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Hormones, Nutrition, Reproductive Health, Stress

Normal Thyroid hormones, Hormonal Acne and Paraguard {Q&A}

August 23, 2017 By Robyn 59 Comments

Many of you enjoyed the Q&A style post I did a couple weeks ago and left many questions in the comments. So here is round 2!

I recently had my thyroid levels tested and all are within “normal” range, but just barely. They are all on the lower end. Is there such thing as suboptimal thyroid function that’s “normal” but not necessarily healthy?

abnormal thyroid labs

This is a great question! The gold standard in traditional practice is to initially test for TSH…sometimes doctors test for total or free T4 in addition to TSH. By testing only these two markers, we are assuming that you body can properly convert T4 to T3 (the metabolically active form of thyroid hormone) When I see patients at my full time NP job with symptoms that could be related to thyroid I do the full panel including TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (aka TPO Ab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). I’ve never had a problem with insurance covering the entire panel so I see no reason not to draw it — you need the full picture to know what’s going on! So I would make sure you have all these labs drawn before having your health care provider conclude that your thyroid function is “normal.”

healing your thyroid

To read more about the function of each of these thyroid hormones and how everything works together read this post I wrote last month. The TPO Ab and TgAb are also important labs to get in order to rule out autoimmune thyroid conditions where your body turns on itself and begins attacking and destroying it’s own thyroid gland. I actually just had a patient come in last week with hypothyroidism symptoms. I drew the entire thyroid panel and when her lab results came back on Monday, all her thyroid hormone levels were normal but her antibody levels were elevated. If I hadn’t ran the entire panel I would have missed that. So my point here is — make sure you have all the labs drawn.

If everything is still in normal range, that doesn’t mean you have optimal thyroid function. No test is going to tell you how thyroid hormone functions once it enters the cell and how well your cells are utilizing thyroid hormone. So it’s possible for all the labs to be “normal” but to have symptoms due to issues arising in individual cells. Even more so, everyone is unique and has different ranges that are ideal for them, so even if your levels are “normal” that might not be optimal for YOU. I truly believe in not slapping a prescription on abnormal thyroid levels, so I’m way more concerned with treating the patient through lifestyle/short term supplements vs managing a medication based on lab values.

Many times these “normal ranges” are misinterpreted. The American College of Endocrinology considers a TSH level over 3.0 abnormal. That’s less than the upper limit range given on your lab results. And this is true with many of the ranges — just because you are in range (which actually varies from lab to lab) doesn’t mean that range is optimal. And the labs all need to be interpreted together.

hormonal acne

Can not getting your period be related to very bad acne? The first thing I hear from dermatologists is to cut out *insert any food group here* to clear acne…but I’m hesitant with my ED history. I just want to know if there could be a hormonal link between both my acne and amenorrhea?

It’s a delicate dance with eating foods that nourish and heal your body while also practicing intuitive eating and cultivating peace with food and your body. Gut health, inflammation and hormones are all underlying causes of acne. There are so many reasons that someone could be experiencing acne, I do know that a topical or oral medication is not fixing the problem, it’s temporarily controlling the symptoms. With co-existing diagnoses such as amenorrhea, PCOS etc…acne is almost always a symptom of the hormonal imbalance at play. Taking a look at lifestyle (nutrition, sleep, stress and exercise) usually can identify an underlying cause so you can work towards healing and as a result, the acne resolves. Acne is simply inflammation that manifests itself on your skin, the key is to figure out what is causing that inflammation! Remember that stress is inflammatory too and a huge reason for acne. It doesn’t matter what you put on your plate or how many amazing creams you use if you’re stressed.

I know this is a personal question, but what do you do for birth control to prevent pregnancy?

This is so individual. I have friends who use birth control pills, IUDs, rings, condoms and natural family planning. You do what feels right to YOU. I always want women to feel supported and never judged by what they do that feels right for them. With my history of hypothalamic amenorrhea I knew that I didn’t want to take anything that would interfere with my natural cycle. I always wanted to know what my cycle was doing – not only for an indicator of my health, but so when we did decide to start a family, I would be in a healthy and fertile place to do so. I looked into Paraguard (a non hormonal IUD) but decided against it since we weren’t looking to prevent pregnancy long term and I didn’t want to deal with the possible side affects of cramping, heavy bleeding, etc after insertion.

So, we do a mix of natural family planning and condoms (yes, condoms. I know. such a buzzkill, but not so bad :)) I monitor my cervical mucus and know when my fertile days are so we use condoms during that time. To much TMI for a Wednesday? Hope not! I can write a post on cervical mucus monitoring if you guys are interested. I think it’s fascinating no matter if you’re married, single, never planning on having kids or whatever. I think knowing when you’re ovulating and where you’re at in your cycle based on your body is so awesome and empowering. Again, what I do is not what is right for everyone. Do what’s right for you. 

Paraguard IUD side effects

Can you share your thoughts on Paraguard?

I thought about getting Paraguard placed for several months. It’s the only non hormonal birth control out and studies show great long term safety. The main drawback is women can experience heavy bleeding and painful periods while on the IUD. So while it doesn’t affect your natural hormones, it does cause increased bleeding and pain during your period which isn’t characteristic of a healthy, normal period so it would be difficult to monitor your hormone health based on your cycle. But to have a long term option for highly effective contraception that almost guarantees not getting pregnant…I think this is a great option!

I hope this has been helpful, leave your questions in the comments section and I’ll do my best to turn them into a post 🙂


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Filed Under: Hormones, Nutrition, Reproductive Health, Stress

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Comments

  1. Lindsay says

    August 23, 2017 at 7:15 am

    Hi Robyn! Definitely interested in hearing more about how you tell when you’re ovulating and cervical mucus monitoring. LOVE that you talk about this kind of stuff that many other people are afraid to!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:15 pm

      Will certainly write a post on this Lindsay – glad you’re interested!

      Reply
  2. Annie says

    August 23, 2017 at 7:45 am

    I have a non hormonal IUD and couldn’t be happier ! The insertion wasn’t painful and I cramped badly for about an afternoon but I hear sometimes depending on the person it can last up to a week.
    I had heavier bleeding for about 3 months then it got back to normal. I haven’t looked back!

    However that being said, even though I recommend it to all my friends who are looking for an alternative to the pill it SO BADLY depends on your trust in your Doctor. Mine was excellent and pro and explained everything to me plus she was highly skilled with IUD (not all of them are unfortunately).

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      I’m so glad it’s working for you Annie! And agree completely that having an informed health care provider makes worlds of a difference

      Reply
  3. Reagan says

    August 23, 2017 at 8:23 am

    Please do a post on natural family planning/cervical mucus monitoring! I am highly interested in an option beyond hormonal options/permanent methods!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      yep I will!

      Reply
  4. Dana Hauck says

    August 23, 2017 at 8:25 am

    I just loooove your blog!
    I love that not only are you just a great fun authentic person to follow in the blog world
    – I LEARN SO MUCH from you.
    I don’t comment much, but just wanted to say Thank you 🙂 <3

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      Dana thank SO MUCH for following! I’m so glad you’re enjoying – means so much 🙂

      Reply
  5. ID says

    August 23, 2017 at 8:49 am

    Robyn, this is all amazing. I am new to my period and tracking it. I have the app “Flo” and it’s been helpful for me to document my period and it tells the expected days of ovulation. I’d like a rundown post of what’s happening with your body as you go through the month (mostly connected to pregnancy and what your body is doing). If you have resources you’d recommend, that’d be awesome too!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:17 pm

      Great post idea India! I’ll add it to my list.

      Reply
  6. Caitlyn says

    August 23, 2017 at 9:25 am

    I would seriously LOVE a post on cervical mucus monitoring (kind of funny to say haha!). I have always had terrible reactions to birth control and am terrified to get any sort of IUD, as my hormones are messed up as is. Currently use condoms, but it’d be nice to have the option not to some days of the month 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:17 pm

      yep I’ll plan on writing this 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lexi says

    August 23, 2017 at 9:52 am

    Hey Robyn! Great post. Thank you for these Q and A’s. I really enjoy them!! Since you are a professing Christian, one thing to note is that some of the birth control options you discuss here (definitely IUDs and controversially different hormonal birth controls ) are known abortificients. They would prevent a conceived baby from implanting and most Christian bioethicists says they should be avoided at all costs. Since you are advising women in your NP practice and even at times publicly here, you might want to look into this. Two great resources for reproductive bioethics are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Dr. Megan Best and also Ethics for a Brave New World by John Feinburg. Let me know if you have any questions or want more resources/journal articles on the topic. Thanks again for this post and ALL the time you put into this blog. It’s such a blessing!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:22 pm

      Hi Lexi! Thanks so much for your comment. I hear you and I think that my hope with blog posts and in my conversations with patients and clients is to create a nonjudgemental environment that is open to discussing any questions, concerns and beliefs. So my hope with the blog is to create education around how different forms of contraception work so women can make autonomous decisions for themselves. With Paraguard, in addition to interfering with sperm movement (since copper is a natural spermacide) and preventing egg fertilization, Paraguard can also possibly prevent implantation. The same way that hormonal bc prevents implantation by thinning the uterine lining. The main mechanism with any form of hormonal birth control and Paraguard isn’t simply the prevention of implantation (there are several factors at play in including preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent fertilization) but it is good for people to know it can also work in that way.

      I am one who does believe life starts at fertilization so know that I hear you and appreciate your feedback!

      Reply
  8. Maggie Niemiec says

    August 23, 2017 at 10:35 am

    I love these Q+A style posts, and I love that you’re tackling topics most people won’t touch! Keep it up ????

    Reply
    • Maggie Niemiec says

      August 23, 2017 at 10:38 am

      I do have a question for those in ED recovery. I’ve been in recovery for years and eating well, but all of a sudden in the past few months I’ve experienced really bad acid reflux–the kind that makes me feel like I’m going to vomit. Almost like a bubbling up in my throat. Terrible nausea, but I’ve yet to actually get sick. A doctor put me on prescription medication for the next month, and that seems to have helped.

      I’ve heard a lot of women in ED recovery who have IBS or other digestive issues. Could this acid reflux be tied to that, too? Thanks, Robyn!

      Reply
      • Robyn says

        August 24, 2017 at 1:25 pm

        Yes certainly Maggie! A few weeks ago I wrote a long post on digestive health in EDs – I hope it’s helpful!
        https://www.thereallife-rd.com/2017/07/eating-disorder-gastrointestinal-issues/

        Reply
        • Maggie Niemiec says

          August 25, 2017 at 1:14 pm

          SO helpful. Thanks, lady!

          Reply
        • lauren says

          August 28, 2017 at 4:19 pm

          Robyn, I know you mention gut health and exercise – How are those two correlated? I mainly just think of gut health and eating, but how can gut health be affected by exercise? Thanks!

          Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:24 pm

      <3 <3

      Reply
  9. Kristen says

    August 23, 2017 at 11:32 am

    Great post Robyn! I would be very interested to read more on what you do for cervical mucus monitoring.

    Reply
  10. Melissa says

    August 23, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Thank you for all the great information in this post! I really enjoyed it and love reading all of your blog posts! I would love to hear more about cervical mucus monitoring also if you get a chance sometime.

    Reply
  11. Katelyn says

    August 23, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    I’m really loving these Q&A posts, thank you so much for taking the time to do them! I would love to read a post about monitoring your cervical mucus and natural family planning if you don’t mind sharing! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Casey says

    August 23, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    Great post and yea I would love a post about cervical mucus! All so interesting.

    Reply
  13. Imperfectly Perfect says

    August 23, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    Yes to a cervical mucus post. I find this stuff very fascinating as well!

    Reply
  14. Megan @ A Continual Feast says

    August 23, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    I did the Creighton method for awhile but it ended up being a little too stressful for us in the long run… I still love the idea of it, though! Would love it if you did a post on charting cervical mucus- fun stuff 😉

    Reply
  15. claire says

    August 23, 2017 at 2:54 pm

    awesome post! I had amenoorhea and my doctor put me on thyroid meds to help my low thyroid levels. This ended horribly in a hyper active thyroid and extreme anxiety and dizzieness. I am off it now but wish I knew better before going on thyroid meds. Now my thyroid is better regulated and got my period back! Please more info onCervical mucus….My hormones are difficult to mintor since getting my period back.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      so glad to hear your thyroid regulated off meds!

      Reply
  16. Emily says

    August 23, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Hey, thanks so much for this post! I for one would be interested in cervical mucus monitoring. Also, I have the exact same issue with my thyroid tests. Unfortunately, my doctor really doesn’t want to prescribe the more in-depth thyroid lab tests. I think it’s time for a new doctor!!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      perhaps a second opinion would be good 🙂

      Reply
  17. Aven says

    August 23, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    LOVED this post! I was going to e-mail you with some questions but you answered them all in this post! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      glad it was helpful!

      Reply
  18. Kristen says

    August 23, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    Thank you so much for this post. I am so thankful to you for sharing your choice of birth control. I am currently on my last year of Nexplanon and it has caused heavy bleeding, mood swings, acne, and just things that I don’t like at all. My husband and I do not want to have children, but I don’t want to be on any birth control after this final year is up. I want to experience what a normal period is like and normal hormones. We’ve talked very briefly about a vasectomy, and I am willing to get a tubal ligation, but am not thrilled about the side effects to that either. I am 35, so I know that it is going to get more difficult to get pregnant, but there is still a chance. Even with Nexplanon, we still use condoms and always have, but I am fearful to only rely on those for protection. I would love to hear more about cervical mucous monitoring and will definitely look into it. Unfortunately, I’m not very shy about asking other women about their birth control option, because I think it’s good to know and normalize talking about it.

    Reply
  19. Megan says

    August 23, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    I would love a post on cervical mucus monitoring!

    Reply
  20. JM says

    August 23, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    Ummm, I’ll be first to say I’d be interested in a post on cervical mucus monitoring! I’ve never been a fan of birth control, especially after reading your blog, so would love a way to know when I’m more fertile (weird to type lol, oh well!) in order to prevent pregnancy.

    Reply
  21. Allison says

    August 23, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    I would love to read more on natural family planning. My little guy is 9 months old. I know I don’t want hormonal BC, but we aren’t sure we’re done having kids, so I don’t want something that has to be removed or will throw my cycle out of whack.

    Your posts make me wish I could find a care provider like you in my town! No such luck.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      There are great ones out there so I hope one comes your way locally!

      Reply
  22. Ritta says

    August 23, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    What a great post Robyn! I really enjoy reading your posts! So helpful and educating 🙂

    Reply
  23. Jess says

    August 24, 2017 at 6:19 am

    Your explanations of the thyroid make sense, but man, what a confusing system! I still don’t quite understand how rest and stress reduction helps thyroid function…nor how we’re supposed to tell if these non medicine approaches are working without getting thyroid tests done several times. Always like the thyroid posts–thanks for your writing!! 🙂

    Reply
  24. Anna says

    August 24, 2017 at 9:08 am

    I have a Paragard IUD and LOVE it. It’s the best of both worlds, no hormones throwing me off and very reliable and constant protection. I have had it since February of 2012 and it is good for 10 years. I had crazy experiences with hormonal birth control pills when we got married and it was NOT for me so I switched it up. We feel really called to adopt so this choice of birth control works perfectly for us. And I know you mentioned the effects an IUD can have on a period and wanted to add my experience; mine definitely became longer in length (almost 8ish days instead of 5-6) and a bit heavier but not unmanageable. Also, I know a common fear for women looking at an IUD is the warning “if you have never had kids before, it could be really dangerous. I have never had kids and I have not had any problems with my IUD for the past 5+ years since insertion. But, I agree with what you said, find what works for YOU. 🙂 Great post!

    Reply
  25. Emily says

    August 24, 2017 at 9:30 am

    I love how you told us to investigate the root causes behind things like acne, knowing that there is a reason for really bad acne. I haven’t had really bad acne around or during my period, for which I’m thankful. And this post makes me wonder about my thyroid levels, but I’ve never had them tested.

    Reply
  26. Ashley says

    August 24, 2017 at 10:42 am

    I’m actually Catholic, and we use NFP but abstinence instead of condoms during fertile periods. There are actually a couple of different methods for Catholics–we use the Marquette Method, but I know Creighton and sympto-thermal are popular as well.

    I’m still voting to hear you talk about why PMS isn’t normal!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:27 pm

      That post is coming your way!

      Reply
  27. Amanda says

    August 24, 2017 at 11:57 am

    My whole family has had thyroid issues, and all my labs have come back “normal”, but I had one test with a significant increase in TSH. But still “normal” and we didn’t worry about it. Now I’m curious why providers don’t want to order a full panel? Love your thoughts and holistic approach to these things!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:28 pm

      I know it’s frustrating!

      Reply
  28. Meah Konstanzer says

    August 24, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    It’s always so fascinating to me when you get down into the science of things! It never ceases to amaze me how many little details and components there are to our health. I love that you talk so much about female health. I feel like it’s a topic that’s really under acknowledged and even females don’t know enough about. I was wondering if you knew anything about using acupuncture or incorprating specific herbs to help with amenorrhea. Thanks 🙂 !!

    xxMeah

    Reply
  29. Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off says

    August 24, 2017 at 12:46 pm

    I’d actually love to read more about the monitoring ovulation thing. I have read a lot about it before, but most sources say that you never really know for certain, and it’s better to use condoms ANY time you are sexually active. So I guess my question is how do you know for sure that you’re being safe?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:27 pm

      nothing is 100% except abstinence but if you learn to monitor it can be highly effective 🙂 I’m going to write a post!

      Reply
  30. Erin Drum says

    August 24, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    Definitely would love this post about how you do NFP! I was on Mirena for a year and a half and eventually started hating it! The side-effects (because, clearly it’s main goal was to ALTER my hormones… boo) became not worth it, even though we loved the convenience. Now I’m all about the non-invasive, non-hormonal methods but I only know a tiny bit about NFP. Thanks for being, real! I’ve literally thought before while reading your posts (hahaha, weird??), “I wonder what she does for birth control” so I’d love your hormone-authority voice!

    Reply
  31. Tracy says

    August 24, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    HI Robyn. I read “Taking Charge of your Fertility” when we were first married and the “fertility awareness method” is a very good option. It teaches you to know when you’re fertile, and they you can decide what to do about it (condoms, abstain, try for pregnancy). I had a basil thermometer velcro-ed to the back of our headboard and I quickly took my temp before getting out of bed each morning. Back in the day I charted my temps on paper but now use a handy app on my phone.

    Thanks for all you do!

    Reply
  32. Alicia says

    August 25, 2017 at 3:42 am

    Hi Robyn!

    I love all of your posts and really loved this one! I would definitely be interested in a post more in depth on natural family planning/cervical mucus monitoring. I’ve been on birth control for like 11 years now which makes me nervous yet I’m also nervous to go off since I’m not sure how my body will react. Also I’m not ready to have kids with my husband yet, but that is down the road for us so we definitely want something reliable until we are ready!

    Thanks again!

    Reply
  33. Lauren says

    August 31, 2017 at 12:01 am

    I have a real problem with the way you attribute acne to “inflammation” and something that can be cured with diet, sleep, and exercise. SO many young people struggle with devastating acne that no amount of healthy eating or 8 hr nights of sleep will cure. They are doing NOTHING wrong. It’s a complex interaction of hormones, clogging of follicles, genetics, and underlying proliferation of bacteria.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 4, 2017 at 4:23 pm

      Hi Lauren – you are right in that it is very complex. And I never claimed that it was a one size fits all approach (which is why I never, ever give out “this is how you fix your problems” advice because it is always complex and individualized. But you can ask many many people and do the research and know that yes, acne is an inflammatory condition. I’m not quite sure why referencing it that way is offensive? It is devastating and I understand that which is why I’m so passionate about helping others get to the root problem (whatever it may be that is causing the inflammation) and heal it. I hope that helps clarify.

      Reply
  34. Alicia says

    September 10, 2017 at 1:36 am

    Hi Robyn! Not sure where people typically leave their questions, but I have a question :). Is the LEAP diet another fad diet/diagnosis? I have had a lot of mystery GI problems this past year and working with my primary care physician and GI doctor have led to a dead end. However, through this experience I did find certain foods that I never expected actually don’t work well for me – like apples! Appreciate any info on the LEAP diet.

    Reply
  35. Alicia says

    September 10, 2017 at 1:36 am

    Hi Robyn! Not sure where people typically leave their questions, but I have a question :). Is the LEAP diet another fad diet/diagnosis? I have had a lot of mystery GI problems this past year and working with my primary care physician and GI doctor have led to a dead end. However, through this experience I did find certain foods that I never expected actually don’t work well for me – like apples! Appreciate any info on the LEAP diet.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 18, 2017 at 6:15 pm

      I’m not the expert on LEAP but Rachael Hartley (https://www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com) is a good friend of mine and knows a lot!

      Reply
  36. Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com says

    September 10, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    I would LOVE a post on CM. I think everything about the woman’s body is so fascinating… it tells us EVERYTHING!

    Reply
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    December 1, 2017 at 4:33 am

    I know this website gives quality dependent articles or reviews and extra stuff, is there any other web page
    which presents such things in quality?

    Reply
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    December 3, 2017 at 3:36 am

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A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

More On Lady Hormones

How Birth Control Methods Affect Your Hormones, Period and Fertility

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I have yet to experience postpartum myself, but I've had many clients and readers that have been through that season of life. Or perhaps you are currently living through the postpartum period. Every woman's body is different, therefore every woman's experience after giving birth will be different. What works for one woman, might not work for the next. While one woman might go through postpartum and adjust to newborn life quiet seamlessly, another woman might find it much more difficult. She might need the support of medication, therapy, extra help and many other things. One way is not better than the other - they are simply two different ways of navigating the postpartum period. I hope this post helps you better care for yourself, whatever that means for you. There's no right or wrong way to care for yourself as a mom or your new baby.

Postpartum Hormones: what’s happening in your body and how to care for yourself

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🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 two babies are asleep at the same time in their beds (and not on me) for the FIRST TIME IN 7657 DAYS and dear lord I could cry tears of relief straight into this latte and bowl of chocolate chips bc I woke up this morning exhausted and weary and told Nick I didn’t want to parent today 🤣 Not even calling this self care. It’s sanity right now. And even if it lasts 5 minutes it will be 5 minutes of freaking glory. p.s. yes that brick is crooked bc v uneven floors are part of the charmed package of this old house
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Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, wowww 🤯 Asked at least six people where to find something and their opinion on all the options bc holy decision fatigue. Nursed my newborn on the floor of the paint aisle. And BLESS my new contractor friend Matt I found in the lumber section that pushed my cart around and helped me avoid the mistake of buying exterior wood for some DIY bathroom shelves.
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We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t plan to close on a house 10 weeks after having a baby, but here we are. And we are so, so grateful.  And I’m also terrified. We’ve moved three times and lived in three different states since we got married three years ago. After six years spent living in New York City and Boston, moving back to Charlottesville was really, really hard for me. I cried a lot those first six months because my heart ached for the northeast and for city life. I wanted to pack up and go back to Boston ASAP. It felt so different and so quiet here and at times, very lonely. Even though it felt like the next right step, I second guessed our decision A LOT.
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But here we are 10 months later ready to continue investing in this neighborhood we’ve come to love. And this community of people that have become so dear. Ten months later and it feels so, so right. And although committing to settling down here for a good bit feels really scary to me, it also brings so much peace to know we aren’t moving again anytime soon. We are here to plant and grow. And raise our babies in this house as we make it a home. It’s also really fun to have one of your best friends be your realtor. We love you @kelli.teter.nesting 🤗
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Now, to see if we make it out of this kitchen renovation all in one piece 🤪
my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in ghee with sautéed spinach (also in ghee) and an english muffin with more ghee + some sort of jam on half for that sweet & savory combo. we discovered these local english muffins (from The Bread Basket) and they are doughy and delicious and we are obsessed.
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I’ve found that I need a solid source of protein and lots of fat for breakfast to keep me full while breastfeeding this time around vs with Cal, I was so into big bowls of pb & chocolate chip banana oatmeal. just goes to show our bodies know what they need and change cravings accordingly. also, just a psa: go pick up the maple butter from @traderjoes bc it is bonkers 🤤 and lastly, shout out to my husband bc a lot of mornings he is making this bfast for me while I nurse & try to pull myself out of bed - don’t for a moment think I’ve got it together 🤪
I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brai I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brain of if/how to use this platform in a way that aligns with how I want to live my life. I’m finding it tricky to discern that when 90% of my use on this app is for professional purposes. But I’m not sure if even professionally, it makes sense for me. Because I feel more aligned with what matters to me when I’m not regularly present here.  I’m not really sure what things will look like moving forward, but for right now I’m here to share with you that I somehow found some spare minutes between newborn & toddler life to write a post with some semi-coherent thoughts on life lately. 🤪 You can head there by clicking the link in my profile.
I’ve been completely disconnected from social me I’ve been completely disconnected from social media and that’s been vital for me during this tender postpartum period of transitioning from a mama of 1 to 2. But today, I’m bopping on briefly to share how Teddy entered this wild world with you - if you’re into a lengthy, detailed birth story, the link in my profile will lead you to the blog post 💙
Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our famil Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our family at 12:48am on Wednesday after a quick and swift labor & birth at home 💙 Thank you Father for another healthy baby boy & your abundant, tender love for us. What an undeserved gift.
Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his due date, but also....LET’S GO DUDE. Still over here eating dates (check out the @ebbirth article on the research showing dates can help ripen (aka soften) your cervix, reduce the need for medical intervention in labor and can overall, improve birth outcomes) drinking red raspberry leaf tea and sleeping as much as possible with a 19 month old running around. And also trying to survive July in VA without public pools or splash pads bc it is BLAZIN HERE (and I’m a wuss with the heat 🤪)
#AlignPartner A huge plus of transitioning from ti #AlignPartner A huge plus of transitioning from tiny-apartment-city-living to house living is this screened in porch. This little oasis sold me on renting this house when we moved from Boston to Virginia back in November. I dreamed about this becoming our outdoor living room for at least half the year (because also, summer comes earlier and stays later down here - which has a its pros and cons 😆)  During Cal’s afternoon nap, I set up shop out here with my computer + something refreshing to drink and get a little bit of work done before my brain turns to mush and/or a find myself napping instead of working. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I can only drink so much water during the hot months before I’m over it so I’ve been mixing it up with either seltzer + juice, iced tea or @alignprobiotic’s new Kombucha On-the-Go powder sticks - all you do is mix one of the packets into ice cold water and stir. Then sip!  With quarantine life, we aren’t on-the-go much these days, but it’s still nice to have a nonperishable drink option always around. Flavor wise, it’s like a fizzy iced tea with a zingy, refreshing lemon ginger flavor.  I think it’s important to know that not all probiotic supplements are created equal. They all aren’t backed by evidence, but the Align brand is and could be something helpful for you if you feel like you need some digestive support - but talk to your healthcare provider first. I try to incorporate probiotics into what I eat - and that mostly comes in drink vs food form. Tell me how you’re staying hydrated in the comments ...because these days, it’s the little things 🤪 #AlignProbiotic **Use as Directed
Lunches for the past month or so have been some re Lunches for the past month or so have been some rendition of a sandwich + chips + fruit. SUMMERTIME 😎I’ve switched to open faced only bc there just ain’t much room left in there for food at 38.5 weeks 🤰🏻90% of the time at the end of a meal, no matter how “small” the portion, I’m feeling stuffed and like the food is in my throat (just what you wanted to read on this lovely Tuesday afternoon 🤪) but my point here is...intuitive eating doesn’t mean find-the-perfect-fullness and eat-only-when-hungry. Sometimes it means eating when you’re not hungry and feeling overly full often and trying to eat foods lower in fiber and higher in calories.
Found this photo on my camera roll today from a wa Found this photo on my camera roll today from a walk I took a month or so ago. Between quarantine and spending my days with a toddler, life is much less hurried and a lot more mundane these days. But those two things are helping me to stop & notice and to chill out on checking things off my to do list and instead just being present with whatever is in front of me. I want to have the curiosity & wonder my 18 month old has as I go about my day - with my surroundings and people I encounter and really, everything. Life is way more meaningful that way. Ending my evening with that reminder and a white chocolate chip cinnamon blondie covered in vanilla ice cream before I go take an Epsom salt bath and read.

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