I remember my mom talking about the lamaze classes her and my dad would do together, you meet the moms in your neighbourhood – form friendships and have a friend to confide in who is going through the same growth as you.
Fast forward 27 years, here we are, in a world pandemic. Truly a pregnancy none of us could have ever imagined.
The main downfall about a pandemic pregnancy is the lack of human contact. Yet on the other hand, many relationships are getting the most one on one time ever. I know I can say that for my own! We’ve nurtured and grown as individuals and as a couple.
Through this pandemic pregnancy, I’ve truly learned the strength of my inner female. I’ve developed strongly as a woman and have cherished each second of this pregnancy. Cooped up in the house allowed me to be fully present on each of baby A’s movements, her twitches, day dream over her, and journal over all that she is becoming, and will become.
The outlets I’ve found extremely helpful at keeping me healthy and active while quarantined in lockdown are:
The Belle Method
Nikki has so many tools and resources hidden within her online studio. Once signed up for her classes you have access to all the behind the scenes resources – from online pre recorded classes with her Doula to scientific studies offering additional information on birthing with out fear, breath work and so much more.
I signed up for The Belle Method’s Pilates and Push Prep as well as the Postnatal classes. Although I have a background in yoga and barre training, I am not certified in prenatal or post and have never been through this process before. As a result I have thoroughly enjoyed her classes and resources.
Expectful
This is an app focused on meditations and hypnobirthing. However it also offers courses, blogs, research and live events.
It can be used for conception, pregnancy, birth and fourth trimester.
I purchased this app totally by accident. I downloaded it from an ad off Instagram and tried the free trial (not realizing it would sign you up for the year – so be cautious of this if you’re only hoping to try out the free trial) with this said- it has been the most used app on my phone!
The meditations take you week by week, and offer 5, 10 or 20 minute meditations guiding you through the current stage of your pregnancy and baby’s development.
It also offers hypnobirthing classes which I listen to daily, along with their nightly meditations and live events.
Expectful is a really well rounded app providing you with a ton of knowledge, resources and peace to help calm an anxious mind. It will most certainly be playing throughout my delivery -guiding me through peace and relaxation (in between the waves of surges).
Meditations and Stretching
Meditation has been vital in helping me stay positive, grounded and connected to the here and now. With the news circulating on every social platform, the virus mentioned everywhere and fear on the forefront of many’s mind, meditation has been helpful in allowing me to stay present and distant to the overwhelm.
Stretching is the number one thing my body has needed. With round ligament pains, stiff legs and painful hips, daily stretches have truly made me feel “not pregnant”. I’ve had few aches and pains (main aches and pains come after waking up from a long sleep), hardly any back pain and a joyful pregnancy in ensuring I can stay active without pulling or hurting myself.
Modo Yoga on Instagram offers nightly meditations on their IGTV Lives as well.
These are handful of outlets that have truly helped me throughout my pregnancy.
I sincerely hope you find outlets that help you enjoy each little growth. This journey goes by so so quickly, cherish each moment.
From one Mama to another, I wish you and your beautiful growing baby the utmost health and happiness.
xoxo
Lex
thanks, very interesting 🙂
My pleasure! Thank you for stopping by 🙂 xo