**Landau Back to School Scrubs Review**

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

As my first year of fellowship gets underway, I am even more in awe of how variable my days can be.

After dropping off the kids, my morning can range from anything from ultrasound clinic, seeing my own pregnant or postpartum patients in continuity clinic, or performing procedures in the OR suite.

At lunchtime, I am able to recharge, and then the afternoon hustle commences – just as unpredictable as the morning with dedicated learning time, research and department meetings, or more clinic. If I am not headed home for the night, at 5:30pm I head to Labor and Delivery for call. I love it all!

No two days are the same, and my schedule may change from month to month. I get bored easily when things become routine, so this is one of the many things that drew me to OBGYN. It definitely makes me love MFM – a subspecialty dedicated to the “un-routine” as they like to say.

The hospital is pretty strict on what we wear in the OR, but I get creative license with everything else :read socks, earrings, and scrub caps:

I have really enjoyed being more fashionable in clinic attire, but honestly, sometimes it is not the most practical when you could be pulled into a procedure in any moment. And y'all, even on some of our most tame days, obstetrics is messy - there is blood, and amniotic fluid, and lots you don't want to know... 

So a great pair of scrubs that makes you look the part, but is still functional, comfortable, and stylish is something you quickly learn to hold on to. The New Urbane Scrubs Contemporary Fit is just that. I had the pleasure of trying out their scrubs in “steel gray”, which is the color our division uses so I can match the rest of the MFM team…

Here are some of the things that make these scrubs special:

●     Their exclusive fabric construction is the perfect balance of breathable and flexible to keep you feeling cool and less restricted – perfect for me running from clinic to Labor & Delivery. Seriously, these may be one of the most comfortable pair of scrubs I own…They are like yoga pants!

●     The fabric has been tested for durability, shade consistency, and color fastness to keep you them looking brand new after each wash.

●     Pockets for days to keep all my essentials on hand.

●     The scrubs come in a variety of sizes ranging from XS to 5XL

●     Despite their functionality, they are also stylish – look at that neckline!

You can find Landau Urbane scrub retailers here:http://www.urbanescrubs.com/.

***I received a pair of scrubs and compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. #LoveUrbane #AcornInfluencer #Ad ***

***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. 

Decoding Disney: Planning Our Trip as a Beginner

When I was a kid, my family's trips to Disney were some of the most memorable times in my childhood. Maybe it's me, but I get all swept up in the magic... So I have been waiting for the right time to take my kids - when they would remember this expensive trip and could actually do a lot of the most popular attractions.

This spring break, we made *my dream* come true, but not without a lot of planning to make sure I got my money's worth we got our money's worth. Honestly, Nate and I joke about how you could take a whole class on Disney park essentials. THERE. IS. SO. MUCH.

Here is how I planned our Disney vacation with limited time and funds.

1. Do NOT re-invent the wheel. 
There are so many people who have already gotten Disney down to a science so I  definitely leaned on their knowledge - including one of Nate's coworkers who is a Disney pro - whom we texted while at the parks if we had questions.

Aladdin's carpets!

Here are some of the most helpful Disney travel blogs that I referred to over and over as I planned our trip:

The Disney Tourist:
- Best Rides in Magic Kingdom
- Best Rides in Animal Kingdom
- Best Rides in Epcot
- Ride Height Requirements

All Good in Mommyhood:
- Wait Less at Magic Kingdom

I'm actually pretty impressed with myself and my planning for our Animal Kingdom day.

2. Do NOT visit during peak times. 
We did (spring break) and the crowds were unbelievable. Your time of year also determines your ticket price. We still had a blast, but next time we will come during the "off season". This is a joke, because I don't think there is a Disney off season haha

But here is a good look at peak times for the parks to help you plan your trip:
Undercover Tourist: Peak times at Disney

3. Save money by staying off of the Disney property. 
Initially I was actually kind of bummed about this, but by the time we planned our trip (maybe 1 month ahead) EVERYTHING was booked on the Disney property. We actually ended up in an amazing 3 bedroom AirBnB for a fraction of what we would have paid at Disney that was 15 minutes away from the parks with traffic. It had a great view, pool, and gym so we didn't miss a beat. The perks of Disney property would be easier access to the parks (by bus or tram), round the clock meal service availability, and of course, being in the Disney magic 24/7. Maybe one day when I'm an attending... hahaha

4. Bring grandparents. 
Well on my budget they brought us...LOL My parents were in the park trenches with us, and we had a blast! This was clutch for having a back up plan if we were headed to a scary ride so that Nate and I didn't have to miss out.

Nate and I also went back out to Epcot after everyone else was exhausted from our day at Animal Kingdom. If you are traveling with little ones, the Park Hopper may be an unnecessary expense unless you have a sitter, because our kids were over it after one park. 

5. Download the DisneyGo app as soon as you get your tickets. 
It not only links your whole groups' tickets, it helps you get fast passes quickly, can manage dinner reservations, has park ours, can be your park map + itinerary, and helps you keep up with attraction wait times. They really did a great job with this...

6. Read up on Fast Passes and BOOK THEM EARLY. 
Below is a link to an explanation of Fast Passes, but not only is it nice to not have to wait in the long lines, but no matter how "mature" your child, Fast Passes help them not be so miserable. I think you can reserve them up to 30 days ahead of your trip. You get three in advance per day and then when you use those up, you can add them one at a time per person.

It works out best if you start with fast passes grouped earlier in the day.

Fastpass FAQs

We had an amazing spring break. But knowing what I know now, I can't wait to get us back and make our next trip even more memorable!