Prenatal Health Support System
It Takes a Village: Crafting Your Circle of Prenatal Champions
Written by Danielle Bararuk | April 23rd, 2024
Hey mamas-to-be,
Let's talk about something that's dear to my therapy heart: crafting your very own prenatal support team – because truly, it takes a whole village to raise a child, but first, to grow and birth one!
Embarking on the gestational journey is parallel to setting sail into a vast ocean of unknowns: thrilling and unnerving in equal measure. One moment, you’re marvelling at baby’s first kicks; the next, you’re riding the wild surf of hormonal waves.
The secret to staying buoyant through it all? An armada of support!👯♀️
Weaving a strong prenatal support network is like crafting a beautiful, intricate quilt. Every thread represents a person or service that holds the potential to enrich your prenatal tapestry with comfort and care. Why go it alone when a chorus of kindred spirits can harmonise your way into motherhood?
⚓ Anchoring in Professionals: Integrative and Collaborative Healthcare.
Your healthcare crew should be as diverse and well-rounded as a balanced diet. Think obstetricians, midwives, physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, doulas, nutritionists, clinical counsellors and anyone else who adds a healthy sprinkle of wisdom to your prenatal platter. These health care practitioners understand what you need and will all contribute to provide you with the personalised holistic care that you need.
❤️ Heartbeats in Harmony: Community and Connection.
The old saying "it's who you know" transforms in pregnancy to "it's who supports you." Surround yourself with fellow parents-to-be through childbirth classes, prenatal yoga, or even virtual forums (because camaraderie doesn’t always need a physical handshake). If you haven’t already checked out our online women’s wellness community, Women Rise Together, that is 100% FREE to join, that could be a great starting point for building your community and accessing credible resources and an entire women's health team. The community members become mirrors reflecting your own experiences back to you, validating and cheering each step of your maternal marathon.
🌱 Cultivating Continuity: Care for Mom and Baby.
Continuity of care is the lullaby that reassures both mom and budding babe. From early pregnancy to the coo-inducing cradle of postpartum, having a team by your side that knows your story – every chapter, every line – makes for a smoother narrative. This is where my heart as a Pelvic Health Therapist swells with pride; playing a role in both preventative care and restoring foundation post-birth is an honour that knits us closer in your village tapestry.
We’ve chattered about the caregivers and friends that will support you, but remember:
🥇Your team must always leave room for the MVPs.
Your personal cheerleaders, partner, family, and friends who’ll pass you water as you sprint the last mile of the pregnancy marathon and drape the medal over your weary, yet triumphant neck.
Preparing for your little sprout isn't just a checklist of to-dos; it’s about sowing seeds in a garden that will bloom with supporters who are ready to nurture you and your tiny beanstalk. So reach out, dear soon-to-be Supermamas, and intertwine your story with others who are just as invested in the happy, healthy unfolding of your family's new chapter.
Remember, when you feel like a small boat in the vast Pregnancy Sea, your village is the lighthouse guiding you home, every step of the way.
Stay glowing amongst your village of support,
Danielle Bararuk
Clinical Director, Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Therapist, GrowCo Ambassador