Seven Months Postpartum

Until recently, I did not think that it was possible to be bitten, with only a couple of precious tiny bottom teeth. Well, to my shocking surprise during one afternoon nursing session, my baby bit me! Yes...the nipple! OUCH! Afterwards, she tried a few more times which included this little devilish laugh, eyes wide and happy, waiting for my reaction. I got a good tip earlier; don't react! At first I thought it was silly but it seemed to work. It's been a few days and my nipples are not pierced, and my fear of potentially hazardous nursing is gone. Another random note; on Mira's seventh month birthday, she peed in her potty for the first time!

Eating to DeStress?!

Sure! Stress comes in all forms including physical, mental, emotional, social and environmental stimulus. We all handle the reaction to "it" differently, which is why it can manifest in so many ways; various illnesses and complications including headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and much more. Even though it's psychological, stress has REAL physical side effects on blood pressure, heartbeat, hormones, muscles, and digestion. Research has shown that certain vitamins and minerals reverse the affects of stress. Here are just a few with some dietary sources:

Vitamin C = Cantaloupe, Blueberries, Oranges, Pineapple, Lemon, Mango, Asparagus, Kale, Collard, Radishes, Onion

Magnesium = Avocado, Banana, Apple, Apricots, Cantaloupes, Lemon, Spinach, and other Green & Leafy Vegetables, Almonds, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Lima Beans

Vitamin B-12 = Almonds, Salmon, Tuna, lean Beef, Blue, Gorgonzola and Camembert Cheeses, King Crab, Clams

Vitamin E = Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios, Wheat Germ, Sunflower Seeds

Zinc = Almonds, Eggs, Whole Grains, Pecans, Lima Beans, Mushrooms, Pumpkin & Sunflower Seeds

Calcium = Dairy, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Figs, Oats, Asparagus, Sesame Seeds

Happy Summer Solstice!

This time of year is so magical! It seems like the sun stands still with never ending daylight. I don't want to believe that this is only temporary and that the days are gradually, from this point forward, getting shorter again. So... Celebrate this season with boundless energy, heat and light within yourself and others. Give gratitude to the gardens that nourish your body with fresh food, to the joys of summer that nourishes the mind, and to the movement that nourishes your spirit.

Another LinkedIn Recommendation

“Petra is an outstanding yoga teacher and I have taken pre natal, post natal and Vinyasa from her. Her classes are so fluid and inspiring and I always leave feeling completely restored. Her pre natal class helped me achieve my goal for a natural birth through her outstanding breathing and visualization techniques. Her post natal class was perfect for the recovering body and also integrated in baby yoga so both mom and baby could particpate in class. Her Vinyasa class is superior to any I have taken and her fluidity and instruction throughout the practice is unmatched.” Stephanie Glock May 2009

LinkedIn Recommendations

“Petra is a wonderful, wonderful person. I feel calmer just being around her! She has simple, straight-forward and insightful ideas for overall health and wellness. She is a total pleasure to be around and takes a very calm, poised, relaxed attitude toward situations and problems. Her grace is inspiring. I'd wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for either great yoga instruction or a nutritionist!” Rachel Samuelian June 2009 hired Petra as a Yoga Instructor/Nutritionist in 2009

Friday night's class

Due to a small family scheduling emergency, the fabulous Keri Johnson will be subbing the 6 pm Vinyasa class downtown at Yoga Vermont on Friday, the 12th of June. I will be most certainly teaching Saturday morning!

Six Months Postpartum

Baby is growing. Belly is shrinking. Hair is still falling out but less. Hard to believe that it's been a half a year since birth, yet I find myself still adjusting to the new demands of motherhood. Small prices to pay for having a happy and healthy baby...with two teeth! It was a relief that all the teething symptoms for the last couple of months were real! Hold on tight...only twenty or so teeth to go and of course, other major milestones. The second half of the year will be an exciting ride!