Virtual Pelvic Floor PT: The Time-Saving Solution for Busy Moms
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Virtual Pelvic Floor PT: The Time-Saving Solution for Busy Moms

Virtual pelvic floor physical therapy eliminates the barriers of traditional care, allowing you to receive expert treatment without leaving your home. No need to find childcare, battle traffic, or spend precious time in waiting rooms—just dedicated, one-on-one therapy time with a specialist who understands your unique needs. While in-person waitlists stretch for weeks or months, virtual consultations provide timely intervention when it matters most for pregnancy discomforts and postpartum recovery.

Read More
Prioritizing Birth Preparation Over Aesthetics & A Picture-Perfect Nursery:
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Prioritizing Birth Preparation Over Aesthetics & A Picture-Perfect Nursery:

While we're busy selecting the perfect shade of wall paint, are we neglecting something far more important: preparing our bodies and minds for the actual birth process? The United States has alarming statistics when it comes to maternal health, yet many expectant mothers spend significantly more time designing nurseries than learning about labor positions, pain management techniques, or pelvic floor exercises. Your birth journey deserves as much attention as your nursery - if not more.

Read More
Beyond Crackers: Evidence-Based Approaches to Morning Sickness Relief
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Beyond Crackers: Evidence-Based Approaches to Morning Sickness Relief

Struggling with morning sickness? Forget the basic crackers advice—our functional medicine approach offers evidence-based relief strategies that actually work. Discover how protein-rich mini meals, strategic hydration, and specific nutrients can significantly reduce nausea during pregnancy. Our expert-developed system combines nutritional science with practical lifestyle modifications to help you navigate this challenging pregnancy symptom with confidence and comfort.

Read More
Pregnancy-Safe Core Exercises for Your 1st Trimester
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Pregnancy-Safe Core Exercises for Your 1st Trimester

The first trimester is generally a safe time to continue exercising without major modifications. In fact, it's the perfect opportunity to strengthen your deep core connection that will support you throughout your entire pregnancy journey. The following exercises are not only safe during the first trimester, but are great exercises to promote core strength to support your pelvic floor

Read More
Surprising Benefits of Tummy Time at Every Age
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Surprising Benefits of Tummy Time at Every Age

Most parents know tummy time helps babies develop neck strength, but did you know the same position that prevents flat spots in infants can also reverse 'tech neck' in adults? This simple prone positioning exercise remains beneficial throughout the entire lifespan—counteracting our sedentary, forward-hunched lifestyle by relieving chronic back pain, rebalancing muscles, and restoring natural movement patterns. Discover why everyone in your family, from your baby to yourself, should incorporate some form of 'tummy time' into their daily routine...

Read More
Partner Co-Regulation
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Partner Co-Regulation

Partner co-regulation tips and tricks from our Functional Medicine practitioner to help your relationship thrive in the postpartum period.

Read More
Optimizing Weeks 0-2 Postpartum
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Optimizing Weeks 0-2 Postpartum

Top advice for the first two weeks postpartum from our Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, Functional Medicine Practitioner and Infant Developmental Therapist.

Read More
Why Crawling Matters: 5 Critical Development Benefits the CDC Overlooked
Rachel Heidling Rachel Heidling

Why Crawling Matters: 5 Critical Development Benefits the CDC Overlooked

Crawling is a major milestone. It significantly impacts the following 5 areas of development:

  1. Grip strength and development of the arches of the hand: this impact on fine motor skill leads to improved strength and dexterity, which is required for writing, cutting, buttoning, and zipping as your little grows.

  2. Visual tracking skill: a foundational skill for reading and writing. Similarly, as babies reach and grasp while crawling around, they are integrating and bettering their visual-motor systems, or what is more commonly called “hand-eye coordination”.

Read More
The Infant “Guppy” Stretch
Rachel Heidling Rachel Heidling

The Infant “Guppy” Stretch

Is there a certain kind that’s better than others? When do I wean? Is it better to not introduce at all to begin with? Let’s get into it…

Read More
Return to Exercise Postpartum.
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Return to Exercise Postpartum.

Learn how to safely return to exercise postpartum and increase likelihood of reaching your fitness goals.

Read More
Pacifiers - Friend or Foe??
Rachel Heidling Rachel Heidling

Pacifiers - Friend or Foe??

Is there a certain kind that’s better than others? When do I wean? Is it better to not introduce at all to begin with? Let’s get into it…

Read More
The Essential Step-by-Step Guide for Perineal Massage: Protect Your Perineum During Birth
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

The Essential Step-by-Step Guide for Perineal Massage: Protect Your Perineum During Birth

Perineal massage involves gentle stretching of the tissue between your vagina and anus—and there's strong evidence it increases your chances of a vaginal delivery while reducing your risk of tearing. This practice only takes a few minutes and yet can yield months, if not years, of benefit by potentially preventing complications that require stitches, lengthen recovery time, and increase the likelihood of pain or incontinence. But how exactly do you perform this evidence-based technique? Our step-by-step guide breaks it down...

Read More
Cesarean Scar Massage
Rachel + Amanda @optformama Rachel + Amanda @optformama

Cesarean Scar Massage

Your cesarean scar could cause pelvic pain, bladder issues, and even the 'cesarean shelf.' Learn when and how to perform cesarean scar massage to reduce adhesions and improve postpartum recovery. Discover techniques from gentle mobilization to desensitization for better healing.

Read More