5 Ways TOM Helps Pregnant and Postpartum Moms

I was pregnant with my first child in September of 2019. Everything was exciting and fun until things started changing quickly. Unexpectedly there was this new disease called COVID-19 spreading. It was scary and uncertain. I was suddenly going to appointments alone and the whole world shut down.

There was no fun baby showers or birthing classes it was all so isolating. I had my daughter in May of 2020. It was my husband and I alone in the hospital as we welcomed her into the world. We were encouraged to leave the hospital as soon as possible and sent home to check up in 6 weeks.

Postpartum was scary and lonely and not what I was hoping for as a first time mom.

I did it all again in October of 2021 thinking it would be better this time around only to find so many similar failures in the system.

My experience may not be that unique and that is why I started TOM. It is to help fill the gaps in our current healthcare system when it comes to supporting new mothers. I want to help women feel confident and supported through their transitions of becoming mothers.

1. Provide checklist and guides throughout your pregnancy

Each stage of pregnancy and motherhood comes with its own set of challenges and changes. I will help you feel prepared for each step of your journey by giving you a guide to what to expect. I will also help you know what you need to do to feel prepared. I will provide you with knowledge to help you feel confident and make educated decisions through each phase of your journey. This will allow you and your partner to move forward with your healthcare team with confidence.

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2. Recommend only the best books and podcasts to help you with the questions and concerns you are facing.

I may not be the leading expert when it comes to pregnancy and postpartum. I am a licensed Registered Nurse with vast clinical and personal experience navigating pregnancy and postpartum. Being a nurse in the Emergency Department for so many years I have learned that it is important to be humble enough to admit when you don’t know everything, because it is truly impossible to be an expert in everything.

I have learned to recognize when I need to go to someone with more knowledge than myself. I do a lot of reading and listening to learn more from others with more knowledge than myself. I will always let you know which books and podcast are worth reading and listening to so you can find solutions and knowledge to support your throughout your journey.

3. Helping you to financially prepare for having a baby and taking that much needed maternity leave.

Being a pregnant woman in the US is surprisingly expensive. Not only does delivering a baby come with a hefty price tag, but taking that much needed maternity leave may require you to dip into your savings. The US is one of the few developed countries that does not require paid leave for mothers or fathers. This means if you want to take time off you need to prepare in advance so you can afford to go without income.

Many women are forced to go back to work at 2 weeks because they are not prepared financially and can’t afford to take that time off. This isn’t something you should have to worry about postpartum. You should take the time to heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. You need that time to bond with your child. I want to help you get the most out of your maternity leave.

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4. Understand your legal rights when it comes to care provided to you and going back to work as a mom.

Did you know your employer is required to provide you a private place to pump that is shielded from view, free from intrusion, and NOT a bathroom. They are also required to give you reasonable breaks to pump during the work day until your baby is one. This is the federal standard for most employers.

It’s important to know what you deserve and how to ask for those accommodations as you return to work. Approaching your employer confidently with real evidence of how their accommodations can benefit both you and them. It will allow for a more comfortable transition back to work. I want to guide you through this transition back.

Know Your Pumping Rights at Work

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5. Mom self care regimens that actually leave you feeling energized and rejuvenated to be the mom of your dreams.

As mom’s we tend to take care of everyone else and think of ourselves last. This may seem to work in the beginning but over time it is not sustainable. I have recently been implementing things in my life to prioritize myself. They have been simple steps but honestly they have improved my patience and attitude with my children. I have also gotten so much more done in a day!

As women we tend to wear a lot of hats. We may be working, then coming home to take care of the children, and the household. I want to help you implement a plan with your spouse that works in your life to make sure you take care of you and have a plan to take care of all those other tasks.

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Final Thoughts

Bearing and Raising children is a challenging part of life. It is a time of great growth and learning. I want to be here to support you through those challenges and give you the knowledge and skills to move through it confidently. There may still be some bumps in the road but I am here to make it a little smoother.