Due to the creativity of businesses pregnant women have an opportunity to access the things they had been anticipating and planning for a number of months.
Pregnancy is an intense experience under any circumstances. Being pregnant during a global pandemic is next level though. Pregnancy is a time full of uncertainties and for this reason many pregnant women take comfort in controlling the controllables. Right now, however, there are so many things in the outside world that we cannot control.
Thankfully so many businesses have adapted and are offering their services in a virtual or online capacity. This means that pregnant women and their partners can avail of important services and experiences from the comfort of their own home. Due to the creativity of businesses pregnant women have an opportunity to access the things they had been anticipating and planning for a number of months.
There have been a number of changes to the protocols in maternity hospitals across Ireland due to Covid-19. The HSE have a helpful guide that explains the measures in each individual hospital. However, there are some brilliant services and experiences that can be accessed while social distancing. Here are just some of them.
Free Preparation "Classes"
Doulacare Ieland have been sharing some really helpful information and resources on their Instagram page. They recently posted a really detailed video about how to properly bathe a newborn baby. They are also running a series of free live videos across Instagram and Facebook on Tuesdays and Saturdays where they will answer questions and explore topics to help expectant and new parents during this time.
Online Lactation Consultancy
If you require the services of a certified lactation consultant during this time you will be pleased to know that many are offering consultations via video call. This means that mums can still have access to a professional on a one-to-one level while still respecting social distancing. To find an Irish Board Certified Lactation Consultant in your area click here
The GentleBirth App
GentleBirth is a philosophy and business geared at helping you to have a positive experience in pregnancy, birth and beyond. It's founder is Irish midwife Tracy Donegan. The GentleBirth App is world famous and offers a plethora of audio experiences in the areas of mindfulness, relaxation and hypnosis. There are meditations and affirmations that touch on every element of pregnancy and birth. Many women credit the GentleBirth app as their greatest tool in finding inner peace during pregnancy. It is also regularly used as an aid during labour. We highly recommend this app. It is packed with helpful resources, tools and positive birth stories.
Free Birth Book Download
With antenatal classes cancelled and delays getting books delivered, getting quality information about your options in Irish hospitals can be difficult at this time. Tracy Donegan has made the popular Irish Better Birth Book freely available to download. You can down it here.
Five Star Take-Away Food
Let's face it, food is extremely important when you are pregnant. You are growing a human being and dealing with some pretty intense cravings (and emotions) at the same time. During this time so many traditional restaurants have adapted their business model to provide take-away options for their customers. This means that a delicious treat is never too far away and that is worth it's weight in gold when you are pregnant.
Free Pregnancy Exercise E-Book
Emma Dowling (aka empoweredmama) typically offers pre and postnatal fitness classes in Dublin. In recent weeks she has put together a free e-book for pregnant mums. The e-book is a guide to pregnancy exercise and is broken down in to the three trimesters. Emma is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pregnancy (and postnatal) exercise and this e-book has become really popular. Well done Emma!
" I've spent the last few days building this new FREE resource for mamas to be who need some advice and guidelines for exercise in pregnancy. This eBook breaks down the different exercise modifications and considerations you need to know trimester by trimester "
Simply DM Emma with your email address and she will send you the e-book. How wonderful!
