Category: Reproductive Health

Guest Blog: Mbong Henry, PT, DPT

3/6/2023

This week's guest blogger is Mbong Henry, PT, DPT. She is the owner of Radiance Physical Therapy, LLC in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Henry is a highly sought after physical therapist who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum athleticism and pelvic health. Dr. Henry conducts monthly workshops to help moms prepare for birth as well as returning to fitness in the fourth trimester. Learn more about her journey to PT & wellness coaching and her much needed work with women and moms in the interview below.

1. Tell me about yourself.
I'm Mbong, My 'day job' I'm PT and wellness coach at Radiance PT in Durham, where I help active women in their 20's to 40's discover strength & confidence in their pregnant & postpartum bodies so they can keep having fun running with their friends. Working with me, they also learn how to let go of burnout and guilt that holds them back from feeling calm and ease in their day to day as a busy parent. I'm married to the most amazing man and we have 3 energetic kids. I run and CrossFit for my main modes of exercise, I love to keep moving most days of the week.

2. How/why did you become a physical therapist?
I've been a Physical Therapist for 14 years, I started college as a computer science major and realized that being confined to a desk programming wasn't for me. I loved PT as it is a way people find healing through movement and exercise so they can connect with the people closest with them, as humans we are wired for movement and community!

3. What is the mission or main focus of Radiance Physical Therapy?
My mission at Radiance PT is to empower women to take back ownership of your health and your body. Main women are led to believe that back pain, leakage, pain with sex are things you just have to deal with, and this holds them back from feeling happy and healthy in your body and living active and healthy lives. The truth is, healing is possible and you deserve to be happy and experience joy even amidst a busy schedule.

4. Do you have any specialties or any area of expertise?
Obstetric & Pelvic Health, Orthopedics, Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach, Mental Fitness Specialist

5. What are the best & most challenging parts of being a business owner and health practitioner?
Best parts of being a health practitioner is working with people who are being brave and courageous and committed to their health goals, best part of being a business owner- I get to create my hours that align with my role as a busy mom of 3 and I get to create programs to serve other moms without big corporate red tape. A challenging thing is that many people are led to believe you have to ask someone else for permission for your health- like I hear, "I have to ask my husband or my doctor", I'm like, girl- it's YOUR BODY! You are allowed to make decisions for things you want and ask them to support you in your goals or ask for guidance.

6. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
1-2 more therapists on staff, teaching community lifestyle and wellness. I'd love to dive into reaching more moms in the health coaching space around the country. My work is too amazing to be confined to North Carolina :)

7. Who do you look up to or admire in the health community?
I admire my mentors who introduced me to addressing the whole person, you are more than your knee pain or pelvic floor problem, Antony Lo & Susan Clinton are a few of the people who have been a great inspiration.

8. Tell me about your most recent business win.
Starting Empowered Birth-Push Prep Workshops, my most recent project, this is an opportunity for pregnant people & their birth partner to learn more about having a smoother birth.

9. Please share any upcoming events or programs you will be participating in or any special offerings for new clients.
This spring, I rolling out a Wellness Program for moms who want to go from Chaos to Calm, you can email me at mbong@radiancePT.com to learn more and get on early access information, stay tuned for more information on IG @mbonghenry.dpt

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25 Reminders for Pregnancy & Parenthood

10/30/2022

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Preparing for parenthood can be daunting for anyone. No amount of research or expert advice can fully equip you for what can & will unfold during birth and afterwards. Today I'm sharing some tips and reminders that can help keep you grounded and focused when making decisions surrounding your pregnancy, birth and parenting journey.

Roll your shoulders. Soften your forehead. Unclench your jaw. Relax & breathe.

Pregnancy and postpartum will be an emotional time. Feel all the feels and don't worry about whether people understand.

Your baby can feel what you feel so be mindful of your thoughts, triggers and avoid stress.

Resting and recharging is necessary. Take all the time you need.

Eating for two does not mean what you think it means. Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy for both mom and baby.

Don't apologize or feel guilty for prioritizing yourself.

Sex during pregnancy cannot hurt the baby, but it can look and feel different. Explore new avenues of intimacy and have fun!

VBACs are possible with the right provider and birth team.

Laboring at home decreases the need for interventions at the hospital.

You can eat and drink during labor. Period.

You can decline any and all hospital procedures, tests and suggestions. Just ask for the paperwork!

You can change your provider at any point to during pregnancy for any reason.

You don't have to breastfeed if you don't want to.

Your mother doesn't have to be present at your birth if you don't want her to be. And that goes for anyone (even the doctor on call).

Protect your peace at all cost! Don't be afraid to ask for help and delegate.

Other people's opinions are just that.

You can have a positive birth experience even if you have an unsupportive partner.

Planning for postpartum is just as important as plannng for pregnancy.

Reduce work & obligations in the third trimester to mentally prepare for birth and parenthood. This will also help you adjust to your new lifestyle.

Movement is physically and mentally beneficial to the pregnant & postpartum body. Exercise is a great way to release endorphins and boost your mood.

Boundaries are necessary. Your body, your baby, your birth, your business. You don't have to share every detail of your pregnancy if you dont want to.

Settling and not speaking up does not serve you. Be honest.

Listen to your body & stay hydrated!

Birth control is not a fix all. Yes, it prevents pregnancy but it can also come with nasty side effects. Birth control is used as a bandaid for reproductive issues that can be healed naturally. Ask me how.

Hiring a doula to educate you about all of your options and physically & mentally prepare you for labor can help you to have a better birth experience overall.

“Find your tribe. Build your village. Start with a doula." Kelly Collins, CP-ICD

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Eat Your Water

8/30/2022

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Photo: @olivewoodvegan on Instagram

Summer is almost over, but we all know that means there will be one last heat wave here in North Carolina. Today, I want to share a quick, refreshing recipe that is equally delicious and hydrating.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "eat your water"? Well if you haven't, it just means that you can enjoy fresh fruits and veggies all while getting your necessary water intake. This can be especially beneficial and convenient for those who do not like water or have a hard time drinking the necessary daily amounts our bodies need. There are many hydrating foods that you can incorporate into your daily eating habits and the good news is that several of them have very high water contents. Did you know that coconut, cucumber, peppers, celery, lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe, watermelon and grapefruit all have over 90% water content? The main ingredients in this salad are all on this list so you can be sure that you will be eating good and increasing your water intake at the same time.

Watermelon Salad
1 Watermelon
2-3 Tomatoes
2-3 Cucumbers
Feta Cheese
Mint or Basil
Lime Juice
Salt & Pepper

Optional:
Pomegranate Seeds
Hemp Seeds
Chia Seeds

Cut and cube the watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber and feta cheese and place in a bowl. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture. Chop/tear mint or basil leaves, add to the bowl and gently mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. For texture, additional nutrients and hydration, add any or all of the seeds suggested. ENJOY!

Staying hydrated during pregnancy and is important for several reasons including boosting blood volume, aiding digestion, amniotic fluid development, removing toxins, reducing fatigue, preventing swelling as well as alleviating constipation, nausea and heartburn. Water is also essential for the development of the baby. Not only is it important for baby's growth inside the womb, but staying hydrated helps the body absorb and transport vitamins, minerals, and hormones to the blood cells, and the placenta. During the postpartum period, water helps alleviate muscle cramps and headaches as it maintains the oxygen levels in your blood. Lactating parents need water even more during the fourth trimester than pregnancy. Dehydration may or may not affect your milk supply directly but it will affect how you feel and behave so be mindful of your water intake.

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WRAL Go Ask Mom Feature

8/4/2022

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This week I had an article featured in WRAL Go Ask Mom. I shared my thoughts about building the birth team you deserve with the help of a doula and the benefits of continuity of care. Check it out and please share!

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Mindful Motherhood

4/14/2022

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It's Black Maternal/Perinatal Health Week and today I am sharing some tips and suggestions to help Black mothers and families thrive during pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester.

We all know the gut-wrenching stats and realities regarding Black women and health disparities rooted in racism, ignorance and outdated healthcare methods & models. Despite the health industrial complex's somewhat acknowledgment of this in recent years, not much has changed for Black mothers or their families. In fact, the rates of Black maternal mortality have increased since the pandemic began. And while there are so many reasons why this matter in itself is an unnecessary yet ongoing plight, Black women still have a long way to go when it comes birth & health equity.

So what can you do to make sure you are protected and have the birth experience you desire? Below are some suggested things you can do to better prepare for pregnancy & birth.

Start Preparing Early-Whether you are planning to get pregnant or it's a surprise, it's never too early to start preparing for baby. Nutrition is the first place to start. A healthy body usually means a healthy baby. Eating a healthy and balanced diet with vitamin enriched foods will be good for your womb and growing baby. I highly recommend preconception support from a doula or your OB/midwife if you are planning to get pregnant in the next six months. Prenatal vitamins are also a great addition for overall health. You can take them before and after pregnancy too. Food for thought: what will your life look and feel like with a new baby?
Proper Prenatal Care-Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you will want to seek a proper prenatal care. A highly rated obstetrician or midwifery practice will be your best options. You will be seen by your chosen provider periodically throughout pregnancy. Please be sure to choose a provider who is knowledgeable, listens to you, answers your questions and has a good bedside manner. If you find you aren't receiving quality care, don't hesitate to change providers at ANY time during pregnancy. There is no such thing as "too late" when it comes to receiving or deserving good health care.
Build Your Birth Team-Aside from good prenatal care, you will want to take take it a step further by building a birth team. A birth team is a group of support people who will be there for you in some capacity during pregnancy and birth. This includes your partner, other family, friends, your OB, midwife and of course your friendly neighborhood doula! Even seeing a chiropractor, lactation consultant and pelvic floor therapist in the fourth trimester have proven benefits for mom and baby during postpartum recovery. Having a strong birth team who are all in support of you and your birth plan is an added level of comfort I can't explain.
Make Room (Physically, Emotionally and Mentally): As you and your body transform and prepare for a new phase of your life, you will need to truly embrace the transition. It will be beneficial to let go of the things that no longer serve you. Schedules, activities and daily life as you know it will change so don't fight it. Identify your helpers and don't take any relationship changes personal. Your people will show up for you-no one else matters. Clear the clutter of your mind and release any negative thoughts or doubt. Everything you feel and carry, your baby will feel and carry.
Do You-Every pregnancy and birth is different and it is important to celebrate yourself throughout your journey. Ignore unsolicited advice and plan your birth the way you want. Every decision (from your pregnancy announcement to your birth plan) ultimately comes down to you and your partner.
More to Monitor: As a Black woman, there are additional things that we need to monitor while pregnant and also during the postpartum period. Your blood pressure being one main thing. Elevated blood pressure can indicate a greater issue like preeclampsia. Again, nutrition is very important as baby takes all of your nutrients (including the reserves you have stored up). Dental check ups can be beneficial as calcium can be depleted during pregnancy. Ask for help when you need it-the "strong black woman" complex is over and done. Whole self care (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) is essential to being a good parent.

Remember, when it comes to your body, your baby and your health, YOU are in control. Preparation and the right support can make all the difference.

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Guest Blog: Mbong Henry, PT, DPT

25 Reminders for Pregnancy & Parenthood

Eat Your Water

WRAL Go Ask Mom Feature

Mindful Motherhood

About the Author

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