HEY YOU! YEAH YOU! YOU INCREDIBLE MAMMA!
What is Maternal Health?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines maternal health as the health and well-being of women during the pre- (pregnancy), peri- (birth), and postnatal (after birth) periods.
Why is it important?
Mothers experience physical, social, and psychosocial stressors during maternal age. Some common conditions women of maternal age experience include the following:
Physical: Aches and pains, morning sickness, constipation, heartburn and indigestion, back pain, fatigue, vaginal thrush, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, varicose veins, swelling in the ankles/feet/hands, dizziness, shortness of breath, perineal tearing, c-section scar tissue, diastasis recti/abdominal separation, tender breasts, and mood swings
Social: Isolation, changes in relational dynamics with friends and family, altered perception of self
Psychosocial: Postpartum depression and anxiety
Medical Providers for Women of Maternal Age
OBGYN: A physician who specializes in treating female reproductive conditions.
Midwife: A certified person who provides medical care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Doula: A certified person who provides emotional, informational, and physical guidance and support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Pelvic Floor Therapy: A professional who specializes in the pelvic floor and helps correct dysfunction and relieve symptoms associated with the bladder, bowel, and reproductive systems. A pelvic floor therapist can assist women throughout their maternal health journey, including preparing for birth and recovery.
Lactation Consultant: A professional who specializes in breastfeeding.
Nutritionist: Counsels clients on nutritional eating and habits surrounding food.
Mental Health Specialist: A specialist trained to address mental health issues such as anxiety and postpartum depression.
Activities for Mothers to Promote Maternal Health and Wellness:
Yoga: There are many styles of yoga to suit your individual needs and preferences, including prenatal yoga, vinyasa yoga (linking breath with motion), mommy and me yoga, and many others! Benefits of yoga include improving strength/balance/flexibility, pain relief, boosting energy, assisting in stress management, connecting you to a community, and supporting self-care!
Some local Yoga classes to consider below:
- H2L Studio – Mechanicsburg
- Simply Yoga and Fitness – Carlisle
Mommy and Me Classes: These classes are a great way to meet other moms. You can either continue to hang out at the classes, or you could try to meet up with some moms outside of the classes as well. Meeting with other moms can help you to feel less alone and more supported. Local libraries are a great place to find free mommy and me classes. Here are some other classes in central PA:
Some local Mommy and Me resources to consider below:
- My Gym- Waddlers Class- Mechanicsburg
- Om Baby Center- Camp Hill
Mommy Night: Have your partner or support system be in charge for the evening. Just like in an airplane, you have to put on your air mask before you can help someone else. Even if you don’t leave the house, have a self-care night: Do a facial, have a cup of tea, enjoy your favorite book or movie! YOU’RE IMPORTANT MAMMA! YOU’RE KEEPING A TINY HUMAN ALIVE! YOU’RE DOING GREAT! ENJOY A BREAK YOU DESERVE IT!
Blogs for Moms
Pinterest is also an incredible resource for creative activities to aid in child development, self-care, and much much more!
About Me:
Hi all! My name is Tessann Merkel, and I am in an entry-level Doctoral program for Occupational Therapy at Chatham University. I believe that every person deserves to have a therapist that is passionate about their profession and seeks to provide quality care. Maternal health is an area of interest of mine, and I got to present research on occupational therapy and its role in maternal health. I completed my level 2B fieldwork with United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA and got to meet many of the early intervention therapists. Their passion for the children and their families and desire to provide quality care is incredible! If you are being seen by one of these incredible therapists, you are in extremely good hands!
