Photo Courtesy of @DianaDavisCreative
As a woman-owned and operated business, we are constantly finding inspiration from working mothers. Our latest muse is Janine Higbie, MS (@JHWellnessCo)— holistic nutritionist, founder of JH Wellness, and mother of two. Similar to our founder, nutrition became the focal point of Janine’s life when her and her husband started to think about having a family. This, along with her passion for food as medicine and helping others develop healthy lifestyle habits, led her to earn her Master’s in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and become a functional nutritionist. A nurturer at heart, Janine now specializes in pre- and postnatal nutrition, along with autoimmune conditions, while also taking care of her own toddler and three-month-old at home. With Mother’s Day around the corner, she shares her motherhood must-haves for some insight on gift ideas.
RELAX: Maternal Massage
There a few things more annoying than a bad prenatal massage. Janet has locations in NoHo and Park Slope and is a miracle worker. She has specialized tables and cushions that allow you to lay face down and on your back comfortably and safely at any point in pregnancy. Plus, the massage therapists actually use good pressure to relief your aches and pains.
wear: Hatch
My entire maternity wardrobe is Hatch. I saved all my pieces from my first pregnancy and still loved wearing them for my second. I’m still holding onto them now, just in case…☺
LISTEN: AUDIBLE
Gone are the days of leisurely curling up to read a good book. Instead, I pop in wireless headphones and listen to that book while I nurse, do dishes or laundry, etc. It helps me unwind and create little moments of me-time even if I’m multitasking 24/7.
EXERCISE: Fit Pregnancy Club (FPC)
FPC specializes in pre- and postnatal fitness classes. Unlike boring prenatal workouts, these classes are fun and challenging. I miss the community at the SoHo, NY studio but their online classes are a must during quarantine.
CLEAN: UpanG Plus uv baby bottle SterilizeR
You can sterilize everything with this product, from baby bottles to TV remotes, and cell phones, without any harsh chemicals. I never could have imagined how useful this would become.
BEAUTY: Manuka Honey Mask
What you put on your body is as important as what you put in it. Savor Beauty’s skincare line is all natural and nontoxic. The Manuka Honey Mask is a postpartum essential when getting adequate sleep and drinking enough water seem impossible. This gentle exfoliating mask transforms my skin from dull to dewy and glowing.
NUTRITION: Provenance Meals
After the birth of my second child in January, I was constantly ravenous, but like every new mom, too overwhelmed to shop, prep, and cook wholesome, homemade meals. My friend sent me a Provenance gift certificate and it was a life-saver in those early months postpartum. As a nutritionist, I value how clean and nutrient-dense the meals are from gluten and dairy-free to grass-fed meat and wild-caught seafood. As a new mom, I love the flexibility to select from weekly menu options and order as needed without an on-going commitment. A win-win!
GO HANDS-FREE: Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier
I wear this all the time, even around the house. If your baby demands to be held all day like mine, this will free up your hands and save your sanity, all the while still getting newborn snuggles.
LOUNGE: White + Warren Luxe Cashmere Robe
It is like an elevated pair of great sweats. It’s a splurge but I live in mine; if I’m home, I’m in my robe.
