Finding Out You're Pregnant: Steps to Build a Strong Support System & Prioritize Your Wellness
Pregnant with my third + last baby in 2023. Photo cred: Images by Drea
Finding out you’re pregnant is one of the most exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming moments of your life. Whether this journey was planned or unexpected, it is a time of transformation—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
As someone deeply passionate about holistic wellness and mind-body balance, I know how essential it is to build a strong support system and prioritize self-care during pregnancy. Here are my top recommendations to help you feel empowered, supported, and well during this sacred season of life.
Step 1: Build Your Support System
Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey, and the people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your experience. Creating a supportive and uplifting environment is key:
1. Choose the Right Healthcare Provider
Your provider will guide you through prenatal care, so finding one who aligns with your values is essential. Consider:
A holistic OB-GYN or family doctor who supports a balanced approach between modern medicine and natural methods.
A midwife for a more intimate, low-intervention experience.
A doula for additional emotional and physical support during labor and postpartum.
If you're unsure, take the time to interview different providers. The right provider should make you feel safe, heard, and respected. And remember—if at any point you feel unsupported, it’s okay to switch providers, no matter how far along you are.
I learned this the hard way in my first two pregnancies. With my third, I initially chose a nurse practitioner with a midwifery background, assuming she would align with my preferences. However, we clashed when I declined a recommendation she strongly endorsed. Eventually, I switched to a doctor who fully respected my wishes, and the difference in my experience was profound.
2. Lean on Your Inner Circle
Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Whether it’s your partner, close friends, or family, having a strong support system can make all the difference.
Set boundaries with those who bring stress or negativity.
Join a mom support group to connect with others on a similar journey.
Communicate your needs openly—whether it’s help with meals, errands, or just emotional support.
Respect your unique experience—what worked for someone else during pregnancy or labor may not work for you, and that’s okay.
3. Find a Holistic Wellness Practitioner
Incorporating holistic care can ease discomfort, balance energy, and support your body’s natural rhythms. Consider:
Chiropractic care for pelvic alignment and pain relief (trained in Webster technique).
Prenatal massage & energy work (such as my Prenatal Bodywork & MBSR™ sessions) for relaxation and nervous system support.
A Holistic Birth Mentor (yes, I can help with this!) to create a birth plan, find the right prenatal supplements, and explore supportive care options.
Acupuncture for nausea, anxiety, and overall balance.
Your body is working hard—giving it the support it needs will make your pregnancy so much smoother.
Step 2: Prioritize Your Health & Wellness
Your body is now nurturing new life, making nutrition, movement, and emotional well-being more important than ever.
1. Nutrition: Fuel Your Body & Baby
Eating nutrient-dense foods supports your baby’s development and helps you feel your best.
Prioritize: Whole foods, organic fruits/vegetables, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats.
Boost your minerals: Use topical magnesium (like Rowe Casa Organics Magnesium Cream) to support sleep, muscle relaxation, and prevent leg cramps.
Support gut & immune health: Incorporate probiotics, bone broth, and digestive-friendly foods.
If nausea is an issue, try:
Ginger or peppermint tea
Small, frequent meals
Electrolyte-rich drinks (like Just Ingredients Electrolytes)
Acupressure tool or acupuncture stickers (your acupuncturist can guide you)
A dab of peppermint oil under your nose
2. Movement: Stay Active & Aligned
Gentle movement helps circulation, eases tension, and prepares your body for labor. Consider:
Prenatal yoga to strengthen muscles and reduce discomfort.
Walking to boost energy and improve mood.
Pelvic floor exercises to prepare for birth and postpartum recovery.
If you experience tension in your upper body, sinus pressure, or ear issues, regular upper body-focused bodywork (like my Ground + Restore session) can provide relief.
3. Emotional Well-Being: Reduce Stress & Nurture Your Mind
Pregnancy is an emotional journey, and managing stress is essential for both you and your baby.
Journaling to process your emotions and document your experience.
Prayer or meditation to connect with your baby and strengthen your faith.
Energy work to release emotional blocks and foster a peaceful mindset.
If you're an empath and find yourself absorbing others' stress, setting firm boundaries—especially with family members who bring drama—is crucial. Your energy directly impacts your baby, so protecting your peace is a priority.
Step 3: Prepare for the Journey Ahead
Pregnancy is just the beginning of a transformative journey into motherhood. As you prepare for birth and postpartum, consider:
✔ Creating a birth plan that aligns with your goals.
✔ Stocking up on postpartum essentials (like magnesium, herbal sitz baths, and nutrient-dense foods). (Stay tuned for a future post on what I packed—and what I wish I had—in my hospital bag!)
✔ Setting up a postpartum support system—whether it’s a doula, meal delivery service, or trusted friends and family.
Most importantly, trust your intuition. You are the expert on your body and your baby. Seek support where you need it, embrace the changes, and honor this sacred time.
You’ve got this, mama! 💛
My Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a powerful and transformative experience, and prioritizing holistic wellness can make all the difference. By building a strong support system, nurturing your body, and caring for your emotional well-being, you’re setting the foundation for a healthy, empowered birth and postpartum journey.
Would you like more guidance on prenatal bodywork, holistic pregnancy support, or Mind Body Spirit Release™? I’d love to support you on this journey—reach out anytime! 💫
