06 METROWELL 06.12

LIVING WELL

NEW MOM WISDOM

Rachel Swardson’s simple-but-brilliant business idea began, as many do, with a problem. After the birth of her third child she lay in her hospital bed feeling happy, but exhausted. “Can’t there be a better way to bring a mother into this world?” she remembers thinking at the time. And from that question, her company, Bavia Health, was born.

In the company's four-year existence, thousands of new parents (moms and dads) in 14 Twin Cities hospitals have utilized Bavia’s Postnatal Body Therapy in-hospital massage services. The first 48 hours after childbirth is an extremely intense time for new parents; when you’ve been through something as, well, strenuous as giving birth, you’re bound to savor a eucalyptus-scented, candlelit massage—especially when it’s delivered right in your hospital room.

“It was great to have that quiet time, with no visitors, to reflect and relax as a family,” says Brita Burke, a southwest Minneapolis resident and cardiac nurse who gave birth to baby Ian at Methodist Hospital. Burke and her husband signed up for Bavia services after receiving a gift certificate as a baby shower gift. “Afterward we both said [Bavia] should be a standard inclusion for everyone who has a baby,” Burke says.

Swardson (a St. Paul native who is the sister of LA-based actor/comedian Nick Swardson and Minneapolis musician John Swardson) claims Bavia services don’t just feel heavenly, but are proven effective in a number of critical health areas. “We’ve been able to document that our clients are sleeping better, feeling better, producing more milk and leaving the hospital sooner,” she says.

With hospitals increasingly shifting focus toward customer service and holistic approaches, it’s no wonder that Park Nicollet recently launched a first-in-the-country pilot program with Bavia. That program sees Bavia attendants welcoming new patients with a hot or cold towel, aromatherapy and an introduction to their new environment. Patients are offered free or for-purchase amenities and can sign up for a Bavia in-room massage upon arrival.

“Bavia strives to inspire joy in the hospital experience,” Swardson explains. “Imagine how much better you would heal if you were thanked, welcomed, able to receive a soothing massage and get a good night’s sleep.” She adds, “Bavia believes in joy for all people, especially the parents caring for those little newborn people.” +

Bavia Health brings in-hospital relief and relaxation to new parents. By Julie Kendrick

JOURNAL: Track your sleep, food and activity just as you track the baby’s. Seeing it all in print will help you better understand what’s happening and make needed changes for your health.

OBVIOUS: Trust yourself. Things will come naturally and obviously to you, because you are your baby’s mother, and no one knows the little one better than you.

YOU TWO: There’s no need to brave it alone. As Bavia massage therapists tell couples, “Not only are you parents of a newborn, but you’re newborn parents. Take care of each other.”

SUNLIGHT: As a new mother, your body is running on a beautiful primal vibe, so use the natural light around you to stay in harmony. Mamas can mix up day and night just as their babies can, so get plenty of sun-shine when possible.

ROOM SERVICE

The oft-neglected “fourth trimester” is critically important to mother and baby health. Swardson suggests these tips (or “JOYS”) to stay well after giving birth.

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