Pregnancy During The Time Of Coronavirus

Pregnancy is a time of unprecedented body change requiring new physical demands and nutritional needs.  There are emotional fluctuations and more! Quite often during pregnancy we meet other expectant women in classes and when out and about. Women often rely on acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, chiropractic care and more to manage discomfort and optimize the health of their body during this time.  Many women are torn between taking their doula or partner to the hospital and worried about negotiating everchanging hospital guidelines due to Covid 19.  Often we plan on family coming to stay with us when we first come home. Now during the time of Coronavirus the pregnant woman is forced to rethink our entire web of support. 

For many of us, the experience of living during the pandemic has been a roller coaster inciting a variety of evolving emotions and responses. Now, instead of being a sprint we have transitioned to a marathon and instead of trying to persevere this alone, we need to redefine the plan. Did you know that there are many practitioners who have successfully transitioned to telehealth sessions? I am so excited to say that as a hands on physical therapist, I have found the transition to telehealth to be amazingly transformative and empowering for my clients.  For as long as I have had my practice, I have pushed to empower women to listen to their body and now more than ever my clients and I work together to remap patterns of muscle activation in order to achieve their goals.  But, how do you redefine your web of wellness when social distancing is a must?

Redefining Your Web Of Support During Coronavirus

1. Start by contacting one trusted professional and ask them if they know of any other health professionals who are offering telehealth services. The professional you are reaching out to knows you and can recommend someone that matches your needs better than a blind recommendation. You may not need their services now, but keep their info handy!
2. If you ask friends or post on social media be sure to ask people what they like about the recommended professional. Who is great for your friend may not be the best match for you!
3. If you are not sure you need the service or if they can even help you with telehealth, call them! Ask questions and get to know them a bit over the phone! 
4. If you are planning social distancing from extended family when your baby is born, don't forget that family CAN help from afar.... They can read books, do a virtual art project, or have a virtual dance party with older children to give you some breathing room with your new baby. Maybe they can still make you food and drop it off or set up a delivery from your favorite nourishing restaurant.   
5. Most importantly, don't forget that you are NOT alone. Asking for help feels strange to many of us, but it is so important to ask because there are many people in your life looking for ways to help!
6.  JOIN THE THRIVING THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY AND BEYOND PROGRAM STARTING MAY 5TH!