From the spark of conception until the final moments of labor before one’s baby enters the world, the pregnant body is in a constant state of transformation. And as the body evolves to accommodate the life flourishing within, it becomes more important than ever to eat mindfully with care. But that is often easier said than done. This is why Agni is eliminating the guesswork.
Agni is a women-led food healing company in Berkeley, CA that creates delicious, nutrient-rich cookies, teas, and seasonings to support women’s health. Developed with their Medical Advisory Board using 100% natural ingredients and a holistic, inclusive food healing approach, Agni’s healing foods are specifically designed to support women with postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, hormone balance, conception, and pregnancy.
Developed by industry experts, Agni’s curated boxes contain a month’s worth of food “naturally dense in the nutrients” for wherever you are on your fertility path, from preconception to postpartum.
“Agni is doing more work than just providing great products. Agni is moving the movers to move the collective and that is aspirational.” – Nachelle Williams
__________
Mama Glow Doula, mother of two, currently pregnant with her third, Nachelle Wilson, shares her Agni experience.
Mama Glow: Where are you in your journey?
Nachelle Wilson: I am currently 36 weeks pregnant as of June 14th, 2022. This will be my third child.
MG: How has your pregnancy been thus far?
NW: I am honored to say that my journey, while it has not been easy this third pregnancy, it’s certainly my most informed pregnancy. My first two pregnancies were both boys and were fairly easy. I found this time being pregnant with a girl, during my first trimester, I was struck with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), an extreme form of morning sickness that causes severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It was very exhausting because I had not even really experienced morning sickness before this pregnancy. I was very close to needing to go to the ER but things finally slowed as I hit my second trimester and I got some relief. Since then it has been much better.
MG: How are you nourishing yourself during this time?
NW: I really am loving my morning fruit. Being that I live in a desert climate where daily temperatures are now in the triple digits, hydrating foods such as watermelon, grapes, antelope, melon, oranges are essential for me. I love salads but know I need to get protein in, so for that, it’s usually a grilled chicken dish. For nourishing of the mind, I have to slow down and just be, my meditation practice offers me the mental relaxation I need.
MG: What does slowing down look like for you?
NW: Slowing down for me looks like solitude, anyway I can get it. I am one who likes to be alone. I like uninterrupted showers just so I can practice my breathwork alone. I like taking in a moment of fresh air and hearing nothing but nature. These moments are harder to come by as a mother of two, going on three, but are exactly why implementing systems of support is so very crucial. This is something I learned in my journey as a doula.
MG: How does Agni help you center yourself?
NW: It’s been great taking moments in the morning to slow down. Being intentional about taking the Agni Ginger Cardamom Tea in the morning has been filling me by providing needed warmth, pulling me into the present moment, and making space for myself. It also helps to quell nausea. For nourishing of the spirit, I lean into my intuition, because now is a growing season of life that is all about my baby. I am simply an usher to help her come earthside.
MG: Which Agni box(es) are you currently enjoying?
NW: I am currently enjoying the Pregnancy Box. I have to say the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are superb and my like midnight morsel of guilt-free goodness. I just love it. I also love the tea in the morning. I’ve been actually saving my oatmeal cookies for birth because oatmeal is such a great galactagogue for supporting breastfeeding, plus the cookies are just delicious.
MG: What are you enjoying most about the nourishing boxes?
NW: I am most enjoying the experience of being reminded to be intentional in nourishing my mind-body, and spirit, which seems to come easier through the action of eating and drinking because we as humans do this every day multiple times a day. It is so sensical and practical, whereas I may not have time to sit and do an hour of meditation or something similar. I do have to eat, and get fluids to nourish my body and my baby. Yet being intentional about those times makes a huge difference in how one moves through the day.
MG: Are there any shifts you are seeing in your mood, energy levels, or way of being in the past few months?
NW: Absolutely. One immediate change I experienced was better sleep. I think slowing down and just being at ease makes me more aware of times I feel overstimulated, and so I do what I can to avoid such situations. I have good energy and am prioritizing rest. My kids are also sleeping better because they too are slowing down, and breathing more intentionally. It’s so beautiful to see what the little ones see and value as important just by observing them observing me.
MG: Where do you need to take more care for yourself?
NW: I would say more so on a spiritual level, and leaning even further into my intuitive-self because I know this is important for birth. That has been my focus lately as I am coming closer to bringing forward this tiny life. Giving and more importantly asking for that space and time for myself will be crucial.
_________________________________________
Agni is a women-led food healing company in Berkeley, CA that creates delicious, nutrient-rich cookies, teas, and seasonings to support women’s health. Developed with their Medical Advisory Board using 100% natural ingredients and a holistic, inclusive food healing approach, Agni’s healing foods are specifically designed to support women with postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, hormone balance, conception, and pregnancy.
