Today I’m talking about abdominal separation or diastasis recti to which it is formally, or medically referred. This separation can lead to the appearance of a “mummy tummy” or “pooch”…the “mommy belly.” Speaking from personal and professional experience, I know that some days it’s easier than others to refer to and interact lovingly with this pooch that may remain! Below are five FAQs I often hear about abdominal separation. This is Part I of a two part series, so stay tuned for …
A Research Review – Exercise in Pregnancy: An Association with Placental Weight?
Exercise during pregnancy is a hot topic these days. As a childbirth professional passionate about helping individuals stay active throughout the perinatal period, I have been excitedly witnessing the pendulum swing that is in progress—a swing from fear of exercise to empowerment through movement. Many pregnant people, who enjoyed a very physically active life before pregnancy, understandably want to continue that level of activity during their pregnancy as well. They would like to know what the evidence says about safely …
What is Holistic Pelvic Care™? Guest Contributor: Beth Rubin, MSOM, LAC
WHAT IS HOLISTIC PELVIC CARE™? The primary goal of Holistic Pelvic Care (HPC) is to empower a woman to inhabit her pelvic space and occupy her feminine ground physically, energetically, emotionally and spiritually. HPC is a technique consisting of physical and energetic tools designed to evaluate and restore balance in the pelvic space of the female body. Holistic Pelvic Care is for women of all ages (18 and older) to address pelvic symptoms or enhance general wellness. It was developed by …
Physical Therapy in the Perinatal Time: Guest Contributor, Aimee Lake, DPT
Physical therapy can be very helpful for maintaining a healthy level of physical activity during pregnancy. It can be helpful for managing and solving some of the physical challenges of pregnancy. It can also be a great resource for preparing for birth and post partum recovery. People often think of physical therapy in terms of getting rid of pain or the rehab that’s needed after a surgery. But as a Women’s Health physical therapist, I like to think of my …
Five Favorite Resources I’m Using Right Now!
Today, I’m sharing some of my absolute favorites from websites to books and I hope you find inspiration, education and nourishing support from these resources. [hr] Healthy Living: Environmental Working Group, EWG Learn more about how to reduce your toxic burden from cosmetics to cleaning products and foods! This website is so packed full of info for you and your entire family. Eating organic and local can get costly, but there’s good news! EWG has created a guide with this in …
Holiday Survival Guide
What are you doing to keep your sanity, stay healthy and prioritize your continued wellness during this busy season when competing priorities seem to leave you last on the list?! I’ve created a Holiday Survival Guide and Wellness Challenge for the Bodies for Birth Community to help us all stay connected, healthy and calm! I encourage you to print a copy and keep it somewhere you will see if often. Cross off each item as you go or continue this …
Swimming During Pregnancy
If you’re looking for a complimentary form of exercise for your prenatal program, swimming can provide a welcome relief to those aches and pains you often experience during pregnancy! So, what are some of the benefits of swimming? It relieves the pressure of your bump by providing support and taking the strain off your back. It’s great for improving circulation which is sometimes affected during pregnancy due to all the hormones running around your system. Stimulates blood flow and reduces any …
Happy 3rd Birthday, Willie: A retrospective birth story
November 3, 2016: Three years ago today was my son, Will’s due date, so it’s only fitting that I sit to write his birth story; a task I’ve been meaning to get to along with so many others for…well, approximately three years now! As I begin, I know that my story today is not the same one I would have told on the day he was born, or in the early months or even on his first birthday. Time has …
What Foods Breastfeeding Mothers Need to Eat from Guest Contributor: Natalie Michele
The foods you pick while you breastfeed is just as important as your selections during pregnancy. There are certain foods, herbs, or supplements – called galactagogues – that can help your breastmilk supply. On the other hand, there are other foods that should be avoided because they can decrease your breastmilk supply. Breastfeeding mothers are going to experience more cravings. I have found my cravings increase at night when my babies tend to nurse more. Breastmilk is thicker in the …
Embracing The Sacred Messiness of Parenthood from Guest Contributor, Natalie Joffe
As humans we find change and uncertainty uncomfortable. Pregnancy and parenthood is a time of continual change, uncertainty and transition. Just as you adapt to one element of the process, it changes again. You don’t know what clothes to buy or wear because they might not fit in a week. You don’t know what plans to make, because you don’t know how your energy will be. Comparison is the thief of joy, and that is no different during pregnancy. Social …