🫄Resource Round-up: Motherhood Edition 🫄
I recently returned to the office after maternity leave. It was a nourishing time to welcome our sweet babe, Keanu, and I'm feeling energized and excited to be back to work! Partly because I love my job and partly because I made sure to pamper myself throughout my pregnancy and post-partum period. Growing a tiny human is no small feat so I assembled an all-star team of care providers to help me feel my best.
This is a list of the incredible people that helped me through this pregnancy journey. I recommend them to any expecting family!
I met Sokhna on my last trip to India and she immediately made me long to have another baby, I can't believe it actually happened! I learned so much about breastfeeding from Sokhna and I was supported by her guidance, yoga practices, herbal teas and soaks throughout my pregnancy and post-partum journey. She is a magical human, doula, lactation consultant and expert in all things motherhood. She is based in Kalamazoo but provided a radiant presence even remotely. I felt supported and lovingly advised every step of the way.
The midwifery team at CommonSense Childbirth offers evidence-based pregnancy support at their birthing center in Winter Garden, The Birth Place. I chose a hospital birth but would have been overjoyed to birth at the center. Throughout my pregnancy, I felt seen, heard, and suppported during labor. Celena was real and responsive whenever I had questions and helped me feel prepared for my VBAC. The entire team was a joy to visit!
I had only visited one chiropractor before and found the experience to be s intimidating, I never returned. From the initial consult at Revival Chiropractic, I understood more about my spine and nervous system than ever! Using spinal scans, x-rays, and the Integrator tool, the care provided by their entire team of doctors is outstanding, thorough, and reassuring. They specialize in the Webster technique to help support the body during pregnancy, labor, and with new baby - they even adjusted my newborn!
I was impressed with this hospital throughout my prenatal appointments and during the entire labor and delivery process. Their entire staff was helpful and efficient. Their supporting materials including apps and classes are very well done and super helpful. My nurse, Livy, and my midwife, Pandora, made my labor and delivery experience unforgettable. I had the happiest day of my life at AdventHealth Orlando!
Post-partum time needs as much attention as pregnancy and I’m so glad I found Marlen. I had three lymphatic drainage treatments on her recommendation (I had actually booked a prenatal massage but went into labor before I got to have it). Marlen uses dry brushing and manual techniques and the effects are powerful. A midwife for decades before switching to bodywork, Marlen is an adept and knowledgeable expert.
Tracy Donegan and the Gentle Birth app recordings were a lifesaver for me in the final weeks of pregnancy, during labor, and in post-partum. The app offers a mix of mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, soundscapes, affirmations, and hypnobirthing sessions, along with an e-book and downloadable workbook to support birth preparation. I really liked listening to and repeating the affirmations aloud while driving. I wrote my favorites down for my husband to recite during labor and it was surprisingly helpful (and even funny). The free version of the app is good but I would upgrade to premium for the full experience - it’s great!
I was lucky to receive a nurturing, nourishing prenatal massage from Schedley Paul at Winter Park Prenatal Massage. Tucked inside an unassuming office building, Winter Park Prenatal Massage specializes in bodywork for expecting mothers. Sign up for texts to receive generous offers regularly - the more massage the better!
I discovered Magnolia at the Reiter Park Farmer's Market in historic downtown Longwood. The yoga studio lives within a wellness collective space that also houses a cafe, The Good Way. I was so thankful to find this sweet space which offers Mommy & Baby Yoga, Kids' Yoga, Yoga for Women's Health, Yoga Nidra, Sound Baths, and more. I love the community at Magnolia and always look for a reason to stop by.
Saturday morning prenatal yoga at Firefly Yoga is a special treat for the pregnant mama. The studio has tons of yoga props to support a growing bump and the rotating teachers are all excellent. Firefly Yoga has a special for new students that makes trying a prenatal class a no-brainer!
I hope these suggestions help to support you or a mama you know on the magical rollercoaster of pregnancy!
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