Blog Courtesy of Elena Davis
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The recent pandemic affected people's lives in countless ways. For some, it was a case of adapting and surviving, while others relished being thrust into the unknown. The forced changes in society led to businesses collapsing, but it also paved the way for new opportunities for women to start their own businesses or work online. Today, Teton Women’s Health Center shares everything you need to know.
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Background
A few common areas in a woman's life affected by the pandemic include: 

•           Career. According to recent reports, during COVID-19, female unemployment was nearly double the rate of male unemployment. This forced women into seeking alternative work opportunities, many of whom found creative ways of making money.
•           Child care. Women still bear the brunt of child care, and the lack of support from the schooling system during the pandemic forced many families to reassess their situations. There was the expectation that parents needed to homeschool their children, which required a balancing act.  This led to many women leaving their careers to be at home with their kids. Work-from-home jobs increased in popularity.  
•           Mental health. Because of social isolation and too much time at home, many women were forced to think about a new career direction. Many women prioritized mental health by reaching out and finding support groups.
•           Physical health. The combination of social isolation and working from home during the pandemic have made it remarkably easy for one’s weight to grow into unhealthy ranges.

Working OnlineIf you've had to change course due to the pandemic, consider working online. Doing work from home gives you more flexibility and opens up a world of inspiration to start your own business. Popular online vocations include transcription services, online content writing services, virtual assistants, and online tutoring. 

Starting and Marketing a Business 
Women who establish their own companies should identify potential opportunities in their area. Starting an online business is one thing, but if you'd prefer to offer a service, consider creating a hiking group, dog walking, or boot camp.

If you do start your own business, consider forming a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC has many benefits, such as tax advantages, limited personal liability if something goes wrong, and less paperwork. The easiest route is to hire a formation company to file the paperwork and state rules. It’s also wise to invest in a cloud accounting system. This will make keeping track of your business’s finances straightforward, and you won’t have to worry about losing backups.

Once you've finished the business administration portion, the marketing begins. Marketing your new business is key to success. Outsource your website and logo design to a graphic designer or web designer, and ask them to create a media kit. If you're going to send images, compress them without losing quality when you use a free tool to convert JPG to PDF online. This method will allow you to convert multiple files into one PDF.

Next, select a few relevant social media platforms and post regularly. Consider using a small budget to promote your posts to your target market. Depending on your business type, recruit friends and family to start promoting you online. 

The Positive Effects of the Pandemic 
The pandemic certainly affected women differently, from their home lives to their careers. Although these changes haven't been easy, many have used the opportunity as a springboard into alternate careers where they're discovering their creativity. If you found that your world was turned upside down by the pandemic, look for ways that you can transform it into a positive. COVID may have changed the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carve your own path as well.
 
Teton Women’s Health Center offers a variety of women's health services in Idaho Falls, from preconceptual counseling to prenatal care to the delivery of your baby. Call 208-523-2060.

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Blog courtesy of Daisy Jones
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Providing nourishment and establishing a strong bond with your baby are two of the most profound benefits of breastfeeding. Yet, the experience is not all sunshine and rainbows. Breastfeeding mothers commonly contend with clogged ducts, supply issues, cracked nipples, and other painful conditions. 
 
Practicing self-care can help you manage breastfeeding-related challenges. Here’s how you can incorporate self-care activities into your day when you’re low on time and energy.
 
Teton Women's Health Center offers exceptional obstetrical and gynecologic care to the women of Idaho Falls. Call 208-523-2060 to make an appointment. 
 
Capitalize on Nap Times
Standard newborn parenting advice encourages you to sleep when the baby sleeps — wishful thinking when the dishes and laundry are piled up and you have other kids to care for. Fortunately, babies sleep a lot, which gives you pockets of time to be productive and to also do something enjoyable.
 
Use napping windows to read a book, meditate, engage in a hobby or yes, take your own snoozing ( assuming your other children are being cared for). While you won’t be able to make up for all your lost sleep, studies show that a power nap can improve alertness and reduce stress.
 
Exercise With Your Baby
Sadly, you can’t create more hours in the day, but you can prioritize activities and employ strategies to manage your time more effectively. Exercise should be high on your to-do list. A good fitness routine keeps your body in peak physical health and elevates mood and energy levels, both of which can typically use a boost, especially in the early days of parenting.
 
Babies are surprisingly excellent workout companions. Once you’ve been given the all-clear by your medical provider to resume physical activity (usually six to eight weeks after delivery), start slow by taking your little one for stroller walks. Build up to include a mix of cardio and strength exercises. Depending on where you live, there may even be a group that offers “baby and me” fitness classes.
 
Enjoy the Rest of Your Family
Though you and your partner are knee-deep in the trenches of parenting, carve out moments to reconnect as a couple. Designate a date night or at the very least, take some time each day to check in with each other and have a conversation that does not revolve around poopy diapers and spit-up.
 
With your baby literally attached to your hip, finding time to bond with your other children can be hard. Create a realistic plan that alleviates this problem and ensures that each child gets to spend quality time with you. Here are a few ideas to maximize your time together:
 
•        Eat meals as a family which offers opportunities to bond.
•        Establish a predictable bedtime routine when your children can count on your presence.
•        Invite your kids to help you with household tasks which can make them feel like valued family members.
•        Schedule solo time with each child to do an activity of their choosing.
 
Be Kind to Your Body
Nursing moms often suffer from sore, achy, and downright painful breasts. Ease discomfort and make your experience more pleasant with these essential supplies:
 
•        Cooling gel pads
•        Nipple cream
•        An ergonomic breastfeeding pillow
•        Supportive, comfortable nursing bras
•        Properly-fitted flanges, if using a pump
 
Seek Help for Postpartum Depression
 
After having a baby, many women experience what is known as the "baby blues." This is a normal and common reaction to the hormonal changes and lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn. However, some women experience more severe symptoms, such as feelings of sadness, anxiety, and loneliness that last for weeks or even months. This condition is known as postpartum depression (PPD), and it can be extremely difficult to manage on one's own.
 
Thankfully, counseling is available online. Online therapy offers a number of benefits for women struggling with PPD. First, it is very convenient and can be done from the comfort of one's own home. Second, it is often more affordable than in-person therapy. Third, it provides a sense of anonymity and privacy that some women may find helpful. Finally, online therapy can be very flexible, which can be especially helpful for women with young children.
 
While self-care won’t completely eliminate difficulties with breastfeeding, it can certainly better equip you to handle such challenges and improve your overall well-being. If you’re worried that taking time for yourself will take attention away from your baby, remember that the benefits of self-care extend to your little one. And if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, be sure to connect with a mental health professional. A well-rested and healthy mama makes for a happy and healthy baby.