chelsea barbine (00:01.334)
It's time! Enrollment is officially open for the next three -month cohort of the Cultivate crew. And I gotta warn you mamas, the energy coming on this one is like no other. Perhaps it stems from witnessing the connection, vulnerability, and transformations that happened in the last cohort. Or just because I have to scoop on all the bonus calls that are coming your way this fall. But.

We cannot discredit the fact that I'm literally walking alongside of every mama, navigating the transition to life after birth as I prepare for my second, because it is sure to add another layer of magic. And call me selfish, a control freak, or just a tried and true Leo, but learning how to and prioritizing care for myself postpartum was the greatest gift I've given our family. So I'm doubling down on my efforts and inviting you to join me.

Third and fourth trimester Mama's, I'm looking at you. Save your spot at corecarecultivate .com to get instant access to content and support before our first live call on Tuesday, September 10th. Together, we're rewriting the postpartum narrative for the collective.

chelsea barbine (01:20.3)
Welcome to Cultivate with Chelsea, the podcast that supports perinatal women and navigating life postpartum. I'm your host and new mama friend, Chelsea Barbine, here to talk about all the things they don't tell you to expect after you're expecting. All right, mama, your time is more valuable than ever now, so let's dive in. It's time to cultivate.

chelsea barbine (01:51.79)
Hi mamas. holy moly, we are closing out week 15. Like, what?

chelsea barbine (02:09.734)
And this week was like truly the, like the kickoff to travel mania through like the end of summer. And I'm not even exaggerating when I say that. This past weekend, we went to North Jersey. I think it's technically, right? Is it North Jersey? I'm just gonna say it's Northern Jersey.

to my sister -in -law's beach house. And then this coming weekend, like I literally like picked up my mom from the airport today, this coming weekend, we have Michigan family coming into town to celebrate Frankie's second birthday, which is just, my God, all the feels, all the freaking feels like I will officially have a two -year -old.

So I guess technically like we aren't traveling, but it feels like we are because we get to see them. But then after that we are like back to back to back weeks, like back and forth between home and shore. And then we're going to go to Michigan to like close out the summer. And it's like...

I just got to say, I am like praying that I stay in this high energy, second trimester like vibe. I, my goodness. Yeah, so, so much to be appreciative for. And like, it was, I got to say, like seeing my sister -in -law's, specifically the one that we were going to stay with.

for the first time since we announced that we were expecting is like, it was just so exciting. She was actually, Devin was the first one to comment on like noticing a little baby bump. And I was like, okay, all right, it's official. If like someone else can notice and it's legit. And I remember it was so funny. She came down and we were like in our swimsuits gonna go into the pool. And she's like, my God, look at that.

chelsea barbine (04:21.966)
And I was like, are you sure, Dev? I was immediately like, it doesn't look like I just ate too much. And she's like, no. Chelsea, you can tell. I get what you're saying, but it's enough to where it's like people who know you, they're going to know. And I was like, OK, like huge exhale. Which ended up being perfect timing because she and Colin's other sister, Dana, sent me home with a boatload.

of maternity clothes and I just gotta tell you I did not think that like I was at this point but guys there are some things I'm like I'm wearing an outfit right now like the cutest little overall set which probably isn't like technically maternity but I was so like I it's so funny I like going through the clothes and everything trying stuff on I don't

First of all, it was like giving me flashbacks to seeing them both pregnant and just, there were like a couple of pieces and they're probably gonna like laugh when I'm saying this, but there were a couple of pieces that I like texted them about after. And I was like, my God, that bathing suit or like, my God, that like cute camisole. Like I remember seeing you guys and like mental noting to myself and even to them, I think to Devon, told her, was like, can you?

Like when you're done with that, can you just hold on to it like just in case, you know? And there were even some clothes in there. I didn't have a ton with Frankie just given the timing of like my pregnancy and when I needed stuff. But there were a couple of things like that I recognized immediately that were like mine. Like one of them was the first maternity shirt that I bought. It was like a long sleeve, like your traditional like ribbed along the side, which

I mean, it was like nice to have like a staple like that. But like, got a, I'm definitely more of the like, is this maternity? Is it not? Or like, this is not maternity, but like it totally works for it. Like that being like my first maternity piece that I bought. Like seeing that, I was just, my God, I like, it just brought me back. And like, I like felt like a little sentimental, like trying it on. then I had, my God, these, I mean, literally just,

chelsea barbine (06:46.668)
like cannot wait to wear them, like actually like need need to wear them. A pair of jeans that I bought, that like I wish that like I had a version of them non -maternity, like without the high belly. And I put them on and I was just like, like it just took me, and like remembering like I wore those with Frankie and like now I'm gonna wear them with this, but it was, you guys, just so, my God, like what those clothes.

I don't know if you're like this with your clothes. I'm like big with my clothes. I don't have many. I like obviously wish I was, I don't want to say I wish I was more stylish than I was. I think I have a little bit. Like when I like put effort into it, you know, when I'm conscious of it, I'm like, I feel like my hair and my, like, I don't know. There's just some, like there are certain things that I feel like just tell you so much about a person. And I feel like the way that I dress myself is a lot about like the, I don't know, like who I am.

And I feel like clothes just like carry us through. Like I still have pieces. I legit think I still have this shirt that I wore on Colin on his first date. And like not because I wear it. Like that I just like have it and I'm like, that's kind of cute. That like, you know, and I don't keep everything. I'm not a hoarder. I swear. my God, I'm not a hoarder. But clothes just carry like such a, I don't know, like a symbolic thing for me. I just anyways.

So it was like so special to try those clothes on and like, just think back to, like I can think back to certain moments that I wore them with Frankie or like I was going through my camera roll again with that first shirt that I bought like maternity. was just like, my God. And I gotta tell you, yes, okay, maybe it was a little bit in my head because Devon had mentioned like, my God, look, I can see a little bump, you know, and like, but.

there is some is there something about maternity clothes like you put them on and you guys you just like look you just like look more pregnant like I guess tomorrow I'll be 16 weeks so like okay we're moving along but like there it's just my god I mean even my mom today when I picked her up from the airport was just like let me let me see like I can see it okay and mind you I'm wearing like I think she's just my mom and like loves me and whatever but that was

chelsea barbine (09:10.262)
It was cute. just, aw. my God, so, so just, and I will say all of that with that, like that excitement and everything kind of going back to earlier, you know, in the week of being away and just both of Collin sisters, like they have to, and there was a point in which, you know, Frankie was laying down for a nap and.

It was just me and him hanging out with everyone and I was not on call, on guard, eyes on her at every second. And it presented this beautiful opportunity to just be witness to everything that was happening. And I was just thinking to myself, my God, first of all, how amazing it is to see the family grow and like...

to be witness to his sisters becoming moms and us like an aunt and uncle and even his brother -in -law. Just to see everyone, just grow into that next chapter and see his parents become grandparents, like, my God, you guys, was them with all of the grandkids. It's a rarity for us all, all, all to be together and it to be like,

just us and it was just like, my God, it was so, it was so special. And like Frankie with like all of her cousins on this side, I'm just like, my God. And holy shit, it's going to be so different next year. And I think I'm just, I'm realizing that like this is truly the last summer and like the last summer vacations of it being, you know, just us. And I say that truly because like I

I really try to include Mac. He was our first child, know? he is, 1 ,000 % has been slated and has been, you know, in his own way, like not, I don't want to say neglected because trust me, you guys, he is so well cared for. We still snuggle with him. Like, Frankie loves playing with him now. There's just so, trust me, it's no alarm at all for Mac, but.

chelsea barbine (11:33.016)
We don't take him on vacation with us. it's like, it truly is like just the three of us. And I just think like how differently, my goodness. And honestly, like watching, you know, my sisters, like the way that they, the way that they like manage both, I'm saying manages if it's like, I mean, that is what they're doing, right? They're like caring for both and like dividing time. It's just like, my God, I'm like looking at them and I'm like, how the fuck, okay, all right, take note, Chelsea, like this is how you do it, you know.

But it was just like such a wild moment of such appreciation for all that we have. And then also like excitement for what's to come. Yes, to just like imagine, you know, like our goddaughter, you know, she's no longer going to be the youngest and like now it'll be our little one. But then also like seeing her.

You know, the timeline, I mean, she's November and we're due early January, so like a little bit different, but like just seeing her timeline, you know, like down the shore in that environment, like, my goodness, like that, like that will be us, you know what I mean? With like her older sister and her, like, my gosh, it's just, it's, it's freaking wild. It's, and then in two years, you know, it's kind of like Dana's kids and like their age, it's just.

chelsea barbine (12:56.344)
just so like so much to like I don't know when you think about pregnancy and especially with the first it's very much of like your physical symptoms and like yes it's thinking about all that's to come you know when the baby is here but then it's you know also a lot about like their development and you're just like so soaking it into it and

There's this preparation for the delivery and then it's of course, you know, it's afterwards and all of it that comes with it and like the huge shift of going from like none to one and what that's gonna be like for you. And it's wild because like all of that is still true. It just gets a little bit like, it's not like it's more, it's just, it's a little fuller. I don't know. The level of expansion and like openness.

you know, that I'm like creating room for subconsciously, I feel is truly mind blowing and like so unbelievably beautiful. Overwhelming, yes. And so beautiful. And I just, I'm really appreciative that I had that realization, you know, like during this trip and even reflecting on it, like on our drive home of just even thinking like.

you know, it's just Frankie in the back right now and you know how just, I don't know. It's, I guess I clearly I do know because I'm describing it. It's just kind of hard to like summarize in words, but I feel like that's the phase I'm in right now. Like thankfully I feel really good. There was like Devin like passing a funny comment. She's like, my God, I forgot Chelsea can't drink. And I'm like, honestly, sometimes I forget that too. Like I just don't even think about it, you know? And normally it would be.

We're hanging out by the pool or like at the beach and I'm just like, cheers, know, like just casual. Of course now like very casual because we have Frankie, but like, it's just, it's kind of funny. Like you just, I'm finding myself, it's like, it's like riding a bike. You know what I mean? Like you kind of been through it, but yet it's also so different in keeping up with her. And I will say there are all in all,

chelsea barbine (15:18.712)
While I do feel really good, there are some things that I'm noticing. like from, I don't know, not like a, not like a like awful discomfort, but I mean, I never really was comfortable on longer car rides ever since Frankie has been in the car with us, because she's behind me in the seat and just the way that my seat is positioned with, especially now like the convertible car seat, it's just, she's still rear facing.

So I don't have the best, I'm super upright, but I'm kind of forward. It's not, I don't know. But it's funny because I remember when I hit a certain point, God, I wish I remember how far along I was with her. There was specifically right, we actually took to go visit with Devin and Doug and their oldest. We were, weirdly enough, we were all together. my God, how funny.

I remember that car being super uncomfortable for me on my back and that was in May, April, April, April, April. And I was expecting Frankie in July. whatever, like it would have been, I technically a little bit further along than I am right now, but I definitely remember the car becoming more uncomfortable for me. Again, longer car rides, unless I was driving, which is weird. I don't know, maybe because of the way I'm positioned, but I did notice that.

on this long car ride. And I will say, getting comfortable in bed, like she woke up in the middle of the night and mind you, she was also up for two hours? I don't even know, an hour and half. It was long, you guys, but I had such a hard time falling back to sleep and I was like, no, no, is it starting? Like the insomnia, it was not something that I experienced with her. I know I have girlfriends who did.

God bless you guys if you're listening to this episode. I just know that.

chelsea barbine (17:16.334)
Bless.

Those I will say have been the most significant -ish changes. Really exciting that happened. If you haven't heard already, I'm just thinking again about our trip and the timing and all that was happening. Two, actually three really big things. I'm not sure when episodes are gonna be released or not, but first and foremost,

I, well, before I even go into episodes, super freaking exciting, collaborated with Babylist and wrote a whole article for them on how I am a postpartum health coach and I'm expecting my second and how I'm nesting differently for this child. So if you haven't read the article, I'll link that in the show notes of this episode, but highly suggest checking that out. It literally was published the day that we drove up.

to North Jersey to meet up with, like what an awesome thing to celebrate with everyone. And then two other things, I had amazing conversations with one, the co -founder of Parallel, Alex Taylor. I feel like I may have talked about this on a previous episode, maybe. Well, I've talked about Parallel because they're my like true, like they have been a staple daily practice for me.

since trying to conceive Frankie. Like no joke, you guys were coming up on, wait, it's already been over. I've been taking the supplement for over three years because I started on Colin and I's anniversary after our first, yeah, like our one year anniversary we started. Had an amazing conversation with their co -founder, Alex Taylor, and they just released a new product. It is their cellular hydration powder.

chelsea barbine (19:16.942)
So freaking yummy, literally got it. I'm no joke, the mail came right as we were leaving and I was like, my God, check to see if it's in there. And they reached out as a parallel advocate. I do get access to newer products that they're launching and this is completely pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. actually have, God, what is it called? There's an ingredient in there that's actually like

supportive for breastfeeding. I was so excited to try it. Just going into summer with the heat, every little bit I can get, like I'm literally going through like three to four hydro drugs a day. It's bananas, you guys. Again, any additional help I can get these days. So freaking good. Like I have been taking it daily since I got it. Not quite yet a week yet, but like

my God, it's like this yummy mango type. I don't even know how to express. It's like a creamsicle is the best way I can describe it. So hydrating, so nourishing. Definitely needed to add that to that. Definitely need to add that to my monthly subscription. But I also got such a thoughtful gift from the founder of the Fresh Test, Jacqueline Ramsey.

just interviewed her last week for the podcast to talk about a healthy alternative for the glucose test, which for those of you who don't know, the glucose test happens at like week 26, I wanna say, 28. And it's basically just checking the mom's response to processing, digesting sugar. And traditionally you go to your OB -GYN office or your local lab, wherever you go for your testing.

and you drink a certain amount of this pre -concocted drink, and then they check you after an hour. They'll take a sample from you, they send it off to the lab, they see how you do, and then they'll either tell you that you passed or you failed. If you failed, then you'll probably have to come back for an extended glucose testing, which is about three hours, I wanna say.

chelsea barbine (21:38.52)
And then it's the same thing. You drink it, you wait there for three hours or you go and you come back, whatever, and then they'll test you again. The fresh test is in, like, I will say a healthy alternative to what is provided, which actually, if I'm not mistaken, I no joke just saw that.

the UK or someone, let me fact check this you guys, but they just banned one of the ingredients that is used in the glucose drink. Let me see if I can find that. I think I saved it on Instagram, because I just thought it was so profound and it was like wild that it just happened right after I interviewed Jackie. But like, again, we are so cognizant of all the things that we put into our bodies.

while we were pregnant, even after we're pregnant, if we're choosing to breastfeed or we're just trying to take better care of ourselves so we can best care for our little ones. And yet it's like, what are, like what we're provided for certain things is just like mind blowing to me. Anyways, I found the Fresh Test. I want to say a girlfriend of mine, like sent it to me or I just saw it as like a sponsored ad on Instagram once they realized that I was pregnant with Frankie and I took it. We talk about my whole story using it and all the things, but Jackie just sent me.

a sample for this pregnancy in the mail. I'm just like, my god. Normally I send things as like a little thank you, whether it's like a little card or just like a little whatever, like, my god. And to be sent things from both her and Parallel, I'm just like blown away, you guys. With the Babyless collaboration, I'm like, my god. Truly just so appreciative to do what I'm doing and have access to more things to be able to share with all of you and.

give like honest reviews on it. I mean, the fresh test I've used, I know and love. Obviously Parallel, just believe so deeply in the brand in and of itself and their mission. I use their other products, truly like Conception Pack all the way through Mom Multi. But now trying their Cellular Hydration, I'm just like, my God. It's just, it's so freaking cool to be part of a group of women who are truly

chelsea barbine (24:02.136)
There, it's like, I've said this before on another episode, you know, in other conversations and stuff, but it's like truly where like the passion meets the anger and like the want for different, for ourselves and for our children and for our grandchildren and just for like everyone feeling that we deserve better. So, so freaking cool, like so humbling and it's, yeah, I'm just.

I'm like on a big high, I'm feeling good. You know, we got back from vacation. Everything went smoothly minus, you know, the one night of like sleep that we're rolling. And I just picked up my mom from the airport. We have family coming into town, you know, all throughout the week. We're gonna celebrate our girl. Like the big two, it's just...

All of the things. All the things. I feel like that's it. I mean, that was like a lot, but you know what I mean? It was just, they're, I don't know, just excited for really just getting to focus on Frankie over the next week and hopeful to continue to feel good as we continue with.

all of the summer celebrations and all the things that are coming ahead and also like full like wholeheartedly feeling like we will have such a nourishing summer and I feel like normally I dread when fall is coming you know as a summer baby like it just makes me so sad with the season but like I don't know guys I think I'm actually gonna look forward to it it's like kind of maybe it's just the heat here too I'm like

my God, let's cool down. And then watch, the Eagles games will start. I'll get pissed. I'll be annoyed. I'll be just like, I'll be ready for the holidays. I don't know. But sending everyone such good energy. And if you have any questions about anything like pregnancy related, how I'm prepping postpartum. I mean, obviously in the Babyliss article, I talk a lot about the home environment preparation. But if you have any questions, holler any.

chelsea barbine (26:24.78)
recommendations, requests, anything that you feel like I'm not sharing that you want me to share, anyone that you want to hear from, from an expert perspective, whether it's a certain type of practitioner or a specific practitioner, let me know. All ears. This is for you just as much, if not more, than it is for me.

Thank you so much for joining me for this episode on the Cultivate with Chelsea podcast. New mamahood is truly a journey and I'm so appreciative to be on it with you. Until next week, with care, Chelsea.