Beauty Tips

5 Natural Ingredients to Use During Pregnancy

While pregnant or breastfeeding, it becomes especially important to be mindful of what goes in and on your body. Studies have shown that common chemicals in everyday personal care products, such as shampoo, makeup and moisturizers, are associated with developmental, reproductive and behavioral disorders, hormone disruption and cancer. Nine Naturals believes in creating products that are not only high-performing, but also completely safe and natural. Some of our favorite natural ingredients include:

VITAMIN E: Isolated from vegetable oils, Vitamin E is an important vitamin required for the proper function of many organs and an antioxidant, meaning it helps to slow down processes that damage cells. This is important for pregnant women because it can help prevent complications in late pregnancy due to high blood pressure, PMS, painful periods, hot flashes associated with breast cancer, and breast cysts. The moisturizing properties of Vitamin E for skin is well known but it also does wonders for your hair! When ingested or applied topically on hair, Vitamin E is effective for hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp, prevent premature greying by slowing down the overall aging process, giving hair a lustrous shine by promoting natural strength and shine, and preventing split ends by countering damage done by heat. Find Vitamin E used in all Nine Naturals products.

ARGAN OIL: Not all women get pregnancy glow. Some often experience dry skin, especially around the belly, breasts, and hips as the skin swells and grows. High in vitamin E, antioxidants, and linolenic acid, argan oil is a super-effective moisturizer that has been shown to prevent and treat stretch marks by maintaining elasticity and preventing moisture-loss. On top of improving your body’s immunity to diseases such as breast and colorectal cancer, argan oil is good for treating under eye circles, burns, wrinkles, brittle nails, arthritis, and rheumatism pain. Argan oil in Nine Naturals Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner gives lackluster postpartum hair a boost by adding shine and hydrating roots.

BROCCOLI SEED OIL: Broccoli seed oil is high in vitamin C, Vitamin B, and erucic acid, which is a light oil composed of many different omega-9 and omega-6 oils. This means that it helps eliminate free radicals that can contribute to cancer, prevent hair loss while promoting thicker healthier hair, and soothe redness and inflammation. Best part? Broccoli seed oil is a natural substitute for silicone--often found in cosmetic products, particularly in leave-on skincare and haircare products, such as Nine Naturals Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter. This natural emollient hydrates hair and skin without leaving a greasy film and adds a protective layer that traps in moisture, and keeping skin and hair hydrated all day long!

CAPUAÇU BUTTER: Found in the rain forests of South America, Cupuacu butter has a natural hazelnut aroma, is rich in phytosterols, polyphenols, and fatty acids, and is a good natural substitute for lanolin. This means that it can be used to effectively treat dry, damaged skin, combat free radicals in tissues, and protect and moisturize skin. Treating skin with cupuacu butter also allows skin to attract 240% more water, fight inflammation, and improve elasticity--making it the perfect ingredient for stretch-mark fighting belly butters! Plus, it also absorbs UV rays, adding natural sun protection. This is why Nine Naturals uses cupuacu butter in its Unscented Moisturizing Body Cream.

COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil, used in all Nine Naturals products, is a fatty acid that is easily metabolized by the body, making it an excellent replacement for butter and oils, and helps regulate blood sugar levels while providing stable energy. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, much-needed lauric, caprylic, and capric acid in coconut oil passes from mother to child. These acids are known to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasiticidal properties that support immune system in mommy and baby. On skin, this holy grail ingredient prevents stretch marks and alleviates itchiness on belly and breasts.It’s also a natural, moisturizing, and gentle cleanser. Use to remove makeup from skin, tame frizzy hair, and soothe cracked lips.

Adding these simple and natural ingredients to your beauty routine will go a long way in helping detoxify your pregnancy. Read labels carefully and opt for brands that provide full ingredient transparency. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database is also great place to get more information about companies with high safety ratings.

5 Beauty Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy

A growing number of studies show that common chemicals in everyday personal care products, such as shampoo, makeup and moisturizers, are associated with developmental, reproductive and behavioral disorders, hormone disruption and cancer. That is why, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, women should especially avoiding synthetic chemicals. Here is our list of top 5 most harmful agents:

Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. Intended to stop the growth of bacteria in your products, they disrupt your endocrine system—chemicals that act like hormones and disrupt the reproductive system. They can build up in the body over time and have been associated with reproductive disorders in babies. That is why all Nine Naturals products are free of Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates.

Sulfates are cleansing agents used to create soaps that foam and lather. Nitrosamines and 1.4-dioxane are the two primary culprits present within sulfates and have been labeled carcinogenic. Sulfates have also been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, incite reproductive and developmental problems and seriously pollute the environment. At Nine Naturals, we use a variety of citrus juice and oils--like those in our shampoos and conditioners--because they are natural cleansers that not only maintain your body’s natural balance, but helps improve move and reduce inflammation.

Phthalates are found in a wide variety of personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners and perfumes, and are often a component of fragrance in products. Exposure to phthalates is associated with hormone disruption, birth defects and endometriosis. Our Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash will fill your shower with a fresh, floral aroma that not only calms you, but may even help alleviate pregnancy nausea!

BPA is a chemical commonly found in plastics mostly used for containers. Recent studies have shown BPA to cause developmental disorders, such as cancer, ADHD and asthma, in fetuses when pregnant women interact with the substance. Make sure you look for bottles that are BPA-free, as these chemicals can seep into the products the bottles were intended to hold.

Petrochemicals are made from natural gas liquid and crude oil often used in the manufacturing of plastics. What many people don’t realize is that petrochemicals are widely added to food, personal care products and household products. Because petrochemicals are known hormone disrupters and have been linked to causing many health problems, such as cancer, Nine Naturals’ moisturizing bodycare products only use non-toxic essential oils naturally-derived from plants.

The prevalence of these toxic chemicals may be overwhelming, but don’t worry! Staying educated on what to avoid and what natural ingredients are better substitutes will make the journey to a healthier lifestyle much easier. Whether it’s upgrading your beauty routine--try 7-free nail polish and all-natural mascara--or simply switching to glass from plastic, feel at ease knowing that you are creating a healthier, safer environment for mommy and baby.

With so much attention on protecting our skin from the sun, we sometimes neglect the damage that the sun's rays can have on our hair. The combination of heat, sweat, and humidity can seriously flatten and fry our locks. Here are our top three natural and pregnancy-safe beauty fixes to keep your hair happy and healthy this summer:

Problem: Fried Hair

Solution: Salt water from the ocean and chlorine from the pool can leave hair dry and brittle hair. To restore shine and lustrous texture back to your hair, use an all-natural deep conditioner in your hair, such as Nine Naturals Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, to tame your tresses.

For a little extra hydration, add a small amount of coconut oil and leave on for 20 min before washing out or work into an overnight hair treatment. Snipping off the damaged ends will help get your hair back to its normal, healthy texture.

Problem: Flat Hair

Solution: When fine or straight hair meets humidity, it can become limp. To add some va-va-voom, avoid using deep conditioner on roots, instead focusing only on the ends. Another must-avoid is heavy styling products, such as mouse or hairspray. This may seem counter-intuitive but product-buildup at the roots in conjunction with humid weather seriously flattens hair. Try blow drying hair upside down!

Problem: Frizzy Hair

Solution: To fight frizz, rub a tiny bit of natural conditioner into your hands and work it through your strands. Not only will this help smooth hair, it will also slightly weighing down the top layer to prevent further frizzing. Layered hair can lead to puffiness in the summer weather so don't be afraid to ask your hairstylist for a blunter cut to help hold down the ends.

Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style is empowering new moms physically and emotionally.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

Being a new mom is a blessing, but it’s also challenging in so many ways. Taking care of your new baby is all-consuming–so all-consuming, in fact, that you often forget to take care of mommy. Personal style takes a back seat, because, hey, baby doesn’t care what you look like, right? But at one point, YOU did.

Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style thinks you should again. Now. Because your style is a vehicle of self-expression and empowerment. “I’m a firm believer that we are at our best when we feel our best and that begins at our core,” she says. “Mind, body and soul must be aligned.”

Easier said than done, right? Not if you’ve got this (pregnant!) sylist extraordinaire (and lucky for us, WRNY style contributor!) on your side. Below, she talks about how a little “Style Coaching”–yes, you can actually hire her!–can make you look better…and feel way better.

Why is postpartum such a tough time for women when it comes to fashion?
During a pregnancy, women’s bodies go through many changes from both a physical and emotional perspective. While most women don’t expect to recover and bounce back to their ‘old selves’ immediately, they have to contend with embracing a new lifestyle, a new postpartum body and a new busy schedule that doesn’t allow much time for self-care. Personal style is typically one of the behaviors that winds up suffering the most, as many don’t feel it is a priority to worry about “what to wear” when they have a newborn to tend to. Closets become neglected, and women rely on wearing the “same old thing” daily to be both comfortable and easy.

How is this related to self-esteem?
Unfortunately this starts a downward spiral into compromised self-esteem. Many of my clients reach out to me when their baby is 6 months to 1-year-old, recognizing they have a closet full of either maternity clothes, items that don’t fit, or a pre-pregnancy wardrobe that hasn’t been updated in 2 years. Plus, many women are still not back to their ‘old body.’

Women connect with me when they are finally ready to accept their new shape, and start paying attention to themselves again regardless. While some are still struggling to lose the ‘baby weight’ and others stuck with a stale wardrobe, I work with my postnatal clients, easing them through this transition to find empowerment again, using style as one of the vehicles to get there. My philosophy is based on the platform that mind and body must coexist in harmony and this includes how we present ourselves to the world. I help bring my clients back to life to become their best selves in order to be strong role models for their children.

How is this an issue that touches upon both the physical and the mental?
Women in our society pay lots of attention to keeping their bodies in check through diet and exercise, and once a pregnancy takes place (pre and postnatally) we wind up having to surrender since so much of the physical adjustment is out of our hands.

Even though the change is a physical shift, it affects every part of our being. Not feeling good in our bodies domino-effects into our moods, energy level and overall state of wellness. Getting dressed becomes another casualty. Personal style is a silent way of communicating who we are and what we are all about, and if things are not in balance on the inside, it will become evident in your appearance. Fortunately there are strategic ways of coping. I help my clients in getting back to the alignment of both, whether during a pregnancy and/or afterwards.

What is “style therapy”?
Similar to talk therapy, where a person becomes mindful and aware of their own behavior patterns, Style Coaching is a form of therapy. While style is an extension of an inner self, feeling unstable can offset the alignment with the outer self. How we present ourselves to the world is contingent upon our emotional state. Together we break down any barriers and explore the deeper layers, by evaluating body image, self-esteem, style preferences, and style choices so I can provide techniques on how to compliment your shape, personality and taste. Whether you’re going through a break-up, lost weight, gained weight, recently had a baby, are pregnant or just looking to discover your “Style Personality,” my goal is to help you find an authentic sensibility and provide guidance on how to use style as a vehicle of confident self-expression and empowerment.

Tell us about the style coaching services you’re providing for new moms.
Style Coaching: This 1-1.5-hour session helps to create a strong foundation by assessing individual style goals/needs. I evaluate how your appearance interrelates with the emotional states you experience on a daily basis. Through a series of questions and exercises, we identify your “Style Personality.” Some of my clients find themselves lost after a pregnancy and birth, and need help finding a way back to their core before they can understand how to present themselves through fashion choices.
Closet Cleanse: Here, we move through your closet together and detox, get organized and set-up a closet to feel good about. We go through your entire (seasonal) wardrobe and answer things like: “When is the last time you wore this? How do you feel when you wear this? Does this item really fit anymore or are you saving it for when you lose/gain weight?” After a pregnancy, women wind up with clothes that either don’t fit, or with styles they don’t love anymore since most don’t invest heavily into new clothing when pregnant. Through this exercise, I provide tips and techniques on how to efficiently style what remains in your closet after removing what’s ‘toxic.’
Shopping: We go shopping (or I shop for you) to find those essential new pieces.
(Note: These can work a la carte, or as an all-inclusive service.)

What’s the biggest frustration that your new mom clients have when they come to you?
Contending with a new body, and how to dress it. While waiting to lose those last 5-10 lbs. (or more) postpartum, women neglect purchasing anything new, putting things on hold until they reach a goal weight. This leaves my clients with an uninspired closet with clothes that don’t really fit. I work very closely with my clients to teach them styling techniques that complement their new shape using their existing detoxed wardrobe, and offer shopping strategies on how to buy items that will work for now and later to ensure longevity in investments. There is no excuse for not having a wardrobe that you love and feel good in. No matter what size or shape you are. I work with all budgets, big or small.

What does it mean to “detox” your wardrobe?
Women typically hold onto clothing for emotional reasons, whether they are waiting to get back to an ‘old body,’ they envision themselves in styles they see on others to replicate a specific image, or they feel guilty getting rid of pieces they spent money on and have rarely worn. Unfortunately, this lands us in predicaments where we have too much merchandise that doesn’t work. Either things don’t fit right, they can’t make the style they were inspired by work into their own ‘Style Personality,’ or they just don’t like the item anymore.

I help women let go in order to become their full selves. This means getting rid of things that just don’t work. They could be beautiful pieces, they could be expensive, and it may have looked amazing on that famous actress you bought it because of. The bottom line is that if you don’t feel good in it, its gotta go! Together we discover what works on an individual basis, and this is where women start to become empowered by their own choices and feel confident in them.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

Mascara is often filled with harmful chemicals, such as parabens, and potential carcinogens such as petroleum and tar. These toxic ingredients have adverse effects on not only your eyelashes, but also your overall health (studies have linked these chemicals to cancer and birth defects). In mascara, these chemicals can also have negative beauty effects by hindering lash growth and causing lashes to fall out!

Fortunately, using these toxins aren’t necessary to achieve the beauty results you want. At Nine Naturals, we only believe in using all-natural and organic ingredients, instead of harmful chemicals, to enhance your natural beauty and our new addition to the Covet Shop--Honeybee Gardens' Truly Natural Mascara--is no exception. Here are some of the all-natural and non-toxic ingredients that make this mascara a moisturizing, nourishing, and water-resistant must-have in your makeup routine!

SAW PALMETTO: The oil obtained by cold extraction of Saw Palmetto berries is used to promote hair growth. In Truly Natural Mascara, this ingredient nourishes eyelashes while helping them grow long and lusciously, giving you naturally mesmerizing lashes!

CARNAUBA WAX: Almost completely exclusive to Brazil, the oil extracted from Carnauba Palm leaves is dried into a wax that is used in the Truly Natural Mascara. It is a natural thickener that doesn't clog pores, ensuring a smooth application for silky lashes. But it gets better! This mascara also softens lashes at the same time, leaving your eyelashes voluminous and clump-free!

AVOCADO BUTTER: Rich in vitamins, proteins, and fats, avocado butter is the perfect ingredient for natural mascara. This holy grail moisturizer is high in powerful antioxidants that not only hydrate lashes but also keeps them soft even after makeup removal. That’s why we also put avocado oil in our Nine Naturals Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash.

In the case of Honeybee Gardens’ Truly Natural Mascara, quality is not sacrificed for purity. All-natural cosmetics not only keep your body healthier for you and your baby, they also effectively nourish lashes to help you look your best before, during, and after application. So embrace it--all-day silky eyelashes with natural volume and length!

Barbecues, beach days, and fresh-squeezed lemonade are just a few of the many joyous things you’ll experience during the summer; however, the bun in your proverbial oven has the baking temperature permanently set on high, which is leaving you wishing for the steamy summer to end, and the crisp fall to begin.

Your rising body heat—thanks to the 40 percent increase in blood volume during pregnancy—causes you to sweat more and become more easily dehydrated, therefore it’s vital to keep cool. Here’s how:

Wellness

Drink at least eight full glasses of water—if not more—to stay hydrated and protect the health of your growing baby.

Eat foods with a high water content, including: watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and spinach.

Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its highest overhead.

Seek opportunities to cool off in a pool, lake or ocean—you’ll enjoy the weightless feeling, despite rocking a bump.

Nap, whenever possible, in a cool, dark room.

Crank up the air conditioner within your home, or position a fan to blast the cool breeze directly on your face/body.

Indulge in a fruit smoothie, frozen mocktail, or homemade granita to turn down the heat from the inside out.

Fashion

Wear lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen and silk.

Dress your burgeoning belly in loose, breathable clothing, such as tunics, flowing skirts and dresses.

Avoid dark colored apparel, as it absorbs the most heat.

Protect your skin from sunburn by donning a large, floppy sun hat.

Remove rings and tighter fitting accessories to avoid discomfort, as heat induces swelling.

Beauty

Keep a refreshing mineral water facial spray in your bag to mist your face and décolletage when you begin to feel overheated.

Apply an all-natural sunscreen—like Nine Naturals’ Natural Sunscreen SPF 32—before going outside, and reapply throughout the day, especially after being in water.

Spritz yourself with one of three subtly scented, 100 percent natural Pour le Monde perfumes first thing in the morning and whenever your body needs a fragrance refresh.

Calm and hydrate thirsty skin with 100% Pure’s Rose & Calendula Water Serum.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to safely enjoy the sun, surf and sand during the dog days of summer. As always, contact your health care provider with specific questions regarding your pregnancy.

Whether it's finishing a project, stocking up on diapers, or redecorating a home, women today have a lot going on. Sometimes we have the luxury of escaping to a tropical paradise, and other times, all we can squeeze in is an impromptu, at-home, spa session. Luckily for us, certain natural and pleasant aromas have been proven to help improve cognition, mood, and overall health as well as relieve stress and nausea. With the exception of certain oils (such as jasmine, rose, safe and more), essential oils are safe for use during pregnancy when used sparingly and in a diluted concentration.

Here are our top natural stress relieving scents that are safe for expecting mothers:

1. Geranium

Geranium’s gentle floral scent has been known to have soothing and relaxing effects on the body and to uplifting effects on mood. That's why we love our Citrus + Geranium Body Wash and Vanilla + Geranium Belly Butter. If you're feeling irritable or like you're in a never-ending cycle of work, then geraniums may just become your new best friend.

2. Chamomile

In addition to reducing stress, this sweet and fruity smelling flower has also helped some with insomnia and muscle tension. In fact, over the past 2000 years, Chamomile has been used to as a natural treatment for pregnancy nausea. Try applying chamomile straight to your skin or drinking it in tea!

3. Citrus

Citrus fruit essential oils are good for aromatherapy and anti-bacterial purposes. Especially during pregnancy, citrus fruit help fight nausea and fatigue by increasing energy and improving your mood. With so many benefits, we couldn't help but incorporate citrus in most of Nine Natural's’ haircare and bodycare product fragrances. Our Citrus + Mint Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, and Citrus + Geranium Body Wash provide an uplifting shower experience when you’re feeling tired. Create an uplifting experience right in your shower!

4. Sandalwood

Extracted from the heartwood of the evergreen tree, sandalwood oil has a sweet and woodsy scent. Besides reducing anxiety, sandalwood has been known to help with insomnia and improve overall sleep quality. For sleepless nights during pregnancy, this scent can really come in handy!

5. Peppermint

Peppermint has a cool and distinctively fresh feel and scent. The minty fragrance is known to relieve nausea and fight fatigue. Topically, peppermint oil hydrates the skin by encouraging natural oil production. For an invigorating pick-me-up, we use peppermint oil in our Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner.

With so many safe and effective ways to help us not only feel good but smell good, there's no excuse for not introducing one--or all!--of these golden aromas into your beauty and wellness repertoires. At Nine Naturals, we created unique, proprietary blends of 100% natural essential oil fragrances that not only smell amazing but are also beneficial to women during pregnancy. No need to head to the spa when your home shower is already steaming with mandarin and geraniums!

When your body is changing during pregnancy, the hot summer months can bring a whole new crop of summer beauty problems, such as sunburn, dry hair, sweat and more. Luckily, there are many all-natural and pregnancy-safe beauty fixes for your summer beauty woes. Here's our list:

Summer Beauty Problem: Sunburn

Prevent sunburns from happening in the first place by using an all natural sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and follow sun safety practices. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after water activities or excessive sweating. For damaged skin, apply aloe vera or natural body balm. Nine Naturals Body Balm is made with Mongongo Oil, which has traditionally been used to protect against the harsh desert climates.

Summer Beauty Problem: Chlorine Dry Hair

To bring back shine, use an all-natural deep conditioner, such as Nine Naturals Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner or coconut oil to tame tresses. Rinse out with cool water to avoid further heat damage. Try leaving either in overnight for extra lustrous hair!

Summer Beauty Problem: Sweat

To keep cool and prevent sweat, wear loose clothing in airy fabrics. Don't be afraid to sweat though, as it allows your body to naturally release toxins, but combat body odor by using a pregnancy safe deodorant, like Nine Natural's.

Summer Beauty Problem: Dry, Itchy Skin

Skin can get very dry in the summer heat, especially during pregnancy. Today, 80% of lotions sold in the U.S. contain alcohol–not what sensitive, itchy skin needs. Try our Moisturizing Body Cream and Regenerative Belly Butter for itchy bellies and our Natural Belly Oil made with coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, and tamanu seed oil to stay hydrated long after a shower. And don't forget to drink plenty of water!

Summer Beauty Problem: Breakouts

Excess hormones from pregnancy and extra sweat from hot summer months can lead to the perfect acne-causing combination. To manage acne naturally, wash face twice daily with a gentle, all-natural facial cleanser. Use natural skincare products and makeup that is free of harsh chemicals such as dimethicone and fragrance, which can clog pores or cause irritation. Change your pillowcase often to prevent bacteria buildup on the fabric of your pillowcase.

Let these beauty fixes enhance your summer with healthy lustrous hair and radiant glowing skin. Now you can be free of the usual summer stresses and the ever-lurking chemicals that can keep you from achieving your summer beauty and wellness goals.

3 tips for getting better quality sleep during pregnancy and beyond, TCM-style.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

Sleep–what an indulgence it has become for all of you mamas. I am merely a mom to be, and I am beginning to realize already that growing a baby, even one that’s still marinating in the belly, can be a real challenge to our precious sleep patterns. But, knowing what I know about the importance of sleep, and how it affects us spiritually, I am trying my best to get as much rest as I possibly can.

As a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I have the luxury of practicing a medicine that is not only technical and solution-oriented but also beautifully spiritual. And, sleep is one of those aspects of life that is not only insanely important and restorative but also very telling and diagnostic from a TCM perspective.

In TCM, we see sleep as a representation of our spirit. By this I mean, our spirit—the part of us that interacts with the world all day long, mentally and emotionally—affects and is affected by our sleep. As the beautiful analogy in TCM explains, our spirit rests in our hearts at night. If our spirit isn’t finding rest, then our bodies are not being replenished and restored and our spirit—our emotional state—will suffer. In TCM, we see the heart as being a warm and cozy bed, which should be inviting to the spirit so that it can sleep and restore each night while we sleep.

However, if the heart is encumbered by stress or negative emotions it becomes rigid and inhospitable and we will therefore experience restless, fitful and unfulfilling sleep. To quote a TCM theory:

“Prolonged emotional strain and unresolved emotional issues impact the heart. When a person is overwhelmed with worry, resentment, craving or other intense emotions, the heart has no room for the spirit. The spirit flies away and the radiance of present awareness no linger illuminates the person’s life.”

So what does all this mean? Of course, life happens, and sleep can become limited in supply. However, even if we aren’t getting as much sleep as we once did, we should still work towards having peaceful and restorative sleep. We should still be aware of the hospitality of our hearts. This entails finding a way to clear your heart of negative emotion and worry so that you can entice your spirit to rest in your heart and thereby sleep—even if for less time than you’d like—in a way that replenishes not only your energy but your spirit.

Here are my top three recommendations for creating a more hospitable and peaceful heart:

1. Meditate. I know, I know—who has time for meditation?! I hear you. Believe me. And, I don’t even have a kid running around just yet. But… you can try to steal a few minutes each day for some deep, cleansing, spirit settling breathing. Even if it’s only a 3-5 minutes. Set the alarm on your phone (or download a meditation app like Headspace) and sneak away into a quiet space (even a bathroom stall works!) and breathe. Clear your mind, let go of pent up emotions, feel your body and just be.

2. Express. By this I mean: don’t hold stuff in. Let it out. Even if only in an email or a letter you write to yourself. Express your emotions. Holding things in only leads to a more rigid heart and a restless spirit. Express don’t repress—your peace hinges upon it.

3. Be Kind To You. Yes, first and foremost, be nice to the most important person in your life—YOU! Especially as mothers—or moms-to-be—we need to practice self love and kindness if only as a way to demonstrate to our children how imperative it is to love yourself first and foremost. Take time each day—a few seconds—to say something nice and kind to YOU. And tune into that judgmental voice in your head and challenge it. For every not so nice thing you say to yourself, respond with something softer and more loving. When I am in my head, being hard on myself, I’ll often remind myself, “Aimee you are doing the best you can do right now and I love you.” Try it, it feels so good!

Your heart longs to be warm, soft, open, loving and hospitable. It yearns to be free of emotional constraint and negativity. Support your health, your emotional state and your sleep by freeing yourself of worry and stress. Instead, shift your focus to all the good that surrounds you, and you will experience more restful and restorative sleep.

This article is by Aimee Raupp, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

When it comes to product choices, sudsing up is serious business. Your skin is a wonderful and protective barrier for your body, keeping germs and other harmful substances out. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals hidden in soaps and shampoos can be easily absorbed by the skin and, from there, make their way into your bloodstream. Knowing which ingredients to avoid in the shower will help keep you healthy and clean, inside and out. Here are our top offenders:

Avoid: Sulfates

Why: Most commonly appearing as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate, these synthetic detergents show up in everything from foaming soaps and shampoos to toothpaste and make-up. Sulfates are skin membrane irritants; they dry out impair the natural protective qualities of skin and hair. They also commonly combine with other ingredients to produce carcinogenic and nervous-system-disrupting by-products. Luckily for us, though, these little nasties are totally unnecessary when it comes to getting clean.

Avoid: Parabens

Why: Used in everything from all shower products, cosmetics, shaving creams to deodorants, parabens are man-made preservatives used in products to prevent the growth of molds, bacteria and yeasts. They mimic estrogens in the body and have been linked with breast and skin cancers.

Avoid: Phthalates

Why: These chemicals are found in hundreds of products, including plastics, cosmetics and personal care products. They’ve been linked with cancer and reproductive problems, and may be especially dangerous to babies and young children, whose are more sensitive to chemicals.

Avoid: Fragrance

Why: On an ingredient list, “fragrance” most often means some combination of synthetic, carcinogenic, hormone-disrupting chemicals you definitely do not want in your system. Because they aren’t individually listed on labels, they fly under the radar, but are nonetheless present in almost all shampoos, deodorants, skin creams, and other personal care products.

What’s a Mom to Do? We know you love your shower time. Lucky for you, all Nine Naturals’ products -- from luxurious shampoos to body butters to deodorants and more -- are 100% free of the above-listed toxins and pregnancy-safe!