Unleashed Moms: Adventures in Motherhood
Join us, Alexandria and Leesha, the co-founders of Wildlings Unleashed, on our wild ride through motherhood. As busy moms navigating the chaos of parenting, we wanted to create a space for connection, support, and inspiration while being honest about the challenges we face along the way.
On Unleashed Moms, we get into the adventures of motherhood, from the chaotic to the hilarious. We'll chat about everything from finding the best coffee spots in San Antonio to our unfiltered reviews of local hot spots and sharing honest parenting moments. We'll also be bringing on some experts you didn’t know you needed to hear from!
Whether you're an aspiring mom, new mom, a seasoned pro, or simply looking for a community of like-minded individuals, Unleashed Moms: Adventures in Motherhood is the perfect podcast for you. Tune in every other Friday for laughter, encouragement, and a whole lot of relatable mom moments!
Unleashed Moms: Adventures in Motherhood
High-Risk Pregnancy and Preparing for Motherhood
In this heartfelt episode of Unleashed Moms, we sit down with Nat Alves, a first-time mom-to-be, entrepreneur, and warrior navigating a high-risk pregnancy. From her journey with type 1 diabetes and PCOS to balancing work, health, and relationships, Nat shares her raw, inspiring story.
We explore the importance of setting boundaries as a new mom, the mental load of pregnancy, and finding joy in the chaos of preparing for a baby. Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice.
🎙️ Tune in for honest conversations, laughs, and a reminder that motherhood is a journey we don’t walk alone.
Keep up with Nat:
https://www.instagram.com/natmariedesign/
Natmariedesign.com
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00.983) Happy Friday everybody and welcome back to Unleash Moms. Today we have a guest with us and it is Nat Alves. Go ahead and say hi, Nat.
Nat Alves (00:01.23) Thank you,
Leesha (00:04.16) today.
Nat Alves (00:10.188) Hey guys, thanks for hopping on.
Leesha (00:10.288) Okay, thanks for all the work.
Alex (00:12.291) We're going to go ahead and let her introduce herself and kind of tell us a little bit about why we invited her on and what she wants to talk about today. And then we'll kind of get into it with some back and forth questions.
Nat Alves (00:23.95) Hey, cool. Well, I'm Nat Alves. I met Alex and Leisha through some networking because we're all in that entrepreneurship world. And I'm on here today because I'm pregnant. And also to talk through how it is being a first time mom. This is my first kid. I'm pregnant with a girl due in June. But I also have some crazy health stuff. Yeah, so going through all that.
Leesha (00:24.0) Hey, cool. Well, I'm Matt Huggles. I'm an analyst for Disha, through networking, because we're all in health and worship world. I'm here today because I'm pregnant and also to talk to how it is my first time going on this is my first time and I'm with a girl, do it in June. But I also have some great things, health stuff. really great.
Alex (00:34.339) because I'm pregnant and... 48.065) Yeah, real crazy. 52.672) Do you want to give us a little bit of a backstory on some of your pregnancy health stuff that you've been going through and then like a little bit of prior to pregnancy health things and what you kind of, so that way we kind of have a little bit of backstory for that.
Leesha (00:52.762) Nat Alves (01:06.382)
Leesha (01:07.859) So before pregnancy, I've had high risk of a in my whole life. I'm 10 times out of the minute, so with that, if you have other things to pop up, usually not going to be good thing. So I also have PCOS, and I had a stroke when I was 20.
Alex (01:19.371) Usually I see you all around. So wild. that is wild. That is crazy.
Leesha (01:29.504) which was crazy
Nat Alves (01:34.178) bad effect from birth control. So it was all hormonal and that was a big red flag to watch with pregnancy too, was just having issues with hormones before and then going through pregnancy with that.
Leesha (01:49.313) That was a lot, I'm sure. I know that you spent a lot of time in the hospital when all that happened and having to even learn how to read and talk and talk.
Nat Alves (01:55.095) in my head.
Alex (01:58.116) We did three.
Alex (02:04.033) Leisha's struggling with some words today, so we're just going to give her a little grace, you know? It's all right. But yeah, when you go through a stroke, you have to relearn a lot of stuff, right?
Nat Alves (02:04.119) We should start with some words today. Yeah, we got it. Yeah. Mm hmm. Yeah. Yeah, I had that. was I was in the hospital for about a month. But thankfully, I had it when I was super young. So I bounced back like I'm completely no side effects now. But I had vision problems. I even had the like side paralysis for about a couple days. And that came back pretty quick. And then a lot of it was just cognitive, like relearning going through rehab. But it was scary because
Leesha (02:13.226) Yeah. 22.516) So.
Alex (02:23.809) You healed a lot quicker. These are problems.
Leesha (02:28.448) I was in for a days.
Alex (02:39.139) relearning or to recap. But it was scary.
Leesha (02:39.168) relearning, going through rehab, but it was scary because that won't be in practice without a lot of blood from the control. So anytime you can just try to get it if you need to be, that's great.
Nat Alves (02:43.074) that all came, I basically had a blood clot from birth control. So they were like, anytime your hormones strike again, you need to be, you know, aware.
Alex (02:47.364) So anytime it comes with striping, then you need to be That's crazy. So have you been able to be on any kind of birth control since then? Because I know that's kind one of my primary ways to treat PCOS, which you also have. Yeah.
Leesha (02:56.897) was the one that made primary ways to deaf people.
Nat Alves (02:58.476) in
Leesha (03:02.368) Yeah, so I had a time when I found out about PCOS, their treatment was remote birth control and I was getting off non-promote birth control so they couldn't really use that as a treatment. And it was like I found out about the PCOS, no one was trying to get ready for it. getting out of birth control wouldn't make sense.
Nat Alves (03:02.382) Yeah, so I had that and then when I found out about PCOS, their treatment is hormonal birth control and I was getting off non-hormonal birth control. So I couldn't really use that as a treatment. And it was like, found out about the PCOS knowing I was trying to get ready for preparing to get pregnant.
Alex (03:23.533) knowing. Right. So getting on a birth control wouldn't even make sense at that point either. Yeah.
Nat Alves (03:29.76) Yeah. Yeah, but I can't take normal birth control or anything. Yeah. Hormonal. And they just have me on blood thinners for that now. They're, but I'm considered, yeah, while I'm pregnant. so they, they watch, I do a lot of blood draws. I, you know, I'm on, I take like blood thinner shots, but then the big thing too is also being diabetic. and keeping an eye on that, but.
Alex (03:34.869) or anything hormonal based like that. That's crazy. Mm-hmm. While you're pregnant. Yeah, while I'm pregnant.
Leesha (03:41.099) They're,
Nat Alves (03:56.034) With it all combined, it makes me super high risk.
Alex (03:59.164) Right. Yeah. Scary stuff. Lots of watching you during pregnancy and making sure the baby's fine and you are fine because that's a lot on your body, especially after you've already gone through so much. Yeah. Okay. Well, I guess let's jump into some questions. Yeah. We kind of just went a little bit over your PCOS diagnosis and diabetes. Can we talk about how both of those diagnoses have?
Nat Alves (04:06.305) huh.
Leesha (04:08.512) especially after you've so much. Okay, well, I guess that's good. We some questions.
Nat Alves (04:10.444) Yeah.
Leesha (04:17.472) So,
Alex (04:24.067) impacted your ability to get pregnant and your pregnancy so far, which you kind of said that it made you high risk, but we can get into it a little bit more.
Nat Alves (04:33.024) Yeah, definitely. So PCOS and being type 1 diabetic go hand in hand. Like it's very common. But I had found out last spring that I have PCOS and then I knew I had a big Italy trip planned this summer. And I was like, after that, I want to get pregnant. And the doctors were very like, you're going to have a hard time. Hopefully you can get pregnant. Like they kind of scared me. But thankfully I got pregnant.
Leesha (04:33.057) Yeah, definitely. So, PCOS and new psychokinetics, so handed therapy is very common. But I found out last year I was at PCOS and I knew I had a big turp. Sorry. And the doctors were very, you know, hard to lie in. Hopefully you can get pregnant with me. Hopefully I got pregnant pretty much.
Alex (04:38.125) and 47.236) Right.
Nat Alves (05:02.51) pretty much right when I wanted to start trying. But I think a lot of that had to do with knowing upfront and having the research, talking to people with PCOS and following that diet. And that's a weird diet. Like it's not necessarily like eat healthy. It's like cut these foods out of, you know.
Leesha (05:03.134) right
Alex (05:17.347) Right. And it's definitely like, like trial and error too. because you know, I have PCOS also, and so Nat and I have had previous conversations where we talked about like what I felt helped me be able to finally get pregnant through my journey. And so I of course wanted to share with her to help ease that. And it's definitely a lot of trial and error.
Nat Alves (05:25.198) Uh huh. Uh huh.
Leesha (05:36.673) And so I responded to share her health needs back. And it's definitely a lot of trial and error. Yeah. And I'm so proud of you. And I think that's important to be open to these people if they're comfortable. then give advice. Like, if I'm with anybody who's died with a different pregnancy, I can talk about it with them. Because you helped me a lot to know what works for you. And I think that's probably why I able to get pregnant was because I was kind of following all
Nat Alves (05:42.082) Yeah. And I'm so glad I knew you. And I think that's important to be opened with people if you're comfortable and then give advice. Like if I knew anybody who is diabetic and pregnant, I would talk about it with them because you helped me a lot to know what worked for you, you know, and I attribute that like, that's probably why I was able to get pregnant was because I was kind of following all those rules from the beginning versus so many people with PCOS.
Alex (05:46.711) be open to people if you're comfortable and give advice. 55.234) You helped. what works for you.
Leesha (06:06.412) from the beginning versus so many people. So these girls, I've been friends with for years and have no, you know, direct information on what to do with the disease. And it's hard because we much information coming from so many places. you're just like, what if I do? It's still kind of just, they just don't have it.
Nat Alves (06:09.932) I know friends who've had it for years and have no, you know, direction on what to do with the disease.
Alex (06:13.639) Right. And it's hard when you have so much information coming from so many places, like you're just like, what do I do? And it's still kind of just, they just don't have a lot of information still on it. It's just so broad still.
Nat Alves (06:23.928) I'm here.
Leesha (06:29.408) so broad.
Nat Alves (06:30.648) Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Alex (06:30.915) But I'm glad my advice helped or you felt it helped. That's always good to hear that you're being helpful. So what about the diabetes? Has that changed how your pregnancy went or did it make it more difficult to get pregnant also on top of the PCOS?
Leesha (06:35.2) into care.
Nat Alves (06:47.82) Yeah, I don't think it necessarily would make it harder to get pregnant. It's just you basically when you're diabetic, you're following a ratio to give yourself insulin. And so you get used to tracking food following that, but your ratio changes a lot through pregnancy with hormone shifts and things like that. So even from the very start, like even a few weeks before I knew I was pregnant, I was getting weird numbers. Like I would get really low.
Leesha (06:47.903) Yeah, I don't think it's necessarily harder to get pregnant. It's just you basically have to follow a ratio to give yourself insulin. And so you get used to tracking food, following that, but your ratio changes a lot through pregnancy, with homo-gifts, things like that. So even before I was pregnant, was getting weird numbers.
Alex (06:59.776) And so you get used to tracking food.
Alex (07:09.571) Even from the beginning, even if you're a week before I went to the treatment, I was getting weird numbers. I wanted to go really low, really easy, or I'd get a lot of new news, blood sugar wise. And then now, just have a lot of doctors appointments. I basically have the doctor look at my pre-k, you know, and check it out in two weeks. you, by the end
Nat Alves (07:17.356) really easily or I'd get really high numbers blood sugar wise. And then now I just have a lot of doctor's appointments. Like I basically have the doctor look at my ratio and change it every two weeks because you by the end of pregnancy, you're taking like twice as much medicine as you did before being pregnant. And yeah, and you have to stay within those numbers a lot stricter. Like when you're normal type one diabetic,
Leesha (07:17.94) Yeah, that's crazy.
Alex (07:35.875) Yeah, that's Yeah. Ideally, right? Yeah.
Nat Alves (07:45.302) Of course you want to stay in a really good range, ideally. But a lot of people let it slide or you you go out to eat and it's like very hard to track. But when you're pregnant, they're like, you have to have perfect numbers. And that part was really intimidating for me, but.
Leesha (07:49.397) Ideally. a lot of let it slide. You know, can all see that it's like very hard to track. But when you're trying to get it right, you have to have perfect numbers. And that part is really intimidating for me. But you can like, we've kind of talked about this, and we're not gonna have to do it ways. These are like the doctors, while they were like, I don't think it has to be perfect, you have to have the numbers that are connected to the other.
Alex (07:59.904) to be more on top of it. Yeah. Right. But do you feel like we've kind of talked about this, but I'm going to ask it anyways. Uh, do you feel like the doctors, while they were like, your numbers have to be perfect. You had some other doctors that were kind of giving you other advice where it was like, there's some flex with that. Right.
Nat Alves (08:10.744) Mm-hmm. 18.476) Yeah.
Leesha (08:19.54) There's some flex with that, right? I know, so before I got into the spring, I was talking to all my doctors and a of people. I was like, oh, don't have to be a pregnant. Oh my gosh. And that was actually really bad advice when I talked to my endometriologist who specializes in diabetes. I told her that she's like, no, you shouldn't.
Nat Alves (08:21.248) Mm hmm. I had so before I got pregnant in the spring when I was talking to all my doctors about everything I had a doctor who was like, just don't eat carbs when you're pregnant and That was actually really bad advice when I went to my endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes and told her that she's like No, like you shouldn't do that. Your baby needs a full balanced nutrition
Alex (08:25.251) and when I'm talking to all my doctors about it, have a doctor who's like, oh, just donate to a pregnant woman. And that was actually very bad advice. I went to my endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes and told her that. said, no, keep giving you high protein, it's a full balance. So do you, yeah.
Leesha (08:46.077) a full balanced nutrition. So you can, yeah. is really hard to just completely cut hearts. Especially with dead dog.
Nat Alves (08:49.352) And it's impossible, like you can't, it is really hard to just completely cut carbs, especially.
Alex (08:52.22) It is really hard to just completely cut on it. Especially like just dead stop, like not even like gradually. That's crazy. That was crazy advice.
Nat Alves (09:01.642) Yeah, so I had a lot of different things and I had different opinions from doctors about all of it. Like same with the PCOS. The one doctor was saying, you're not going to be able to get pregnant. And then my endocrinologist was like, this is pretty common with diabetic women. You'll probably be okay. Like, so just, think hearing different opinions was hard in the beginning. And then you see all the stuff online. Like there are tons of
Leesha (09:04.853) different. Same with the TLS. One doctor was saying, you're not good with pregnant woman. My endocrinologist was like, this is pretty common type. thought you'll probably be okay. So just, I think you're in different places. It was hard. And then you see all this stuff are coming away. Like there are tons of mom, father.
Alex (09:16.627) Right. And confusing.
Nat Alves (09:28.214) mom bloggers and people out there who are diabetic and they talk about the ranges that they're staying within. And so it's hard, you know, you don't want to have that comparison game. And then you also just don't know who to listen to. So it's scary in the beginning.
Alex (09:29.889) or who are diagnosed and we talk about the ranges that they're staying with. So that's hard to know.
Leesha (09:31.968) So that's hard to know.
Alex (09:38.468) of who to listen to. Right. is, like I said before, just so much information coming from so many directions and you kind of just got to pick this is the direction I'm most interested in and kind of take the information from that. Choose your path, basically. It's, is hard to do. Um, let's see. Um, with your pregnancy being considered high risk, how has that shaped your experience, which we kind of touched a little bit.
Nat Alves (09:46.158) I'm gonna go.
Leesha (09:49.505) this is the direction you're most interested in and you have to take the information from that. Choose your path that you think is the greatest, which is hard to do. Let's see, with your recipe, how has that changed your experience? You kind of touched a little bit. You've to want more doctors to be in it.
Nat Alves (09:52.067) Yeah. choose your path. It's just hard to do.
Nat Alves (10:08.128) Mm-hmm.
Alex (10:08.355) Like you're going to a lot more doctor's appointments. How's that affecting life in general?
Nat Alves (10:14.235) Yeah, I think first trimester I was just an anxious mess and a lot of that was that my doctors were kind of getting in my head about things which I know they're doing their job it is high-risk they want
Alex (10:19.016) Right. They do give you worst case scenario though, like they don't even like try to be like, okay, this is the worst case. just like, this is gonna happen. Yeah, they really do. Like they just want to scare you out first.
Leesha (10:33.28) They make it scary.
Nat Alves (10:35.118) Yeah, I know. hear you out first. I swear, like after I hit some of those big milestones, my doctor's attitude towards me was completely different, where she's like, you're good now. Yeah, but at that part, I was really anxious first trimester just like, trying to make sure I was I was being really hard on myself if something did fluctuate. And then I started to calm down as you hit those milestones, like, okay, well,
Leesha (10:39.092) Mm-hmm.
Alex (10:44.291) She's like we got through it, we're good. And then I started.
Leesha (10:59.177) And I started.
Alex (11:02.819) like, well, you know.
Nat Alves (11:04.546) you know, I had my anatomy scan or I had this, my genetic testing and it was all good. And the doctor started to calm down too. And I think that now I feel way better, you know, and I think that so do my doctors, like as long as labor is okay, I'm pretty much out of a big risk zone. I just have to keep track of my numbers, but in the beginning it felt like a lot to learn. I go to the doctor all the time, so.
Alex (11:07.523) Right. Right.
Leesha (11:08.146) in the dark. And I think that now I've... you know, that's very obvious, as long as labor, I'm pretty much. 27.936) In the beginning, it like we had to learn.
Nat Alves (11:33.986) That's been big.
Alex (11:35.278) High risk is hard and you have right now you're going like what once a week or once every two weeks. Yeah. What, once you get to third, did they, do they have a plan for that? Are you going to be going twice a week or are they going to be, I know when I had my twins, they had me going more than twice a week by the time I was in my third trimester. I was just grateful. I didn't have to work at that time because I can't even imagine balancing schedules like that. It's wild.
Nat Alves (11:40.386) Yeah, pretty much.
Leesha (11:51.409) week.
Nat Alves (11:51.886) Bye. 56.972) Yeah.
Nat Alves (12:00.494) Mm hmm. Yeah, that's I think I probably will have to go quite a bit and I'll have to even change my medicine around more because there's certain medications that I can't have in my system for labor, like the blood thinner and stuff. So it'll be a lot. But I think I'm thankful I work for myself because I I literally can't I would not have any PTO left, you know.
Leesha (12:00.602) Yeah.
Alex (12:04.991) Right.
Nat Alves (12:26.498) My husband, he comes to the big appointments, but even then I was like, he was trying to go to everything and I was like, you're gonna, you're not gonna have enough time off for this. So it's a lot to take out of someone's schedule, but it's, I get it. I'm first time too. So it's important. It's just that part of it is, I kind of learned how to, I went from being total workaholic, like working all the time to learning to take a back seat and be like,
Leesha (12:30.273) He was trying to connect with the program. we're not the only ones for that. So it's a lot to take out on schedule, but it's, I guess, our first time to send support to this doctor. I totally learned how to do it. I had to meet the total number of publics working all the time, learning to take a vaccine. you know what, I told you I got a spare. I just tried to get a And thankfully, I
Alex (12:35.044) It's a lot to It is.
Nat Alves (12:53.666) You know what, I gotta take care of my health, I gotta take care of this pregnancy, and thankfully I have a flexible schedule. That's why I wanted to work for myself, so I've been learning to give myself more grace with that too.
Leesha (13:00.578) Yeah. Yep.
Alex (13:05.027) Yeah, I mean, yeah, you used to be an extreme workaholic. All three of us know that here. Yeah. So seeing you kind of chill a little bit is so good for you. And I'm glad that you're feeling less anxious about the pregnancy and everything too. Let's see, Alicia, you want to jump in here at all? Yeah.
Nat Alves (13:08.003) Yeah. Mm-hmm. you. 19.874) Yeah.
Leesha (13:24.09) Yeah, so you have gone through all of the appointments and you know the high-risk appointments that you've had but can you kind of talk us through the buying a home and all of what's happened in the last like six months?
Nat Alves (13:24.216) Yeah, so you.
Alex (13:33.165) Thank
Nat Alves (13:39.01) yeah. Yeah, well, that's the other thing. I think my first trimester was so crazy on my schedule, So we had a trip to Italy and I got pregnant there. I didn't know until a few weeks later. But and then we had three weddings within like a month that we were in, you know, we were traveling. They were not none of them. The closest one was like an hour away.
Alex (13:46.243) So we hired a trip to England and I'm pregnant.
Leesha (13:48.138) we have a trip in.
Alex (13:55.268) And then rewetting and that we were. You were crazy busy this last year.
Leesha (13:56.03) and then three.
Leesha (14:02.12) It was crazy.
Alex (14:06.115) and I now open it.
Nat Alves (14:07.882) And with that, they were either ones that we were a part of or that were close family that we were still going to rehearsal dinners and things like that. So I was pretty much out of town for a month, over a month, and then on the weekends at least. And then we also bought a house that same like first month I knew I was pregnant. So out of town a lot, buying a home. I felt a lot of my symptoms really early too.
Alex (14:15.462) I was pretty much out of town for a month over a month and then for the weekends at least. And then we also bought a house that same like first month I knew I was pregnant. I was in a terrible spot. I felt a lot of symptoms really early too. So I started feeling sick. I didn't think I was going be able it quickly.
Leesha (14:16.128) I was putting. 23.656) And then... 30.624) out of town a lot, flying home. I felt a lot of symptoms earlier. I started feeling sick. I knew I was going to my heart. He found out really early. Very early. I found out he was four or five weeks alone.
Nat Alves (14:37.166) So I started like feeling sick. I knew I was pregnant pretty quickly. Yeah. Yeah. I found out I think it was four or five weeks along.
Alex (14:43.841) Very early, earlier than most people. Yeah. Right. Crazy early. Usually people find out at like around the seven, eight week mark or even beyond that sometimes. Yeah.
Nat Alves (14:53.39) Thank
Leesha (14:53.451) Yep.
Nat Alves (14:55.788) Yeah. So I had a lot of that. And then even in, that was all around October and even in November, we had a lot of travel for holidays. So we went and drove to Ohio and stayed there for a week for Thanksgiving. Came back, saw my in-laws for a couple of days are on the way home. They're up in Fort Worth and then had my mom visit me like a few days after that. So I had a couple of weeks in November too, where I was just either hosting or visiting.
Alex (15:02.851) We have a lot of travel for holidays. We went and drove to Ohio and stayed there for a week for Thanksgiving. Came back, saw my parents for a couple days on the way home, they were up in Fort Worth. And then my mom visited me a few days after that. So it was like two weeks in November too where I was either hosting or visiting. And really it was Christmas. So just being really busy. But then also...
Leesha (15:23.104) post day and move over and really it didn't slow down until Christmas. just being really busy but then also having my first private straight. I wasn't like absolutely bored. I think I'm
Nat Alves (15:25.462) And really it didn't slow down until Christmas. So just being really busy, but then also having like my first trimester, I wasn't like absolutely horrible, but I think I had a lot more nausea than a lot of people do. And I had symptoms really early. Yeah. Like I was.
Alex (15:32.259) I had symptoms earlier. Right, your symptoms started a lot earlier. Yeah. Which is how you found out so quickly though too.
Leesha (15:39.553) Right, think it was just because you were so involved in how you felt with the diabetes And it all just set for you
Nat Alves (15:55.074) Yeah.
Nat Alves (16:00.696) Yeah, well, no. You have to be pretty in touch with your body when you're diabetic. I can feel if I'm low or high. So I feel like I was used to paying a lot of attention to my symptoms and stuff.
Alex (16:04.323) You like, you have to put more time into your body, on your diet. Like I can feel it more. Right. So I feel like I'm paying a lot of More attention. And I've some stuff. Which is probably why you found out so early, is what Leisha was trying to say over there. We got the gist. Yeah. I think that it was crazy you went through all those big life moments like.
Leesha (16:04.352) You like, um, you have to be pretty fast when you're talking. Like, you feel through other people. Right. You have to... 18.144) which is one of the ways I can it.
Nat Alves (16:22.03) Yeah, yeah, you get it.
Leesha (16:25.266) Nope.
Alex (16:31.529) all at the same time, like big travel plans, buying a house, finding out you're having your first baby, like just all those huge things. You got diagnosed with PCOS. It was literally like within three months of everything. wasn't it all?
Nat Alves (16:32.206) Bye.
Leesha (16:43.141) Yeah. Yeah, I think it was absolutely crazy. You had this plan to get pregnant that year and then after you went to Italy and then it happened. And so I just think that that was that was crazy. And then you got to tell your family by house, everything. I think it's incredible.
Nat Alves (16:44.674) Yeah. planned. 53.966) I know.
Alex (16:54.98) Right. think it's. Yeah. She manifested it. You do the same thing. I can't manifest anything. Right.
Nat Alves (17:00.044) Mm-hmm. Yeah, I know. Somehow I really had it in my head. like, I'm gonna, because my husband, we've both been ready for kids, but he, I have a lot of adventurous travel spirit in me. And so I always joked with him and told him, I'm like, let's do one big out of the country trip and then I don't care. And he's like, are you okay? We're gonna get pregnant as soon as we can after or during Italy. And we were able to, so.
Leesha (17:15.968) travel spirit in the inside of the character. out of the future and then I don't care. Are you okay? We're gonna get pregnant as soon as you can.
Alex (17:24.643) Right.
Nat Alves (17:33.197) I feel really grateful that I didn't have issues with that, but it was a lot to kind of hit me all at once. So, and I like being busy, but I think it was a good lesson for me to calm down because now I'm in my second trimester. We don't have any big plans coming up. I feel like better. My second trimester has been a lot easier. So.
Leesha (17:33.601) I feel really grateful that I didn't have issues with that, but it was a lot to kind of think about. And I was like, I don't But it was a good lesson for me to calm down. Because now, my second trimester, we don't have any big plants coming up. I feel better my second trimester is a lot easier. So do you think?
Alex (17:57.355) Do you think that some of your anxiety from that probably was because you were just hit with everything all at the same time for this first trimester too. A little overwhelming for sure. Let's see. Okay. So what would you say your first trimester woes were? What were the hardest parts and how did you cope with the worries and the physical changes? You're kind of just now into your second trimester, right?
Nat Alves (18:04.322) Yeah. yeah, definitely.
Leesha (18:09.728) Let's see. Okay, so what would you say?
Nat Alves (18:20.566) Mm-hmm. Yeah, I'm 20 weeks. So what is that like a month in or three weeks in or something?
Alex (18:25.955) A month in. About, so you should be pretty, got a pretty well handle on your first trimester. into the second one now and just starting to deal with those symptoms really. So what would you say to anyone who's going to get pregnant or is in their first trimester at the very beginning of it? What, what advice would you give for that?
Nat Alves (18:38.176) Mm-hmm. 47.598) Yeah, I think I always joke around like if you talk to your mom or someone older, they're like, I loved being pregnant. It was so nice and easy. And I'm like, I think they forget. I think they forget how hard it is on your body. And so having friends like you guys or my best friend in Colorado is pregnant. She just had her baby talking to her really helped me because you were able to.
Leesha (18:47.637) Yeah, I think I was joking like if you talk to your mom or someone older, like I love being pregnant. It's so nice and pleasant. And I'm like, thank you for that. Thank you for helping me with my body. And so having friends like you guys, my best friend in Colorado was pregnant. She just had her baby talking to her. It really helped me because she was able to give it to me straight.
Alex (18:53.7) They just black it out. And so, and you got into her, my best friend, Colorado pregnant, she just had her being talking to her really helped me, because you might give it to the straight, and let her know, got it, easy, know it. But I had one of the and I switched last Sunday, and it was kind of weird, I didn't talk to her that much, but then, you of her office messes up hearing over, I had
Nat Alves (19:15.266) give it to me straight, whether you had it easy or not. But I had a lot of morning sickness, which lasts all day. And it was kind of weird. I did have to throw up a lot, but then you don't want to throw up because it messes up your numbers when you're diabetic. So balancing that whole thing, exhaustion, I was not expecting to be as tired as I was. I usually am wide awake all the time.
Leesha (19:18.368) easy or not. Um, but I had a lot of morning sickness all day. It was kind of where I had to throw up a lot. So balancing exhaustion, tiredness, was wide awake.
Alex (19:33.889) Right. Well, Alicia always likes to remind me through both my pregnancies that it's like, what is it? You're climbing a mountain or.
Nat Alves (19:44.855) And then.
Leesha (19:52.624) Yeah, when you're pregnant every day it's like you're climbing a mountain and that's like the energy that you're wasting. Not really wasting it, but like that's what it takes.
Nat Alves (19:53.208) Mm-hmm.
Alex (19:58.5) the energy that you're using. It's not really being pregnant, but like, that's what it is. You're expending it just from being while you're pregnant, basically. Yeah. Not even adding on all the extra stuff you're doing.
Nat Alves (20:00.568) Yarr. Mm-hmm.
Leesha (20:06.047) Yeah.
Nat Alves (20:07.33) Yeah, that's.
Leesha (20:09.824) Mm-hmm.
Nat Alves (20:10.518) I've ran like half marathons and I can feel that effect. Being pregnant and just waking up pregnant is harder on your body than like if I were to wake up early, run 10 miles and then go through the rest of my day. Like, yeah, you're more tired, but it is even harder being pregnant. It's insane. And I had a lot of like, the weird symptom I had that I didn't expect was food aversions. So I feel like a lot of people talk about cravings.
Leesha (20:13.448) and I can feel it.
Alex (20:15.935) It's exhausting.
Leesha (20:17.664) Exactly. 26.322) It is even harder to do that. It's insane. And I have a problem with the weird was due to virgins. So I feel like going to talk about the cravings. I have an extra one.
Nat Alves (20:40.672) I haven't, I still don't really have a lot of cravings. Maybe I don't notice them, but I had so many issues with food aversions in my first trimester. I couldn't cook. I hated meat. could barely, I knew I needed protein, but I could barely eat it. I would get so grossed out by fruit or eggs or different things that I would throw up just from like the aversion to it, you know.
Alex (20:46.211) So
Leesha (20:46.25) so many.
Alex (21:03.043) Right. I had some things where if I even just thought about it, I would immediately get sick. And I was like, it's not even near me. Why is this happening? I do think the first trimester, you're more likely to have an aversion than you are a craving. Just because you're in that morning sickness time, your body is like on overdrive. There's just, you're not wanting to put anything in there.
Nat Alves (21:09.432) Yeah.
Leesha (21:25.756) Yeah.
Nat Alves (21:25.848) Yeah, there was a couple of times I saw people post their lunch on Instagram and I'd see it for two seconds on a story and be like, I'm going to throw up because that has eggs in it or whatever, you know.
Alex (21:31.427) You're like, I'm Mine was, I would, I could eat it, but I couldn't think about it was cream cheese. It was really weird. Like I couldn't think about like it getting spread on stuff. It just grossed me out, but I could eat it. It was really weird.
Nat Alves (21:45.527) yeah.
Leesha (21:45.589) Okay.
Nat Alves (21:49.906) Yeah, it was that was the weird and I'm not a picky eater. So that was super weird for me. And then you feel bad, especially going from PCOS diet where you're eating perfect and super healthy. And then in my first trimester, it's like I'm picking up food a lot because I'm not cooking, especially if it had meat in it, like, I could make stuff at home, like salad. But if I had, I couldn't
Leesha (21:56.691) super intramural and then you feel that it's intramural.
Alex (22:02.519) be much stricter.
Leesha (22:02.858) perfect and super healthy. And then in my first five minutes of the day, I'm picking up.
Alex (22:07.683) I got told the same thing because Cody was like, she just wants junk food and the doctor's like,
Leesha (22:11.959) I can make it home, like, salad, but if I have, I couldn't, I couldn't cook it, I had to order it. doctor just said, she's like, right now you just need to eat what you can eat, you know? And I had to work with these.
Nat Alves (22:17.526) Sea Rami. I couldn't cook it. I had to order it. And the doctor just said, she was like, look, right now you just need to eat what you can eat, you know?
Alex (22:33.579) let this woman eat what she wants to eat. She's growing a human in there. She's going to get what she needs from the food regardless, basically. So I think that's definitely important thing is like, if something sounds good and you're going to eat it, just eat it. Don't like hyper fixate on like the healthiness of it necessarily. Like your body just needs those calories because you're building a whole human. It's crazy.
Nat Alves (22:35.458) Yeah. 40.13) Mm-hmm. 51.083) Mm-hmm.
Leesha (22:54.433) I think it's kind of funny because when I was pregnant with Delilah, I also couldn't do chicken, like chicken, any meat. was like, no, I still do, honestly. Yeah. Sometimes I do really struggle. And then with Jameson, it was, I loved meat and I wanted meat. And so it's so crazy. Yeah.
Nat Alves (22:55.906) Yeah.
Nat Alves (23:03.8) God.
Alex (23:03.96) You still can't be chicken. What are you talking about?
Nat Alves (23:14.018) That's what I've heard. Everybody I know, ask them that now. Because I know it's like a wives tale, but I really believe it's true.
Alex (23:14.179) Opposites. Yeah. I had all girls. I don't have that comparison. Just the extremism from a single pregnancy to a double, like a twin. That's the limit.
Leesha (23:22.299) huh. It's crazy. Yeah. 31.038) Mm-hmm. Yeah. Okay, so when you went ahead and announced the pregnancy to your family, what was challenging with that?
Alex (23:35.425) Where? 43.533) What was challenging?
Nat Alves (23:43.576) What the? Mm-hmm. I think it's so I waited until Thanksgiving and I was pretty I mean probably a normal time to tell people but it felt late to me because I know I knew so early so it was hard to wait but all our family is out of town so we went up to Ohio for Thanksgiving we told my family everybody was super
Alex (23:47.812) I think it's so I waited until Thanksgiving. And that was pretty, I mean, probably a little time to talk to people, but it felt like to me, I'm not a new surfer. So it was hard to wait for all of them to come. So we went out to Ohio and we told my family, you're happy and really supportive. But it was, I was just trying to play.
Leesha (23:57.779) It felt neat and it great to work on it. So it was...
Leesha (24:06.24) we went out to Ohio.
Nat Alves (24:12.334) happy and really supportive, but I had a lot of anxiety planning that trip because my family didn't know I had a big announcement. So I was texting them like, let's all try to get together. Like the day I'm in town for lunch and, oh, can we get together for dinner instead? And I'm like, come on guys, I got to get you all in one room.
Alex (24:17.411) Isn't that stressful? Like getting the people you need to tell at the same time together is probably one of the most stressful parts about revealing your pregnancy.
Leesha (24:17.844) Yes.
Nat Alves (24:40.632) Yeah, yeah, and it was the same with my in-laws. Like when we told them we had to move around the dates that we were gonna visit and tell them and I was just trying to like navigate all that is that part stressed me out because I, you know, they didn't know that I was telling them this big news. And then I think my mother and I aren't close. So telling her was kind of.
Leesha (24:48.244) visit our website. That part's just me talking about this. They didn't know that I was telling them this big news. And then I think my mother was so talented.
Alex (24:53.156) because they didn't know that I was telling them the fake news. then I think my mother and I were close, so telling her was kind of hard. She was fine, but we had some risks since then. That's what was hard, because I hate everything she about. Being really close to your mom during that time, and I just don't have to you she said.
Nat Alves (25:08.6) hard, you know, like she was fine. But then we had some rifts since then and stuff like that. And that's always hard because I think everybody talks about being really close to your mom during that time. And I just don't have that relationship. So I, know, and you're more emotional, but that and then I have like family and friends who have been trying or they have fertility issues and I felt so bad.
Leesha (25:09.248) You know, she was fine, but then we had some fights since then, something like that. And that's always hard. think everybody talks about being really close to your mom.
Alex (25:22.883) So, you know, he was more emotional. that, I have friends who have been traumatized and have been told that she was and I felt so bad. Like, was like mix of emotions, know, I don't, anyone feel bad, but of course you have to tell them. And I felt that, it was like two feelings at once, like feeling.
Leesha (25:24.032) I have a new heart, but that, I have friends who have tried to kill me because I felt so bad. Like it was like a mixed emotions. don't want anyone to feel bad. of course you have to tell them you think you're pregnant. And I felt bad. It was like two feelings at once.
Nat Alves (25:38.06) Like it was like a mix of emotions. You know, I was like, I don't want to make anyone feel bad. But of course you have to tell them that you're pregnant. then, and I, I felt that like, was like two feelings at once, like feeling really empathetic towards having a friend or someone. I've had a couple of people that, you know, you feel this crazy empathy for it, but then you also are so excited at the same time. And I'm such a people pleaser that.
Alex (25:52.644) or it's a friend, some kind of people that you feel crazy about moving toward, and then you also are so excited at the same time. I'm such a people pleaser, but I just get super excited about it. It's like, ooh, just chillin'.
Leesha (26:01.917) I just get super mad at my husband. like, need to just kill that. Everything's be Just, know.
Nat Alves (26:05.078) I just get super in my head about it. My husband's like, you need to just chill out. Like everybody's going to be fine. Just, you know.
Alex (26:10.465) Right. mean, it's still your joyful moment and it's okay to share it even, but I think just you going into it, knowing those people had those struggles and, or are going through those struggles and be mindful of that is already a huge step towards you caring and presenting it in a better way. Cause not everybody thinks about that, you know?
Nat Alves (26:27.756) Yeah. Yeah, definitely. But it was all good. I mean, it was exciting to tell everyone. My family said they weren't surprised I was pregnant. They were surprised I actually kept it a secret for that long. But I really, and I'm glad I waited and I told people in person, seeing, we gave them gifts and seeing their faces and being able to like really celebrate it in person was so special. So I'm glad I did it that way, but.
Alex (26:36.963) They work for the body of the baby and they're of absolutely great people. 44.996) And you see them, we didn't forget, and seeing them faces and being able to like, bring a celebration to person. It's special. So special. So, love it. I'll do my best. Getting off them, and knowing that, you know, we have a place where a doctor takes it. That I hope will be. Yeah, I bet. Especially because you waited and then traveled for it, and then like, you had all that time to like, just think about it, like, overthink it, you know?
Leesha (26:49.003) I being really self-reliant in person was so special. So, you know, were always like, getting involved with and not, you know, being sort of like, that's it. I got a little bit. Yeah, I bet. Especially because you waited and traveled for it.
Nat Alves (26:56.056) Getting it all planned and not, you know, being a people pleaser, that part makes it, that got in my head a little bit.
Nat Alves (27:08.15) Uh-huh. 13.048) Yeah.
Alex (27:14.005) So I can definitely see how that would get you in your head a little bit.
Nat Alves (27:17.358) And like the other thing is your first trimester, like mine was really hard. I was kind of coming off of my first trimester when I told my family. So you, you don't get to use like, if no one knows you're pregnant, you kind of can't use it as an excuse. Like I can't be like, I'm late cause I'm throwing up or you know what I mean? I'm so you, you have it all in your head where you're like, I know I'm not.
Leesha (27:17.386) And like the other thing is, your first pregnancy, like mine was really hard. I was kind of coming off of my first trauma for one moment, at least. So, don't get, like, no one knows your- Like I can't, I'm late, is that throwing up or you know, so you have.
Nat Alves (27:41.236) acting like myself, but it's because I'm sick, but nobody knows yet, but I have this whole plan on how I want to tell people. So, and then you tell people and then you're kind of in the easy part of your pregnancy and you're like, you know, I could have used this as a.
Alex (27:43.652) You're like I could have needed this in my first trimester Yeah, I needed all the extra perks then Yeah, I feel that let's see
Leesha (27:53.665) No, I could have used this as a... I could have needed this in my first Yeah. I needed all the extra perks then. Yeah, I feel like.
Nat Alves (27:58.144) Yeah, I needed it back then, so. Mhm.
Alex (28:09.739) Leesha (28:12.17) 16.803) Yeah, because we kind of did the talking about. 22.375) that. So yeah, I think so.
Leesha (28:26.464) All right, so we kind of talked about cravings that you had, but you kind of said that you haven't really had any cravings and had more.
Alex (28:27.395) hot seat.
Nat Alves (28:40.142) like aversion.
Leesha (28:40.896) versions to food. So have you had any craving of a specific food?
Nat Alves (28:48.854) I would say I always love these foods, I crave cheesy stuff a lot. Green olives, which I've always loved green olives, but like.
Alex (28:49.284) I always wanted to do that. I think she's my favorite green office. Which I also love. Okay, I believe that after watching you build your green pizza.
Nat Alves (29:02.862) Yeah, I could go through like a jar a week. I love them. But I think and I don't know. I mean, nothing that's out of the ordinary to what I usually eat. It's just a stronger and I'm starting to see that more being in second trimester for sure.
Leesha (29:03.08) Yes.
Alex (29:16.727) like a wand.
Leesha (29:16.746) and I'm starting. 20.562) Well, I'm excited to see once you get further along if yeah, like what comes up that's going to be kind of like a weird weird thing.
Alex (29:23.843) Yeah. If she's going to be pickles and ice cream or something.
Nat Alves (29:25.963) Yeah.
Alex (29:30.139) Yeah, I do think that the cravings start more intensely like your mid second, second trimester and then third trimester. At least for me, that was the case for both pregnancies.
Leesha (29:37.322) Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Nat Alves (29:37.678) Yeah, I'll probably like something weird because I kind of already like weird foods.
Leesha (29:42.406) Yeah.
Alex (29:44.003) Let's see. What's been your biggest pregnancy brain moment so far, do you think?
Nat Alves (29:53.874) that one I think, I think I've seen it a lot or in the, even in my business, like I just need to list everything out or else I won't remember it. And I keep forgetting things, places.
Alex (29:57.54) Even in my business, I just need...
Leesha (29:58.931) even my business, I just need to understand everything about your
Alex (30:05.539) It's not gonna go away though. That's called mom brain like
Leesha (30:10.494) Yeah, it'll go from pregnancy to mom brain.
Nat Alves (30:10.506) Yeah. I used to have that like, I call it like the entrepreneurial vault where I kept everything so well in my head, I could do this or in the way to that. And I was very like efficient and productive. And now, I just think I forget things all the time. I keep believing things in different places. you know, yeah, it's, it's interesting.
Alex (30:23.715) and now I just can't forget. 30.553) Get used to it. Yeah.
Leesha (30:36.192) What's the one thing you're most excited about with becoming a mom?
Alex (30:40.223) That's a big one.
Nat Alves (30:40.952) Yeah, that one. There's so many things. think I've always been the person who's been excited to be a mom. Like even when I was a little kid, I loved babysitting. I have younger siblings. So, you know, I'm excited for all of that, like watching my kid grow, playing. But I would say two things come to mind. The first one is seeing my husband as a dad. Like that, I just think.
Alex (30:58.276) from, like, two things from a guy, the first one is seeing where I've been as a girl. Like, that is the same. Especially for my daughter, so most of my time, I get to see her daughter with him, and I it's going to be incredible. And then, because I'm not, it's not like I'm fixing up. I really feel that I'm up quite a bit.
Nat Alves (31:07.798) especially because we're having a daughter and I'm so close with my dad, I can't wait to see our daughter with him and I know he's going to be incredible. And then because I'm not close with my mom, fixing that, like I really feel like I'm going to fix kind of a generational issue. Like we've had that for generations. We're not my grandma's kind of similar, like with her, with my mom and my mom with us. So.
Leesha (31:07.968) special. 21.6) Thanks for watching!
Alex (31:29.763) Yeah. I think if someone's going to do it, I think you're going to, you're going to do it. Yeah. That's a big job, but the way that you just even talk about it, I just can foresee that being such a good, positive experience for you and your daughter.
Nat Alves (31:35.542) I want to be really intentional and break that and actually have a good close relationship with my daughter.
Leesha (31:37.44) break out and actually have a good close relationship with my daughter. 46.656) Yeah.
Nat Alves (31:47.342) Thanks, I'm excited for it. 54.348) Yeah. 58.048) It almost like once I found out I was having a girl, it like the thought crossed my mind, this is going to be healing for me, for my whole like my family. I can't wait for my sisters to see a good mom, daughter relationship for her. So I think, you know, there's a lot of emotion behind that. And that's not necessarily something she'll understand until she's older, but it's in my head a lot. Yeah.
Alex (32:01.923) it's like the op-ness that I'm like, this is gonna be healing. For me, like, a campaign, I feel like, for my parents to see if I can talk about what she's going through. So, I think, you know, we all have a moment, we might have a moment to really like, feel what it's to be older. Well, hopefully she'll never have to really understand that, yeah. Yeah, so I'm excited for that. I'm excited for you too.
Leesha (32:02.032) it's Yeah, I'm excited for you too. The biggest pre-baked beer or barbecue. before you have a bee, what are your concerns about for end of pregnancy and new workplace? Yeah, I think you guys probably know that because it feels like a basic barbecue, especially with the current.
Nat Alves (32:26.732) So I'm really excited for that. Yeah, it's gonna be great.
Alex (32:32.96) let's see. Biggest pre-baby fear or worry. So before you have the baby, what are you concerned most about for end of pregnancy and newborn phase?
Nat Alves (32:44.994) Yeah, I think you guys probably know all that because it feels like a big learning curve, especially if you haven't. Me and Zach are the first people on both sides of the family to have a kid. I don't even have cousins with kids yet, and we're the oldest in our family. So since we haven't really been around newborns in our family,
Alex (32:46.563) You guys probably know. It feels like a big word to her. Especially if you have a...
Leesha (33:04.32) the oldest. So since we like New York family, thankfully, our friends, okay, so we can optimize for a bit. There's so much to learn. How did you make them?
Nat Alves (33:11.618) Thankfully, we have friends with kids that we can ask advice for, but there's so much to learn and so many things that you don't, how often do you bathe them? How much do you really get up in the middle of the night? Like making sure that I know what I'm doing. And I still, ask you guys questions every time I see you. I'm like.
Leesha (33:27.198) And you have any questions.
Alex (33:30.322) You're gonna figure it out though like
Leesha (33:32.576) I always tell you it's like a light switch is going to just go off once you have baby.
Alex (33:32.707) We all don't know. And yeah, like, your baby has the personality and you guys are going to figure out your routine and what works for you. Like it's just going to click.
Nat Alves (33:48.162) Yeah, it's just, it's a lot to learn, but you guys always tell me it's instinctual, especially for the mom. So I think that and then, I mean, also figuring out how to get back into work because I work for myself. So my maternity leave is how much time I can take off and not make an income or figure out how to outsource to keep making money. So figuring out all the logistics around that.
Leesha (33:49.449) That's a lot to learn, but you guys are so instinctual, especially for the mom. So I think that, I mean also figuring out how to get back to work, because I work for myself, so I'm like.
Alex (33:52.311) Thank you figuring. because I work myself. Right.
Leesha (34:08.608) or figure out how to keep living life. So, we're here now. It's phenomenal.
Nat Alves (34:16.322) just because it is a little bit more untraditional. But I'm trying to go with it with all grace and kind of figure it out as I go. And it's a small moment in your life that I want to make the most out of. So, yeah.
Leesha (34:19.648) is I'm trying to go with grace and kind of, you know, figure it out and think about what it's a small moment in your life that I wouldn't want to them, so. All right, what is your dream vacation destination after you have baby?
Nat Alves (34:40.482) Man, I have a lot because I really love to travel and that was something that I didn't do wanna.
Alex (34:42.519) because I would have to drop it to know something that I didn't do well.
Leesha (34:42.622) because I really like... 51.466) What?
Alex (34:52.514) No, I just was laughing because she said it a little backwards. I just was like, why did you say it that way? Your dream, what is, okay. What is your dream family vacation destination after baby? So family.
Nat Alves (34:56.778) No, you're fine. I think I need to restart my answer now because I got distracted.
Leesha (35:01.632) My brain's not working,
Nat Alves (35:13.038) Yeah. I would say I love to travel. And one of the biggest things was I know I have to slow down on all of that after having kids. So I'm really excited for once she's old enough that we can take her to go do fun things. But what I have in my head is like some sort of cool hiking trip. Because me and my husband love to be outside. I love hiking. I feel like that's something you could do with a baby if you wear them or, you know,
Leesha (35:14.688) would say I love travel and it was, I loved slow down.
Alex (35:22.179) in the end. I really...
Leesha (35:23.818) really excited for it.
Alex (35:29.581) But when I, like. Mm.
Leesha (35:37.61) That's it.
Alex (35:37.923) Thank No.
Leesha (35:40.993) You know, I think something else if I could make a would be amazing. always learning all of the features so can stand in the group and not just get hurt. The earlier that we can get to the better to go look for a way to become a better trip friend. Yeah. We grew up outside. We grew up outside all the time in the woods. So passing down, you know, hiking.
Nat Alves (35:42.958) I think something out west, if I were to do a big trip would be amazing, but probably starting small with even just hiking in San Antonio and some of the state parks. Yeah.
Alex (35:47.876) But I'm very proud of her just making it. Same as me, like, I just hate her. Yeah, the earlier the better. Pre-condition her. She'll be good to go once you're ready to take her on a bigger trip then. Yeah. Or at that's my motto.
Nat Alves (35:58.926) Yeah, I know. I know I want to get her outside a lot. We grew up outside all the time and in the woods. So passing that on and, you know, hiking and being in fresh air. And then I know that we'll have we'll go to Ohio again for the holidays next year. So I'm super excited for my family to see her a little bit older. Like they'll come out, obviously, when she's born. But
Leesha (36:11.354) Maybe about six months.
Alex (36:17.283) So super excited for my family. Right. How old is she going to be when it's holiday time next year? Like six months? That's a good travel time. Like if for flying or driving even that should be a good first big trip like that.
Nat Alves (36:24.418) when we're really in the flow of things and she's older, to be able to bring her around my extended family and get everybody together. 41.293) Yeah.
Leesha (36:42.061) be a good first big trend. Yeah. It'll be. We we.
Nat Alves (36:44.876) Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. It'll be really nice. And we do that trip every year, so we're comfortable with it. But to be able to bring her and I just want to see my family with her, it'll be cute.
Alex (36:51.861) Thank 56.854) Yeah, do you guys drive every time you go? Yeah. You might just have to add some extra stops. Yeah.
Nat Alves (36:59.968) Yeah, we usually do, which we'll see. Yeah, we'll probably split it up a different way because we usually try to do it all in one day. Yeah, and I don't think we'll be able to do that. But maybe we'll turn it into something where we stop halfway in Tennessee and do something cool there.
Alex (37:09.003) Ooh, that would be hard on the baby, probably. That's a good way to do it probably that way you guys all get a break Having a kid my gosh, it will completely just transform your family probably I know it did with mine my daughters were the first of the kids like first kids period so far still
Leesha (37:18.728) Yeah.
Nat Alves (37:22.296) Yeah, I just think it'll be cool to see how it changes the energy of Thanksgiving every year too, because it's all adults right now. 32.866) Mm-hmm.
Leesha (37:36.704) like first kids periods of our fill.
Alex (37:39.875) on my side of the family and so it completely just changed how holidays were period or just life in general also.
Nat Alves (37:47.965) huh.
Alex (37:50.656) All right, well, I think that was all of our hot seat questions for you, Nat. Do you have any for us, whether it's about us, about kids, about parenting, about literally anything? We're here for you.
Leesha (37:50.88) All Do you have an end for us? it's about us, kids, or parents, or literally anything? can't remember for all of them. you're fine. What's one thing you wish you had before having your first baby?
Nat Alves (37:58.702) I know I can't remember all of my good ones. What's one thing you wish you had known before having your first baby?
Alex (38:07.413) All your questions. 18.412) dead silence crickets. No, but that's a tricky question because.
Leesha (38:19.392) Yeah, I know.
Alex (38:26.755) I, there's just a lot you don't know, you know? And that would have been nice to know. I think it would have been nice to know that, you know, after baby, it's normal for your relationship to kind of take a back seat for a little while. Like that's not something bad. It's just the natural flow of things. And I think it would have been good to know that. Cause then I would have been like, what the frick is wrong with us when I had my first kid. Yeah.
Leesha (38:26.88) I mean, there's just a lot you don't know.
Nat Alves (38:30.101) Mm-hmm. 43.445) Mm-hmm.
Leesha (38:48.353) Yeah, I would say just going with the flow and Even if you make like a birth plan that it might not be followed You might have things that pop up that happen that are totally not control over
Nat Alves (38:53.3) Yeah, that makes sense.
Nat Alves (39:04.652) Yeah. 08.195) Mm-hmm.
Alex (39:09.219) Or just go with the flow period after baby two, because you can plan all you want, but that baby's going to do what they need and want.
Leesha (39:13.204) Mm-hmm. 17.482) Yep. Yep.
Nat Alves (39:18.242) Yeah, that's so true. Yeah. guess another one that I've talked to you guys about a lot before is setting boundaries. You guys know I'm kind of a pushover with people and even my husband, we both can be like that. So that's something I'm kind of nervous about with especially a newborn when they're so young and fragile. a lot of people say, well, that's the time where people are
Alex (39:26.943) and you guys. 32.447) And even my. So that's. especially in the morning, you're so done and fragile. I want people saying.
Leesha (39:43.358) lot of people say you know you
Alex (39:47.789) you know, human.
Nat Alves (39:47.81) You know, you make your own rules in your family and then people kind of try to break that. So whatever advice you have around setting good boundaries.
Alex (39:51.862) push back on them. I would just pre-communicate them. Break in anyone, especially anyone who you think is going to give you pushback. Start communicating those boundaries now to them. This, you know, I'm going to want you to wash your hands before holding baby if that's what you're going to do. Or I don't kiss the baby's hands and feet and face. Like that's just not what we do.
Nat Alves (40:05.729) Uh-huh.
Leesha (40:10.88) I just try to be non-confrontational and if they're
Alex (40:15.329) they have no immune system right now. You can give them the reason if you want or don't and just be like, that's my boundary period. I don't even have to give you a reason because it's your baby. Holding the boundary is the tricky part.
Nat Alves (40:17.102) I know that's what what do do if they just don't listen?
Alex (40:30.423) Leisha, what do you do?
Nat Alves (40:37.954) Mm-hmm.
Leesha (40:40.66) getting in the baby's face or anything and just take them and say they need to eat or I need my baby or anything kind of like that.
Nat Alves (40:47.874) Yeah.
Alex (40:48.868) I just think it's so funny that that's Alicia's answer because she's probably one of the most like blunt people I know, aside from my own dad. And I'm not at all, but I a hundred percent, a hundred percent, no, take the baby and tell them what they're doing wrong. I told you. And you know, there's definitely different approaches to it. I went full mama bear, especially with my first, I was a little more relaxed with my twins because I was not.
Nat Alves (40:56.078) Mm-hmm.
Leesha (41:02.11) Yeah.
Nat Alves (41:02.156) No, maybe. I told you. And there's definitely different ways to it. there.
Alex (41:18.061) first time mom anymore, but, I was able to communicate those wants better and everybody kind of expected what I was going to want after my first anyways. But with my first year, you definitely will kind of go off instinct a little there, whether that's you want to be non-confrontational and just can be like, you know, I'm going to take her, she needs food, whatever. Or if you're going to be set a hard line and be like, no, if you're going to disrespect my boundary with her, this is my daughter.
Nat Alves (41:32.13) Yeah. 45.21) you can't hold her at all, you can't even have her.
Alex (41:45.461) you can't hold her then or you can't be around her or whatever the case may be.
Leesha (41:48.553) Yeah, I think it'll definitely fall under that light switch. You it gets flipped when you have baby and you're either just going to have that boundary that you just happens. Yeah.
Alex (41:51.555) it's like.
Nat Alves (41:52.172) I hope so. 58.535) Mm-hmm. That's what I'm hoping that it like naturally comes out in me a little bit more Yeah
Alex (42:02.651) Yeah. I think it will. mean, everybody gets, it doesn't have to be a hard, like you're going to be really direct or whatever with it, but you will get more protective and advocate for your kid because you're the only one who can.
Leesha (42:17.28) Right, yeah, you're their voice.
Nat Alves (42:19.414) Yeah, that's true. What about I feel like a lot of people talk about how the first month or the first that first phase with your newborn. It's hard because they they're so reliant on the mom. And I know like dads can struggle with where do I step in and then moms can struggle with. I feel like I'm doing everything, but I have to like, do you guys have even the relationship advice around that or or for your own?
Alex (42:21.473) I feel like...
Leesha (42:27.552) There's space, there's heart, it's heart, there's
Alex (42:34.441) And that was.
Leesha (42:34.878) And that can... 41.6) you guys
Alex (42:47.819) or say it to communicate.
Leesha (42:47.828) or it's for your own sanity.
Nat Alves (42:49.078) sanity too, like how do you deal with that?
Leesha (42:51.969) Mm-hmm definitely communicate. I would definitely make sure that your spouse knows what to expect as far as what maybe postpartum depression can look like and How they can help you, you know after the fact because not everybody has postpartum depression But it is very common and so and you don't think about that like once you have been hired you're exhausted and then you might start falling into that and so if you don't you know if your husband
Alex (42:58.488) No, but it is fairly common
Nat Alves (43:05.422) Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Alex (43:16.193) Mm.
Leesha (43:21.652) or your spouse is aware, they can kind of watch out for those things and bring, yeah, help bring it up and let you just be more aware and then you can talk to your doctor about it. But yeah, that's a communication. It's a big piece of it.
Alex (43:21.763) And hopefully help with that.
Nat Alves (43:21.838) yourself there. 25.838) Really.
Alex (43:32.09) But yeah, have to think as big as it is. Right, like if you're feeling overwhelmed, but you're not sharing that and you're not showing that, they're not gonna know. Like they're just gonna be like, okay, well I can't, like your husband or whoever's helping you with baby at the time isn't gonna know because if you're not showing it, you're not communicating it. And they're like, okay, well she wants to do all this, I guess. They won't know, you gotta tell them, hey, I really like, I've been doing this for.
Nat Alves (43:36.11) You're feeling overwhelmed that you're not sharing. Yeah.
Leesha (43:43.007) on that.
Nat Alves (43:51.138) Mm-hmm.
Alex (44:00.452) 12 hours straight, getting up feeding the baby, changing the baby, doing dishes, doing this. I just need an hour to decompress or I just need you to start taking over the lunchtime feed or whatever it is that you need help with. You need to be communicative. And that's so hard, even harder as a first time mom, feel like, because you want to do it all. And you feel like you need to do it all too.
Leesha (44:06.56) Yeah.
Nat Alves (44:17.678) even harder as a person, I feel like. Because some people want to do it all. Yeah. And you feel like you need to do it all.
Leesha (44:22.304) Mm-hmm. you can feel like need to do it all. Another thing is if you have friends that are willing to help you with house chores or things and accepting that and that it might not be done in the way that you normally do things, but they're there to help you and take those things off your plate or your husband's plate, because it is a lot for either one of you when you have a new baby. So.
Alex (44:35.332) And that you know, do things, but there's a couple of you. Right. Because this is a lot of really, a lot of people. Yeah. I will say that having friends and talking to those friends, even if it's not just your spouse, but can be helpful too. And being like, I'm feeling overwhelmed. Not necessarily to ask for them to do something either, but just having someone to...
Nat Alves (44:40.098) Yeah. see that.
Alex (45:04.449) get it off of your chest so you can work it out. What do I need to do? Because sometimes you just need to talk it out.
Nat Alves (45:06.63) Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense.
Leesha (45:10.535) Mm-hmm.
Alex (45:13.355) Yeah. Can you think of any other questions or have we exhausted your questions already?
Leesha (45:15.304) Any other questions or we exhaust your questions?
Nat Alves (45:18.798) I think those have been the big ones kind of in the back of my head. I always ask you guys, so I'm sure I'll have a million more.
Alex (45:22.07) Yeah. 25.987) A million more, yeah. Well, we are here for you and we also have, let's see.
Leesha (45:28.682) Well, we are here.
Alex (45:36.941) You
Leesha (45:38.944) I would skip number seven. We kind of just touched on that.
Alex (45:39.873) Where are we?
Nat Alves (45:39.96) Where are we?
Alex (45:43.939) Yeah, listener engagement.
Leesha (45:47.422) Yeah, you could do that. All right.
Nat Alves (45:48.046) Alright, well, while Matt doesn't have any more questions, we would love to hear from you guys, our listeners, about your experiences managing health through pregnancy or having make major life changes or maybe doing something that you learned while being pregnant or first with mom or whatever or experienced on that you feel like is probably one the most important things that we should all know. We would love to hear that and you can get that to us.
Alex (45:49.42) All right, well, while Nat doesn't have any more questions, we would love to hear from you guys, our listeners, about your experiences managing health during pregnancy or navigating major life changes, or maybe even something that you learned while being pregnant or first time mom or whatever, or experienced mom, that you feel like is probably one of the most important things that we should all know.
Leesha (45:52.734) questions. We would love to from you guys.
Leesha (46:01.056) life-dangerous or... or personal model or or experience on. fact, I like he's probably one of those 40s. He's strong. We'd love to do that. You can give that to us.
Alex (46:15.075) We would love to hear that and you can get that to us by DMing us on our Instagram page at wildlings.unleashed or clicking the text us button in your podcast listening app of your choice. Both ways will get to us and we will either send an answer or do a follow up episode depending on what you send us.
Leesha (46:35.104) Mm-hmm. Yeah, definitely and then if you want to connect with Nat Through her website or Instagram you can do that at natmariedesign.com or natmariedesign on Instagram and see bits and pieces of her business and some of her milestones through her pregnancy
Nat Alves (46:45.518) because I'm on Instagram and there's a business that I'm part of. I'll be sharing all that and you can watch me try to navigate running a business and having a newborn all together.
Alex (46:54.116) Yeah, I'll definitely share it all. Yeah, just watch me try to copy it. Try to do this and see how it Well, we're excited to watch it all. All right, well, thanks for listening. Yeah, thank you. Thank you.
Leesha (47:00.46) Yeah.
Nat Alves (47:04.622) Alright, well thanks for listening. Yeah, thank you guys. Thank you.
Leesha (47:04.641) Thank you.