Month: January 2024

Posted in Health & Wellness

What The Heck Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?!

Posted on by Mama

***Full disclosure: I am not a doctor and please consult a health care professional, this is just my experience and suggestion.***

When I got pregnant with Valeria, I knew that I had some pondering to do with my birth. I have a lower back injury and I didn’t want intervention if we could help it, but that made me consider whether an epidural was viable for me or not. With the risk factors being higher then I would have liked, I opted for no epidural. Now, of course I discussed this with my Midwife and Doula in depth and let them know that if the circumstances arise where the baby or I were at risk, then off to the hospital for necessary treatment/an epidural.

Luckily, I didn’t have to do that and my birth was difficult but naturally done at the Midwife clinic.

Needless to say, I wanted to be well prepared before pushing a child out naturally. My sister-in-law suggested Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. When she said that, initially I had this confused look on my face like “What the heck is that?”. Then she proceeded to explain what it was and how much it helped her with her births. She highly recommended it and I said “I will definitely look into it!” And I did.

For those who don’t know what this does for a pregnant woman; let me explain it and please if you are interested do further research. But here is what Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is: A physiotherapist who can help address areas of pelvic and low back pain/pressure, incontinence, and helps to teach you exercises and techniques to help prepare your body for birth. Pregnant women are recommended to begin pelvic floor physiotherapy during the second or third trimester (28-32 weeks).

There are so many benefits to pelvic floor physiotherapy, and for me, I didn’t know just how much pressure and strain that was being put onto my pelvic floor until I started treatment. Between the pressure from the ever growing baby, unconsciously tightening my abdominal/butt muscles for compensation and straining my muscles with daily activity in general (I was a go go go kind of pregnant woman). I didn’t realize I was exhausting everything down below, which in turn caused me some incontinence.

My physiotherapist was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. On the first visit she explained what she does, she explained with a diorama of the pelvis what is going on when your pregnant, and then did an assessment. Now I opted out of the internal assessment, which is recommended for a better understanding of what’s happening internally, but I really didn’t like being touched much during my pregnancy so….no. She did some assessments, asked numerous questions and then proceeded with a treatment plan. Now, I started my physiotherapy a little later then suggested, but still super beneficial. It helped with my incontinence quite a bit, how to put less strain when getting up out of bed or the couch, and techniques to help prepare my body for birth, helping to loosen my muscles.

The benefits were incredible and I’m so thankful this was suggested to me. Honestly, I wish more women knew about this and I’m hoping it gains more popularity in the future. It’s not just a benefit during pregnancy but postpartum as well. When I was recovering, I remembered certain tips and tricks my physiotherapist taught me for postpartum and to help with my pain, etc.

I heard in certain parts of Europe, specifically France, that this is seen as part of your postpartum recovery. The government has funded rehabilitation for women who give birth; they get to “re-train” their pelvic floors with 10 free physical therapy sessions. How wonderful and brilliant! Ours is part of private health care here in Canada.

If you are from Europe or other parts of the world, is this funded by the government or part of private health care?

Now you are probably wondering the point here huh?

Well today I had my postpartum follow-up. Generally you see your physiotherapist six weeks after birth, but I wasn’t able to. One, she had no availability and two, we were sick in December. So today was my big day and it was great. She assessed my abdomen, flexibility, etc.; I got the green light to get back in the gym (YES!), some new stretches and exercises to help with my core strengthening and for relaxation, and a nice chat on things to lookout for which may be cause for concern. Otherwise, she says my recovery has been amazing from what she could tell. She also wished more women would take the time to actually recover after birth, I wholeheartedly agreed. Even though it’s extremely difficult to do so.

My recommendation: If you are able, please take care of your pelvic floor before and after birth, it is so important for you to get back to normal. And let’s be honest, no mama wants to pee herself when she laughs, especially after birth! Also, pelvic floor physiotherapy isn’t just for pregnancy or just for women, men can go too! So, if you feel something is going on down below, please check it out because it may just help.

Ciao!

Posted in Extra Tidbits

Impromptu Veterinary Visit

Posted on by Mama

For the past several days, my cat Salem, has been hiding from us and I figured she just wanted a bit of peace from the chaos. She is an elderly cat of 15 years old.

Unfortunately, she has a history of constipation issues…I know yuck! But I love her and found out that she got into the dog food the other day, which is not ideal since we have her on special dietary food. Then as the days went on, I started to notice her usual signs: hiding, lethargic, drinking but not eating the last two days and I knew it was time to contact the vets office.

Now, I didn’t expect to get in the same day, but they were able to squeeze me in yesterday thankfully. Except it was an emergency fee cost, so higher then a normal appointment, but to be honest that wasn’t my concern at the moment. Called at 9 AM and her appointment was at 10:30 AM. Luckily, Valeria had been up for a bit already, and she was about to go down for a nap after the phone call. Nap time completed, and my mom was gracious enough to watch her as we took Salem to her appointment.

Now, to coax her out from her hiding place under the bed. Cruelly, I had to shake a bag of treats to get her out, knowing very well that I wasn’t going to give her any. I know! It’s terribly mean, but trust me, her little belly couldn’t handle it. She slowly crawled out from under the bed; we had the carrier ready to go and my husband swooped her up and got her inside. She was not a happy camper because she knows exactly where she is going when we put her in there.

A five minute drive later, a bit of a wait in the waiting room and then finally got into our appointment. The nurse and veterinarian were both very kind and gentle with my poor fur baby and very understanding. They gave us an estimate as to the cost, if we went with ALL the treatments suggested. That was very kind and considerate. However, when we received the estimate my heart nearly dropped. I asked that we have some privacy for my husband and I to discuss the cost. If we went with everything suggested for treatment, it would have been $1,390! Isn’t that insane!!!???

We both immediately couldn’t believe it and this was for constipation. Could you imagine for a seriously sick kitty or pup? We opted out of the X-rays and blood work. She had some about a year and a half ago. Plus both of those were the highest cost: X-rays at $440 and blood work at $322. Knocking those off the treatment plan dropped the cost quite significantly. I know what your probably thinking, but with a baby at home we had to choose what was best. I know my cat Salem, she really just needed an enema to clear her out. We left her there for the day and headed home.

Valeria was a little chatter box today, babbling away nonstop and it is absolutely precious. I think my favourite is when she talks to my crystals or the leopard print couch cover that I have. She just laughs and babbles. It was a bright spot to this hectic day.

I then got a phone call from the veterinary office, informing of the progress they made with Salem. She did fabulous! They got quite a bit out of her, and that she would be a little tender for a few days, so pain medication and stool softener were key. Not to mention lots of wet food and water. We were able to come pick her up at 4:30 PM.

She was very out of it when we picked her up. They needed to sedate her through an IV, so she was pretty quiet on the ride home. She seemed happy to be home though, she sauntered out of that carrier, okay it was stumbled out! She immediately went to drink water and then wanted some affection from mama, which I happily gave. I set up a pillow by my desk so that she could sit on something nice and comfy, but to also be close to me. I started her pain medication last night and this morning I give her the pain medication and put the stool softener in her food (which she refused to touch after she ran from me), she was not a fan of having the pain medication squirted into her mouth.

She hid under the bed for most of the day, finally coming out around lunch time to eat and drink a little bit, then back to her hidey-hole. It’s going to be very scheduled with her medications and food. I just can’t watch her suffer, I love and adore her so much. Plus I want her to be a little fur friend for Valeria when she is older.

What we do for our fur babies huh?

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

To My Husband…

Posted on by Mama

This one goes out to my husband; who has been supportive, understanding and a wonderful father/husband.

He buys me flowers for many different occasions, but this was a just because flower purchase.

I try to keep at least one flower from every bouquet he buys me. Some have sadly not made it into my shadow box, but most have. He has gotten me every colour I believe, even black! Black roses are my absolute favourite and then white. But Black is difficult to find.

I want to say thank you to my husband, for always being there and always being my rock. I love you so very much.

I know it’s not valentine’s day or whatever, but I believe you should show your significant other appreciation when you can and ideally every day. So, I encourage all of you to show your partner some small gesture of affection today.

Ciao!

Posted in Extra Tidbits

Bonus – If you had to…

Posted on by Mama

If you had to choose between coffee or tea, which would you choose?

I was thinking about this the other day as I was assessing how much coffee I’ve been drinking from pure exhaustion and for warmth.

I would have to choose coffee hands down. That first cup of coffee right in the morning, woooo it just hits you right!

I used to be an avid tea drinker in my early 20’s, I was going through a phase, but all my life I’ve always drank coffee. Man, I remember as little kids, my nonni (grandparents) would give us a little espresso with lots of milk and of course a biscotti or two.

Plus, there are so many different types you can have: Espresso (YUM! with a touch of sugar…perfection), Cappuccino (Delicious! Warm foam milk layer that sits on top of the espresso coffee perfectly), Latte (How can anyone not love steamed milk blended into coffee), Mocha (Who doesn’t love a little cocoa in their coffee now and then?) and the list goes on and on.

Now as you can see, I have a bit of an addiction and for the last year I’ve been drinking decaf. I know I know, what is wrong with me?! But the caffeine was keeping me awake and there were nights I’d be up all night after have a cup of regular coffee in the morning during my pregnancy. Also, I was breast feeding and the caffeine was effecting Valeria, so decaf continued.

Not to mention when I’m cold and need warming up; a nice hot coffee on a cold winters day is just the trick for me. I don’t know why but it just warms me deep down into my soul. And road trips just don’t feel complete without grabbing a coffee from either Tim Horton’s, Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts (when I’m in the U.S.).

Tea has it’s place don’t get me wrong and I gravitate to it when I’m sick or want a nice iced tea in the summer. So for those who are tea drinkers don’t worry, I totally understand the appeal and the plethora of different teas out there.

But coffee….it holds memories, and a special place in my heart for me. And we’ll see if my daughter is a coffee addict like mama.

So which would you choose? And do you like homemade coffee, going to a coffee shop or both? Let me know!

Ciao!

This is a wood burning project I did a while back, I don’t have the finished product, but this was one of my favourite pieces I ever created.
Posted in Health & Wellness

Eye Exam

Posted on by Mama

As part of my self-care, I went and had my routine check-up for my eyes. I did this on Thursday and I was seeing a new Optometrist.

Now, I was diagnosed with vision problems when I was in grade three. My teacher noticed I was squinting at the chalk board (this was the same teacher who gave me my teddy bear!). She mentioned it to my mom and advised she may want to have my eyes checked. Turns out I needed glasses.

But I remember the first time I put on glasses. I could see so clearly, every blade of grass was sharp and beautiful, everything looked crystal clear and I was amazed! Now I will admit, I thought wearing glasses was cool. My mom wore glasses and I idolized her as a kid, so my first pair was only for distance. I, however, wanted to wear them all the time. Hence making my eyes dependant on them. Then I was diagnosed with a astigmatism later on.

The Optometrist was great and very knowledgeable. He said my eyes looks really healthy, but noticed a fatty cyst on one of the nerves. Nothing to be concerned about and completely normal. I mentioned that when I drive at night I see starburst effect on lights. Thankfully, the doctor informed me that my prescription improved a bit and the adjustment will help with the starburst effect as well.

Now, I’m not sure about the rest of the world but eye exams and glasses cost quite a bit. For something regarding your health, I’m not sure why the government doesn’t cover it under our health care. I could rant about that forever, but that is neither here nor there. Regardless, I keep up with regular check-ups every two years anyway.

Photo found on google search

The exam was a separate cost from the glasses themselves, but luckily insurance covered some of the cost. I get my glasses in two weeks, so I’ll take a picture when I get them. Honestly, I’m pretty excited to have a good pair of glasses and prescription sunglasses that actually fit. I’ve been buying online for years and frankly, the cost is way cheaper yes, but they never fit me properly. No matter how many times I do those measurements. Plus, in two years, I can always just switch out the lenses and keep these frames. So, in the long run I suppose it’s cost effective.

I often wonder what it’s like for other countries. Does it cost an arm and a leg to get glasses and eye exams where you’re from? I’d honestly love to know.

Hope you have a peaceful Sunday wherever you are in the world.

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Salon Saturday

Posted on by Mama

Today was a hectic day and it started off early! My mom needed help to tidy up the main floor of the house, so I woke up early to help. Then at 10 AM my friend Sheila came over to adjust my husband’s bracelet for him. She is a wonderful local jewellery maker and absolutely fabulous! Here is her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilabycraftjewellery Her jewellery is stunning in my opinion.

After that, I went to my hair appointment. Saying goodbye to my little girl was difficult; grandma distracted her as I walked out the door with my husband. I was so sad and worried about being away from her. But I knew she was in good hands, still made it very difficult.

I got to the salon, and since it was a new hair dresser I was going to, I was a little nervous to be honest. I had spoken to her and she seemed very nice through messaging and discussed the process for my hair to get it to where I wanted it. She was honest and I knew I liked that quality in her. I also checked out her work on Instagram and it seemed like she was very skilled. My fears quickly vanished when I sat in her chair and we got to talking. She was great! So easy to talk to (I talked about Valeria ALOT) and highly skilled at her profession. We got my hair CLOSE to what I wanted, but not quite there, so I’ll be heading back in about 6 weeks. A lot of bleach in my hair so it needs time to settle and do a bit of healing. It was also really great because I got to also see the owner of the salon, who is a friend of mine.

You know those people where you could go weeks, months, even years not talking, then you see them again or hear from them and you pick up where you left off? That’s me and Michelle. I apologized for not coming in to see her or keeping in touch, but with COVID and all the stuff that happened over the years we lost touch, she totally understood. She was also shocked that I had a three month old baby, but she was very happy for me and thinks she is absolutely precious. And looks like me. *smiles brightly* We also got to talking about her kids, I remember when they were little and now they’ve grown up so much. Man time flies…

Here is the hair process:

Tinfoil hat was the start, then roots bleached last and the end result is this:

Black with blonde in the front and underneath

Now, it’s not done since the blonde is to be white grey, but it’s a work in progress! I’m really happy with the results we got today regardless, since I’m naturally dark brown.

When I got home I was a little worried Valeria may not recognize me, but she just woke from her nap when I got home. And guess what? She knew it was me immediately! The smile that spread across her face made my heart melt.

The rest of the day was a quiet one; spent time with my husband and daughter, my husband went for a run, my mom made dinner and now I’m blogging. Valeria is having a little nap and I’ll probably game a bit after I’m done here.

Yes, I’m a video game nerd, though don’t do it very often these days with the little one. But occasionally.

Any who, that’s it for me on this lovely Saturday. What did you do today? Anything exciting? I’d love to know! Hope you had a wonderful day regardless.

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Calm Friday

Posted on by Mama

Not much really to report today, it’s a typical Friday, fairly quiet. Valeria woke up very happy this morning, though I would hope so after a 13 hour sleep.

She was so exhausted after her bath last night and the pain from her gums, that she passed out by about 8 PM. We honestly thought she would wake up around 10 or 11 for a little while then back to bed, but she only fussed a few times within the night and woke up for a quick feed and back to sleep. It’s astonishing to us she slept that long, man I don’t even sleep that long these days. I’m lucky if I get 8 hours most nights. Light sleepers unite!

I did manage to wake up before her and my husband, completing my morning routine and then I heard her little giggle from the bedroom. Always a silly girl! Morning cuddles and a diaper change later, she was up and about.

I ran to start the coffee, wash dishes and get the bread mixed and rising while my husband watched her for 15 to 20 minutes. We are really fortunate he works from home let me tell you. To be fair, not sure how I accomplished all of that in such a short amount of time, it’s like I was running on magic I swear! I took over so that my husband could get back to work.

Not much to report since that really; I’m out of flour so we have to go visit the local flour mill to pick up some more this weekend, Valeria was a bit fussy today from her teeth and I scared her by sneezing. That was quiet the debacle, she got so scared and was crying so hard; so mommy to the rescue for soothing. I’m don’t usually sneeze loud, so not sure what that was about today. Now just writing this quick blog post and listening to some tunes while Valeria naps. I have headphones in so I don’t disturb her.

My weekend seems to be getting busier by the second. I have a friend of mine coming on Saturday at 10 AM to adjust my husband’s bracelet, she will be taking a few links out so it fits him better. I have a hair appointment Saturday at 11 AM for a very drastic change, I’ll keep all of you in suspense until it’s completed. Cleaning, laundry, flour mill trip, maybe some groceries thrown in there somewhere. Also, I’d like to spend some time with my mom and Valeria, but that’s been difficult right now for many reasons. I do have to admit Valeria spent some time with her yesterday.

What else….Oh my cousin had a strange dream. I looked up the potential interpretation. Seems the advice I’ve been giving her may be accurate, her subconscious seems to agree. Doesn’t make me happy to say that, but the mind and heart know before we want to admit it.

Weight Loss update:

Not much to report, my weight hasn’t dropped much at all. I hate the scale; my husband is convinced it’s broken cause apparently he says physically he notices a difference. I do not however. My eating has definitely become a lot cleaner; trying not to buy processed or per-packaged foods and sticking more to fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, and some carbs. I’m definitely making healthier choices and being more conscious of what I’m putting into my body. But my coffee I can not give up, not doing it! I refuse to give up my occasional Starbucks too, yeah no way! I’ve been slacking a bit on my water as well so I filled up my 40 oz tumbler this morning for motivation. Otherwise I will be sticking to what I’m doing, things are sure to pick up in time.

I’m going to end it here, but I hope you all have a wonderful day wherever you are in the world.

Ciao!

Posted in Extra Tidbits

Bonus – Do you…

Posted on by Mama

Do you have a morning routine?

I have recently started to get back into the habit of a morning routine for myself. This is to help with getting back into a balance in my life and just self-care in general. It’s a fairly simple and quick routine for now, but it’s a work in progress, like everything as a new mom. I’ll find the rhythm that best suits me in time.

Here is my routine:

  1. Wake up – hopefully before Valeria does
  2. Bathroom: Brush my teeth, wash my face, anti-wrinkle cream (don’t judge I’m getting older and I want my skin to stay radiant *smiles and beams all silly* and then lip chap (it’s winter…things get mega dry)
  3. Wash my hands well then hand cream
  4. If I have to go out for the day – I put on eyeliner and mascara (that’s it, nothing fancy)
  5. Dressed
  6. Take my vitamins
  7. Make myself a coffee and quick breakfast

That’s it! Seems long but I can usually get this done fairly fast and if baby girl is awake, I work around her. Clearly her needs trump mine, so I do it once I’ve got her settled and happy.

So comment and let me know your morning routine.

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

My Daughter’s Name

Posted on by Mama

With my daughter’s name, since the day she was born, people haven’t been able to say it. It bothers me quite a bit, even after I’ve told people her name verbally, they still say her name incorrectly.

I wanted a name for my daughter that was strong, unique and European. My nonnas are straight off the boat and still have heavy accents, so non-European names are extremely difficult for them to pronounce. I am also very proud of my heritage and my husband’s heritage and I wanted our daughter to have a similar pride later in life.

We had a number of names on our list; but one night I found her name, Valeria, and I was just immediately drawn to it. The meaning of her name is healthy, brave and strong. It was perfect!

People often ask if it’s a family name or if she was named after someone and the answer is no. I didn’t want to name her after anyone because I didn’t want to offend anyone. I wanted her to have her own identity. Even her middle name isn’t after anyone in our families. Everyone seemed to love the name though, beautiful and unique was the reaction we often got when we told people before she was born.

I’ve attached a link to the correct pronunciation of her name: https://www.howtopronounce.com/italian/valeria

Now the point to the post today, and please bare with me.

As a proud mama bear, I often, no scratch that… ALWAYS correct people when they mispronounce my daughter’s name. Often people will say it like Valerie (no…there is an a at the end peeps), or Val-ler-ria (think of the word galleria but with a V). It’s different so I understand seeing it and going “Huh, how do you say that now?” and they give it a shot. But the thing that bothers me the most, is when I verbally speak her name to someone, even say it multiple times and they still say it incorrectly. It really kind of irks me, and I feel disrespected in a sense. Does that make sense?

This topic stems from the phone conversation I had at our doctor’s office yesterday. I called to confirm her appointment in February and told the receptionist her name…a few times. She then proceeds to call her Valeria (galleria but with a V) and I corrected her, maybe a little to curt in my tone. She was like “oh uh ya, she has an appointment..” and rattled off the date and time. I thanked her and hung up. My husband immediately knew, “They said her name wrong, didn’t they?” I nodded and huffed and walked away.

Maybe I’m being rude or weird, not really sure, but does anyone else do this on behalf of their child? Does it annoy you when they pronounce your child’s name wrong or even your name wrong? Is correcting someone rude? I don’t really think so, but what are your thoughts?

Ciao!

Posted in Extra Tidbits

Bonus – If you could…

Posted on by Mama

If you could care for any unconventional animal, which would it be and why?

A bear!

Sorry I thought about this question and got super excited to answer. I have been obsessed with bears since I was a kid. It started when a teacher of mine taught us about them in class; I was so fascinated that I became hooked. At the time, teachers were allowed to be friendly with their students, so at the end of the year she got the whole class gifts: a bookmark and something else. Mine was a teddy bear. She was the best, and teachers like her are hard to find these days.

She sparked my love for the shaggy omnivores. I find them majestic in their mighty stature, their intelligence and playfulness. They are extremely protective, especially of their cubs, which as a mother myself I can relate to now. They are beautiful creatures who are strong and intimidating, but oddly clumsy at the same time. Plus their cute little tails, their silly little snouts and their huge paws are too adorable for words in my opinion. They are definitely mammals to be admired and I sure do!

I get so excited when I see bear videos, photos and I purposely seek out the bears at the zoo. I know, they shouldn’t live in that enclosed environment, but I can’t see them anywhere else in person.

So yes, I would definitely care for a bear if I could; feed it well and love it to no end. But also being very cautious, it’s still a dangerous animal after all.

But aren’t all animals dangerous? Food for thought.

Ciao!

P.S. – I took all these photos at the Michigan Zoo and Ohio Zoo years ago.