Ashling Drew, Author at Joyful Messes

Pooping After Birth: How Childbirth Can Change Your Bowel Movements

Before childbirth, you’ll have many people telling you about the complicated challenges women undergo, both before and after pregnancy. From sheer hormonal changes to baby blues, many things are happening inside during and after pregnancy that pregnant women are prepped for. Though, out of all these things, hardly anyone talks about the hit that the digestive system takes after childbirth and how hard that first postpartum poop can be. And pair that with all the hormonal changes that deal with breast milk production, and there’s a lot of stress and anxiety, which can, in turn, lead to a whole other side of digestive disorders, like IBS. Regardless of whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or c-section, most women go through a series of different bowel movement problems that lead up to that first postpartum poop, which include constipation, poop leakage, and reduced bowel function. However, it’s quite normal to experience all…

The Best Postpartum Workout Routine That Actually Works

Want a postpartum workout routine that works? Of course, you do – it’s why you’re here! After having and recovering from two pregnancies, I know exactly what goes into an after-pregnancy workout routine – meaning I know what moves work and what ones don’t. The postpartum workouts I am going to recommend will help flatten your tummy and get you into shape. In this post, I plan to take you through what you need in a post-baby workout, what I do as a postnatal workout, and what I advise you not to do for a postnatal workout. Here’s What Needs to be Part of Your Postpartum Workout Routine An ab-focused plan to reconnect your mind-muscle connection Posture exercises to correct posture issues that develop during pregnancy Body weight strength work to build strength back safely Long, slow cardio that helps burn fat An important thing to understand is that once…

How to Set Screen Time Boundaries

The question of how much screen time is too much is becoming a growing concern for parents! As we depend more on technology and our own devices than previous generations, technology is also more accessible to young children every day. As mamas, we want to do all that we can to ensure that screens aren’t raising our kids, but we also want to give them a little freedom. And, to be honest, we have all had those moments as parents when we needed that parental break from reality, right? What if there was a happy medium? With a few carefully placed time management strategies, you can help your child become less screen-craving and rekindle your child’s ability to engage in screenless play. While technology can be a good thing. the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child not be in front of a screen for more than 2 hours…

Breastfeeding and Weight Loss: Postpartum Weight Loss Plan for Breastfeeding Moms

Do you have a goal to start losing the baby weight while you’re breastfeeding? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone! The women I connect with in the Facebook group for The Postpartum Cure, share some of their concerns or struggles with postpartum weight loss while breastfeeding so I have a good handle on what you’re probably thinking and feeling. Btw, if you’re interested in learning more about The Postpartum Cure and how the program supports breastfeeding moms with a healthy diet and workout plan, click here. What I’ve seen is a lot of women have a goal to lose at least 10 pounds while they are breastfeeding. Some women want to lose more – it really depends on how much weight was gained during pregnancy. Losing 10 lbs. of baby weight while breastfeeding is a great goal! I am passionate about supporting moms with safe postpartum weight loss…

The Best Lactation Cookie List for Breastfeeding and Milk Supply

Meet guest poster, Katie Pickett, a seasoned entrepreneur and mom of three who has shared her wisdom in crafting this blog post. At joyfulmesses.com, we’re committed to providing you with the latest parenting insights and tips, thanks to contributors like Katie. Stay tuned for expert advice, as we continue to update our blog to support moms like you on your journey. Love, Ashling! If you’re searching for easy lactation cookies that taste yummy and will help boost your milk supply, you’ve come to the right place! I love healthy lactation cookies! They make the best, healthy snacks for breastfeeding moms. I love breastfeeding cookies so much that I wanted to create a post with some of my favorite recipes. Lactation cookies are one of the main reasons I’m able to build and maintain my breast milk supply and I want the same for you! I have collected what I feel are…

Postpartum Essentials: Postpartum Must-Haves to Get Before Baby Arrives

I’ve had to prepare for birth three times now so I know exactly what postpartum essentials are needed in order to recover and thrive after the baby arrives. I’ll be honest – I’ve learned a bit more about what postpartum must-haves to stock up on with every baby I have. These are the postpartum essentials that I never want to run out of while taking care of a newborn baby and myself. It’s so wonderful to sit at home and just enjoy the baby, and NOT need anyone to run out to grab postpartum items. I recommend grabbing these postpartum items before you’re very pregnant and tired at just the thought of leaving the house. This particular postpartum list is just what mamas need in the first few weeks after birth. The goal is to make sure you are comfortable and happy. Another thing I did to prepare for postpartum…

How I Safely Lose the Extra Baby Weight Without Losing My Milk Supply

I’ve had three babies and each time I’ve gained more knowledge about losing the extra baby weight safely and without affecting my breastmilk supply. In fact, I was able to keep up a healthy milk supply while dropping the baby weight fairly fast. Weight loss after baby can be done without a strict, low-calorie diet or lots and lots of intensive exercise. The best (and, sometimes, fastest) way to lose the baby weight is to focus on a few important things that will help you with your postpartum weight loss goals while also protecting your milk supply. I developed a program and app that supports mamas just like you with developing a breastfeeding diet plan that will help you reach your after baby weight loss goals while making sure you’re eating enough nutrients to support a healthy milk supply. Click here to find out more about The Postpartum Cure and…

The Best Milk Making Brownie Lactation Smoothie Recipe

If you’re searching for yummy lactation smoothie recipes, my milk-making brownie lactation smoothie recipe is just what you need. This lactation smoothie is amazing for both increasing milk supply as well as helping you lose that baby weight. It’s filled with healthy breastfeeding foods that will allow you to reach your goals while nursing your sweet newborn baby. Did you see that I mentioned this lactation smoothie will boost your milk supply while helping you lose the extra baby weight safely? Yes, it is possible for healthy weight loss while breastfeeding! Lactation smoothies are a key component of my program, The Postpartum Cure because they are full of important nutrients for breastfeeding and weight loss. That really is the trick to keeping your milk supply while losing the baby weight. If you’re struggling to lose the baby weight while breastfeeding because you fear your milk supply will decrease, make sure…

Human Grade Dog Food from A Pup Above, An Honest Review

Meet BaSha, my very first baby. She’s of the furry variety! A Tibetan Terrier that I have had since she was 12 weeks old. We’ve been through a lot together, she and I. She is getting older now and I’ve used several different foods for her over the years. Dry food, wet food, a combination of wet and dry. I’ve seen lot of ads for fresh dog food brands in recent years. When A Pup Above asked me if I would let my dog try their fresh food diet and give my honest review of it, I said sure! I wasn’t sure, however, if they would convince me that this was in fact better for my dog than what I had been feeding her. They sent me their sampler pack and I slowly introduced it to my pup’s food. Well, I can honestly say at 15 years old, my dog BEGS for her A Pup Above…

Breastfeeding Diet: The Best Foods for Milk Supply and Weight Loss After Baby

I’m breastfeeding my third baby now and I’ve finally got a handle on how to lose the baby weight without affecting my milk supply. I’ve even had a bout of mastitis from overproducing, while still losing all the baby weight in about 2 months. Your breastfeeding diet is key to telling your body it’s okay to let go of fat, while also providing the nutrients that produce the liquid gold your baby needs. If you are looking for a quick way to increase your breast milk supply, while not consuming extra calories, I highly recommend Fenugreek. I’ve used it a few ways, but the capsule versions worked best for me. I also found this resource amazing in helping me understand breastfeeding and how to keep up a healthy supply. I know that a nutrient-dense breastfeeding diet plan is essential for successfully maintaining a good milk supply level while also being able to meet my…

Ashling Drew