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Top Baby Names of 2018 Results

2/19/2019

We reached out to you (our community) to search for the Top Baby Names of 2018.

Thank you for all the contributions you made to our Survey.
We have shared the results below.

"Count' refers to the number of times a name was submitted to the survey.

Most Submitted Names

The followings names have 1 count each:

Is your babe's name on the list? Tell us which one and why you chose it, in the comment section below.

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14 Mamas Share Their Best Self Love Rituals

2/13/2019

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While being a Mama might be the most rewarding job, it is certainly not the easiest. As a Mama you are continuously putting your little one's needs first and it becomes very easy to neglect your own.

This valentines day we want to remind every Mama out there that although all your input often goes under-appreciated, it is not under-valued. You work hard, and it's okay to take some me-time, in fact, it is necessary.

We reached out to some amazing Mamas in our Yoga Mamas Community who have to balance their work-life with their home-life to find out what they do to add a little self-care into their routines.

We hope these will inspire to find ways to relax and recharge whenever you get the opportunity.

Danielle Hulan,
Psychotherapist

Photos by Terri Iwaskow

I take a bath. There are of course, two versions:

1. The Perfect Bath
I scrub the bathtub. Then, I bring in my favourite drink, lock the door, light a candle, and turn on music. I love starting with a face mask, and then laying in a foamy bath of epsom salts and essential oils. I might shave my long overdue legs (or not!). Sugar scrub exfoliation, a hot shower rinse, and a head to toe creamy natural body butter to finish. I use as much time as I have, and try to move slowly through each process. I end up feeling refreshed AND productive (clean bathtub!).

2. The Imperfect Bath
I turn on the bath water. Then, I get in. I end up feeling relaxed.
Self-care isn't always pretty, or easy. And it doesn't have to be perfect. For me, the imperfect self-care is often more realistic and more loving because, it actually happens!

Peta Stinson,
Sapling child

As a busy working Mom of three, self care definitely doesn’t factor in to my every day schedule.

I’m sure all you Mumma’s know, the priorities of raising those littles, household responsibilities, juggling work, pick ups/drop offs, kids activities and everything else in between means that by the end of the day a glass of wine and flopping into bed is about all the self care we can manage.

Despite the business of life, I really REALLY really do enjoy taking some time out to recharge when I can. To me that means unplugging. Phone off, no emails, and no computer. Taking myself to the gym for a great work out, the out for a really fabulous coffee (uninterrupted by kids, or my partner), and a long healthy lunch (have you tried Nutbar, or Calli Love?). That’s all I need to feel refreshed and recharged and ready for another day!

Lina Maria Jiménez
Holistic Lifestyle and Movement Coach

Having a 3 week old and a 3 year old doesn't leave much time for mama, but my little self-care routine consists on looking away from house work and allowing myself to be ok with it ;) and instead finding a little bit of time with or without baby to move and stretch, specially my back, neck, wrist and calves whether it's 5 mins or 15 it helps me get through the day and I know it has been great help with my postpartum recovery.

Cyndi Carleton,
Fun With Music

Even writing about my self love is a great reminder to keep up the self love! As a busy self employed mom that has an ever-changing schedule, I sometimes find it hard to plan some of the big self love activities like a massage or a pedicure. I try to be mindful about adding in a small bit of daily self love (or almost daily!) that can really make a difference. So if I have a meeting at the Distillery, I make sure I have enough time to grab a hot chocolate from Soma. Daily self love - check!

If I'm working close to home, I will add in a bit of extra time to walk instead of taking the car, to spend some time with myself. Check, check! And if I can find even an hour to spend with a friend it is a great reminder of my self outside of being a mom. Check, check, check! I truly cherish the little things - it can make a huge difference in a busy life.

Trisha Enriquez,
@notummymommy

My self-care rituals continue to evolve, but the purpose always remains the same: to support me being a healthier, happier and more present mama when I am home with my family. I try not to complicate things when it comes to taking some much-needed ME time - sometimes it's simply taking a few moments to write in my journal or taking a short walk to grab a coffee on my own. I know I always come back refreshed and ready to take on whatever the Universe has coming my way!

Shannon VanderDoelen,
Naturopathic Doctor

With the arrival of my baby girl in January, self-care has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Instead of booking a massage, meditating, or sitting down with a cup of hot coffee and a book (which, side note: will I ever again be able to drink a cup of coffee while it's still hot?!), self-care now looks like drinking a glass of water when I'm thirsty, some quick stretching for my achy body, or taking a very short but very hot shower.

What I know for sure is that self-care is so critical to being a good mama whether you are pregnant, 2 weeks into this mama thing, or 20 years in, and that it's going to wax and wane and change with time. I'm excited for self-care to start to include a weekly yoga class at TYM with babe, reconnecting with my girlfriends, or simply drinking a cup of hot coffee.

Amada Mizen
North Medical Spa

Travel provides a time out and space for reflection. I feel loved when I’m able to escape!

Jesse Lane,
Holistic Nutritionist

As a holistic nutritionist, my favourite self love ritual is eating healthy and delicious food. I love to fuel myself with nutrient dense food so I have the energy to chase after my little one. Since cooking with a toddler hanging off your leg or taking everything out of the cupboards is not easy, I like to make quick and easy snacks that I can grab right out of the freezer or throw together in minutes.

My favourites are fat balls and smoothies because you can pack them with superfoods and they are fast to make.

Tabitha Vallierie
Fit-City Guide

Self-care for me is all about taking time to do things I would have loved doing before my favourite mini-human came onto this planet. I am a firm believer that I’m a better mum, better partner, friend, daughter, etc. if I fill my own cup and I, nor should anyone else, feel guilty about that.

The way I incorporate that in my daily life can change but I’m a sucker for routine so it often looks like going for a run, having the most epic morning and night rituals that make me feel like I’m at a spa EVERY DAMN DAY, scheduling time in our family calendar (#praise Outlook) so I can go to a group workout class, meet friends for a glass of bubbly, or go to a coffee shop to work.

Whatever I can do to inject moments into my day that are just for me is a tiny slice of heaven, and then it somehow fuels my energy reserve to give so much more to the ones I love. Funny how that works, right?!

Reena Sud,
@mamalifestyles

What I find challenging about self love rituals is convincing myself that I actually have time for it. Over the years I’ve learned that taking the time to care for yourself reflects on the energy you exude towards your kids (+family). Sometimes it’s impossible to leave the house solo if you don’t have help with the kids.

I’ve (finally) started practicing a simple 20 minute yoga routine at home as my day to day self care ritual (thank goodness for apps!). It’s truly therapy (physically & mentally) at the end of my day to wind down and zone out with a killer playlist in the background! When leaving the house solo IS an option, my go to escapes are a Yoga Mamas class, a coffee run, or a dinner date with my other half!

Amanda Thompson
@amanda.c.thomson

My favourite self love ritual is to put on some music (90’s hip hop or old school punk), have a steaming hot shower, you know the ones that take forever where you are exfoliating and singing and just being in a steamy cocoon of happiness. Throw on the sweater I’ve had for 10 years and refuse to give up and cuddle with my girls (one human, two fur babies) and my man. I don’t worry about the laundry, the house or anything else. We watch horror movies and drink wine.

Chelsea Sousa,
Babies and Lattes

As a busy mama, my self love ritual literally changes every day, every week & it is all truly dependent on what I feel my body/mind needs. My new favourite (since my kiddies are somewhat sleeping through the night) is to set my alarm and wake 30mins before my babes.

This gives me time to drink my coffee, set my intentions for the day, write my to-do list, watch TV, do laundry, read a book... literally whatever I want, guilt free. It’s the perfect way to start my day.

Wendy Churton
This Bumpy Adventure

Photo by
@michelecrockettphotography

Self-love can look different for everyone, and I think it's important to acknowledge the mental health component of self-care as well as the physical. For me, I find that scheduling my time around work and play is the best way for me to ensure I get enough of what I need and stay balanced. Being a freelancer with two kids under 4 can be challenging, but doesn't have to be a struggle. I set aside work time for me, play time with the kids, home-time for household tasks and tidying, and me-time, which, let's be honest, usually lands after bedtime.

Sometimes these windows are only 30 minutes at a time. It's important to fully dedicate yourself to those windows of time, too - during play time, I put my laptop and phone away and immerse myself into playtime with my children.

When I'm working, I can encourage independent play in my kids, take advance of nap times, or use local resources like The Workaround (@the.workaround), a co-working space with childcare. Scheduling my time has been key to accomplishing my day-to-day tasks and taking care of myself and my family.

Janet Hill,
Community Manager at Yoga Mamas

I keep myself very busy, and that's why I turn it all the way down to show myself love by eliminating distractions and practicing mindfulness. My way is through my yoga practice. Whether it is 20 minutes at home or taking a class at a studio, I honour my health and cultivate a strong connection to the present moment, which in turn helps me be my best self off the mat.

I carry my gratitude with me and channel that unselfish love into every aspect of being a mum to my daughter. Showing motherly love is so perfectly natural to me, and it doesn't end with my children! She sees me taking care of myself and taking care of others. Each time I dedicate some time to practice, I am grateful and I become more resilient

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5 Ways to Show Kids You Love Them

2/11/2019

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They say the first time you’ll ever experience truly selfless love is when you become a Mama; from the day you channel loving intentions to your baby bump, to the many ways you change your lifestyle in order to care for your child. No one can deny that motherhood is next-level when it comes to expressions of love. And although endless cuddles are all it takes to convince babe that they are loved beyond all else, you may be searching for creative ways to show your affection as your little one gets older.

We all dread the day our public profession of love will be met with rolling eyes at the schoolyard gates, but the good news is there are lots of ways to say, “I love you” beyond these three magic words! Every child needs to feel loved, however, they won’t all welcome expressions of love in the same way. And most important to consider is that they may not welcome expressions of love in the same way that YOU do. So today we’re sharing 5 different approaches to show your babes you love them!

Words
Words are powerful. Without a doubt, they are one of the most effective ways to communicate your meaning, which is why the simple words “I love you” are never a bad idea. That said, hearing the same thing over and over again can cause it to lose its depth of meaning! Try telling your little ones how much they mean to you in a new way: look them in the eyes and offer affirmation for their accomplishments, efforts, or simply for being themselves.

“You have a beautiful soul”
“Thank you for being so kind”
“You are the best part of my day”
“You are special to me because…”
“Seeing you smile makes me feel so happy!”

Actions
They don’t say, “actions speak louder than words” for nothing. Showing your love through kind actions is a wonderful example to set for your babes and one you likely do on a daily basis many times over! From helping them squeeze their mitten-covered hands through their coat sleeves, to tucking them in at night, there is no shortage of ways Mamas can show their unconditional love.

Make them Joy McCarthy’s Chocolate Heart Pancakes
Wash (or patch up) their favorite stuffed animal
Make a secret code together (like blinking 3 times) which means “I love you”
Offer your help without them needing to ask first (whether they’re doing a puzzle or tidying their toys)
Plan tonight’s dinner with their input--spaghetti stuffed tacos it is!

Gifts
Gift giving can sometimes be saddled with the stigma of “materialism”, however certain children find extraordinary meaning in these tokens of love. Even a modest gift given with warmth and affection will be treated like a treasure to children who respond to this approach. You might try your hand at a simple DIY project, or perhaps you’ll add your little one’s favorite treat to the shopping cart next time you’re at the grocery store! It doesn’t so much matter what the gift is, so long as it symbolizes your love.

Pick fresh flowers for their bedroom
Hide a sweet greeting card in their backpack or lunchbox
Buy them a heart token/keychain so your love is always with them
Get matching temporary tattoos that remind you of one another
Pass down a special item from your childhood (and tell them a story about it)

Time
In a day and age where parents often feel stretched thin—between their work, their family’s needs, and their own self-care, among other things—time really is precious. Despite the pleasure of after school activities, and privilege of entertainment systems, some children simply want a little one-on-one time with their Mama. No, you can’t add more hours to the day (if only!), but you can decide to take a few minutes to kneel down with your little one and witness the magic of the moment. Maybe a few to-dos get bumped down the priority list, but we guarantee it will be worth it!

Listen to them with genuine curiosity
Read an extra story at bedtime
Play at the park (and go down the slide together)
Make this DIY Fluffy Slime!
Have a make-believe picnic in your living room

Touch
Is there anything better than holding your little one close? Most Mamas would rate a good long cuddle from their babes as a deeply fulfilling expression of love, and the same goes for some children. It’s been scientifically proven that your physical presence, in the form of a hug for example, lowers your child’s heart rate and reduces their feelings of stress. Try these gestures of love to reassure your little one that they are loved by you.

Snuggle up for a movie, and hold hands
Give them a hug and don’t let go until they do
Gently brush hair from their face
Draw shapes on each others backs with your fingers
Let them honk your nose, squish your cheeks, and tickle your chin (then playfully do the same to them!)

There are so many ways to show your babes just how much you love them, so have fun and be creative! Try a few new ways of expressing your affection and see which approach resonates best with your littles. Not only will you be saying, “I love you” in more ways than usual, but you’ll also be teaching your babes that there are many ways to show others they care. Your initiative has the power to strengthen your Mother/child bond and grow your child’s sense of self-worth, while teaching them ways to communicate feelings from the heart.

How do you show your little ones love? Share with us in the comment section below.

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Facebook Live: Counselling At Yoga Mamas

2/4/2019

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With counsellor and psychotherapist Danielle Hulan, and Yoga Mamas General Manager, Janet Hill

February is National Psychology Month and we wanted to kick of this month by sitting down with Danielle to discuss the importance of taking care of our mental health, how our community has responded to the addition of counselling services at Yoga Mamas, as well as some of the free workshops we are hosting this month.

During this video Danielle addresses some of the reasons people seek counselling at Yoga Mamas such as:

Looking for a nonjudgmental place to talk through emotions or experiences without feeling like they are burdening their partner or family members.
As a way to create a buffer or support system for the possibility of post partum anxiety and depression.
The entire experience isn’t what they thought it would be, including, trying to get pregnant, pregnancy itself, labour, feeding the baby, and of course navigating the relationship with the now co-parent.
And we see Dads coming in too, to talk about their experience entering fatherhood, what this has meant for their relationship, their own mental health, and how to support their partner in it all.

Watch the video below.

Our upcoming Psychology Month workshops

FREE POSTPARTUM TEA: EXPLORING EMOTIONS SURROUNDING PREGNANCY
FRI FEB 15TH 2:30PM - 3:30PM

Join us for tea and guided conversation about motherhood with Danielle Hulan (MSW, RSW).

This event is for you if you are experiencing some or all of the following:

Missing your old self and life, and feeling guilty about it
The presence of feelings or experiences that are not what you expected
Challenges in your relationships with family members
Feeling like you aren’t ‘allowed’ to have some of the feelings that you have
Feeling like talking to your partner or family about this would make you feel like a burden, embarrassed, or a ‘bad mother’
Motherhood is more than feelings of love and blissful connection. If you have found that there hasn’t been space for some of the other (harder!) experiences of motherhood, we welcome you to come, sit, and find comfort in this shared experience.

You will leave

Knowing you are not alone
Having greater clarity around your own experience
Feeling heard and acknowledged
Feeling more compassion for your motherhood journey
With a better understanding of how to process and deal with these feelings

FREE PRENATAL TEA: EXPLORING EMOTIONS SURROUNDING PREGNANCY
SAT FEB 23RD 11:15AM - 12:15PM

Come join us for tea and guided conversation with Danielle Hulan (MSW, RSW) on how mamas-to-be can move through the emotional and mental hills of pregnancy.

This event is open to all mamas-to-be looking to understand more about the following:

Not feeling as connected to your pregnancy as you thought you would
Feeling guilty that you aren’t as excited as you feel you should be
Feeling sad or anxious
Feeling disconnected from your partner or loved ones
Looking for healthy ways to process these emotions

Learn, share and connect with mamas-to-be like you as you acknowledge some of the complicated, pleasant, or sometimes unpleasant emotions that can surface in pregnancy. This workshop will allow you to explore the full emotional and physical experience of pregnancy (the one that may not be always be captured in media).

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