9 Local Need-to-Knows for Expecting & Postpartum Moms
When I was pregnant with my first, I didn’t know where to look — The Bump, What to Expect, my bag of snacks (again). There’s so much information out there and so little time to get to it all! (And for what it’s worth, I’m a few years into parenthood now, and I *still* haven’t gotten to it all.) But I’m here for you now, moms-to-be and new moms — read on for some Richmond resources I used, or wish I knew to use, before or just after my babe(s) arrived.
Doula services from MyBirth
I’m a wee bit anxious in general, and things really seemed to shine in that department during my first pregnancy. One thing that helped take a little pressure off was having someone on my birth team who could add a little ~zen~ to the situation; my husband was my VIP, my doctors were stellar, but my doula was calm AF — and that was especially key for me.
Now, things did get a little nutty when it was go time, but that made me all the more grateful to have Elise Benoit from MyBirth there with us to (swiftly) take the lead. As things went unexpectedly left at home, she calmly got us out the door, calmly walked with me as I crouched up the hospital stairwell, and calmly asked on my behalf if there was any chance there was still time for an epidural, even though there was definitely no chance there was still time for an epidural. Her patience, understanding, and composure are def what you want in your corner on the big day.
Birth classes from MyBirth
An added bonus of having Elise on my (bed)side for my first round was that she was able to point me in the direction of lots of helpful birth classes ahead of time — and if you hire your doula through MyBirth, you score discounts on all the org’s classes, too, including childbirth and lactation education. I took a basic labor and delivery class, but there are so many others to add to your calendar, if you so choose, including those covering pelvic floor health, cesarean scar self-massage, and then some.
Prenatal & postpartum exercises with Whole Heart Space
This yoga studio comes to us from Rachel Knight, who led classes at Humble Haven Yoga once upon a time. Whole Heart Space caters to prenatal and postnatal women as well as yogis who are trying to get pregnant and new moms who want to fit a session in with their infants. RVAx founder, Samantha Kanipe, is a big fan of Rachel’s and took her Humble Haven class — “Magical!” — every Sunday when she was pregnant with her first. Suffice it to say this spot is the whole package when it comes to a safe and supportive yoga space for helping you navigate early parenthood.
BTW: Don’t forget your Member Perk when you book!
Postpartum moms support group at VCU Health
I’ve written it once, and I’ll write it again: For you other moms out there, I’ve had great experience with VCU’s Postpartum Support resource and would highly recommend it. The DL straight from the source: “Our Getting Better Together Postpartum Support Group provides peer support for moms who may be experiencing depression or anxiety during their transition to motherhood. These support groups are facilitated by VCU Health and VCU team members. We encourage you to take this time for yourself. To protect the privacy of other group members, we ask that family and friends not attend the group. If possible, have someone else care for your children during our virtual group.”
RVAx reader Kara W. also let us know about two more resources under this umbrella!: “Postpartum Support Virginia does so much, but one of the best things they do is help get people connected to mental health clinicians who have specialized training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. A Brighter Birth Collective also does so, so much. [The key] here is a directory of birth professionals who have been vetted.”
BTW: If you want other options for how to care for your mental health during this time (or any other time!), we’ve got even more resources where that came from.
Sweet treats from Jeni’s Ice Creams
When you need a pick-me-up after a particularly circus-y day, before a potentially sleepless night, or any other time while you’re getting your feet on the ground during or after pregnancy, get straight to the pint. Jeni’s Ice Creams Pint Club “puts ice cream on repeat,” sending its lucky recipients a curated selection of four flavors (often before they’re on sale) directly to their doorsteps each month, for however many months you’d like. So, def send this guide to your partner, mother-in-law, and anyone else who’s looking to offer a helping hand — THIS is one way to do it, support team!
Prepared meals from Supper Club Market
Okay, and yes, straight-up nutrition is very important, too. Supper Club Market has lots of rotating in-house specials that you can order for pickup weekly when even prepping your pre-baby prepped meals seems daunting. Enjoy something like the market’s Chicken Piccata Over Angel Hair, Four-Cheese Ravioli with Marinara, and other mouth-watering items, and enjoy the easy clean-up when you’re done.
Pregnancy massages from Scents of Serenity
The aches and pains during pregnancy are something else, especially as your due date approaches, so book yourself some TLC at a local spa that just gets it. Scents of Serenity has a team of experienced massage therapists who understand the extra care and attention expecting moms need and carefully selects the services for moms in their second or third trimesters to safely receive. Get a snooze, to boot — your bod’s going THROUGH it, girlie.
Other need-to-knows:
