In working with women throughout the perinatal time, I have begun to notice a common theme. I work with lots of postpartum moms from a few weeks postpartum to a few years. Typical goals include weight loss, making time for self-care, getting stronger, regaining core connection, getting healthy (-ier) prior to trying for baby number two, concerns with how to beat cravings, how to enjoy and incorporate a healthy diet again etc. There is a very common theme that I …
Carley’s Birth Story: Welcome, Finnegan!
I am one of the lucky ones. I had such a great birth experience. Moms-to-be out there will probably agree that it’s crazy how many horror stories you hear once people learn you’re pregnant. As if there isn’t enough anxiety around giving birth for the first time! Well – spoiler alert, my experience was amazing and I only hope to be lucky enough to do it all over again. It was a Thursday morning, around 6:30 a.m. and I was …
Motherhood and Self-Care Are Not Mutually Exclusive
I’ve been thinking a lot about self-care and what that means as I prepare for an upcoming presentation for a group of mothers. Motherhood and self-care can feel mutually exclusive at times, so I’ve been digging deep into this topic. I looked at a whole bunch of definitions of self-care and none of them really worked for me; none of them truly embodied my perspective on self-care. So I’ve defined it for my use, for our use if it resonates …
“Water Keepers”: A Guest Post by Meg Heather Ford, ICEA Doula
Water Keepers Exploring the roles of doula, midwife and obstetrician in childbirth I recently supported one of my doula clients through her second birth, and was reminded of the overlapping yet very distinct roles of doula, midwife and obstetrician. The overlap, of course, lies in our shared outcome, which is a healthy mother and baby. The exact definition of ‘healthy’ however, I think differs depending on your role. An OB might define healthy as alive and able to bear children …
Why Does My Back Ache in Pregnancy?
So, today’s topic is all about the postural changes that occur in a pregnant person’s body. I’ve listed some of the main anatomical changes that occur below to help you understand why you may be suffering with stiff shoulders, neck strain and constant back pain. Welcome to pregnancy…or not! There’s so much that can be done to minimize or eliminate these aches and pains. The answer may not be exercise, but it may be a combination of complimentary therapies. It’s …
Tara J’s Birth Story: Welcome, Conrad!
Tara J’s Birth Story: Again, my due date came and went. I was eight days late with my daughter, so tried to keep up my normal routine. I had finished my last day of work, so “normal” was entertaining my ever growing toddler and trying to get some exercise each day. Three days past my due date I began bleeding. I had planned to go to yoga that morning so I called my doula to make sure she thought it …
Why Parenting is Yoga for the Soul (and the Title I Didn’t Choose)
I had initially entitled this article “Why Parenting is the Ultimate…Mind-F#@!” but it felt too harsh. It felt angry and maybe even a little sad. I’m neither of those things, but I am changed from and changing through parenthood. And, this article is an attempt to capture the always present dichotomies of life as a parent, which in the happiest way, can feel like a “Mind-F#@!” sometimes. Or at least it does for me. As a parent, you …
Why is Postpartum Training Important?
So, you’ve had your baby. You’re feeling up to exercise, but you don’t quite know what you should and shouldn’t be doing when it comes down to it. You know certain areas of your body have been affected, but how do you know what to strengthen, what to stretch, and what to focus on? As a Pre & Postnatal Specialist, I prefer new moms to return to an exercise class that is designed specifically for them before returning to mainstream classes. …
“How Do I Get My Body Back?”
I completely understand wanting to get back into skinny jeans and flattering clothing! I am here to here to help you get there! All the while, I vow to support you as you practice loving a body that has changed, one that has done a tremendous amount of work and that is beautiful just as it is. I came across this recently and loved it. It starts with us; with each one of us. With our internal dialogue and with …
Preconception Health: A Guest Post by Jennifer November, ND
How to be your healthiest self prior to getting pregnant The decision to get pregnant is a big one. One of the biggest an individual and a couple face. So much goes into the decision — are you ready as a couple? Are you ready as an individual? Is the timing appropriate with your chosen career path? Are your finances in order? And, is your health optimal for getting pregnant and growing a baby? The following are some tips to …