Dear Friend,

This November Thrive Guide comes out the day after Halloween, which maybe felt a little sad for you this year (does every single candy contain soy?). Leaves falling and chocolate candy galore have probably reminded you that we are officially entering into the holiday season, which means… 

Travel with babies. Time with in-laws. Tempting treats. Food that is off-limits and figuring out what to eat. Parties. 

…Feeling a little panicky? 

I have heard from so many breastfeeding women with dietary restrictions who dread this time of year, thinking that it’s going to be miserable. 

It doesn’t have to be.

Will it be easy? No. Will family members not understand why you can’t have the turkey that was rubbed with a “little butter”? (yes…been there trying to explain that one!). Will you be tempted not to make special holiday food because your old favorites are not an option? Maybe, but I hope not!

This Holiday Guide is everything I wish I’d had in November 2017. 

My son turned 1 that month, and we were gearing up to do the dairy ladder. In the meantime, I was still on a super strict dairy, soy, egg and legume free diet. I felt like we were starting to come out of the haze of the first year, but still in the thick of sleepless nights, lots of breastfeeding, and now I was struggling more with eating enough nutritious food to keep from losing more weight. 

This November Guide covers things that feel important for this month: travel, Thanksgiving recipes, holiday gift ideas, and some general things like tips for reintroduction ladders, when to replace your breast pump parts, and a spotlight on one of my favorite super foods for optimal nutrition—teff! 

My goal is that you find yourself thriving in small ways this month-ways that can have a big impact on your emotional, physical, and mental health. 

Grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine and dedicate an evening to yourself to sit down with this Guide before things get crazy with the holidays. 

You are doing amazing. So glad you are here. 

Susanna