Category: Mindfulness

That intense longing for chocolate ice cream at 2 AM? Or perhaps pickles dipped in peanut butter? If you’re pregnant, these seemingly random food desires aren’t just in your head—they’re a real physiological and psychological phenomenon affecting the majority of expectant mothers.

The workplace landscape is changing, yet many companies still rely primarily on maternity leave policies as their main support for pregnant employees. While these policies are necessary, the evidence suggests they’re far from sufficient in creating truly supportive environments for expectant and new mothers in today’s workforce.

Have you ever tried to find a comfortable position on a standard office chair while eight months pregnant? Or needed to explain yet again why you need an extra bathroom break during an important meeting? For pregnant employees, these workplace challenges are very real—but they don’t have to be.

The birth of a baby brings joy, but also unprecedented challenges. For many new mothers, the postpartum period becomes shadowed by unrealistic expectations—particularly the pressure to “bounce back” physically and emotionally. Yet amid the sleepless nights, healing bodies, and hormonal shifts, one powerful resource often goes overlooked: self-compassion.

Bringing a new life into the world changes everything—including your body. After childbirth, many new mothers feel eager to regain their strength and energy, but rushing back to pre-pregnancy fitness routines can do more harm than good. Your body has just accomplished something remarkable and deserves thoughtful care during recovery.

Have you ever noticed how pregnancy seems to amplify everything? Your emotions, physical sensations, worries about the future—they all become more intense as you navigate this transformative journey. In the midst of such profound change, mindfulness offers a powerful anchor, helping women cultivate presence and emotional balance during pregnancy and beyond.

In today’s competitive business landscape, progressive companies are discovering a powerful talent retention strategy: supporting employees through pregnancy and the postpartum period. With nearly 70% of women continuing to work while pregnant according to [Beginning.com research](https://home.beginning.com/blog/pregnancy/pregnancy-workplace-support-flexible-work-during-pregnancy-maternal-wellness-at-work/), and 1 in 4 women exiting the workforce during their first year of motherhood as reported in [workplace return studies](https://home.beginning.com/blog/post-pregnancy/postpartum-workplace-policies-return-to-work-after-birth-supporting-new-mothers-at-work/), how organizations respond to maternal employees’ needs directly impacts their bottom line and organizational health.

The early days of motherhood can feel like navigating uncharted waters while sleep-deprived and emotionally raw. With postpartum depression affecting [1 in 8 women](https://www.postpartumdepression.org/resources/statistics/) in the US—that’s over 460,000 new mothers annually—self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for healing and wellbeing.

Pregnancy transforms your body, mind, and life in profound ways. While exciting, these nine months can also bring uncertainty, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. Mindfulness—the practice of staying present and aware without judgment—offers powerful tools to navigate this transformative journey with greater ease and connection.

The second trimester is often called the “golden period” of pregnancy. Morning sickness typically subsides, your energy returns, and that baby bump finally starts to show. Yet amid these positive changes, stress can still loom large. Research shows that up to 70% of pregnant women report symptoms of stress and anxiety during pregnancy, with 17% experiencing anxiety specifically in the second trimester.