will keep your child engaged and inspired.

The Pop-Up Guide: Vehicles

Written by: Maud Poulain. At the city, on a construction site, in an emergency, on the road, in the fields, for shipping, at sea, at a race and in the sky you see vehicles. They are all in this stunning pop-up book! Vehicles are all labeled and the illustrations are engaging. Rated ages 3-5. Buy on Amazon ($16.99 hardcover).

Every Little Kindness

Written by: Marta Bartolj. Marta is an illustrator and Artist from Slovenia and this book is 100% art. NO words at all, just a story with pictures and you can’t wait to turn the next page within the vents that lead up to a happy ending. No words are needed, you will get a story so magical and kind. Such a unique book for 2021. Rated ages 5-8. Buy on Amazon ($17.99 hardcover).

Let’s Be Safe (Pull & Play Book)

Written by: Alice Le Henand. How safe can each frind be, Pull the flap and see the safe choices they each can make in their situations. This is such an engaging book with adorable illustrations. Rated ages 0-3. Buy on Amazon ($12.99 hardcover).

Barkus The Most Fun

Written by: Patricia Maclachlan. Barkus is back! He is so much fun. This time he and Baby the kitten star in a parade, visit a farm and brings surprises. This Barkus book is just as full of Doggy adventures as the others. Rates ages 6-9. Preorder with Chronicle Books ($14.99 hardcover)

Mr. Watson’s Chickens

Written by Jarrett Dapier. Mr. Watson lives with Mr. Nelson and they have 3 chickens…to start! Mr. Watson’s chic kens soon multiply by the hundreds and Mr. Nelson is becoming very annoyed. Mr Watson does not want Mr. Nelson upset so they find a way to give these chickens a loving home to save their relationship. But, as they (finally) get the chickens a new home, it starts all over again! Rated ages 3-5. Buy on Amazon ($17.99 hardcover)

Spooky: A Sleuth & Solve Book

Written by Victor Escandell. We love Sleuth & Solve books in my home. There lies a mystery or puzzle to solve aon every page and this book is about spooky decoding and mind-twisting mysteries. These mind-bending mini-mysteries inspired by classic creepy characters feature familiar fiends as well as terrifying new tales of ghosts, witches, and more! Rated ages 8-12. Buy on Amazon ($16.68 hardcover).

My Christmas Wish For You

Written by: Lisa Swerling & Ralph Lazar. This rhyming book is a touching celebration of the holiday spirit, from spreading Christmas cheer to spending sweet moments together with the ones you love. Rayed ages 3-5. Buy on Amazon ($14.99 hardcover)