When Pregnancy Coaching Becomes Personal

"A friend is like a good bra: hard to find, comfortable, supportive, always lifts you up, makes you look better, never lets you down or leaves you hanging, and always close to your heart."

I asked one of my dearest college friends to talk about her amazing pregnancy and brilliant child, who just happens to be my goddaughter. I wasn't expecting this. Thank you so much, Kimberly Ward, for trusting me and allowing me to witness your miracle. 

I thought it would be fun to surprise my friend and wellness coach with the news of my pregnancy in person. I invited her to lunch, explaining that I had a pregnant friend who I wanted to refer. I planned for the exchange to go a little bit like this: She would order wine. I would pass on the wine (which I never do) and wait for her to ask me “why?”  But… I just couldn’t wait! Instead, as she was ordering our favorite sushi, which I could no longer eat, I sprang the news on her. She was in disbelief. We both squealed and cried. 

You see, I had watched her from the sidelines for years helping mothers with everything from diet and yoga to breastfeeding. I’d witnessed her getting ready to give expectant mothers massages and knew that I wanted that to be me when I got ready to bring a child into this world.

I knew that I wanted her knowledge and experience to enhance my pregnancy, however, I did not realize that I would so heavily depend on the advice of the coach. I was becoming increasingly sensitive to various odors, sluggish and nauseous. One evening, I ate fish a dinner, and had the worst morning after ever. I needed help. Seeking the help of my pregnancy coach started a journey that would change my life and the life of my child forever.

I shifted my focus to my growing baby and met about the pregnancy to discuss my expectations and to share my early concerns.

First I wanted to become a vegetarian

After the incident with the fish, I wanted to learn as much as I could about the effects of meat on the pregnant body.  My doctor though it was not a good idea to take meat from my diet stating that I needed the nutrients that the meat would provide.  So as you can image this was the first concern I passed with my coach.  She helped me to understand the nutrition facts and gave me a list of iron and protein rich, plant-based foods to review with my doctor at my next appointment. He was impressed and approved the change. I went through the duration of the pregnancy eating only fruits, vegetables, and grains and I felt wonderful. I got in the habit of juicing every morning and found my self feeling stronger and more alive than ever.  

Next, I needed to figure out why I was so sensitive 

I switched my household cleaning products to natural ones to avoid the sickening odors and harmful fumes. This transition was easier than I imagined.  I first started cleaning with vinegar and water and found that I only needed to add a few other items to keep the house clean. My life was changing. It was becoming more simple and a lot healthier.

Then, I started to focus on our health

I meet with the pregnancy coach once a week, where we did prenatal yoga and talked about how my child was developing in the womb.  And OMG! there was a so much going on in there.  During yoga, I would take in deep breaths of air and she would let me know how each breath was increasing her brain development.  It was fascinating to me. I found myself taking in breaths during my day and smiling a little each time knowing that was helping her brain development. 

The Good News Continued

My pregnancy coach was full of knowledge. One of the best pieces of advice, and there were many was her recommendation that I use the Baby Plus Early Learning System when I reached 18 weeks.  I’m sure there has been some talk here about the system. Maybe you’ve heard about it and compared  it to other systems or methods.  But the reality is, there is no comparison.  My child is a living example of all that’s great about the Baby Plus system.  She has been reading full words and sentences since she was 3 years old. I won’t go on about it now, but you can follow her journey here.  

There have been a lot of pregnancies amongst my friends since then.  I’ve seen some them follow in my pregnancy wellness steps and having amazing pregnancies and others who shrug off the advice and struggle through the first few years of their child’s life.

My pregnancy coach even helped with breastfeeding and postpartum fitness after my daughter was born.

Our Bight Future

It’s been six years since I first started working with a wellness coach and I am still reaping the benefits of the investment. I am now raising an independent, intelligent, well behaved,  fruit & veggie loving, rock star of a child. She continues to exceed the expectations of the teachers and the coaches who pour into her life. As for my health, I have continued my regimen of juicing, smoothie-ing, plant-based nutrition, meditation, and gentle movement. The effects have been far reaching, unimaginable, and greatly appreciated. 

A Note From Blossom

A pregnancy coach is a life, health, or wellness coach, who is also a birth professional such as a childbirth educator, doula, midwife, or doctor. A pregnancy coach meets with you, typically via phone or email, to answer your questions and help you have the pregnancy or birth experience you’re hoping for. She provides education, mentoring, counsel, and insight and is your go-to for all things pregnancy-related before, during, and after pregnancy. If you’re looking pregnancy tips or other prenatal advice, schedule a session with a Blossom Pregnancy Coach today! 

Kimberly Ward is the CEO of Kimberly Ward Inc., which is the parent company for Kimberly & Cameron Interiors, Pink Eggshell, and Iconic Home Magazine. Kimberly was recently named one of "Five Creative Women to Watch" by Mississippi Magazine, and has been nominated to the Leadership Mississippi class of 2015. Follow her brands on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Kimberly Ward

KimberlyandCameron.com

Pinkeggshell.com

404-806-0791

Running to Motherhood and Racing To Get My Post-Baby Body Back!

“At times you have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition.  What you’ll discover will be wonderful.  What you’ll discover is yourself.”  -Alan Alda

Before I became pregnant, I had run 12 half marathons. On the day that my husband and I conceived my child, I had run a 5K (trust me, I'm sure). I ran another at 8 weeks, and continued to run 2or 3 miles until 16 weeks. At that point, it was taking 2 to 3 days to recover a short run. It wasn't worth it for me. I concentrated on yoga and water aerobics, forgoing my dreams of running 13.1 while pregnant. Check out the amazing Jocelyn Green, a Blossom Mom who did that and more! 

It was Sunday afternoon and I was in my bedroom unpacking my suitcase (I had just returned from a week long cruise with my family). I was sorting, putting away things, as well as, going through the list of things coming up the following week. At the top of the list was , running the Jacksonville Bank Marathon in Jacksonville, Fl. I was to run with my running accountability partner and friend, Wanda. As I continue to unpack, I come across a pack of up-opened tampons and my heart almost stops. I immediately check the calendar and realized I had missed my cycle. I calmed myself down and told myself not to worry, maybe my hormones were a little out of sync. Inthe previous weeks I had been working long hours as well as training for the marathon and so my body was probably a little off.

So I start my workday Monday as usual, trying not to worry. But by lunchtime, the worry had started to set in, so off to the store I went to get a pregnancy test. All the while I'm thinking, I'm suppose to run 26 miles in a few days!!! What if I am pregnant? Should I still run??? I can’t be pregnant, I'm just tired….a million things were going through my head! So I make it to the store, get the test, make it back to work, and decide to the test there in the restroom. The test came up positive IMMEDIATELY!!!! Lol I mean, there was no waiting three minutes! Anyway, I call my husband (fiancé at the time) and told him what I suspected, of course he was ecstatic. All I could think about was running 26.2 miles. So we decided that I would take another test when I got home and then call my doctor. I didn't wait…I had taken about five tests before he could get home and they were all positive…lol so the next day I made the call. I talked to my doctor, but unfortunately she wouldn't be able to see me until afteR the date of the marathon. But she gave me the okay to go ahead and run, since she knew that I was already a runner. She just told me to listen to my body and gave me a few things to be aware of….so began my journey of running while pregnant!

The morning of the race, I get up…of course nervous and prepare for my 1st marathon. Race begins and my partner Wanda has told me she would stay with me the whole race. She is one of few who knew I was pregnant. Race starts out great, I was able to run/walk the first 18 miles with no problems. But I did have a lot of time to meditate on how my life was about to change! Around mile 18 I started to feel some slight pressure in my pelvis so I decided to walk. To make a long story short, I completed the marathon injury free.

 Pre/Post Jacksonville Bank Marathon

Once I returned home the following week, I was able to see my doctor and was informed I was about 8 weeks pregnant!

As my pregnancy progressed I continued to run 6-7 days a week, an average of 3-6 miles each run. My running partner Wanda and my husband Demarcus were very supportive!!! Wanda was always with me on the runs making sure I was not over-doing it and being safe, while Demarcus was there for with emotional support…and food after each run!

I was able to run several “official” races throughout my pregnancy, along with the marathon. I ran the Disney Enchanted 10k, Jacksonville Gate River Run (15k), and the Publix Savannah 5k. Savannah was my last official run and I was a little over 5 months pregnant. I completed the race with a sub 35:00.

Official Races

By the beginning of my 6 month, I noticed several changes in my running. I was definitely slowing down, I was becoming short of breath, and I also started to experience increase sciatic nerve pain. But I didn't let this stop me from continuing my walk/run routine. I went on Amazon purchased a pelvic support band to aid with the pain and switched to more interval training, and increasing my walk to run ratio. I had to cut back on the official runs as well as it was heating up for the summer and I didn't want to get over-heated while running.

With some of my run pals!!!

By the end of my 8 months I had stopped running, but I continued to walk 4-5 days a week, an average of 3 miles. By week 38 I was definitely wobbling but was determined to stay as active as possible. I was also going to the doctor weekly and was anticipating my due date of August 23, in which I would be induced if I had yet to go into labor.

Aug 23…the big day! Just finishing my morning walk!

August 23 came, I got up and did a 3 mile walk in my neighborhood….it was to settle my nerves!!!! I went into the hospital at 6:00 pm and was induced, baby James Dean Henderson was born 23 ½ hrs later at 5:30 on August 24, 2015. What a wonderful feeling that was….I had become a new mommy!!!

Before I left the hospital, I followed up with my doctor on recommendations as to returning to exercise. Since I had a natural birth she stated I could return to walking at 2 weeks and return to running after my 6 week postpartum visit. While waiting for the two weeks to pass, I started some pelvic floor and light core exercises, as well as some upper body strengthening. At two weeks post-delivery, I begin walking 2-3 miles a day, 3-4 days a week until my 6th week. I was cleared by the doctor to begin running, so I begin to do slow walk/runs for 3-4 miles. I started with a 2:1 run/walk interval and am still in the process of getting my pre-pregnancy pace back.

I am currently a little over 3 months postpartum and I feel great!!! I try and jog with my little one as much as possible, but the weather is starting to get cold here (and he has been sick already). It has been a challenge getting adjusted to having and little one and not being able to just go on a run whenever I please, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Baby James and I were scheduled for our first run this month, but I had to cancel (due to illness again), but we have plenty of races to run.

Throughout this journey, my goal was to stay active and as healthy as possible. I won't say I didn't receive any criticism, especially in the African-American community. It is almost taboo for black women to exercise/workout while pregnant. I had a lot of people including family telling me I was putting the baby at risk for exercising, but that is not so. My words of encouragement/advice would be to listen to your body!!! I feel that continuing to exercise helped in many ways, too many to name. But I also recommend to definitely discuss your exercise plans with your doctor as well.

For myself, I'm looking forward to continuing an amazing running journey with my new running partner Baby James!!!!!

A Note From Blossom

High level training during pregnancy can be safe in a low risk pregnancy, if your body was accustomed to moving at that level before your pregnancy. Be sure to check with your care provider before beginning any fitness regimen, especially when pregnant. 

Jocelyn is a full-time working mom, working in the field of physical therapy. She is from Panama City, FL and is a proud graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.  She is a Disney fanatic, avid runner, traveler, and foodie. In her share time she blogs about a little of everything under the sun, including running and the joys of motherhood. She currently resides in the middle Georgia area with her husband Demarcus, and new baby James Dean. 

Instagram: Runningrattlermom 

Facebook: Runningrattlermom.facebook.com

Email: rattlerrunningmom@gmail.com

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding In Spite of Hormonal Challenges

"Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful" ~Joshua J. Marine

Be inspired by Amazing Blossom Mom, Jada Wright-Greene, who shares her journey of breastfeeding over 7 years, with 3 children. 

Becoming a mother was one of the most important things to me. Soon after being married, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which causes irregular ovulation. Through the power of God, faith and prayer I became pregnant and I instantly knew I wanted to do everything possible to give my precious jewel the best start in life. 

As any new mother I began to read, ask questions, read and ask even more questions about what to do. You always hear that there is no handbook, but there are guide books. I quickly learned about breastfeeding and all of the benefits for mother and baby. 

My mother did not breastfeed nor did her mother, so at least two generations before me thought I was a little “strange” for deciding to breastfeed.  Despite their thoughts, I was determined to give my baby the best nutritional start.

On a cold and frigid November day in 2008 she arrived and of course life turned upside down in a good way for my husband and I. Immediately after my delivery and in recovery, I asked the nurse, can you please help me breastfeed my baby, she complied, and my baby girl latched. That began my journey into the world of breastfeeding for my daughter and later with my two other children.  

I nursed for four months with my oldest child, for six months for my second child, and it has been more than a year with my youngest child. Each experience has been quite different.

I don’t want to share all of my tips because I know you have read them all by now, but I want to share my feelings.  I enjoyed every moment of this journey, the late nights, the every two hours, the pain (yes I said even the pain) all of it.  I was able to bond with my children and have a connection that no one can understand unless you decide to share the “liquid gold” to your children.  

The act of giving nourishment and the natural production of milk is remarkable. Think about it; your body produces milk that is made specifically for your child at their young age.  When I reflect back on the way God designed us as mothers, he purposely made us to provide not only food, but to be bonded with our children through the act of breastfeeding.  

Understand, I had a lot of days, where I was tired, exhausted and sleep deprived but the comfort in knowing that my angels were getting exactly what they needed motivated me.  I never imagined I would breastfeed and certainly not for an entire year, when I recall my early thoughts of being a mother. But those moments where you see your baby look into your face and hold you so close knowing that you are their mommy, their comforter, and their provider, are absolutely priceless. 

As I write this my journey in breastfeeding has ended. I can truly say I miss it at times, but I know that I gave my children a great start in life.

A Note From Blossom

PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women between the ages of 18 and 44. It affects approximately 5% to 10% of this age group. It is one of the leading causes of poor fertility. Because it is related to hormone production and hormones affect milk production, many women with PCIS have challenges establishing or maintaining a milk supply. However, Jada's story is evidence that many mothers are able to overcome these PCOS related challenges. 

For additional support with PCOS, visit these sites. 

PCOS and Fertility 

Breastfeeding and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 

Breastfeeding and PCOS: Maximizing Success

Jada Wright-Greene is a wife, mother, an avid museum activist, author, and a lover of history.  She has a passion for revitalizing and bringing awareness to the African-American museum culture with a goal of diversifying the museum field, primarily through Heritage Salon Magazine. Jada’s most important and valued roles in life has become being a wife and mother. She is the wife of Darryl and the mother of two daughters and one son. Through her journey of motherhood she has become a strong supporter of breastfeeding and assisting other mothers in their journey.  She believes in supporting and ministering to new mothers. She is driven in the area of her work, but motivated in her role as mother and wife. Jada and her family resides in the Dallas, Texas area.

Full Circle Moments

“Life is a full circle, widening until it joins the circle motions of the infinite.” 
― Anaïs Nin

For the second year in a row, I spent Thanksgiving Morning running a half marathon, while my 2 year old daughter ran a 50 yard dash, in Atlanta. The half marathon was the final race in the Triple Peach Race Series, consisting of the Peachtree Road Race- the largest 10K in the world, the Atlanta 10 Miler, and the Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. I committed to this series when I entered a lottery sponsored by The Atlanta Track Club. 

For the second year in a row, I spent Thanksgiving Evening recovering from a race for which I was ill-prepared. While this was my 15th half, it was my fourth since having my child, and my first since turning 40. I barely trained for it. In fact, I haven't properly trained for a distance race in quite some time. I want to continue to run... especially considering I made my mother run her first half at 62, and her second a year later. I don't want to hurt as much during and after my runs. It made me think about that one time that I wrote about how much Bikram yoga complements (my) running. 

The Dichotomous Union of Running and Bikram Yoga

Then I realized that I needed to have all of my articles in one place, in this new, but very familiar life, so here they are: 

I've Got Five On It! My Review of Vibram Five Fingers

Yoga and Smoking Cessation 

Hypemesis Gravidarum: A Pregnancy Fit For a Princess

What Not To Say to a Pregnant Woman 

100 Steps To A Healthy and Happy Homecoming 

One Touch Wellness Tumblr

Bikram Yoga Challenge Blog 

Re-(w)Righting Our Health History 

Enjoy! Click! Comment! Share!

Gratitude For Every Day

"Gratitude can turn common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and turn ordinary opportunities into blessings" ~ William Arthur Ward

I awaken with a grateful heart. My first intentional inhalation of each morning is full of gratitude and expectation, as the first exhalation signifies control, grace, and confidence.

I am everyday grateful for my vibrant health, supportive family, incredible opportunities, unique vision, selfless gifts, amazing journey, and indescribable joy.

I live gratitude. This life is not perfect, but this life is beautiful. Love this life. Live it to the fullest. Remain everyday grateful for the gifts, large and small, that you have been given. Appreciate the opportunity to create a beautiful day, every day.

Thanksgiving 2011
Nosara, Costa Rica

I am grateful for Blossom and the opportunity to promote health, share love, and show compassion with those I touch every day.

I am grateful for you. 

My Miracle. My Life. My Lauren.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein 

November is Prematurity Awareness Month! Enjoy this journey from a Blossom Mom Who Rocks about her daughter's premature birth. 

My Lauren

Having a child is the most precious gift from God, and I am so blessed to be able celebrate my miracle -“My Lauren” each and every day.  My husband and I were very excited about my pregnancy, as this would be our first child together.  He made sure he was at every doctor appointment and I remember the nervous feelings we shared as we prayed that every appointment would be good news. 

When it came time for the first ultrasound, I remember the doctor having problems finding the heartbeat and then he said, “there it is!”  I believe the world had stopped and began to move again in a matter of minutes of hearing those words.  From that point on, every visit could be labeled as a good visit.  I remember feeling really energetic and active. 

Then one day I wasn’t feeling so great and I had an appointment scheduled for later that afternoon.  When I arrived as soon as my husband saw me, he asked “are you feeling ok?”  I told him I felt a little tired but overall I felt great.  I attributed my fatigue to being further along into my pregnancy and assumed it just came with the territory. I went through the normal routine… Peed in the cup, had my blood pressure checked, and waited for the doctor.  

It seemed like it took the doctor forever to come into my examination room.  When he arrived, the look on his face was a look of concern.  Clearly something was wrong.  He said, “Angela I want to send you down to the hospital for more tests as we have found a high amount of protein in your urine".  He continued that it was nothing to be too alarmed about, as this was a precautionary measure to ensure that the baby and I were okay.  

Once the hospital begin testing it was clear that I wasn’t going home and the baby and even I, were in trouble.  As soon as I received the news that I wasn’t able to go home and they wanted to monitor the pregnancy. My hands, my feet, my face, my entire body began to retain an astronomical amount of fluid.  I was informed that I had preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnant women where  high blood pressure and protein has developed beyond 20 weeks into their pregnancy. It can endanger the lives of the mother and the baby or cause other serious medical complications.  I was afraid for my baby’s life.  Not only was my baby fighting for her life, but I was now fighting for mine.  

I had been in the hospital for approximately 2 weeks (28 week mark) when my doctor told me, “Angela call your husband back to the hospital… The baby is struggling I have to take the baby now.”  I called my husband – whose voice began to tremble on the phone.  He said "baby I’m on my way."  I called my mother and she said, “Angela calm down and pray – God will get you through but you must TRUST and BELIEVE.”  

Those words carried me into surgery and I delivered a 2 pounds and 14 ounces baby girl.  God had blessed me though at the time the fight was long from being over.  My daughter was in the NICU for 12 weeks.  Everyday, I laid her on my bare chest and we were both wrapped in the blanket – this method is referred to as Kangaroo Kare (or skin-to-skin contact, which is beneficial in regulating a neonate's heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, blood sugar,  liver enzymes, and helps prepare both the baby and the mother for breastfeeding).  

“My Lauren” got stronger every day… She would look at me with those big eyes and I knew she loved me and she was a “fighter.” So today and everyday I celebrate “My Lauren” who is now 10 years old, 5 feet 4 inches tall.  She is our miracle and we are blessed.

Do you have another miraculous premature birth story? Share it with us! 

A Note from Blossom 

Lauren is a straight A student, a gifted visual artist, and a community servant. 

Angela Walker is an Independent HR Consultant and Global Business Partner who has shaped high performance cultures at Fortune 500 and major growth brands with strategies that brought about efficiencies, robust development programs, and prolific communications.  She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Tennessee State University.  Angela recently became a Accountability Coach where she supports individuals who seek leadership development, motivation, career development, and the establishment of life goals.  Angela said her greatest professional accomplishment was becoming an entrepreneur; however, her greatest life accomplishment is her family.  Angela is married to Randy, Quality Assurance Project Engineer and they have two children, Ronnie (22 ) and Lauren (10) - who she often refers to as their "miracle baby."

Please visit Angela if you are interested in her becoming your Accountability Coach!

The Conception and Birth of Maternal Wellness

"Connecting with those you know love, like, and appreciate you, restores the spirit and gives you energy to keep moving forward in this life." ~Deborah Day

According to the Facebook Memories feature and my beloved TimeHop app, I posted the following exactly one year ago today, as a preface to the article below. It seems that this is when and where the seeds of Blossom Health and Maternal Wellness were planted: 

10/28/14

I can't say enough about this topic. As a prenatal massage therapist, I thought that I offered a nice service. As an occupational therapist treating countless repetitive use injuries- but never any related to pregnancy, childbirth, nursing, or motherhood- I overlooked a great many potential patients.  As a yogi & runner, I cheered on new mommies to just bounce back quickly, but there is SO much more to consider besides dropping 30+ pounds. Specialized intervention is sometimes necessary, as is self-care. There is a market for this kind of treatment, if docs, moms, and dads buy into it.

My Child Is Here, But My Body Is Not My Own

10/28/15

I don't think that even I imagined that less than 6 months later, these ideas, experiences, opportunities, and skills would align themselves to birth Blossom Health and Maternal Wellness, which offers perinatal fitness, massage, nutrition, education, breastfeeding support, and rehabilitation all in one place. 

Now for the buy in: moms, there are ways to help usher in normalcy, even if it is a slightly new normal. There are mechanisms and modalities to help alleviate pain, strengthen weakened areas, regain confidence. Your body will be different, your sleep habits will be different, your priorities will be different, and your emotional state will be different, but you should not be unrecognizable. You do not have to succumb to the abyss of post-baby everything. You are not weak for asking for help. Typically, when we think about postpartum ailments, we're only thinking about depression, which is good. Postpartum depression is real, affects many, and needs to be better understood and treated. However, there are also physical and physiological remnants of childbearing that do not have to remain indefinitely.

Daddies, despite what you may see on television, there is no metaphor, similie, mental image, or weighted vest that can adequately convey all that a woman's body and mind go through during and after the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Trust, anticipate, and listen. Your partner is amazing! She is a warrior! She has gone through battle and has birthed a miracle. She needs a massage. She needs an opportunity to exercise. She may even need therapy or chiropractic care. She is not a wimp. She is not looking for attention. She needs for you to understand and advocate for her. The easier and more complete her recovery, the better she will be able to take care of your family... and the less resentful she will be toward you, for the rest of her life. There's nothing worse than grandma oversharing at Thanksgiving about how her body was completely destroyed 55 years earlier by childbirth and how it is all grandpa's fault. Women remember those BC (before children) bodies and capabilities like they do the days of the week. Find ways to help her get back to that.

Physicians can help too. By listening to new moms, asking thoughtful questions, re-sensitizing themselves to the wonder of each and every birth experience, and being aware of pregnancy and postpartum community resources, they can assist moms in adjusting to life on the other side, with minimal pain and without involuntary peeing. 

We often hear about how the care for postpartum mothers in this country is amongst the least desirable and least helpful in all of the world. Our bodies were not meant to create a life, birth it forth, stick an artificial nipple in its mouth and return to data entry 6 weeks later (or whatever amazing career we have). We simply were not designed that way.

We were designed to be nurtured by our tribe and to be nurturing to our children. After giving birth, we need rest and restoration. Facilitating this recovery is the reason that Blossom Health and Maternal Wellness is here today.