Melissa Bowley

12 Monthly Milestones for Mamma

Ever seen those little decal stickers and chalk boards that have monthly milestones for your baby? Personality traits. First food. First steps. First roll. First crawl. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we considered the same important milestones and checkpoints for mom and her wellbeing? Whether you’re having your first baby or 5th, the first year after giving birth to your baby is transformative and also different for every pregnancy and birth depending on your circumstances and individual situation. 

 

When I started to think about “essentials for mom” in the first year, it occurred to me that Flourish Care provides the avenue and pathway for moms to build their wellbeing support within the first year of having a baby. You build your wellbeing in community and with intentional care and specialists. Building a registry for your own wellbeing is not only for the first few months, it is setting up your foundation so you can continue to nurture and support yourself all throughout your motherhood journey. Think of this as a season of life where you are creating a signature wellbeing package that fits your needs without ever missing a month to celebrate you as a mom.  Every month of you being a mom is a milestone that you have contributed your energy, your heart, your care, your body and your mind to.  And Flourish fund is creating wrap around support to help you continually nurture you while you go through this monumental transition.

 

As a Working Mom coach, one of the pillars of my 1-1 coaching is ongoing wellbeing and maintenance for yourself while raising young kids and working. We can no longer leave mom out of the equation. Her physical, mental, and emotional health is pivotal in this time of healing and recovery.  How you heal, support and nurture yourself postpartum and beyond in the early years of raising children has huge impacts in how you cope, navigate and take on challenges. And we haven’t even mentioned when “return” to work comes on your plate or perhaps pumping on the road or at work. One step at a time mamma. 

 

Not every mom will need all of these services at the same time but I encourage you to listen to your intuition and pay attention to your body and needs as you move through the first 12 months. Even if your OBGYN or doctor doesn’t recognize your needs at the time. Get a second opinion. Trust yourself and reach out to another mom or someone you trust to get support. A 6 week check up isn’t sufficient and you need to continually check in with yourself in the early months of motherhood. 

 

Some of the areas of wellbeing that I focused on after both my children came along were the following;

  1. Pelvic floor therapy 
  2. Acupuncture 
  3. Counseling 
  4. Lactation Consultants or Counselors for Breastfeeding journey
  5. Support groups or classes for moms (in person or virtual)
  6. Doula (although mine did not make it to the hospital since my baby arrived in 2 hrs, my first!) 
  7. Ask for help (family + friends, to allow for rest and recovery ) 
  8. Yoga (prenatal and afterwards) 
  9. Boundary setting 
  10. Meal Delivery
  11. Morning routine of self care (20minutes) 
  12. ***Bonus, connect with me, I’m a Working Mom Coach!   I help moms prioritize their wellbeing so they can thrive in motherhood.  

12 months in a year, pick 12 or more that fit your needs and desires! 

All of these support services and experiences are available when you build your registry through Flourish Care. So what are you waiting for mamma? Start your registry now! 

Becoming a mom for the first time or fifth time invites change and milestones for both Mom and baby. There’s so much to prepare for in awaiting the arrival of your baby, but there’s also much to consider in the 4th and 5th trimester to support yourself and your family. From month one to month twelve mamma, make sure you’re putting yourself on the list of milestone markers at Flourish fund. 

We need mammas that are thriving, not surviving. 

I’m honored to be a part of Flourish Care’s community of talented and heart centered experts in the field. Look forward to serving you on your motherhood journey!  

 

Taking care of your wellbeing should feel like putting in micro deposits into your account so you don’t have to take out a 10k loan to repair her. Invest and feel the abundant dividends. ~ Village Coach Mamma

Diastasis Recti 101

Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is a separation of the left and right sides of our most superficial abdominal muscle and caused by forces that stretches connective tissue called the linea alba.
How do I know if I have a DRA?
A 2019 study suggests that 100% of women by their 35th week of pregnancy have DRA – measured by 16mm wide, just below the belly button. This same study reported that this figure reduced to 39% by 6 months postpartum. This tells us that there is a good probability that many expecting mothers and moms of littles have or have had a DRA!

If you fall into this category, then you may experience any or all of the following symptoms:

  • A separation of the outermost abdominal muscle that is visible and felt by palpating, or touching, the stomach
  • A sensation of weakness throughout the midsection
  • Doming or coning of the middle of your abdomen while lifting, rolling over, or during exercises such as planks and crunches
  • Poor posture
  • Low back, pelvic, and/or hip pain

  • Feelings of “the pooch” or “mommy tummy,” even if you have been working on your core strength

During a virtual session, a prenatal and postnatal fitness specialist can also help to identify DRA by walking you through a self-assessment.
Can I fix my DRA with virtual training sessions?
Sorry mama, but there is no magical fix. Only YOU can help to manage and close your DRA with consistent, long term effort, BUT it is very do-able! The same specialist that can help you ID the DRA can also assess your posture, strength, and movement patterns, teach you strategies to better manage intra-abdominal pressure, develop an individualized program for your body and your goals and help you progress the exercises in a safe and effective manner.
During pregnancy, the rapid growth of the fetus during the second and third trimesters causes the uterus to expand and place more pressure against the abdominal wall. This pressure leads to widening, or a gap, of the connective tissue between the left and right sides of “the six pack.” The goal of fitness training at this point is to maintain the DRA and prevent the gap from growing larger.
DRA can resolve without intervention in the fourth trimester, however the earlier you see a specialist, the sooner you will close the gap and be able to return to the activities you love and maximize the joys of motherhood!
How does Pilates help?
DRA is not purely an issue with the rectus abdominis. There are many biomechanical factors that come into play. Contrology, commonly known as Pilates matwork, is a whole body exercise system that (when modified correctly) can be an incredibly powerful therapeutic activity for DRA!
“The movement principles are elements that are present in the successful performance of all the Pilates exercises: whole body movement, breathing, balanced muscle development, concentration, control, centering, precision, and rhythm. (PMA Study Guide 2005)”
By learning optimal breathing mechanics, performing mobility exercises to balance asymmetries in muscle length, correcting postural malalignment, discovering how to properly activate the deep core muscles (transverse abdominis, diaphragm, oblique, pelvic floor and lower back muscles) as a unit with Pilates-based exercises, one will integrate with the mind with the body, control intra-abdominal pressure and feel a deep sense of whole body integration as the DRA begins to close.
In essence, a DRA during pregnancy is part of the process of growing a beautiful baby, so do not fret if you have one! The job of the connective tissues in the front of the abdomen are to stretch and allow for the baby to grow and for your organs to keep doing their jobs. If you still have a DRA in the postpartum period, that is OK, too! There are lots of things to do and I am here to help with that – it’s kind of my thing!
About Dr. Hardin
Flourish Care provider, Dr. Kristen Hardin, PT, DPT, NCPT  is the founder of K Pilates Rehab. She is a Physical Therapist and Prenatal + Postpartum Pilates specialist. Her goal is to empower busy moms of littles to pamper themselves with Pilates to balance their bodies for birth and beyond. During her career in orthopedics, sports and dance medicine, home health, and fitness, she became a mom to a spunky little girl and busy baby boy. With a new appreciation for maternal wellness, Kristen has devoted her professional development to prenatal and postpartum fitness coaching.

10 Newborn Tips for New Parents

When you’re pregnant, you study books and take classes to prepare for your upcoming arrival. Then the baby is born. And that tiny person just doesn’t want to follow the rules. Read on for 10 Newborn Tips for New Parents that will help you succeed in your first few weeks home from the hospital. 

 

How to Swaddle 

In the parenting book, Newborn 101, Carole Kramer Arsenault explains, “Most babies under three months are soothed by the sensation of being wrapped up in a blanket or swaddle cloth, as it mimics the womb.” Swaddling your newborn can also repress their startle reflex, leading to a calmer baby and longer stretches of sleep. You can swaddle a newborn with a blanket or a specially designed swaddle wrap. Your newborn may resist the swaddle at first, but most will settle down after being fully swaddled.

 

Fed is Best 

There are many ways to feed a baby. As a parent, choosing the right method of feeding an infant is crucial. Do whatever works best for you, your family, and your baby. If you have questions, ask your pediatrician or lactation consultant. 

If you choose to breastfeed, know that there is a learning curve for both you and your baby; you can learn together. According to Arsenault, “Most babies are instinctual suckers… they may not be instinctual latchers.”

 

Feeding Time Prep 

By preparing for feedings in advance, you can reduce stress when the baby starts crying out in hunger. If you use formula, prepare and refrigerate enough formula to last a full day. Each bottle can be heated in just a few minutes. If you’re breastfeeding, assemble a breastfeeding basket to have nearby when you are feeding your newborn. Include snacks, water for Mom, burp clothes, and a few nipple products. Try to drink 8oz of water each time you nurse as hydration is so important to help produce breast milk.

 

Diaper Rash 

Newborns have sensitive skin so rashes are common. Arsenault advises that, “For the first few weeks, clean your baby’s bottom with warm water using a washcloth or paper towel,” instead of store bought baby wipes. Apply a barrier cream, such as Aquaphor, to prevent a rash after every diaper change. If a rash appears, put on a thick layer of diaper rash cream that has zinc oxide in it. 

Overstimulation 

The uterus was a warm, cozy place for your baby to grow. Outside, a lot is happening. Besides being cold and noisy, it’s huge. Infants can become overstimulated very easily. Signs of overstimulation include fidgeting, disengaging, and fussing. To settle your baby, try gently rocking, dimming the lights and hushing in their ear. 

Create a Routine 

Even though your newborn might be too young to keep a schedule, it is still beneficial to have a routine. A routine helps your baby to learn day versus night and recognize when an activity transition is coming. Always try to order your activities the same way. Many families order their activities as feed, play, and nap, but it is best to figure out what works for your family. 

Sleepy Time Routine

Sleeping habits are formed from birth. Swaddling and dimming the lights can help signal that it’s time for sleep to babies younger than twelve weeks old. Keep the lights dark and the sound low at night. During naps, you can let a bit of light and sound in. 

Nap When Baby Naps 

Newborns have sleep cycles that can be unpredictable, so try to catch as much sleep when you can. Your first priority is to take care of yourself and your newborn. If this means that the sink is full of dishes, laundry doesn’t get done, or visitors need to wait, then that is okay. 

Ask for Help 

Newborns are hard work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your visitors. Carole, the founder of Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny, reminds us that, “It’s important to remember that you need to rest, not run around doing chores if there is another capable adult in the house.” Visitors can help with shopping, preparing meals, folding laundry and walking the dog. 

Engage in Self-Care 

As a parent, you have also just been born. Your newborn needs a happy, healthy parent. Schedule time apart from your regular responsibilities to walk, rest, or simply process all of the changes. Trust your instincts. You are the best person to care for your baby and you know what is right for your family; simply enjoy your time with your new bundle of joy. 

To learn more tips to aid you as you bring home your new baby, message Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny on their Flourish Care Provider Page or pick up a copy of Newborn 101. Don’t forget to add a gift card for Newborn Care to your Flourish Care baby registry! We offer daytime newborn care, overnight newborn care, postpartum support, sleep coaching, lactation consultations, nanny placement, and more!

Flourish Collective Wins The IFundWomen X Neutrogena Fund Grant

The company was one of 10 women-owned businesses in the U.S. to receive $10,000

Newport, RI – June 9, 2021 – Flourish Collective today announced that it won the IFundWomen X Neutrogena Fund Grant worth $10,000. Ten women-owned health and wellness companies across the nation were selected to receive the grant. Flourish Collective will use the funds to continue to market its family wellness platform, the Flourish Care Baby Registry.

“We are honored and grateful to have won the IFundWomen X Neutrogena Fund Grant. It reinforces our mission of helping to improve maternal health and wellness in the U.S. The grant money will help us raise awareness of our wellness-focused baby registry that helps parents be proactive, not reactive to the challenges of caring for a new baby,” said Melissa Bowley, Flourish Collective Founder & CEO.

With the Flourish Care Baby Registry, families can register for gift bundles that include essential products for both mom and baby and gift cards for wellness support and services that help families thrive from pregnancy into parenthood. Our wellness services include birth and postpartum doulas, lactation counselors, newborn care specialists, sleep consultants, fitness classes, childbirth and parenting classes, healthy meals and more. Users can also create a no-stuff registry and include just wellness experiences, pregnancy and birth support, and postpartum help.

Flourish Care registrants have access to an exclusive network of wellness providers vetted by the Flourish Collective team, so families do not have to spend hours searching for trusted providers. Currently, Flourish Care offers virtual support across the U.S. and in-person support in the New England area.

“Parents may not exactly know what support they’ll need after their baby arrives, but that’s ok. They can use their Flourish funds on any of our provider services,” said Melissa.

Additionally, by creating an account, users get instant access to the Flourish Care’s video library for prenatal and postpartum wellness.

IFundWomen also created a crowdfunding platform for grant applicants to raise capital for their companies. Those interested in helping to fund the Flourish Collective’s business can do so at https://ifundwomen.com/projects/flourish-fund-baby-registry

About the IFundWomen X Neutrogena Fund Grant
Neutrogena® has teamed up with IFundWomen to give women-owned businesses in the health and wellness space a fresh start in 2021. Through this program, 10 qualified women entrepreneurs across the U.S. will each receive a $10,000 grant to support their fresh start after a challenging year in business.

About the Flourish Collective
The Flourish Collective was started with a vision to fill the gap in maternal healthcare and make wellness accessible to all moms. The Flourish Collective launched its first product, Flourish Care Baby Registry, in 2020, a first of its kind platform where expecting parents can register for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support in addition to essential products for mom and baby. Learn more at www.theflourishfund.com.

CONTACT: Aliza Friedlander

[email protected]

Breathing for Birth: 3 Techniques You Can Practice Right Now

Birth is work. It’s also a process. Penny Simkin, a renowned birth worker, shares that birthing individuals need the three R’s – Relaxation, Rhythm, and Ritual – to support them through their birth and labor experiences. These Breathing for Birth rhythms and rituals offer a way to ease discomfort, allow for greater relaxation in the body, and serve as a mechanism to guide you throughout your birth experience, whether it’s at home, in a hospital, with or without medication.

One of the most beautiful practices to establish now, during pregnancy, is breathwork – i.e., learning to breath for birth. Why is it important to pay attention to the breath?

  • Breathwork and breathing techniques calm the body’s nervous system, decreasing the amount of stress hormones prevalent in the body and increasing the levels of beta-endorphin (a natural pain reliever) and oxytocin (the labor and love hormone).
  • Breathwork relaxes the jaw, throat, shoulders during labor, which is important because the jaw reflects the state of the pelvic floor. A relaxed jaw, throat, and shoulders mean a relaxed pelvic floor. A tightened one means the pelvic floor is also clenching.
  • Breathwork supports oxygenation of the entire body, ensuring you and your baby are getting enough oxygen and breath (rather than hyperventilating or taking short, shallow breaths).
  • Breathwork distracts the mind from sensation and/or pain that might be present with contractions by establishing a ritual and rhythm that the mind can focus on during labor (and remember, even if you decide to get an epidural, at some point, you’ll feel contractions unless you have a scheduled cesarean).

It’s important to learn these breathing techniques now and then to share them with your partner and/or birth doula so that they can remind you of the practices during your birth. One of my strongest birth memories is of my husband hanging over the edge of the birth tub as I soaked, looking in my eyes and reminding me how to breathe, because yes…at some point, even the most seasoned practitioners need loving support and guidance during birth.

Let’s cover three breathing techniques that you can start practicing right now:

Sama Vritti Pranayama [Equal Part Breath] – Sama Vritti translates to equal turning breath, also known as equal part breath. To practice, find a comfortable seated position or practice reclined (with the upper back elevated for pregnancy). Begin to breathe in through the nose to a count of 4 – Slowly inhale for 1 – 2 – 3- 4. Then, slowly exhale through the nose to a count of 4 – Exhale gently for 1 – 2 – 3 – 4. Practice for 2-5 minutes. You may also increase your count to inhaling for 6: exhaling for 6 or inhaling 8: exhaling 8. The key is to go slowly and breathe fully.

Bhramari Pranayama [Buzzing Bee Breath] – With Bhramari, you’ll literally hum to generate the sound of a buzzing bee. This breath is wonderful for dispelling anxiety, fear, and overwhelm and also brings a sense of peace and focus to the mind. While there are several methods to practice Bhramari, we can start with the simplest and most effective. To practice, find a comfortable seated position, practice reclined (with the upper back elevated for pregnancy) or on the left side. Take a full inhale. On the exhale, keep the lips sealed and begin to hum the entire length of your exhale, feeling the sound come from deep in the belly. As you get more comfortable, you might also concentrate on the center of the forehead (the third eye) as you hum. Try humming softly, loudly, or somewhere in between. Take slow, full inhales and elongate the exhale as you hum. Notice the jaw relaxing and the forehead relaxing as you practice. Try 4-5 times before taking a break.

Horse Lips – There isn’t a fancy Sanskrit name for this one! Horse lips relaxes the jaw and the shoulders by fluttering the lips, which relaxes the pelvic floor. You will also be elongating the exhalation, promoting further relaxation in the body. To practice, find a comfortable seated position or practice reclined (with the upper back elevated for pregnancy) or on the left side. You might even want to practice standing up. Take a full inhale. On the exhale, flutter the lips for the entire length of the exhalation. This is also known as “blowing raspberries.” Next, take slow inhales and deep, slow exhales to flutter the lips. Try for a minute or two.

Again, these breathing techniques are perfect to practice during pregnancy and will be beautiful supports during labor. There are certainly more breathing techniques and coping mechanisms to practice for birth. Other coping mechanisms include movement, water, touch and massage, mantra, and more. Take a few moments in your day to practice these breathing techniques, generate some muscle and bodily memory of them, and then teach them to your partner/doula. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments.

Leanne Matullo is a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher (R-PYT), Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT), Yoga Therapy practitioner with a specialization in Perinatal Care, Infant/Toddler Sleep Consultant, and Birth Doula. She is also a Flourish Care Provider.