Holistic Prenatal Care: Beyond Checkups and Vitamins
When you think of prenatal care, what comes to mind? Medical checkups, tests, ultrasounds... We invite you to look beyond these one-dimensional aspects and consider ways to nurture your mind, body and spirit as your momentous birth journey unfolds.
Mind:
Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are extremely vulnerable times when we need to identify our priorities, set boundaries, and feel seen, heard and validated by our caregivers and partners.
Establishing care with a maternal mental-health specialist can help you find your voice, determine what you need to feel supported, and connect with your baby. This can positively impact how you view your birth experience, no matter what path it takes.
Consider establishing a daily mindfulness practice based on conscious breathing, affirmations through journaling, and reading a book or singing to your baby in the womb every night.
Body:
How you care for your body can greatly impact your birth experience and postpartum recovery. A combination of appropriate exercise and regular visits to a pelvic floor therapist or massage therapist is an excellent way to establish a physical wellness routine.
Prenatal yoga incorporates physical movement with mindful breathing, helping you tune into your body and move more confidently and intuitively during pregnancy and labor. Group classes are a wonderful opportunity to connect with other pregnant folks.
Consider establishing a relationship with a chiropractor specializing in prenatal care. The relief you’ll feel in your back and spine, along with the literal balancing of your pelvis, can lead to a smoother physical labor.
Spirit:
Spirit-driven care is the most overlooked aspect of preparing for birth and parenting. Birth is so much more than just a baby being born! You do not necessarily have to be religious or have deep spiritual beliefs to connect to the inner power that can help you frame what’s happening in a helpful way, cope with the emotional and physical rigors of pregnancy and labor, and honor your emergence as a parent.
Hosting a birth blessing ceremony is a lovely opportunity to honor to your “inner parent” and your baby. Gathering special people around you who will empower and support your journey by sharing helpful thoughts, prayers and vibes honors you and *your* transition to parenthood. You and your peeps can speak helpful intentions for your birth, make affirmation cards to use in labor, enjoy nourishing food and tea, and bask in the light of divine love and support surrounding you and your baby. Wearing a flower crown is optional!
Whether elaborate or simple, the loving intention manifested in your birth blessing ceremony can be carried with you into your birthing space and bring a sense of loving kindness as you do the challenging, wondrous work of birthing your baby.
Contact us to help support your mind, body and spirit as you prepare for birth and parenting.
