Last year, we outlined some virtual support resources for new and expectant parents during the Covid-19 pandemic. While life hasn’t returned to normal quite yet, the good news is that as a response to social distancing, many companies and brands have increased their virtual offerings. From prenatal fitness classes to lactation support, getting the help you need is more accessible than ever.
Scroll below for suggestions on how to improve your mental, emotional, physical and reproductive health.
For physical health
Breastfeeding is tough stuff—it burns around 400 to 500 calories per day—and can put strain on your back. While it’s definitely a form of exercise, here are a few other ways to reach your fitness goals.
Fit Pregnancy Club
FPC delivers fitness and education specifically designed for moms and moms-to-be. Their sweat-inducing workouts are designed to build your endurance and strength, while keeping you safe by incorporating the inner core unit (cue the Pump & Kegel). Events and workshops include foundational topics such as labor and pushing, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, breastfeeding and pumping, postpartum support, newborn care and newborn sleep.
Use promo code FPCxLilu21 for 30 days free access to our online fitness studio FCP Anywhere.
Belly Bliss
Belly Bliss offers wellness services, virtual workshops and Yoga and fitness classes—all geared toward expecting and new parents. Consider them a go-to resource for health and education throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond. While some of their offerings require moms to be there in person, such as acupuncture and chiropractic appointments, workshops are live streamed online and cover various topics: childbirth, newborn care, the HypnoBirthing method and breastfeeding to name a few.
The Vagina Whisperer
When it comes to pelvic floor problems, The Vagina Whisper knows best. Sara, the woman behind the brand, offers online sessions, virtual courses and a pregnancy and pelvic floor fitness program. Moms are paired with a member of their online therapy team and video appointments are 1:1 so as to personalized care. Her team’s mission is to improve the way we care for women and their pelvic floors.
For mental and emotional support
Mental health struggles may not leave a visible mark on your body, but should be prioritized right along with your physical wellbeing. If you’re having a tough time, these outlets can feel like a lifeline.
Lilu Mama Happy Hour
Earlier this year, we kicked off our Mama Happy Hour sessions, a safe space where you can meet other moms and moms-to-be. Each event is held virtually through Zoom, and we utilize the 'breakout rooms' feature so you can chat in smaller groups, too. We discuss everything from mental health and self-care to mom guilt and relationships. We’ll announce our next Mama Happy Hour soon, so follow us on IG to stay informed.
Bloom Foundation
Per their website, Bloom builds knowledge sharing communities for survivors, therapists, providers, and hospitals through interactive learning forums facilitated by leading specialists currently working in the maternal mental health and wellness field. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the number one complication of childbirth and the Bloom Foundation team works to eliminate, or at least lessen, the stigma, shame and secrecy many women feel while experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Therapy for Black Girls
As featured on MTV, Essence, BET, HuffPost, Teen Vogue and more, Therapy for Black Girls is actively changing the way people view mental health. Behind the project is licensed psychologist, speaker and the host of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. The main aim is to end the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy that prevents Black women from taking the step of seeing a therapist. Find a therapist in your area, listen to a podcast episode or join their thriving community.
For prenatal and postpartum support
With all the changes your body undergoes during pregnancy and postpartum, it can feel like you can never catch up. Here are four of our favorite resources.
Boober
Boober quickly connects expectant and new parents to high-quality classes and on-demand, expert care providers like lactation consultants, doulas, mental health therapists, sleep consultants, nutritionists, and more soparents can thrive in their pregnancy to postpartum journey. It’s the world's first marketplace for expectant and new parents to find same-day, expert care providers to help them thrive during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
Nest Collaborative
Nest Collaborative is a collection of International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants® who conduct online, video appointments to help guide moms through the breastfeeding process. Most commercial insurance plans will cover these appointments at 100%—no copay, no deductible.
Zaya Care
Through Zaya Care’s platform, moms can browse providers in their area who are covered under their insurance. Moms can text their team of care coordinators with any questions that arise, so that you feel confident with the providers you choose. Care providers cover a range of maternal and newborn services, from nutrition counseling and infant feeding to pelvic floor therapy. There are no surprise bills, no waiting in line to speak with an insurance rep and, best of all, Zaya providers spend 4x as much time with patience than other women’s health doctors.
The Fifth Trimester
Lauren Smith Brody is the founder of The Fifth Trimester® movement, which is when the working mom is born. Her best-selling book (of the same name) and coaching sessions help parents and businesses collaborate to retain women and foster family-friendly workplace culture. Connect, share, learn, find the resources you need to prepare for working motherhood by bringing The Fifth Trimester to your community or group. For mamas in need, Lauren can work with you on a sliding scale.
For reproductive health
If you’re trying to get pregnant, kegg and Flo can kickstart your success.
Kegg
kegg is the first 2-in-1 fertility tracker that senses cervical fluid—the key to pinpoint a woman's fertile window—and it doubles as a kegel for pelvic floor exercises. kegg uses advanced sensing technology to track the electrolytes levels of cervical fluid and predict your fertile window up to 7 days in advance. No need to wear it overnight.
With just two-minutes of reading per day, you’ll get in-depth insights on your fertile cycle in real-time via the kegg mobile app. Knowing the full fertile window helps women time intercourse effectively and take control of their fertility, with useful daily insights.
Flo Period & Ovulation Tracker
There are many period tracking apps out there and Flo is one of the most robust. Whether you’re trying to get pregnant, or hoping to get a better grip on your irregular periods postpartum, Flo’s ovulation calendar helps you keep tabs of all your symptoms. Flo tracks your cycle, period and PMS symptoms as well as notifies you about the best days to conceive.
Lilu is a Women’s Health company building tech-enabled devices to empower new moms. Our first product, the Lilu Massage Bra, mimics compression massage, so you can empty your breasts fully to establish, increase and maintain your milk supply. Pump up to 50% more milk each session, all while going hands-free.
Introducing the revolutionary Lilu Lactation Massager Bra - designed to make your pumping sessions more efficient and comfortable than ever before. With our lactation massage cushions, you can experience the benefits of hands-on compression motions recommended by lactation experts, without using your hands. Our bra holds the cushions securely in place, massaging both breasts while you pump, helping to increase milk flow and maintain your milk supply.
