After 7 months off from fitness (but basically 4 years since I’ve been pregnant since January 2013), I am finally back to working out. It’s not quite as much as I’d like but it’s better than what I have (not) been doing, so I’m happy. I’m running 2 days/week and at the gym 2 days/week. It’s a good balance that feels healthy, manageable, and enjoyable. Plus, I’m starting to feel “healthy” again, and that feels good.

I’m sharing some of my current Health + Running  Favorites. I’d love to hear what your favorites are too…

1. Running

I’m a lifelong runner but in recent years, running has been put on the backburner. With three kids in three years it’s been hard to run, let alone make it a priority. Now that I’m able to leave Baby W for an extended period of time, I’m able to spend a little time on myself. And that means running + working out. It feels good to go for a run – the burning in my legs and lungs is something I haven’t felt in a really long time. I have a long way to go but in the meantime, it feels good to workout. 

In my 20+ years of running, I’ve worn a lot of different running shoes. I’ve left brands only to return to the same brand, and worn many styles in between. When the Mizuno Wave Rider 21 launched (new and improved), I was excited to give it a test run after a nine year hiatus. Now in young adulthood, the Wave Rider 21 is exactly what I need as I transition back to running. The 21 is a neutral running shoe with enough cushion underfoot but without all the bulk. It’s fairly lightweight, offers a smooth heel to toe transition, and offers great breathability. As I build mileage and confidence on the run, the Wave Rider 21 will build with me.

I’m happy to be running on the trails again and think the Wave Rider 21 is a great companion. It’s a wonderful shoe for a neutral runner that’s just getting back into the sport – or for a seasoned marathoner. It’s versatile and making great strides on the pavement.

2. Pineapple + Spinach Smoothie

I can’t start my day without a Pineapple + Spinach smoothie. Guys, I’m obsessed. It’s easy to make (so important for me these days) and so delicious. If you’re looking for a

quick morning shake or post-workout fuel, this is the smoothie for you.

• Handful of Spinach
• ½ cup frozen Pineapple
• ½ frozen banana
• Splash of Harmless Harvest Coconut Water
• 1 scoop of Tone it Up Vanilla Protein
• 1 shake of Flax Seed
• Cover remainder with Water. Blend + Enjoy.

3. Bulletproof Coffee

I kinda love Bulletproof Coffee.  And I kinda need it (since no one in my house sleeps through the night). A combo of Coffee + organic coconut oil + grassfed butter, Bulletproof Coffee is an amazing drink that stomps on hunger and cravings, banishes brain fog, and helps you lose weight, build muscle, and increase focus and performance. Plus, it tastes really good. It’s easy to make at home; or South Block Juice Co. for on-the-go drinks

4. Athleta everything

I have a love/hate relationship with Athleta. But right now, I have a love + lust relationship. I pretty much want everything in the store. It’s probably a combination of losing the baby weight + running/working out – but I can’t stop buying all the things. These + these are my current favorites.

5. Rosemary Water

Between breastfeeding and working out, I am constantly thirsty. I love water – so that helps – but sometimes I want to mix-it-up a bit. Enter, Rosemary Water.

We always have rosemary in our garden, so it’s easy for me to make. If you aren’t so lucky, you can buy rosemary at any grocery store. I fill up my bottle with filtered water and add rosemary. I love cold water so I pop it in the fridge for a few hours. Voila, refreshing rosemary water.

There you have it, my current favorites. What are you loving lately?

Note:

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.

Breastfeeding is truly amazing, isn’t it? I mean you’re growing another human with the milk your own body.

But breastfeeding isn’t easy. It’s a learning process for mom and baby full of challenges and obstacles that can hit you hard and make it difficult to continue. In fact, despite the current recommendation by the World Health Organization to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, less than 20% of U.S. women are able to do so.

There are some cases where some mothers are not able to breastfeed due to naturally low supply, health issues, or certain medications. But these cases are rare, and luckily, there are other options out there for these women, like donor milk and formula.

Moms that want to and are capable of breastfeeding need the support and knowledge necessary to overcome these obstacles and continue to breastfeed their babies well past the first six months of life.

This week is World Breastfeeding Week, and the emphasis is on “working together for change.”  I would like to do my part by sharing my experiences in overcoming the five most common breastfeeding struggles that new moms face,  so that you too, can have the best chance at being successful.

1. Knowledge is Power
You visit your OB/GYN throughout your whole pregnancy, yet they rarely discuss or provide information on breastfeeding (if at all). And your clinician and pediatrician seem to always give conflicting information on breastfeeding.

I am fortunate that I had access to free breastfeeding classes, support groups, and lactation consultants through the local hospital. But if you don’t have this kind of opportunity, it can be difficult to know what to expect on your breastfeeding journey.
If you don’t have access to breastfeeding education in your area, then the internet and social media are your best tools. Facebook groups were so helpful in my experience. Especially, the local La Leche League group. Gaining as much knowledge as you can before your baby is here will boost your confidence and help you be successful at breastfeeding.

2. Don't Fret Low Supply
Having a naturally low supply is rare, but does happen, and could be due to mom having insufficient glandular tissue or hormonal abnormalities. However, most of the time moms think they have a low milk supply when in reality they are doing just fine. There are a number of reasons why moms may believe they aren't making enough milk, such as baby suddenly nursing more frequently (cluster feedings), or when baby isn’t sleeping well, or your baby downs a bottle right after nursing.

These are all inconclusive signs that you’re not making enough milk. Counting wet and dirty diapers and keeping an eye on baby’s weight are the best ways to make sure your baby is getting enough to eat.

Most of the time low supply can be resolved by a few simple changes, such as increasing your water and calorie intake, nursing on demand, or eating lactation promoting foods, such as fennel and oatmeal.

If you are concerned about your supply, be sure to contact an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).  

3. Latching Sometimes Needs Guidance
From preemies to nipple confusion, from lip ties to tongue ties, there are a variety of reasons why your baby may not be latching properly. Your baby’s latch should be comfortable for you.
If you are in extreme pain while nursing or experience any pain beyond the first few weeks, be sure to have your baby’s latch evaluated by an IBCLC as soon as possible, as a poor latch can create poor milk transfer.

4. Get on the Same Page With Your Partner
Your partner can play a significant role in your breastfeeding success. In fact, some women don’t even attempt to breastfeed because their partner is so adamant about bottle feeding because they want to be involved.

If you are dealing with an unsupportive partner, I suggest sitting down and talking to him about the many benefits of breastfeeding and other ways that they can be involved. They can help baby latch, fill up your water bottle, bring you food during those crazy cluster feedings, and prop up your pillows. There are other ways they can bond with your baby like bath time, reading books, singing songs, and if all else fails, there is still the option of having them bottle feed breast milk.

5. Mommas Got to Pay the Bills
Returning to work can be a huge barrier to your breastfeeding success. You may not receive any paid maternity leave and have to go back to work before your breastfeeding relationship, and milk supply is fully established. Or, you may work for a small company, that is not required to provide any pumping breaks, and you have to squeeze as much out as you can during your lunch break while hovering over your sandwich. A hands-free pump will be your best friend in these cases.
But maybe you won’t respond well to the pump, and you’ll struggle to make enough for your baby. In these cases, I would try a manual pump or hand expressing and be sure that you’re staying well hydrated and getting enough calories. Breastfeeding when returning to work won't be easy, but just know that it can be done.

In Summary
Breastfeeding is a bonding experience unlike any other but doesn’t come without challenges. It's up to us to help new moms overcome these obstacles, not only this world breastfeeding week but for the 51 remaining too. Let’s do our best to provide them with the information, support, and tools they need to be successful at breastfeeding. Because only together can we sustain breastfeeding. 

About the Author
Jenny Silverstone is the mother of two, a writer and a breastfeeding advocate. You can find sharing advice and guides for overcoming common breastfeeding struggles on her
blog MomLovesBest.com.