2024 has been an exciting year already as I level up my music therapy and mom abilities, practicing full-time while also mom-ing a 2.5 year old. I must say, it is not for the weak! I find myself lugging this belly around the hospital and hurrying home to play very rousing and energetic games of Hide and Seek between cooking dinner and finagling bath time.
Pack Snacks (and Water!)
Pregnancy hunger doesn’t just follow its own schedule—it often teams up with nausea to make your day more challenging. Being prepared with the right snacks can help keep both hunger and queasiness in check. Working in a children’s hospital means long, unpredictable days, so stash protein-rich, easy-to-eat options like granola bars, trail mix, cheese sticks, or crackers. Foods that are gentle on your stomach—like plain almonds, hard-boiled eggs, or ginger snaps—can also be a lifesaver when nausea hits. I also like to keep ginger drops in the front pocket of my guitar bag.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated! Dehydration can make nausea worse, so carry a refillable water bottle and sip regularly throughout the day. If plain water doesn’t sit well, try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, or a splash of juice. Keeping your energy up and your stomach settled not only helps you feel better, but also ensures you’re ready to show up fully for your patients and your baby.
Listen to Your Body (No, Really)
Pregnancy is the ultimate reminder to slow down and tune in to what your body needs—because it’s doing a lot. Beyond noticing the moment-to-moment signals, like when you need to hydrate or sit down, it’s also important to plan your day with breaks in mind. Don't be like me and wait for "high heart rate" warnings from your Apple Watch!
Take a look at your schedule and consider how you can build in moments of rest, especially between physically demanding sessions. If you’re heading from a high-energy group intervention straight into a session that involves movement or heavier instruments, try to allow a few minutes to recharge. Even five minutes to sit, stretch, or snack can make a world of difference. It might feel tricky to carve out these pauses in a busy hospital day, but think of them as part of your personal maintenance— just like tuning your guitar or resetting your equipment.
Be Mindful of "Pregnancy Precautions"
Working in a hospital while pregnant means being extra aware of your surroundings—not just the germs, but also areas like radiology that might pose risks to the baby. X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging procedures involve radiation, which is fine for patients in small doses but not ideal for someone carrying a munchkin. If your work takes you near these areas, let the team know you’re pregnant and see if you can have someone take on some of these responsibilities for the time being.
Nuclear medicine is another area to watch out for. This involves radioactive materials that can temporarily stay in a patient’s system, which means even being nearby could expose you to small amounts of radiation. The good news is that these areas are usually clearly marked, so it’s easy to avoid them. If you ever feel unsure about whether an area or patient interaction might pose a risk, don’t hesitate to ask. People are generally more than willing to help clarify and make adjustments.
Instrument Modifications Can Save Your Back
Hauling a guitar, percussion instruments, and a tote bag full of shakers might not have felt like much pre-pregnancy, but now? It becomes a different story. Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity, adds strain to your back and hips, and can make even the most familiar tasks feel like a workout. I don't want to even tell you how many pillows I sleep with at this point.
This is the time to think strategically about your setup. A smaller, lightweight guitar can be a game changer, or you can shift to using a keyboard for more stationary interventions. If you’re working with a lot of percussion, consider a rolling cart or a lightweight instrument bag with wheels. You might even simplify some sessions to rely on smaller handheld instruments or recorded tracks. Remember: the goal is to keep the music going while also keeping you going.
Celebrate and Appreciate This Season
Pregnancy is a time full of unique experiences and milestones. It’s also okay to acknowledge that it can be hard. Some days you might feel like a superhero, juggling your role as a music therapist and a soon-to-be mom with grace. Other days, the weight—both literal and figurative—of it all might feel overwhelming.
Try to reflect on the moments that make this time special, like when someone asks about your baby or when you notice how the skills you’re using to care for yourself are making you a more present therapist. But you can also honor the hard parts. The exhaustion, the physical discomfort, and the emotional ups and downs are all real, and it’s okay to give yourself permission to feel those, too. Celebrating this season doesn’t mean ignoring its difficulties; it means holding space for both. Frankly, I don't really enjoy being pregnant but I love being a mom.
Take time to mark the little victories, whether it’s making it through a challenging day or noticing your baby’s kicks during a quiet moment between sessions. Capture memories—snap a photo, jot down a journal entry, or share with someone who cares. These moments won’t last forever, and one day, you’ll look back and marvel at what you accomplished.
Also, get those feet up any chance you get. This stuff is exhausting.
Love, love, love
Amy
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