BfB’s First Trimester (Again)

pregnancy exercise seattle bodies for birth logo

One of the most exciting things about being an entrepreneur is having the opportunity to reinvent the business as it evolves.  It’s also one of the most exhausting and rewarding parts too; not unlike motherhood! Since day one, I’ve promised that I would evolve Bodies for Birth to fit the needs of the community.  With opening the doors to our …

“I Don’t Need to be Quick Fixed, Thanks Though!”

postpartum fitness

So, hands up if you saw the NPR interview (what felt more like an infomercial) last week, “Flattening the ‘Mummy Tummy’ with 1 Exercise, 10 minutes A Day.” I first heard about it when I was at a fitness supply store doing some pricing for the new studio.  When learning of my fitness specialty, the sales manager excitedly exclaimed, “Hey, …

Meditate Your Way!

You know I’m a huge fan of meditation and if you’ve attended group training, you’ve likely given it a try! It seems like everywhere you turn, there’s a “mindfulness” meme and/or someone else is shouting the benefits from the rooftops. It’s kind of like when someone begins exercising for the first time and then goes around telling everyone how amazing …

When Self-Care Becomes Toxic

I’m totally guilty of this.  We all know the seasons of life when our focus on wellness/health/healing, comes naturally.  Perhaps you’re focused on a specific goal:  trying to conceive, training for an event, weight optimization etc. The list is well intentioned and it’s created with great enthusiasm…but it’s only sustainable for so long.  During these times of focus, the self-care …

Your Unique Self-Care Prescription

What are you doing for yourself today?  What does your morning ritual look like?  Do you have one? Setting the tone for each day with energizing, mind clearing rituals, with gentle movement, with meditation, journaling, breathing…or simply with intention can make a huge difference. I know it can sound positively daunting–especially if you’re a new mom.  So where do you start?  Well, …

Abdominal Separation FAQs: Part II

I’m often asked about diastasis recti (the medical name for abdominal separation) by both pre and postnatal clients and do believe that education is key when it comes to both minimizing and rehabilitating this condition. If you haven’t yet read Part I, you can find it here! Let’s get started with a bit of research: Boissonnault & Blaschak (1988) found that …

Abdominal Separation FAQs: Part I

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …