Origin Stories: Baily Hancock's Experience with Physical Therapy During Pregnancy

At Origin, we strongly believe that "you're the expert". Every body is unique (literally), and so are your stories.

We're excited to share the Origin Story of LA based "Collaboration Consultant" Baily Hancock, who worked with our team throughout her pregnancy.

The following is Bailey's story, in her own words.

Baily's Origin Story: First pregnancy, and first experience with physical therapy

When I found out I was pregnant at the end of 2018, one of the first pieces of advice that a couple of my friends gave me was to look into prenatal physical therapy, specifically at Origin. They couldn't stop raving about how it saved them from so much pain during pregnancy and helped prepare their pelvic floor for labor and recovery. Anything that could help me avoid ab separation or peeing while running post-pregnancy sounded good to me, so I booked my first appointment toward the beginning of my second trimester.

I had never been to a physical therapist and had no idea that prenatal physical therapy was even a thing, so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I definitely did not expect was such a warm and cozy environment staffed by kind, intelligent, and fun women. From my first appointment at 17 weeks to my last appointment one week before I gave birth, I felt supported, heard, and respected - three feelings that are sadly not common feelings amongst pregnant women.

Once a week for 21 weeks, I got to spend an hour being taken care of, every new ache and pain getting worked out before they had a chance to become a bigger issue. Whenever I'd hear pregnant friends complain about their sciatica or their aching hips, I couldn't help but feel like they were suffering unnecessarily. It got to the point where as soon as I learned someone was pregnant, I immediately told them to make an appointment at Origin.

Why accept pain as simply an unavoidable part of pregnancy when there was a magical place that could help you feel amazing?

I'd be lying if I said my favorite part wasn't the 10 minutes at the end where they set you up with heating pads or ice packs (depending on what you worked on that day), supportive pillows, and even an eye mask. It easily became my favorite part of the week - those blissful 10 minutes after having my aching body tended to for nearly an hour. My other favorite part? Getting to chit chat and catch up with my Origin buddies. The whole team became such an integral part of my pregnancy - when I gave birth to my son and stopped going in weekly, their absence in my life was definitely felt. I have them to thank for NO ab separation (woo!) and zero pelvic floor issues.

Origin will always have a special place in my heart, and if I'm ever crazy enough to get pregnant again, they'll be one of my first calls :)