***PURE Maevn Scrubs: Review & Contest***

This summer, I got to try another set of Maevn scrubs - I did a review back in January for their EON collection.

Maevn has a new brand within their line called PURE, and I think this may be my favorite pair of scrubs thus far! This time I opted for Pewter, mainly because now that I’m a Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow (!!! still cannot believe this) these scrubs will match the department scrubs that they give us.

What sets these scrubs apart from hospital scrubs, are the stretchy and breathable fabric that is not only practical but also soft, all the essential pockets, and the awesome color selection.

Pictured are the following styles:

Modern V-neck Top; size S
Ladies Relaxed-fit Elastic Drawstring Cargo Pant; size M

I’m so excited to add these new scrubs to my wardrobe as I keep myself comfortable (and well put together!) while coming in and out of the hospital.

You can find Maevn scrubs in over 500 stores and online retailers.

Also, Spiderwoman-Policewoman Isabelle was determined to get in on this photoshoot. If this doesn't say "Mrs. Mommy M.D." I don't know what does...HA! 

***For this post, I was given a pair of Maevn scrubs for review. All opinions are my own.***

The generous team at Maevn scrubs has arranged for one of my readers to get a free pair of EON scrubs. The details of the contest can be found on my Instagram post **here**

First Week of Fellowship Recap: What is Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Anyway?

Happy Friday Friends!

Today is the end of my first official week of fellowship *WHOOP* 

For those of you who may not be familiar with MFM, below is an awesome infographic from the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine that talks about what Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists do: 

Now that orienting is done, I am spending my first month on a rotation called "Research". The awesome difference between residency and fellowship is that I get dedicated time (some programs 12-18 months) to study the things that are important and interesting to me.  Residency is a "learn as you go" environment where there isn't much time to sit, ready, study, process, so this is HUGE!

First things first, I settled into my new digs...Pretty sure I am ready for my HGTV special now.

Desk before: 

Desk after: 

My new desk!!

Next, I worked on completing + continuing research things I couldn't finish during residency. 

At the same time, I began thinking about what "my thing" is going to be. I have so many interests and ways I want to impact the field. One of the many things that pulled me to MFM was the ability to be a voice to some of the most at-risk mothers in our care - advocating for and looking for ways to improve the health of ALL women regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or region. 

Did you know while moms are dying less for pregnancy-related reasons in other developed countries, in the United States maternal mortality is on the rise?! And for Black women it's happening more frequently than for anyone else. It is infuriating and it makes no sense. 

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my story post this week... 

In short, I want to wage war on US maternal mortality. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) summarizes some of the embarrassing statistics on their website: 

Considerable racial disparities in pregnancy-related mortality exist. During 2011–2013, the pregnancy-related mortality ratios were–

• 12.7 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women.
• 43.5 deaths per 100,000 live births for black women.
• 14.4 deaths per 100,000 live births for women of other races.

If you aren't familiar with this issue, please read this wonderfully written account on ProPublica detailing one family's tragedy.

We can do so much better for our moms and babies... 

The next three years is going to me doing just that. I feel so blessed to be here. 

Talk to you soon!

xo

***Back-to-School for Trainees: Medelita Lab Coat Review***

Did you know that July is back-to-school time for doctors? 

For some of us, this means that it is our first time putting on that White Coat and being called "doctor". It's ALL brand new and every day is something we haven’t seen (or done) before o_O 

For some of us, like myself, this isn't our first go-round. But July means gaining new responsibilities that add a new perspective to what has been familiar. 

One thing is for sure, no matter where we are in our journey, everybody loves getting new things to prepare them for back to school. Am I right?!

And today is HUGE, because it is my first day of Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship(!!!), and I am no different. I am super excited about my new planner, I have a bag full of things to decorate my new desk in my new office! :faints: And thanks to Medelita, I even get to rock a new white coat!

The sweet team at Medelita gifted me the Vandi Athletic Fit Lab Coat. This coat puts a modern spin on the coats we all know and love. 

To make my new coat extra special, I was able to get my name embroidered AND rep my new division - Maternal-Fetal Medicine(!!!). They even have a color called “Carolina Blue” which, obviously, is what I chose... :swoon:

Here is what I love most about my new coat...

• The Vandi style adds a little bit of variety amongst the white coats in the hospital. It definitely has subtle differences, but they’re noticeable.

• The sleek and modern fit, tapers at the waist for a more tailored look compared to the frumpy, unisex coats that we got in residency

• The embroidery is beautiful!

• The M3 material is a polyester-cotton blend that feels smooth as silk. 
• Even though it feels purely cosmetic, the material is perfect for the hospital because it prevents stains by repelling fluids and any soils

• So many pockets! There are external pockets for days with cool features like a pocket-within-a-pocket for your phone, and internal pockets to increase my carrying capacity for everything I could possibly need during rounds... and snacks 

Thanks to Medelita, I am feeling extra fly this "new school year"!

***For this post, I was given a Medelita lab coat for review. All opinions are my own.***

8 Things to Remember While Parenting in Residency

Four years ago when I finished medical school, I wrote an article for Student Doctor Network called Six Things to Remember While Parenting in Medical School.

A lot of what I wrote back then still holds true for residency, but I thought I would give an updated run-down on some important things to remember while parenting in residency...

1. It really is about quality of time over quantity. I used to think that people were saying this to me so that I wouldn’t feel badly about not being around all the time, but it really is true. Your kids want to be with you no matter whether it is during a 15 minute visit on Labor and Delivery, or a whole golden weekend. They love you and anything you do together can be memorable. The biggest thing is to make the most of the time that you do have with them.

Visitors on Nights during Intern Year

Visitors during Nights during Chief Year

2. Don’t forget to do something for yourself. Between working, and trying to be everything to everyone at home, it is easy to forget about yourself. You need those hobbies you had before this thing started - whether it is long bubble baths, writing, working out, or your favorite TV show. You have to TREAT YO SELF too. 

That Disney trip we took? Definitely mostly for me ;-) 

3. Residency is not going to be easy with children, no matter what specialty you choose, but it can be done. Social media sometimes can hurt us, because we are looking at everyone’s highlight reel and end products without seeing all of the outtakes or mess in between points A and B. Let me tell youThere is so much mess. And it is still going to be OK. 

4. Take the pictures (even if the school year is halfway over). Take the seemingly inconvenient overnight trip (even after being on the third hellish rotation in a row). Go to the movie. The time is going to pass you by and these moments are going to be things that you cherish with your fam when the going gets tough.

5. Make even the simple things a family affair. Isabelle always points out that she is willing to “rest” or “watch the news” with me. Train 'em up! 

6. Get creative about making what is important to you happen. You will be able to make it to :some: of the kids'/family things. It just takes a lot of advanced planning, and the support of your people who are willing to cover you if need be.

7. Ask for help. I have NO SHAME in sending out the yearly "recruitment email" to our extended family letting them know when we need them most during the year. 

8. Don’t forget to say thank you. And say it often - not just when you are all done. You didn't get here alone and don't forget it. 

Party Season is Here!! Kick It off with Basic Invite *Sponsored*

Now that the summer is here and residency is done, I am ready to party! Seriously, being caught up on sleep means that I am looking for every and any excuse to get together with friends and family. 

What's next up for us? Isabelle's 5th (!!!) birthday is in July and so I need to get on planning...

The first thing to cross off of the list is invitations, and I found this amazing online company called Basic Invite that I cannot wait to try!

Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see exactly how it will print, as well as the paper quality, before they place their final order.

There are so many styles and themes to choose from, including their beautiful baby shower invitations templates... 

My OB heart LOVES this stork design! :swoon: 

Their princess themed baby shower invitations are also SO gorgeous....

I LOVE all the vibrant colors. I'm thinking about this pink flower design for Isabelle's party and those personalized Thank You cards would be perfect for our guests. 

There is something for everyone, and the choices don't stop at the invites. Basic Invite has over 40 different colors of envelopes to choose from... So that customers can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of their envelopes are peel-and-seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed.

They have Foil!... Foil cards are available in gold, silver, and rose gold. Customers can choose flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs. You know I love some bling...

And finally, Basic Invite can take care of the most tedious part of the invitation process. They have an amazing address capturing service... This service allows customers to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses - which will then be stored in your account and later selected during the design process. 

Alright friends, it's time to paaaarty!

Thinking about throwing a party? Time to send out some Thank You cards? 

Need some new stationary? 

Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51 

***This post has been compensated by Basic Invite. All opinions are my own.***