5 ways to shop small and support your reproductive health this season
Note: this post contains some affiliate links, but I support all these products wholeheartedly regardless!
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are here, but so are Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday! As a small business owner myself, I’m always looking for ways to support other women-owned businesses over the holidays. Not only does this help me feel more connected to my local community, but I know I’m actually supporting someone’s livelihood vs lining the pockets of yet another billionaire. Don’t get me wrong, I 100% snagged a deal from Target for a new blender - but where I can, I really do like to like to find small businesses here in Charlotte to support!
As a fertility and pregnancy dietitian, I also want to help your support your holistic health! This means intentionally investing in products and services that will support your mental and physical well-being overall.
So, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, here’s a roundup of wellness oriented gift ideas from small businesses I love!
Nutrition
I can’t talk about investing in your wellbeing without giving my own program, Fully Nourished Pregnancy a plug! The holidays can be a triggering time for people on their journeys away from diet culture, especially when you’re hoping to work towards a healthy pregnancy in the new year. Instead of feeling lost in fatphobic, restrictive nutrition advice for fertility and pregnancy (that likely isn’t even based in science), find peace in our supportive group! Fully Nourished Pregnancy is an online course and community that provides guidance in nutrition for fertility and pregnancy WITHOUT restriction. Join with code SMALLBUSINESS22 before midnight on Monday 11/28 for $25 off a 1 year membership!
Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial aspect of this transitional period in your life - not only is there a lot of change happening, but learning to regulate your nervous system can actually support your hormonal health and pregnancy outcomes too!
Rachel Tenny is a licensed counselor based in Charlotte, NC, a mom (soon to be of 2!) and a good friend of mine. Rachel has recently launched a few masterclasses and come out with additional resources to help support your mental health alongside therapy. Her small business is one of my favorites here in CLT! I couldn’t be more excited to recommend her products. Explore Rachel’s products here and use code SHOPSMALL for 30% off your order through Monday 11/28, or after use code MCKENZIE15 for 15% off your order!
Movement
Mindful, intentional movement that you enjoy and feels good can be immensely supportive for your mental and physical wellbeing.
My lovely friend Jamie is a personal trainer here in Charlotte focusing on prenatal and postpartum fitness who offers in person group classes and in person or virtual 1:1 personal training through her program 360Method. They’re offering $20 off an initial eval through January 1 with code HOLIDAY360. Get started here!
Yoga can be immensely impactful in improving your mental and physical wellbeing through fertility, pregnancy and beyond. My favorite yoga studio here in Charlotte is Okra Yoga. They’ve got a bunch of holiday deals running right now including a 10-class pass for just $87, and some massage packages too! Visit their website to take advantage of these deals through November 30th. They also have gift cards available!
Hormone friendly products
I’ve posted before about endocrine disrupting chemicals - when it comes to finding personal care and home fragrance products that are safe for fertility and pregnancy, my main recommendation is to search for phthalate free products. Here are two of my favorites!
Inahsi Naturals is having a HUGE sale right now! As someone with wavy hair, I really appreciate their focus on textured hair types. I absolutely love their moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that uses essential oils for fragrance! Use this link for a $5 off coupon.
Pretty Honest Shop is local to Charlotte, and is black & woman owned as well! These are honestly some of the absolute best candles and reed diffusers I’ve ever owned. Get 15% off with this link!
Jewelry for sensitive skin
Though this isn’t directly related to fertility or pregnancy, if there’s an affordable way to get some cute earrings that won’t irritate my skin, I’m here for it! My two favorite businesses local to Charlotte that sell handmade jewelry made from high quality metals are Bajari Designs and Quad Espresso Jewelry.
BONUS: Giving Tuesday!
We’re not truly in the holiday spirit if we’re not tapping into our generosity. Here are two non-profit organizations I support and will be donating to this year.
Mind Body Baby creates a network of support for new parents here in Charlotte, and it is an INCREDIBLE resource. They are always accepting donations! Learn more here.
Diversify Dietetics is on a mission to provide a community for students, professionals, and educators dedicated to increasing ethnic and racial diversity in the nutrition and dietetics profession. It is incredibly important that nutrition professionals represent the people we serve. I will also be donating to Diversify Dietetics this year, and encourage you to do the same if you feel called to! More info here.