From Bump to Baby: Transitioning from Pregnancy Compression to Postpartum Support , by Rebekah Mustaleski, CPM .
With so many changes in the body while you’re growing a baby, it makes sense that compression is a useful tool to keep you comfortable and supported, both before and after birth. Pregnant women love using Motif Medical’s Maternity Compression products to support their changing bodies, whether it’s for comfort during pregnancy or to increase their physical comfort during their c-section recovery. But if you don't typically use compression in your life, you may have questions about how to incorporate these devices throughout the childbearing year. Good news! Not only can Motif Medical’s compression products be covered by your insurance, but we’ve got the answers for how to use them to promote your overall wellness when you’re expecting a baby.
The Top Benefits of Maternity Compression Wear , by Rebekah Mustaleski, CPM .
Pregnancy is such a fun and exciting time—there’s nothing quite like preparing to welcome a new soul into the world! But with the anticipation of meeting your baby, can come a host of unexpected aches in your body caused by the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy. It takes a lot of work to form a whole new person inside you. Plus your body is shifting and accommodating to allow your baby to grow and develop. The benefits of compression during this transitional time of life have been used for ages around the world and thankfully, Motif Medical has developed maternity compression products that are designed to support a healthy pregnancy and promote a smooth postpartum recovery. Even better than that, most of Motif’s maternity support garments are multi-purpose and can be used during pregnancy and into the postpartum, too!
How to Create an Effective Birth Plan , by Rebekah Mustaleski, CPM .
There is nothing else in life that can be compared to childbirth. Birth is unpredictable, and almost always goes differently than you envision, and while your body is doing all of the work, it is largely outside of your control. Birth is physical, yes, but it is also a mental, emotional, and spiritual process that happens as you meet your new baby. Put simply, a lot is going on when you give birth! And while a lot is happening, there isn’t a lot of time or energy for you to use making important decisions about the care you want during birth.
Once you’re pregnant or in pre-pregnancy planning, you start learning about all sorts of things that you’d never thought about before, like diastasis recti, which sometimes it needs special attention. But many expectant and new moms wonder how do you know the difference, how it affects your health, and is there anything you can do to prevent it or treat it?
Pumping and nursing at night can come with its own set of challenges and questions. We had viewers ask our IBCLC and Lactation Director, Ashley, a series of their questions about nighttime nursing and pumping - see her helpful answers below!When should I start pumping?
Your body is an incredible creation! Throughout the pregnancy your body has grown and nourished a new person, created new organs and systems, and birthed a new life into the world. What comes next? What does the postpartum look like for new parents? What can you do to support your postpartum body during the Fourth Trimester?
“If you don't know your options, you don't have any.” - Diana Korte
This is perhaps one of the most well known quotes in the birthing world and it's also the best reason I know to develop a birth plan, although I prefer to call them “birth preferences.” The thing is, a baby’s birth can't be planned. Even when some details are known, estimated due date, location, preferred birth method, etc., there is too much about it that is unknown!
If you're planning to deliver your baby by Cesarean section, or if you've already given birth by C-section, you should receive an abdominal binder before you leave the hospital or you may choose to purchase your own. These postpartum support bands can help new moms during their recovery by reducing postoperative pain, reducing postpartum bleeding, and increasing mobility. So let's talk about how and when to use them for the best results.
The immediate postpartum period is such an important time for you and baby to bond and get to know each other for the first time. Your main priorities over the first couple of weeks is to rest your body and feed your baby. So what are the best ways to prepare for that? What should you have and what will make those things easier?
