Pregnancy Week 26: Pelvic Floor Therapy, Fish Eggs & Workouts
In this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, Mari Llewellyn shares updates from week 26 of her pregnancy. She discusses her growing bond with her baby and her preparations for motherhood, including pelvic floor therapy sessions, hypnobirthing classes, and plans for both potential birth scenarios and feeding methods. She also describes how she's approaching the balance between privacy and public sharing during this time.
The episode covers changes in Mari's professional and personal life as she steps back from her role at Bloom to focus on her pregnancy. She details her recent stay in Aspen and her shift toward a more home-centered lifestyle, while also announcing changes to her podcast format, moving away from interviews to focus on sharing her pregnancy journey across various platforms.
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1-Page Summary
Pregnancy Experience and Preparations
At 26 weeks pregnant, Mari Llewellyn shares her deepening connection with her baby, now the size of a spaghetti squash. She reports experiencing constant movement and a recent growth spurt that has strengthened her spiritual bond with her child.
Mari is actively preparing for motherhood through various channels. She's setting up the nursery and gathering essential supplies while taking a holistic approach to childbirth preparation. This includes attending hypnobirthing classes and receiving pelvic floor therapy to address muscle tension from weightlifting. While hoping for a vaginal delivery in a hospital setting, she's keeping her options open regarding pain management. Mari is also thoroughly researching both breastfeeding and formula feeding to ensure she's prepared for either scenario.
Changes to the Podcast Format and Approach
Mari announces a shift in her podcast's direction, moving away from interviews to focus more on sharing her personal pregnancy journey. She plans to provide informal updates across various platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, while maintaining a balance between privacy and public sharing. Mari mentions she may pause the podcast after giving birth, returning once she feels more qualified to share her experiences.
Updates on Career, Business, and Personal Life
With Greg taking over as CEO of Bloom, Mari has stepped back from daily operations to focus on her pregnancy. She recently spent a month in Aspen, Colorado, where, despite altitude challenges, she found peace in nature and time with friends. Mari shares that her lifestyle has naturally shifted toward more time at home, with an emphasis on rest, walking, and cooking as her primary self-care activities during pregnancy.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can deepen your connection with your unborn child by creating a daily bonding routine, such as setting aside time each day to gently massage your belly while playing calming music or singing to your baby, fostering a sense of closeness and familiarity with your voice and touch.
- Prepare for childbirth by assembling a personalized birth plan toolkit that includes resources like a playlist of soothing music, a list of affirmations, and a selection of comfort items such as a soft blanket or a picture of a loved one, which can help you feel more in control and relaxed during labor.
- Enhance your knowledge of infant care by starting a peer learning group with other expectant parents where you can share research, discuss different feeding options, and practice essential skills like diaper changing and swaddling, providing a supportive environment to learn and prepare for parenthood together.
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Pregnancy Experience and Preparations
As Mari Llewellyn progresses through her pregnancy, she takes time to reflect on her deepening connection with her baby and the extensive preparations she’s undertaking for her new role as a mother.
26 Weeks Pregnant, Baby Size: Spaghetti Squash
Feeling Connected To Pregnancy, Adjusting To Physical Changes
At 26 weeks, Mari feels a constant movement from her baby, the size of a spaghetti squash, which reinforces the bond she is building with her child. She reports experiencing a significant growth spurt in the past week which has further deepened her spiritual connection with her baby. With the physical changes occurring, Mari is adjusting and embracing the entire pregnancy experience.
Extensive Preparations For Childbirth and Parenthood
Nesting Activities Like Setting Up the Nursery
Mari's preparations for her baby's arrival include various nesting activities. She is diligently setting up the nursery, carefully choosing items such as a glider, crib, and rug, and ordering necessary supplies like diapers.
Holistic Childbirth Prep: Hypnobirthing and Pelvic Floor Therapy
Furthermore, her holistic approach to childbirth preparation includes enrolling in hypnobirthing classes, which teach her various techniques, like breathing and affirmations, for a positive birthing experience. Opting for a hospital birth and being open to medications such as an epidural, Mari hopes for a vaginal delivery but is taking measures like pelvic floor therapy, which has revealed the need for her to relax her tense muscles from weightlifting, to equip ...
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Pregnancy Experience and Preparations
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a personalized pregnancy journal to document your physical and emotional journey, including baby's movements, your feelings, and the changes in your body. This can serve as a keepsake and a way to deepen your connection with your pregnancy. For example, you might write about the sensations you feel when your baby moves or reflect on your emotional state as you set up the nursery.
- Develop a flexible feeding strategy by consulting with a lactation specialist and a pediatrician before the baby arrives. They can provide guidance on both breastfeeding and formula feeding, helping you to understand the benefits and challenges of each and to create a plan that feels right for you.
- Engage in a prenatal exercise routine tailored to your needs ...
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Changes to the Podcast Format and Approach
Mari Llewellyn announces significant changes to her podcast's format and approach, tailoring her content to focus more on personal experiences and learning during her pregnancy.
Shifting Podcast To a Personal, Experiential Format
Emphasize Her Learning Journey During Pregnancy, Not Interviews
Mari mentions she is taking her podcast in a more personal and experiential direction, highlighting her own learning journey throughout her pregnancy instead of conducting interviews. She shares that being pregnant has greatly changed her mindset, prompting her to soak in this special time and focus more profoundly on her experiences.
Plans to Share Updates and Insights Informally
Llewellyn intends to share updates and insights informally rather than sticking to a structured schedule or format. She expresses her intent to continue recording solo episodes to give informal pregnancy updates and to eventually return to interviewing guests. Additionally, Mari plans to provide live updates on her pregnancy and learning experiences across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Stepping Back From the Podcast's High-Intensity Approach
Balancing Privacy In Her Pregnancy Exploration
Mari is navigating the balance between maintaining her privacy and sharing her pregnancy exploration with her audience. She elaborates on her desire to seek out information privately and to experi ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Changes to the Podcast Format and Approach
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The shift to a personal, experiential format may alienate some listeners who preferred the original interview-based content.
- Moving away from a structured schedule could potentially lead to inconsistency in content delivery, which might affect listener engagement negatively.
- Focusing heavily on pregnancy-related content might limit the audience to those interested in pregnancy, potentially reducing the podcast's broader appeal.
- Sharing updates and insights informally on social media platforms may not reach all of the podcast's audience, as not all listeners may follow these platforms.
- Balancing privacy with sharing experiences is complex, and there's a risk that Mari might share too little, leaving her audience feeling disconnected from her journey.
- Pau ...
Actionables
- You can document your own personal growth journey by starting a journal or blog, focusing on a specific life change you're going through. For instance, if you're transitioning to a new career, write daily or weekly entries about the skills you're learning, the challenges you're facing, and the milestones you're reaching, which can serve as a reflective tool and a guide for others in a similar situation.
- Create a casual video diary on platforms like Instagram or TikTok to share your experiences with a community. If you're learning a new language, for example, post regular updates speaking in that language, sharing tips, and engaging with others who are also learning. This can help you track your progress and connect with a supportive network.
- Decide on a personal project or goal, su ...
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Updates on Career, Business, and Personal Life
Mari shares updates on changes in her career, business, and personal life as she navigates through the journey of pregnancy.
Reduced Role in Bloom, Greg as CEO
Grateful to Focus On Pregnancy
Mari has taken a step back from the daily operations of her business, Bloom. With Greg stepping in as CEO, she is afforded the opportunity to concentrate more on her pregnancy and the changes it brings to her life. This transition seems to have brought Mari a sense of relief and gratitude as she prepares for motherhood.
Month-Long Colorado Trip, Despite Altitude Challenges
Found Peace in Nature and Friends
Recently, Mari spent a month in Aspen, Colorado. Despite facing challenges related to the high altitude, she found tranquility amidst nature and treasured the time spent with friends. This trip seems to have been a restorative experience, allowing her to connect with nature and her social circle in a serene environment.
Adjusting Social Life and Self-Care Routines During Pregnancy
Spending More Time At Home, Less Socializing
Pregnancy has led Mari to modify her social life and self-care practices. Mari is spending more time at home these days, finding that her energy levels have shifted, making it more challenging to maintain her previous pace of socializi ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Updates on Career, Business, and Personal Life
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can delegate more responsibilities at work to focus on personal well-being during significant life changes. For instance, if you're expecting a child or dealing with a personal matter, identify tasks that can be managed by others and set up a transition plan to ensure a smooth handover. This might involve training a colleague to handle certain aspects of your job or hiring an assistant to manage administrative tasks, allowing you to concentrate on your personal needs.
- Create a personal retreat by spending time in a local natural setting to find peace and rejuvenate. Even if you can't travel to a place like Aspen, you can explore nearby parks, forests, or coastal areas for a day trip or a weekend. Engage in activities that connect you with nature, such as hiking, bird watching, or simply sitting by a lake, to experience tranquility and restoration.
- Prioritize low-energy social act ...
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