Newsletter: THE NEW MOM- Our Best Advice EVER!

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For the BRAND NEW MUM, or for the NEWLY-MADE-MOTHER in your life, this newsletter edition is just for YOU. Resources curated to keep, share, and change lives plus some special discounts! We welcome you and your new bundle. If that new baby stage is over for you, scroll down to our contribution from our sister sites that have nothing to do with babies and infant feeding for recipes, relationship stories, and reviews.

 

Dear Leakies,

How will parenting change you? Let me count the ways. We’ll start with 4 for now though.

Whether everything went according to the serene picture in your head or nothing like it at all, becoming a new parent is an experience like no other. Largely because all the preparation in the world doesn’t really prepare you and before you know it, parenting is sink or swim.

So you start swimming. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep SWIIIIIIIIIIIIIMING!

The reality is no matter how much you envisioned being a perfect parent, you will fail. I know, not very encouraging. But the sooner you accept that, the better it will be, you are not going to ever be a perfect parent. Parenting will change you and though you won’t be a perfect parent, you ARE the perfect parent for your child(ren). Flaws and all. There are glorious, amazing moments in parenting that will take your breath away. There are sweet, tender moments in parenting that will make you smile and treasure the little things. And yes, there are horrible, nightmarish moments in parenting that will cause you to question what you were thinking getting into this gig in the first place. All of the moments need the other moments.

Three ways parenting will change you:

You will redefine a good night’s sleep. And you’ll be amazed at how little can feel so good. Four months into parenting our second daughter, who had a personal vendetta against sleep, we had our first night with 4 hours in a row. Plus another 2 after that. It was amazing. I celebrated. Never mind that a year before a good night was 10 uninterrupted hours of sleep.

Clean takes on a new meaning too. So just how much like sour milk does that shirt you wore yesterday smell? On a scale of 1-10 if it’s a 7 it may likely pass as wearable.

You will need more storage on your phone. Sure, it’s popular to be annoyed with your friends posting pictures and videos of their kids all the time on social media but, OMG, you should have seen the way she discovered her fingers! You’re going to need more room on your phone.

Patience for yourself. At least I hope parenting changes you this way. If you are a perfectionist, this is particularly hard. In the end though, if you wouldn’t want someone treating your child the way you treat yourself, then you’re going to need to model that with how you treat yourself. Patience is key.

You’ve got this. You will keep swimming.

And for some of the more fun parts of parenting a newborn, see these 12 signs that you’re breastfeeding a newborn here.

Scroll down for more support for new parents, a great coupon code (20% off!) for a top that will convert all your shirts into breastfeeding tops, and for topics well beyond those baby days, see the sections from our sister sites OurStableTable.com andBeyondMoi.com.

GO HERE for an exclusive coupon code and MORE!

#LeakyLooks: Work And Transitions! Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2015

by Kileah McIlvain

It’s the end of summer! We can all feel it. The anticipation of cooler days, school supplies, hot tea, and ALL OF THE FLANNEL (okok. I’m from Portland. Like THAT wasn’t obvious! Ha.). But – it’s August. Which means, for a lot of us, it’s still fairly warm and dry outside. We’re getting some of our older kids ready for a new school year, all of the extra errands we’re running to sign our kids up for fall sports, physicals, dentist appointments, end-of-summer-getaways, considering more versatile clothing to facilitate pumping at work….August fills up pretty fast when you think about it!

To kick off #WorldBreastfeedingMonth, I asked our Leakies in our Facebook Community to share with us what they wanted to see in our latest pics-and here they are! Be sure to tell us what you liked and what you’d like to see! Want to submit your own ideas for us to feature? Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and use #LeakyLooks! xoxo -Kileah

Leaky At Work

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This look features a great neutral-themed collection of “transition pieces” that are pumping-friendly and versatile. I started with some great ankle trousers from Gap that can be paired with a boot, heel, or ballet flat. This particular trouser style and print are really versatile, fashion forward and can be dressed up or down while remaining uber comfy in various work environments – even at home! This great light-blue cotton button-down tunic top from H&M+ works really well for pumping in a Hot Milk Chic Ivory Nursing Bra without a lot of fuss and looks classy paired with a minimalist color pop of jewelry like this teething necklace from Vintage Honey Shop! When transitioning to autumn, it’s a great idea to combine both layers and texture – so pairing a lightweight structured shirt with a woven blazer like this one really keeps the outfit alive and functions to keep you warm if you need it! Don’t forget to complete the outfit with a chic durable pumping handbag like this Juno Blu Esalen bag in “Steel Snake”!

Boutique Business Owner

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This look captures such a chic and comfortable vibe in tones of stone, deep plum and blushed peach! I wanted to highlight the nursing mama who may be a small business owner. This beautiful viscose navy tie-back nursing dress from Seraphine is incredibly soft and really works well with a variety of body shapes and is easily adjustable to celebrate your beautiful mama body! Long hours means every piece you wear needs to work to your advantage and comfort, which is why I chose this Leading Lady Molded Sport Nursing Bra from Herroom. It provides breathable, comfortable all-day support in a GREAT range of sizes, and is a great price as well! I couldn’t resist these great stylish flats from Modcloth (oh, Modcloth: Let me sing the ways I love thee!). Who doesn’t want a cute bag that doesn’t cost you your firstborn? This Skip Hop diaper bag is a chic, cost-conscious option for carrying essentials for both you and baby. Building relationships with local shop owners and your little one wants to explore with you? This beautiful Wildbird.co 100% Linen ring sling in Cockatoo is a beautiful and inexpensive option for keeping your sweetling close! (Plus, I have this thing for bees and honeycombs! Again, Modcloth accessories are GENIUS. And adorable!)

 

Pine State Mama

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If you know me AT ALL, Leakies, you know I have a love for Leyton Doc Marten boots, Portlandia, and all things Plaid. This look came to me after contemplating how much I love a local haunt called Pine State Biscuits. Because giant biscuits. And gravy. Just….google it. I know it isn’t the same as stuffing your face with them, but maybe you should start planning a foodcation here? Asap? I thought so 😉 The Your My Lumber One dress from Modcloth passes the #boobouttest worn with a comfortable pair of boyfriend jeans and this GREAT Elomi nursing bra! I just recently bought this great black wool hat at H&M (seriously. it goes with EVERYTHING. Even sweatshirts!). And basically Beco baby carriers WINS with Herman. Because vintage octopuses? Yeah. Be still my beating heart! Plus, with my growing little ones, I’ve been needing to upgrade to a more toddler-supportive carrier option. Beco really takes the cake with comfort in my book-for both parents AND kids!

I hope you love these looks! Remember! Tag @TheLeakyBoob on Instagram with #LeakyLooks to show us how YOU rock your workwear, boobwear, and anything in between! WE want to feature YOU! #LeakyLooks #FashionForAll #YOUmatter #BoobOutFashion #MaternityWear #NursingWear

Are We Getting It Wrong? TLB’s Latest Newsletter

Dear Leakies,

962543b9-ef8a-4e3a-bd8b-cbc3a5a5bfcbI’ve pondered what to write here for World Breastfeeding Week but the truth is for TLB every single day is World Breastfeeding Day so I find myself coming up with all the same things to say. Not to mention that after MiLK last week (a huge success!) I’m exhausted and focusing on my family. But every year as World Breastfeeding Week rolls around I find myself wondering if we’re getting it all wrong? Are we asking the wrong questions? Speaking (YELLING?) at the wrong people? Considering the wrong issues?

This year it seems like maybe not, we’re talking about breastfeeding and the work place, important matters to discuss. But who is doing the talking?

But my family needs me and so does yours.

So I don’t have much to say. It really just boils down to these bullet points:

Feed your baby.

Shut out the haters.

Push for positive change including work place policies.

Cheer on companies that support breastfeeding and go against the grain.

Spread love, grace, and understanding.

People before feeding methodology.

Feed your baby.

Read these posts for inspiration: breastfeeding friendly work place; breastfeeding passion and TLB mission; and the breastfeeding family. Scroll down through the newsletter for more on how we maybe need to change the conversation.

To read MORE on our latest newsletter, and to watch an exclusive video I wanted to share with you on this subject, WATCH HERE.

Happy Breastfeeding! Happy Bottle-feeding too.

Peace,

Jessica Martin-Weber

I WAS WRONG: Supporting FEEDING CHOICES-Why It Matters To Us

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Dear Leakies,

First, don’t miss out on the big giveaway featuring TWO Tula Baby carriers (a wrap and a soft structure carrier), a set of 4 Eco Vessel water bottles from Eyla’s, 4 tubes of Thinkbaby sunblock, and a Belabumbum sporty mesh nursing bra and nursing racerback cami. Find more info further down in this issue including the secret entry code.

Secondly, I was wrong, so wrong. For a long time I thought there had to be one right way to do anything. That there was a script for life that if you just followed it, everything would turn out how it should.

Only when I tried it I discovered 2 things: 1) I couldn’t always follow the script either because lack of skill, opportunity, or burn out and 2) even when I did stick to the script others didn’t or it didn’t matter anyway.

So it is that I’ve learned there are many ways to mother, many ways to define success, many ways to be healthy, many ways to be active, many ways to be educated, many ways to love, many ways to dream, many ways to have a baby, many ways to feed that baby, many ways to care for that baby, and many ways to bring up that baby. And on and on and on.

In most areas in life, there is no one right way, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Let’s get moving, let’s feed our babies, let’s live and enjoy life, and let’s have grace for the ourselves in the journey.

Let’s do it together.

Find community on our Facebook page, our Facebook community group, our #TLBmoves community group, and relational resources on The Leaky boob website, Beyond Moi website talking about relationships and life, and OurStableTable.com bringing the whole family around the table with recipes and conversation. TO ENTER GIVEAWAYS and find out more, READ HERE.

-Jessica

#LeakyLooks: Out And About With #TLBMoves

We’re wrapping a month of getting ACTIVE with #TLBMoves and #LeakyLooks and we thought we’d share one more collection of outfits that are boob-friendly, pumping friendly, and paired for YOUR lifestyle! Getting active can be so many different things. Dancing with your kids, hiking the new trail up the Gorge, swimming, playing hide-and-seek with your baby, hitting the gym, outdoor  yoga, a family walk after dinner-whatever gets you moving and making healthy choices for your family lifestyle-we want to be there cheering you on! Got a look you’d like to share with us? Head over to Instagram, take a #LeakySelfie and TAG us! We’d love to feature YOU and how you go about your day with your littles!

 

Day On The Lake

Boat Trip

We are really fortunate to have a ton of lakes, waterfalls, and creeks around the Pacific Northwest. This summer has been unusually HOT for us, and hitting any local natural watering hole is a MUST. And NOT getting seriously sunburned in the process. (No, really. Poor husband decided to NOT use our Thinkbaby sunscreen. Half a back of blisters and a call with our doctor later…NOT doing that again.). Pulling a simple look together with the essentials is what this look is about. Sunscreen, wide sunhat to keep the burn from getting you, staying hydrated, a good bag that organizes, a breathable mesh bra from Belabumbum (if you aren’t swimming. or, you could actually probably swim in this just wonderfully!), and a carrier like this Tula buckle carrier in “Fizz”  in lighter colors so you and baby can stay cool!

 

 

Seattle Saturday

Saturday City Stroll

We drove up to Seattle a couple of Saturdays ago and it was remarkably pleasant and cloudy for the whole day! (A welcome relief after the heat wave we’d been experiencing down in Portland!). I wore an outfit similar to this one. Lightweight, monochromatic, and chic. A simple pair of ankle-length jeans and this button-down sleeveless shirt (easy nursing access!),  a great teething necklace from The Vintage Honey Shop, A Ju-Ju-Be bag, Birks (how much do I love thee?!), the Lotus Nursing Bra from Belabumbum, and the exclusive Tekhni Wovens wrap in Nymphai available exclusively for the upcoming MiLK Conference in L.A. this weekend!

Easy Saturday

Easy Saturday

I put this look together to be lovely, simple and functional. A soft-cup nursing bra from Belabumbum paired with a great half-button tunic blouse (This one is from Old Navy!) and your favorite pair of jeans. Keen ballet flats (because seriously. Mamas need comfy feet. All that walking!). This beautiful Tula Migaloo Wrap Conversion Ring Sling in Passion is a GREAT choice for the end of summer (and a wonderful simple color that transitions really well into autumn.). Did you know that Eylas carries all-natural hand sanitizer spray? And it works? Let’s just say I’d like to have a few of these around my  house (and in my car. and my diaper bag. and my carrier. lol.) A great silicone chewbead necklace from The Vintage Honey Shop completes this effortless look.

PSSSSSST. Have you entered our huge #TLBMoves giveaway yet? No? Get over there and enter before your chance to win is gone!

Get Outside and WIN With #TLBmoves!

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Hey Leakies,

First, don’t forget, Milk: An Infant Feeding Conference is coming up and it’s not too late to get your tickets, plus I have a discount code for 20% off for you:theleakyboob.

Are you having a great summer?!  We are, we’re getting out and moving as a family. It’s been great too, not as hard as I expected and has had a powerful influence on me and my kidlets. We’re getting strong and learning to love our bodies together with #TLBmoves.

I had written something else for this week’s newsletter but what feels appropriate is sharing what is coming from our community efforts together. Because whether we’re talking about feeding our babies, sleep, getting healthy, preparing for childbirth, relationships, or really any other aspect of life, these ideas still ring true. This collection comes from our #TLBmoves community members.

A lesson for me… and for my children:

A reminder when I’m not sure I want to keep going:

A collage from a community remember that inspires:

Encouragement, for when my efforts seem small:

And this video that hits right in the feels.

We all need encouragement along the way and together we are stronger. Inspired by our children, we are pursuing wholeness for ourselves and society. Just like there are certain things I want my children to know about motherhood and feeding babies, so there are things I want them to know about their bodies, their strength, and their health. We can start by modeling it. They are watching.

Happy moving and happy feeding! To enter to WIN and Find out MORE- READ HERE !

#LeakyLooks: Get Outside And GO!

This week with our #TLBMoves campaign we’re focusing on getting outside and I thought it’d be fun to show some creative ways to get moving outside! From Summer Vacations, Evening BBQ, to a beautiful morning of Yoga In the Park-these looks are designed for the breastfeeding mama in mind! Wherever you move, we want to make sure you are equipped with a put-together look that inspires you to live this summer to the fullest!

Like what you see? Got a boob-friendly outfit you want to share with us? Pin, RePost, share the looks or YOUR LOOK on Instagram or Pinterest and TAG us using our #LeakyLooks hashtag! We’d LOVE to inspire our fellow Leakies with fresh ideas and ways to put their best breast forward! 😀

 

Yoga In The Park

Yoga In The Park

Yoga in the Park may be one of my most favorite things, ever. Now, trying to do it with 4 kids under 7 may not be quite so relaxing, so this is definitely a “by personal situation” advice 😉 I centered this great layered look around the Belabumbum Hoodie Wrap (great for those cooler mornings outside!) and their bright pink Nursing Racerback Cami! The cami has a great hidden panel that sits right underneath your breasts and makes it easy to fold up and down wherever you are practicing your savasana. I had to include Eyla’s Eco Vessel Water Bottle in Lotus and some sunscreen. Because mornings tend to be a bit harsher in the UVA/UVB rays, you want to make sure you and your baby’s skin is protected!

Summer Party BBQ

Summer BBQ

Summer BBQs can be so much fun! A game of horseshoes, drinks on the lawn, conversations under a giant awning, and the best grilled kabobs to celebrate high summer! This dress from Modcloth is a great “breast-friendly” dress as it buttons down the front AND is lightweight and can be dressed up OR down! Pair this dress with a pair of floral wedges (sturdy, ties your outfit together, and comfy!) and a fantastic Amy Michele diaper bag to pull your look together. Need some lightweight and breathable support? I found this delicious Belabumbum Tallulah Lace Nursing Bra that perfectly fits the criteria! Don’t forget the sunscreen for you and baby-and finish this look off with a GORGEOUS wrap or ring sling like this exclusive Tekhni woven wrap for The Leaky Boob designed after Jessica’s tattoo sleeve! This wrap will ONLY be available for purchase at the MiLK conference in LA!

Summer Jet Setter Mama

Summer Jet Setter Mama

Some of us have some summer vacations planned this summer-that may or may not involve airline travel! I immediately wanted to put together a look that was simple, travel-able, comfortable, and willing to stand up to easy flight transfers and baby or toddler needs, and still feel fabulous and not weighed down with too much “stuff.” This look is put together using a lightweight button-down Chambray shirtdress from Maurices, an easy camel wedge from Toms, and this gorgeous NEW Tula carrier called “enDEERing”! Belabumbum has a GREAT cotton-based bra called the Lotus Nursing Bra that I had to include. One of the softest and most breathable bras out there. You’ll need to stay well-hydrated on the plane and going to and fro, so Eyla’s Eco Vessel water bottles are a great choice! Ju-Ju-Be’s Be Prepared diaper bags are one of the BEST ways to organize all of your must-brings for you and baby!

Discounts, Giveaway, Milk, and Moving!

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Dear Leakies,

I’m going to keep this short and sweet:

LET’S GET MOVING!

It’s time for #TLBmoves and we’re working up a sweat and to an awesome giveaway with our friends from Tula, ThinkBaby ThinkSport, Belabumbum Active Wear, and Eyla’s Imports. Find out more information here.

Whatever it looks like for you, we’re supporting each other on getting moving towards health and wholeness. For many of us, learning about and then actually feeding our babies was the gateway to more conscientious living, a sort of snowball effect. Establishing health habits as a way of life is, of course, a good thing. And the family that moves together is healthy together. (For some inspiration, here’s 100 years of fitness fads in 100 seconds video fun.) Share your journey with us using the hashtag #TLBmoves on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and if you’d like to go deeper, submit your story like Kelsey by emailing content@theleakyboob.com.

I’m enjoying moving with my family and I’m moving closer and closer to Milk! Bringing together many of the people who inspire me, I’ve created Milk: An Infant Feeding Conference with Xza Higgins, founder of MommyCon. Taking place in L.A. July 31st and August 1st, this conference is for health care providers (offering continuing education credits and contact hours) and families. Founded on the belief that infant feeding support makes a difference and can directly influence confidence levels in parents, MiLK focuses on information sharing and mindful support that builds parents up without tearing down, respecting the unique journey of each of us. MiLK aims to actively educate and support infant feeding by connecting health care providers and the families they care for discussing breastfeeding, formula feeding, breastmilk pumping, at the breast supplementing, bottle feeding, cup feeding, spoon feeding… FEEDING. This is not, to be clear, a breastfeeding conference. It is an infant feeding conference with a goal of bringing together health care providers and parents where we can learn from each other. Most importantly, I hope we learn how to really listen and what support can really looks like.

To help you move that direction with me, we have a huge giveaway that includes enough tickets for your local breastfeeding group! For that extra newsletter entry option, GET YOUR INFORMATION HERE!

#LeakyLooks: Where Do YOU Move?

We have the privilege of crossing paths with so many unique Leakies as we join together in community! This month as we celebrate #TLBMoves and get moving, I wanted to have a little more fun with some of the diversity we encounter when we go about our days! As some of you may know, I’m a nerd…like, Comic Con Nerd. (Nerd heaven for those of you who don’t speak geek!).  My little family also likes to trek around the great outdoors (ahem…though I’d like to go glamping one of these days. Feather bed out in the sticks? With a wood stove? In a canvas tent? Don’t judge. I’m serious. :P). I’ve also begun officially working out with my partner of 10 years and we’re seeing such good results in being intentionally active! I think you guys are gonna LOVE these #LeakyLooks!

So: Wanna do something AWESOME? Head on over to Instagram, use #TLBMoves and #LeakyLooks and post a picture of how YOU like to jam! We’d LOVE to feature you! Is it a breastfeeding-friendly Cosplay? Your FAVORITE camping get-up? Your newest Yoga ensemble? Show us! Let’s inspire our Leakies!!!! #BoobOutFashion #TLBMoves #LeakyLooks #MyLeakyFashion

Comic Con Mom

ComicCon Mama

SDCC2015 has come and gone, but us nerd mamas are still proudly wearing our geeked-out faves! Who says we can’t breastfeed and wear our babies in our Nerd finery? We say you CAN! I centered this look around passing on our nerd-genes with the new Tula “Sidekick” carrierBelabumbum’s Lena Peek-A-Boo Nursing Bra keeps you comfortable and fantastic walking those aisles of Con-exclusive merch, and pairing a ThinkGeek vintage Wonderwoman t-shirt with a vintage Marvel Comic shoulder bag completes this Cool mama look ready to conquer even the esteemed Hall H!

Hit The Barre

Hit the Barre

Every mama could use some more balance and strength in their life! This look is featuring our MiLK Conference Tekhni Wovens EXCLUSIVE wrap in “Tuxedo” designed from Jessica Martin-Weber’s beautiful tattoo artwork on her skin to honor her fight with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. I added in the extremely comfy Belabumbum Yoga Jogger Pant along with their NEW Sporty Mesh Nursing Bra! (seriously. no one needs boob sweat crampin’ their Barre style!) Some soft, disposable bamboo-based nursing pads from Bamboobies help with any potential nursing leakage, and a strong recycled glass water bottle from Eylas is going to help you stay hydrated as you work towards getting strong and balanced!

Camp Your Heart Out

Camp Your Heart Out

Who says you can’t be CUTE and prepared while you camp with your baby? Get ready to rock the great outdoors with Tula “Campy” and all of the chemical-free ThinkBaby Sunscreen you can slather on! Mountain Mama crafts well-made outdoor gear specifically for the hiking and camping mama! And no trip into nature is quite complete without a triple-insulated Eco-Vessel Boulder Bottle from Eylas-keeping hot OR cold liquids/soups at their temps for HOURS.

We hope you loved this week’s #LeakyLooks! Make sure to tag us on Instagram and show us what you’re dressed in today! We may just feature you and inspire all of our mamas! Let’s get our #TLBMoves on!

#TLBMoves: Kelsey’s Story-Changing Her Life to Inspire Others

by Kelsey Daniels

*Editor’s Note: I have had the pleasure of being close friends with Kelsey and her family over the past few years as our two families have grown! I hope that her story inspires you, Leaky. She has been instrumental in encouraging me to  jumpstart taking care of myself with #TLBMoves. If you’d like to continue being inspired by Kelsey and her journey to health, check out her Instagram feed @kelseyjdaniels and Join our Private Group on Facebook!

 

When I became a mom, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But to be honest, I kind of lost myself.

I devoted 100% of my time into taking care of my three little boys.

I completely forgot to take care of myself.

 

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Beginning and Current: Kelsey’s Journey!

 

I used my kids as an excuse for not taking care of my body.I was too busy, too tired, and felt too far gone to do anything about it.

I was surviving motherhood, and not enjoying it at all.

Finally, I decided it was no longer okay for me to use my kids as an excuse to be 50+ lbs. overweight and 11692749_10152852661372100_6381956419378480368_neat nothing but junk. It was time for change. I started eating well, working out daily, and had a killer group of friends to hold me accountable to my goals.

I quickly fell in love with taking care of my body, and my kids quickly took notice! I now feel good about what I’m putting in my body, and I don’t feel guilty when I nurse my little Samson, because I know he’s getting the very best things from me. It’s been just over three months and I’ve lost 25lbs and over 23 inches.

It’s so wonderful to know I’m making my way towards a healthier me, but the best part?

I’ve found myself again.

I matter.

And my family is benefitting from me being well cared for!

I’ve found time in my day just for ME, and it’s amazing how thats affected being a mom, wife, and friend.

I am now the example to my kids that I feel good about.11137182_10152859116892100_8961811249812096667_n

They are my reason why, not my excuse!

 

I did it.

I’m still doing it.

YOU CAN DO THIS.

Together we can change!

From This Leaky To You,

-Kelsey

 

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Kelsey, her husband, and their 3 amazing boys live and work at a youth camp in McCall, Idaho. Kelsey is also a stay-at-home mum and is a coach for Beachbody Fitness! Some of her family’s favorite activities include watersliding, hiking, watching Avatar The Last Airbender, inspiring youth to live enriched lives, and playing pirates with their boys! To follow Kelsey and be inspired by her journey to better health, follow her Instagram @Kelseyjdaniels