One of the most exciting things about being an entrepreneur is having the opportunity to reinvent the business as it evolves. Ā 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. Ā With opening the doors to our Phinney location, I’m continuing to do so. I knew that a new location would bring change, but I didn’t anticipate …
“I Don’t Need to be Quick Fixed, Thanks Though!”
So, hands up if you saw the NPR interview (what felt more like an infomercial) last week, āFlattening the āMummy Tummyā with 1 Exercise, 10 minutes A Day.ā I first heard about it when I was at a fitness supply store doing some pricing for the new studio. Ā When learning of my fitness specialty, the sales manager excitedly exclaimed, āHey, did you know that thereās one exercise that can totally fix that pooch moms have after birth? Ā I was listening …
Meditate Your Way!
You know Iām a huge fan of meditation and if youāve attended group training, youāve likely given it a try! It seems like everywhere you turn, thereās a āmindfulnessā meme and/or someone else is shouting the benefits from the rooftops. Itās kind of like when someone begins exercising for the first time and then goes around telling everyone how amazing it is and the benefits they feelā¦even to those people who have been exercising foreverā¦any maybe to the very people …
When Self-Care Becomes Toxic
Iām totally guilty of this.Ā We all know the seasons of life when our focus on wellness/health/healing, comes naturally.Ā Perhaps youāre focused on a specific goal:Ā trying to conceive, training for an event, weight optimization etc. The list is well intentioned and itās created with great enthusiasmā¦but itās only sustainable for so long.Ā During these times of focus, the self-care to do list can become REALLY lengthy and really overwhelming. Iām talking about those rituals and routines that we would …
Your Unique Self-Care Prescription
What are you doing for yourself today? Ā What does your morning ritual look like? Ā Do you have one? Setting the tone for each day with energizing, mind clearing rituals, with gentle movement, with meditation,Ā journaling, breathing…or simply with intentionĀ can make a huge difference. I know it can sound positively daunting–especially if you’re a new mom. Ā So where do you start? Ā Well, you just simply begin and take it one step at a time. My mom alwaysĀ references a beautiful book by Anne …
Abdominal Separation FAQs: Part II
Iām 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 youĀ havenāt yet read Part I, you can find it here! Let’s get started with a bit of research: Boissonnault & Blaschak (1988) found that 27% of women have a DRA in the second trimester and 66% in the third trimester of pregnancy. 53% of …
Abdominal Separation FAQs: Part I
Today Iām talking about abdominal separation orĀ diastasis recti to which it is formally, orĀ medically referred. Ā 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. Ā This is Part I of a two part series, so stay tuned for …
What is Holistic Pelvic Careā¢? Guest Contributor: Beth Rubin, MSOM, LAC
WHAT IS HOLISTIC PELVIC CAREā¢? The primary goal of Holistic Pelvic CareĀ (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 thatās needed after a surgery. But as a Womenās Health physical therapist, I like to think of my …
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 ā 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 …