How do you define the “Mama Glow”?

Mama Glow is a certain radiance that overcomes a woman who is happy, healthy, and feeling fulfilled in her life. I associate the glow with lifestyle choices aligned with well-being, as it can be witnessed in beaming bright eyes, vibrant skin, and shimmering hair. Most of all, Mama Glow is an attitude, a way of carrying oneself: owning your fierce power and femininity, and embracing the awesomeness of motherhood.

You mention that your pregnancy was nothing like you read about it in traditional books. How was it different?

Well, my pregnancy was different in many ways – first off, I never experienced morning sickness, only gained 14 pounds (and my baby weighed in at 7 pounds 11 ounces at birth), and had so much energy and creative power. I was also eating a vegan diet which most books were condemning as a lifestyle choice, however my diet of vegan whole foods, coupled with my yoga practice kept me feeling and looking my very best. I had a quick natural labor and walked home with my son 6 hours after birth—it was surreal. There was never once a moment of fear—my midwife believed in me and I felt like I could do anything.

What was the driving force behind writing Mama Glow?

I felt compelled to write Mama Glow because I didn’t have a guide to work with when I was pregnant, and was figuring it out as I went along. I want women to not only feel supported and empowered, but mobilized to take healthy action in their lives and make choices aligned with a positive set of beliefs. I want to promote green living, and share a different story—one that wasn’t fear-based or hokey, one that spoke to modern women living in big cities and in suburbs to address all aspects of their self care in the kitchen, on the mat, and in their lives.

For those women who are trying to conceive, what is your biggest piece of advice?

Stop “trying” and start being. Now what do I mean by that? Procreation, like any other natural process, does not require thinking, planning or strategizing. It’s really not about designing your sex life around when you are ovulating; it’s about practicing a lot with your partner and having a lot of good sex on a regular basis as a training ground to boost your fertility. With conception it’s less about control and more about surrender, letting go, and being receptive, which happens when you relax and forget about the outcome, and focus on being in the moment. Embody the sexiness and have fun!

What are the building blocks of a successful pregnancy?

The building blocks to a successful pregnancy include:

1. Preconception detoxification (which I outline in the pre-pregnancy section of the book)

2. A healthy plant based diet of whole foods with a focus on what I’ve termed “glow foods” for optimal wellness

3. Yoga or other dynamic movement supporting your joints, muscles, and the needs of your changing body

4. Mindfulness practice including journaling and meditation as well as an affirmation practice, which helps us to develop coping tools that are helpful in our birth and motherhood

5. Glow time – Taking personal time to focus on you. That’s right. Be selfish, take baths, get a massage, get your hair blown out and your nails done, do a facial at home. Relaxing and decompressing helps to reduce stress, and putting yourself first is one of the most important things you can learn while pregnant.

We know that diet and exercise are key elements to a healthy pregnancy, but what do you suggest for emotional well-being?

This is a great question because so many women go through pregnancy feeling unsupported emotionally. I’m big on weeding your garden—clear out the emotional baggage, toxic habits, and people in your life so you can create a sacred space around you and your blossoming baby. I suggest finding support through your sister circle which is a group of chosen reliable friends some of whom have been through pregnancy already and can show you the ropes and can help you navigate new motherhood. Also I believe in eating a balanced diet to support a healthy hormonal balance, which can boost your mood too.

There are several books on pregnancy, but Mama Glow is different. Why?

Mama Glow is unique with its layout. The information is grouped into sections making it easier to digest, featuring—In the Kitchen, On the Mat, and In Your Life. It’s not just about the facts; it’s about you, taking a journey. I’m your glow pilot, helping to guide the process. In Mama Glow I talk a lot about the mind-body-spirit connection, but am also very grounded. I like to say it’s Sex and The City-meets-Deepak Chopra. It really addresses the needs of modern women who want to blossom during this transformative time. It’s a feel-good book.

What’s next for you?

I’m busy starting the next book, believe it or not. It’s all about getting the glow power, but has nothing to do with pregnancy. I’m running my practice and keeping up with my busy son, Fulano. Mama Glow isn’t just a book, it’s a movement. We are about creating change with women and reclaiming our health, our bodies, and our power from deep within—our glow.