Summer is in full swing and it’s been a hot one! Here are some tips to help keep you and all the kiddos safe this summer:

• This may seem obvious, but try to head outdoors during nonpeak hours (before 10am or after 4pm) when the sun’s rays aren’t at their strongest.
• Wear sunscreen!!! While pregnant, the hormones in your body actually can increase the risk of cholasma (mask of pregnancy) when exposed to the sun and those spots can become permanent! Choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals block both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure these are the only ingredients listed…this ensures the formula is free of chemical sunscreen and is safe for young babies. We love Thinkbaby Sunscreen. It’s a natural and safe for all ages. TIP—Buy multiple bottles, leave one in the bathroom, in the car, in your purse…that way you aren’t left searching for it…or even worse forget to put it on!
• If you or baby burns, use a cold compress. This will relieve swelling and discomfort. At the park? Check slides before having children use them. One trip down on a too hot slide can result in second-degree burns on hands, legs, and feet! Also, never go barefoot! Some studies have show materials at parks can heat up to over 167 degrees! Ouch!
• Take a few quick showers throughout the day to stay cool.
• Hot weather can aggravate swelling. Minimize salt intake to keep swelling minimal. If you do have some swelling, put your feet up to increase circulation and reduce swelling. Cooling Bliss Gel can also be a life saver to swelling in feet, ankles and hands. It’s available at Becoming Mom and used in our pedicure services!
• Tip some back….WATER that is. Dehydration is incredibly dangerous for pregnant women. Drink AT LEAST eight to ten glasses a day, more if you are active or in the heat for an extended period. Be aware of these signs of dehydration: thirst, dry and/or chapped lips, fatigue, constipation, and dry skin.
• A pregnant woman’s skin is likely to itch due to rapid stretching. The itch may get worse during the summer heat. Itchy skin may be soothed by staying hydrated, or using a moisturizing creams or soaps. Exfoliating can also help relieve itch skin. Try Basq’s Sugar Scrub and a rich mositurizer like Mama Mio O-Mega Body Lotion or Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter which have ingredients that are safe during pregnancy.

Enjoy a sun-safe Summer!

It’s that time of year that we’re all looking for the perfect gift. Whether you are pregnant or not, a spa retreat is a gift that offers more than just pampering.

1. Self-Care!

We all know Moms take care of a lot. A lot of people. A lot of work. A lot of cooking. A lot of everything! When do you think was the last time she took care of herself? Give Mom a little break from the hustle and bustle with a little spa retreat. Whether it’s a quick manicure or a whole spa day, the team at Becoming Mom will have her walking out with a little pep in her step!

2. Relaxation!

Reducing stress strengthens your immune system, increases cardiovascular health, improves the quality of sleep, decreases depression and can lead to a longer life, just to name a few. And, there are even more benefits of massage during pregnancy. Mom may experience shorter and easier labor, reduced round ligament and sciatic nerve pain, and hormonal balance. Ahh…

3. Conversation!

For some of us lucky enough to stay at home with our little ones, we crave a good old fashioned adult conversation. The team at Becoming Mom loves chatting with you about anything you want to chat about! Whether it’s baby names, sleep schedules, or must-have baby products. And, if baby talk is exactly what you want to get a break from, they can do that, too!

4. Specialized Treatments!

Becoming Mom Spa + Ultrasound has been the GO-TO for mom’s to be for the past 13 years. Their staff received additional training and certification to offer the most specialized and appropriate spa treatments for you during this special time. They even have a Preconception Massage that was designed to help moms trying to conceive. The pampering doesn’t have to stop when you deliver though! Their spa services are open to everyone, pregnant or not!

5. A sneak peek at baby?

Yes, please! We can’t talk about Becoming Mom without mentioning their ultrasound offerings. They have gender determination starting at 16 weeks (usually a whole month before your scan at your doctor) and HD ultrasounds that give parents a glimpse of baby’s beauty before they are even born. The ultrasound room features a large TV and comfy couches so you can bring your whole family for the experience. It’s a great way for new siblings to bond with baby. All ultrasounds performed at Becoming Mom are done by medical sonographers and reports are sent to your OBGYN if they have requested it.

Gift certificates are available in store and online at www.becomingmom.com.

Okay so it’s been far too long since my last blog, where does the time go? During the past several years that I have been at Becoming Mom, I have grown as therapist to see more clearly the needs of mothers and mothers to be. I would like to share some ideas that I have formed from my work with the pregnant mothers in this community.

Comfort Tips

Every woman is different, just as every pregnancy, and every baby. With that being said, we see a lot of things every woman, pregnancy, and baby have in common. For instance every woman has difficulty getting comfortable in bed, and we can help. Every pregnancy adds stresses to the woman’s body, with added aches and pains, and we can help. Every baby needs a healthy, loving, and happy mother, and we can help. Sometimes we just don’t feel good, and neither do our babies. Here are some tips from your therapist:

Do you have a headache?

Soak your feet in hot water and put a cold towel behind your neck, while you drink a cup of red raspberry leaf tea (spearmint tea for nausea). 70% of headaches are from tension in the neck. And, when you come in for a massage tell your therapist.

Are you getting cramps in your legs?

We carry books that can show you proper stretches for each trimester of your pregnancy. Also, a banana and a glass of milk before bed with your stretches should help. Your therapist can do long strokes on your legs, to move extra fluid out and improve circulation.

Is it hard to get comfortable in bed?

Your Therapist at Becoming Mom can show you how to set up your bed at home. Sometimes there are sleeping habits that we form that can cause us muscle problems, and your therapist can help you to correct them by showing you the proper way to lay.

Are you having fears or anxiety about delivery?

Massage can help prepare a woman’s body for the ultimate task, delivery. It can also lower your anxiety. Remember to do your stretches. Flexibility makes delivery less painful as well.

Are you suffering from postpartum blues?

You are not sleeping, and everything is out of whack, and not completely back in place yet. Massage helps to speed recovery, balance hormones, and calm your nerves.

There are many reasons to visit Becoming Mom. I want to share an experience that was really cool, and you’ll see one reason why.

A mother came in with her new baby girl on a Tuesday, our “baby friendly” day! She had the precious one in the pumpkin seat and was getting a postpartum massage. I noticed very soon that the little one was going to make it difficult for mom to relax. As a therapist, I take my responsibility for the client to relax seriously. So I suggested we include her baby in the massage. I simply set her up on her side and tucked the baby in next to her. Unfortunately that was not enough for baby to relax.

One of the skills acquired over time as a therapist is making people comfortable, and babies are people too (very intelligent ones). So I also took responsibility for the baby’s comfort. By resting mom’s hand on her baby’s belly, and show her how to give her the attention she demanded first, we were then able to start on a very relaxing massage for mom… that she desperately needed. It’s important to take good care of yourself, and then you’ll teach your precious ones to do the same. What a great experience! If your baby has a hard time relaxing, as prenatal therapists we can show you how to massage your baby. Let love grow, and please share. I look forward to seeing you at Becoming Mom!

Katie

The holidays are upon us in what feels like an incredibly rapid rate. It feels like just yesterday we were embracing summer and now we are looking ahead to 2017. Being pregnant during the holidays can be very exciting!

Family and friends tend to gather more this time of year, giving you some bonus TLC and belly rubs. One of the best is knowing that by this time next year, you will be a “mommy” to a beautiful new baby. If you are looking for ways to stay healthy this holiday season, there are some simple tricks you can do, without having to change much of your daily routine.

5 steps to staying healthy this holiday season

1. Drink of plenty of water.

Water keeps you full and is very good for you and baby. Drink a big glass before dinner and during to help you feel fuller. Add a lemon wedge or piece of mint to give it a little bit of fun flavor.

2. Change your environment post-meal.

Once you are done eating, head over to the living room for some quality family time or sit outside and read a book.

3. Take a walk before or after dinner.

Grab your mom, sister, or cousin, and go for a walk around the block. Enjoy the fresh air and reconnect with those you love.

4. Don’t keep your leftovers in the house.

A good deed goes a long way. Take your leftovers to a neighbor in need or donate to a local shelter.

5. Host a “clean-eating” dinner.

If you’re hosting dinner, offer some dishes that are clean and simple, with minimal additives and preservatives. Your guests may be very excited to try something new and they can get creative planning their new dish.

You know your body better than anyone, so if you’re craving something sweet, try a healthy alternative like an apple with almond butter or even honey. There are so many ways to enjoy yourself, and these only touch on a few. Do you have some healthy habits you would like to share? We would love to hear them!

Wait. What IS a Doula?

“A what? A doula?”

This is the most common question I get at dinner parties, chance meetings, community events, meeting the parents of my child’s friends, etc. etc.

“What do you do?”

“I’m a doula … and a lactation counselor, and I teach. All birthy stuff.”

“A what?”

The worst part is I know that I have the next 6-10 seconds to somehow explain what I do with enough impact to make it memorable, but not take over the conversation. When people ask this a myriad of things go through my mind, because I cannot share the initiate moments of what it is like in that short window. How I’ve celebrated with clients, cried with them, what it’s like to be on call. So I sincerely hope this will help you get a small impression of what a doula does.

First, our technical definition is that of labor support. What does THAT even mean?

We are someone you hire to continually listen to what you want, get to know you, support your partner, and give information. By continually I mean before birth we come to you to discuss your birth and we are available by phone, texts, and emails. Then, we talk to you in early labor, and come to your birth when you need help coping. In the first hours after birth we help create an initiation of breastfeeding and bonding with your child. We follow up with you after birth too. However, since every birth is unique, every client interaction with us is unique.

What else? A doula is a listener.

We want to know to what you want. Not just for birth, or from your medical care provider or location, but also for your relationship with your partner, meeting your baby, your feeding goals, and healing emotionally and physically postpartum.

What do YOU want? A doula is a teammate.

We love to answer pregnancy questions and dispel myths. We want everyone on your birth team to ask questions, and are available for you all of the time. We mean it; we are on call for your birth once you hire us.

So, what QUESTIONS do you have? A doula is a constant.

We come to you before labor to talk about what you want and how to best achieve it; we are there in labor, there are no shift changes with our work; and we follow up with you in your home again after the birth, to talk about how you’re healing and feeling, and to process your birth. All of this we define as physical and mental support.

How do you need SUPPORT? A doula is a teacher.

We know birth, and you know you! We want to share our knowledge of birth and give you the information you need to make the best decision. Your decision. In fact, doula’s have been linked to lowered rates of unwanted interventions. See Evidence Based Birth for more: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas

What INFORMATION do you want?

At the end of the day, my clients can speak volumes more than I can because they had their individual needs met, which is ultimately the number one goal. So come meet us, tell us how you want your experience to be supported.

Gillian Foreman, ProDoula CD, CLC, and Mom Facebook: All Things Birthy & Breastfeedy Co-founder of LastMinuteDoula.com

“Pregnant women should avoid sweets.”
“Pregnant women should avoid exercise.”
“Pregnant women should avoid cats.”

The list of don’ts seems to greatly outweigh the list of do’s when it comes to pregnancy. There is such a vast checklist of things to avoid that it becomes a wonder the mother can even enjoy pregnancy outside the confines of her own home. This will harm the baby, and that will harm the baby… the list is almost just as endless as it is annoying. The truth is many of these “pregnancy rules” have been ruled out as myths, even the ones mentioned above.

While there are certain things a mother can do during pregnancy that can be labeled as harmful (lifting heavy objects, not getting enough sleep, etc.) there is one particular “don’t” we would like to put to rest. Waxing has been labeled as a big faux pas when it comes to pregnant women and we want to set the record straight.

The Chemicals in Wax are Unsafe – False.

Wax is not absorbed into the skin and therefore cannot harm the unborn baby or mom. Additionally, at Becoming Mom Spa +Ultrasound we use safer, more natural ingredients to ensure the mother is comfortable with what is going on her body. If you have any worry at all about this, talk to your esthetician about your concerns. That’s why we do what we do.

It Will Hurt More – Sort of True

If you ask any pregnant women about their recent waxing experience, they will most likely all have the same response: “Ouch!” You see, a woman’s skin is different when she becomes pregnant, in that it becomes more sensitive and itchy due to the hormonal changes her body (Babycenter.org). This is 100% normal and expected. Now, take that itchy, over-sensitive skin and pour hot wax on it and what is the outcome? Yes, it might be a little more painful than expected, but it is not harmful.

Talk to your esthetician about ways to make this more enjoyable, and before you commit, test it on a small patch of skin to see which one feels better. For example, you can use harder wax for more sensitive areas like the bikini zone or a Brazilian wax. Once you find one that works, stick with it and try not to change it.

Waxing is only Safe in the Second and Third Trimester – False

Pregnant women are encouraged to give up a lot during their first trimester, but waxing is not one of them. Like previously stated, wax is not ingested into the body, so there is no harm for the baby or mom. Even the aroma scare pregnant women are taught to fear (think of nail salons and the acetone in the air) is irrelevant when it comes to waxing. The truth is, many women are unaware of their pregnancy until well beyond the 6th week and have been carrying on with life as they normally would.

Any esthetician will tell you that it actually gets more challenging to do the waxing when the mom is further along due to the obvious protruding belly. As an esthetician I can assure you, many of us are well-trained to handle women in this state from waxing to massage to everything in between. In other words, please don’t try this at home. Estheticians that are trained to handle pregnant women can help with positioning, pain relief, and just make the entire experience more enjoyable (as it should be.)

The truth in all this is simple: waxing while pregnant offers no risk. Aside from the skin being a little more sensitive, the rest is 100% safe. If there are any doubts in your mind regarding waxing while pregnant, I encourage you to speak to an experienced esthetician who has training in prenatal care. He or she will be able to put your worries to rest and even get you on a waxing schedule you are comfortable with. Additionally, some believe that waxing right before labor helps with a post care and recovery. Maybe another myth, but you never know.

Ultrasounds have been used for decades in a variety of capacities as a diagnostic tool. When it comes to pregnancy, ultrasounds offer an “inside” view or a sneak peek at a baby that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. While 2D ultrasounds can indicate the child’s size, structure, gender and even a two-dimensional view of the child’s facial features, it is rather superficial. Technological advancements that allow for 3D and 4D images give parents a completely new perspective when it comes to seeing their child for the first time.

What’s the Difference Between 3D and 4D?

The main differences between 3D and 4D imaging are movement and image quality. While a 3D image will show all the dimensions of a child’s features and structure, it does not show movement. They are basically snapshots of the image. With 4D imaging, the signals sent to the machine are continuous, providing parents with a view of their child in real time, complete with facial expressions and body movement. 3D and 4D imaging sessions can take an hour or longer, but less than 30 minutes of that time will be taken up by the actual ultrasound.

The Safety Factor

The ultrasounds that are performed at the spa allow expectant mothers to see their baby months before it is born. A 3D or 4D ultrasound should never take the place of the those performed by your primary care doctor. While they are excellent at allowing you to view the baby on the outside, the ultrasounds performed by the primary care doctor can determine health issues that may not be present on the other scans. In the doctor’s office, the idea is to ensure the baby is healthy and on track with no abnormalities and defects. At the spa, the primary goal is to show you how your child is developing and allowing you to watch the process.

There are other possible safety factors when it comes to ultrasound technology. Because the technology uses sound waves, the tissues those waves pass through may become warmer than normal. This can result in abnormalities in the tissues, such as gas pockets and fluid retention. Be sure that the ultrasound facility employs sonographers that have extensive training and certification in medical ultrasound with a focus on OB/GYN scanning. At Becoming Mom Spa, your safety and the safety of your baby are our top priority.

What Ultrasounds Can Show

Ultrasounds can show both the good and the bad during a pregnancy. They can determine structural abnormalities as well as the child’s gender and facial features. A 4D ultrasound shows movement, which can also provide doctors with valuable information when it comes to a child’s physical health. This type of imaging also provides parents with an accurate picture of what their child looks like before birth. While this type of test is not recommended on a regular basis, a 3D or 4D ultrasound has benefits for both parents and the doctor. From the parent’s point of view, being able to see your child months before birth gives you peace of mind and the chance to peek into your baby’s world and see their beautiful face for the first time.

Becoming Mom Spa is the ONLY Cincinnati area Elective Ultrasound Center with the latest HDlive technology. Wondering what to expect from your HDlive 4D ultrasound? Check out our recent article here so you can prepare for this special time. Our elective prenatal ultrasounds, performed by Medical Sonographers include HD and HDlive technology, the latest advancement in ultrasound imaging. Families and friends are invited to join mom-to-be and participate in the ultrasound experience within the comfort of our spa. Contact Becoming Mom Spa today to schedule an appointment.

Guest Blogger – Nicole Hudson This article originally was published by Cincy Chic Publications.

The countdown is upon us, Cincinnati ladies. Valentine’s Day is almost here, and most of you are just hoping to survive the next 24 hours, never mind thinking about what to get your significant other for V-Day. HELLO, pregnancy brain, who can even remember what that thing was you were searching for on Amazon before you wandered into the kitchen, struck by errant cravings that needed to be satisfied immediately? #icecream #chocolate

Where were we? Oh yes, Valentine’s Day. Depending on how far along you are on your journey to Becoming Mom, the echoes of the past filled with chic and racy lingerie and wine-fueled dinners are on hold. While our hearts melted for Mandy Moore on ‘This is Us’ as she danced around with her bra on the outside of her t-shirt for Jacks birthday, beautiful belly on full display while pregnant with triplets, I think we can all agree we need some alternative options here, just in case!

Gift One: Stress-Free and Happy – A Couples Massage for the Mommy and Daddy to Be

Stress-free is sexy. Seriously, ask ANYONE. Hands down one of the best gifts you can give your partner: An experience to connect, relax, and be together in dim light, snuggled under soft blankets, with soft music floating all around out. Not to mention the soothing effect hot stones can have on your aching limbs, tired back, and sore feet.

While you’re presenting this gift of togetherness to your husband, you still must make sure that you’re receiving a massage in a safe environment with staff trained in pregnancy massage. A Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist can address many of the issues you may face during your pregnancy, including sciatic nerve pain, round ligament pain, leg cramping, constipation, gas, heartburn, headaches, and stress.

Becoming Mom Spa + Ultrasound is a pregnancy spa, ultrasound imaging center, and maternity boutique that specializes in the journey to motherhood located in the Deerfield Town Center in Mason, Ohio. They have licensed and certified staff in prenatal massage therapytherapists accredited by the NCBTMB. (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work.)

Becoming Mom has created a special package for couples this Valentine’s Day. It Includes a side-by-side 50-minute Pregnancy Massage for you and a Swedish Massage for him in adjoining rooms. For additional luxury, you can add on an enhancer like hot stones or a moisturizing Eco-Fin hand and foot treatment, or upgrade to 80-minute massages.

Another benefit to going to a pregnancy spa like Becoming Mom Spa + Ultrasound are the specialized massage techniques and safety protocols they’ve developed for mom and baby. The treatment rooms contain customizable reclining tables or pregnancy support cushions for safe side positioning, and every product is pregnancy-safe and natural.

Enough about you, this is still a gift for your significant other after all *cough*. His Swedish massage will occur in the same room, can be customized to address any pain points and issues that he might be having and the treatment table can be adjusted to any reclining position desired. Best of all he will get to experience a relaxing and stress-free massage gazing at your beautiful face, shoulders, and a sheet draped baby bump in dim lighting. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Gift Two: Book a Date to Fall in Love: Time to Meet Your Baby
You might be thinking that you’ve already given him the best Valentine’s Gift ever. You’re growing a human inside of you! What can top that? Well, what if you could book a date night he will never forget and surprise him (and you! ) by meeting your baby for the first time or finding out if the bun in the oven is a boy or a girl?

With an elective ultrasound at Becoming Mom Spa + Ultrasound, you both can share in the experience of “seeing” your baby for the first time in the comfort of a spa environment with an ultrasound performed by a medical sonographer.

Becoming Mom is the only Cincinnati area elective ultrasound center with the latest in 2D, 3D and HD technologies – a package for every stage of your pregnancy. If gender determination is your ideal date night and you’re at least 16 weeks, the 2D Just Can’t Wait Package is a good fit. If you’re interested in a 3D or HD Package, you should be at least 23 weeks, and the Simply Sweet HD Ultrasound Package should be considered.

Here are some guidelines:
23-26 weeks: Baby’s facial features are starting to be defined, and you can see more of the baby at once.
27-32 weeks: This is a good time for your second 3D ultrasound or if you’re only going to come in for one session during your pregnancy. Baby’s facial features are more defined, and the baby still has room to move around. However, because the baby is getting larger, you won’t see quite as much of him/her at once as you would earlier.
33-36 weeks: The best time for beautiful facial shots IF baby “cooperates.” Please be aware that increased crowding in the womb does make it more challenging to get pictures. What to Do – How Do You Decide?

As we have established, pregnancy brain is the real deal! Decisions are hard and time is short. My suggestion is to go with the package YOU want most, because Happy Wife = Happy Life! But if you can’t decide, the Enjoy the Journey package combines everything we chatted about – and saves you money! And i you combine that package with the Gift Certificate Special that Becoming Mom is running you can receive a FREE mom-on-the-go-facial to come back for at a later date. #score You really can’t beat saving money, receiving free stuff and finding the perfect present for your husband with a gift certificate at Becoming Mom. I don’t know about you, but this is definitely my kind of shopping trip!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mamas! Stay relaxed, have fun, enjoy connecting with your partner and treasure the moment you get to meet your little peanut. The journey to becoming a mom is marathon you’ve just started. We can’t wait to share it with you!

About the Author: Nicole Hudson is a speaker, content creator, and business strategist. She’s a “mom “to her business, cat, and husband with big plans for the real deal in the 2018. Connect @NicoleHudsonCo and follow her lifestyle content and journey to motherhood on the Becoming Mom blog. www.becomingmom.com/blog

Our team at Becoming Mom® Spa + Ultrasound are comprised of skilled technicians specializing in pregnancy and pregnancy-specific services for both prenatal and postnatal care. This means that when you receive a service at our spa, the technician working with you is an expert in not only the service you are receiving, but in prenatal care as well. We make every service – even the more technical ones like ultrasounds – feel like a beautiful spa service. We invite you to meet some of our staff and learn more about the hands and hearts that will be guiding you through your pregnancy journey:

Rebecca, Sonographer, RDMS – Rebecca has been with Becoming Mom for over 8 years and has brought so much joy to our clients. Whether it’s sharing the news of “it’s a boy” or “it’s a girl” or giving them the gift of seeing their baby’s face for the first time, Rebecca is loved by our clients and team members alike.

Christine, Sonographer, RDMS – Christine, or Chris, has been with Becoming Mom for close to 3 years, however she has been an ultrasound tech for close to 20! Her extensive background in High-Risk OBGYN allows her to bring a trained set of eyes to every scan. She enjoys connecting with families and sharing in this special time.

Jaimie, Sonographer, RDMS – Jaimie is our newest sonographer, but that doesn’t mean she’s a stranger to Becoming Mom. After experiencing an ultrasound at Becoming Mom with her son, she decided to go back to school to become an Ultrasound Tech. Jaimie also works at a local hospital in addition to Becoming Mom.

Allison, Esthetician and Nail Tech – Allison has been with Becoming Mom for 9 years. Her knowledge of skin and nail care has allowed Becoming Mom to create effective and safe service offerings for mom-to-be. Her favorite service we offer is our pedicures, because she loves chatting with our moms-to-be about all things baby!

Renee, Esthetician and Nail Tech – Renee has been dubbed our “Waxing Queen”, which we’re sure her clients will agree with. Never has a bikini wax been more comfortable or fun 🙂 ! Renee’s energy and positivity are just what any mom needs.

Liz, Esthetician and Nail Tech – Liz has been with Becoming Mom for 5 years. Her calm, peaceful, and caring energy provide our clients a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Her favorite service to provide our clients are facials. She loves helping our clients address skin care concerns, which makes them look good and feel good, which in turn makes her feel good. It’s happiness for all and a win-win-win

Elizabeth, Esthetician and Licensed Massage Therapist – As a new mom herself, Elizabeth knows first hand the challenges and joys becoming a mom can bring. A skilled esthetician and massage therapist, Elizabeth’s knowledge of the body bring a much needed relief to our clients.

Betsy, Licensed Massage Therapist – Betsy is a wealth of knowledge! She has received extensive training in prenatal massage and different techniques that allow mom to have a healthy and comfortable pregnancy. She started working as a LMT at Becoming Mom 6 and a half years ago, and has received rave reviews ever since.

Danisha, Licensed Massage Therapist – Danisha also brings a wide variety of specialized trainings to our team. From Preconception Massage to Baby’s First Massage, Danisha is an incredible LMT. Her passion is preconception (fertility) massage as she enjoys helping and guiding women to achieve their pregnancy goals.

Zena, Licensed Massage Therapist – Zena has been with Becoming Mom for 9 years! As a mom of two, she knows exactly what you’re going through and is always happy to help in any way she can. Zena’s favorite service at Becoming Mom is performing the 80-Minute Massage during the final week pregnancy because she loves working the “labor points” which can help induce labor (offered at 39 weeks or later).

Micheline, Licensed Massage Therapist – Micheline is our newest LMT at Becoming Mom, but from the feedback from her clients, you wouldn’t know it! As a mom of 3, Micheline recently returned to work from being a SAHM. She calls Becoming Mom her “dream job”, a place where she can use her gift of touch to help other mom’s find comfort and peace during their journey into motherhood.

Christina, Spa Assistant – Christina’s behind the scenes work allows all of us at Becoming Mom to flourish. She is ready and able to help with any task that comes her way, and her hard work is greatly appreciated!

Kelly, Client Services Coordinator – Kelly’s helpful voice and friendly smile are often the first encounter our clients have with Becoming Mom. Her favorite thing at Becoming Mom is hearing the cheers of joy that come from the ultrasound room when families find out if they are having a boy or girl.

Amanda, Client Service Coordinator – As an employee for 13 years, Amanda has worked for Becoming Mom Spa since the doors opened. She is a Client Service Coordinator and has been a customer for both of her pregnancies. Whether you are scheduling an appointment or checking in or out after enjoying a Becoming Mom service, Amanda will make you feel right at home!

Ally, General Manager – Ally has been with Becoming Mom for 11 years and 3 babies! Ally’s goal as GM of Becoming Mom is to ensure every client and team member is treated like part of the family. She enjoys being a part of a business that is so intently focused on caring for and supporting women during this exciting and sometimes stressful stage of life. Her hope is that soon, Moms across the country will get to experience the Becoming Mom difference through our franchising program.

Jim Walker, Owner and CEO of Becoming Mom® Spa + Ultrasound Mason and 4X Franchising – You might ask, “What’s a man doing at a pregnancy spa?” and the answer is… a lot! Jim purchased Becoming Mom in 2016 after our previous owner left to pursue another passion of hers. As a father of twins, he immediately understood the need for women to have a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place to retreat during the trials and tribulations that pregnancy brings. Jim saw what we had created in Cincinnati, and knew he had to take nationwide as a new franchise opportunity. If you are interested in owning your own Becoming Mom® Spa + Ultrasound please go to: http://4xfranchising.com/becomingmom

What our clients are saying

“I went to my 20 week ultrasound for my doctor and came out disappointed and in tears when the tech wouldn’t look for the gender of my baby. My mom called becoming mom and made an appointment for me for the Gender reveal plus package. I came out with the biggest smile ever! They completely turned my day around! Not only did she find out the gender for me but she was extremely friendly and made my appointment enjoyable. I am so thankful my mom did this for me and would recommend becoming mom to everyone that is expecting! I look forward to returning!” – Kerri H.

“Had a 80 minute massage today along with a pedicure, and all I have to say, is that it was AMAZING! Betsy did my massage and it was one of the best ones that I have ever had! I will definitely be going back post baby!” – Rachael W.

“My husband bought me an amazing package deal for the simply pregnancy massage and a hot stone pedicure …… I normally do not do reviews but, WOAH it was an amazing experience from beg. To end highly recommend Betsy who did my massage and Liz who did the pedicures!!! They make u feel amazing while you are there and treat you like a queen! Thank you ladies for an amazing spa day!” – Tiffany F.

“Amazing people and service! We went for the Can’t Hardly Wait Early Gender Reveal Ultrasound. We had done this with our first born too. Our LO was not cooperating that morning, so our tech gave up her lunch break for us to be able to come back a couple of hours later to get the results. Jaimie is a great Ultrasound tech who makes sure she is 100% confident in the results. She doesn’t settle for anything less than perfect, and does anything she can to ensure you have a wonderful experience. We love going here! Always a great experience.” – Christian R.

“I wish I would have known about this place sooner! I’m 33 weeks along and had the 50 minute massage with an add on for cold and congestion… HEAVENLY! I felt like a new woman after. The staff is super sweet and very accommodating, true professionals. I would recommend getting a gift certificate for any occasion for any woman you know is pregnant.” Caitlin M.

At Becoming Mom Spa® + Ultrasound, our tagline is simply, Enjoy the Journey. We strive to be a place where expecting moms can love their pregnancy just a little bit more, and hopefully enjoy the journey just a little bit more. We invite you to try the range of services we offer, and if you mention this blog and book an appointment with any one of our team members, we’ll give you $10 off! Our gift to you! We are beyond grateful for our customers and guests and hope to continuously offer a place where pregnancy can be as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.

Pregnancy is a time for joy, preparation, and rest. As wonderful as it is, it can still cause stress related to medical bills, relationship issues, hormones, insurance, routine testing, not feeling well, and keeping up with everyday life while feeling tired and overwhelmed with decisions.

It takes a lot of energy growing a tiny human! The last thing a woman needs is added stress that zaps precious energy reserves needed to for the healthy growth and development of a baby. It is critical, not only for the baby, but for mom to make time for rest and stress management.

Science has been revealing more recently the effects of stress on an unborn child and mother. Stress is a normal part of life—no one can escape it. What’s important to note is that constant stress, an inability to stop the fight or flight mode, can have a lasting effect on both mom and baby. The consistent surge of stress hormones could alter the body’s innate stress management system resulting in an inflammatory response in the body. Stress and inflammation has been linked to poor pregnancy health, lower birth weight, preterm labor, and developmental issues in babies. In moms, stress has been linked to blood sugar issues, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

Keeping the body out of fight or flight mode can be tricky if there is a lot of stress at home, but there are natural ways to take the edge off. The more moms can implement these 5 easy and low-cost tips, the healthier mom and baby will be during the 9 months of gestation.

1. Meditation. Meditation can bring a body down from a stress level of 10 to a 2 or 3 in a matter of minutes. Try 20 minutes of guided meditation twice a day or more during times of intense stress. There are lots of free meditation apps online or HypnoBabies is available for purchase at hypnobabies.com

2. Walking. Get outside and go for a walk. Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Fresh air and connecting with nature is a great way to find balance and peace.

3. Energy Work. An often underutilized stress management method, energy work is a great way to offload bottled up stress, emotions, and/or trauma. Energy work works with the body’s energy to find stagnant or excess energy that may be causing stress emotionally or physically. Balancing out the body’s energy system can bring peace, emotional wellness, deeper rest, and physical relief (if the stress is manifesting physically).

4. Sleep. Sleep or nap as often as possible. When the baby arrives, sleep can be hard to come by. A pregnant body needs the energy for daily tasks and for the baby’s growth and development. Sleep is not only nurturing for the body, but also the mind.

5. Massage. Prenatal massage is heavenly for a tired, achy body. It’s also a time to be pampered as the therapist increases circulation, stretches tired muscles, and relieves back pain through gentle hand movements.

Ultimately, it is best to work through stress, emotions, and trauma prior to getting pregnant, but that is not always possible. According to Thomas R. Verny, MD, “From the moment of conception, the stories of our lives become encoded in the cells of our bodies and the neuralcircuits of our brains.” Maternal stress creates primitive memories in the baby’s cells. Psychologist Alice M Givens research reveals unborn children may literally absorb mother’s experience and emotions. That said, moms have the ability to nurture their child from conception by taking good care of their emotional and mental wellness. The benefit from doing so has a lasting impact on the health and wellness of both mother and child and makes space for a more enjoyable pregnancy that is focused on the joy, love, and the blessing waiting to be born.

Christy Cotterman, mom of a vivacious little girl, is a holistic life and emotional healing coach and owner of Wholly Healing LLC located in Maineville. She consults with clients nationwide, offering guidance and compassion through personal coaching, workshops and retreats. A benefactor of emotional healing from trauma, anxiety, and depression herself, Cotterman leads clients on a journey to emotional healing through energy work, positive thinking and stress management. For more information, call 513-827-2757 or visit WhollyHealingExperience.com .