Mind the Bump app helps parents stay focused and calm through pregnancy and after
There is a lot of buzz around the practice of mindfulness right now as a way of reducing stress. This mindfulness meditation app is designed especially for expectant and new parents and created right here in Australia.
Pregnancy and the first few years of parenthood can bring a lot of unexpected stress and changes – and no wonder because being a parent is a big responsibility. The Mind the Bump app is a free app designed to reduce stress and improve wellbeing through each stage of pregnancy and the first two years of your child’s life.
So what is this mindfulness we keep hearing about? Mindfulness is a form of meditation that helps us connect with how our minds and bodies work. It only takes a few minutes a day and can make the world of difference to the way you think, behave and feel throughout the day. Watch the video below to learn a bit more about how mindfulness works.
When this app first came out I was in my second trimester of pregnancy with my first child. I was just starting to realise what a huge change having a baby was going to be, so I was keen to try anything that might help me approach the coming changes with focus and calm.
The interface of the app is very clear and simple to use. There are recommended courses of meditations based on your stage of pregnancy or child’s age, with no meditation session running longer than ten minutes. Or you can just skip straight to a topic that appeals to you. There are also meditations to be used with your partner to help you connect and relax together.
Using the app is as simple as just finding a few minutes in a quiet space and just listening and breathing. The results are surprisingly uplifting. I know, I know, where do we parents ever find a few minutes in a quiet space? I mostly use the app when going to sleep, or when bub has fallen asleep in the back of the car I just stay in the driveway and take a few minutes for mindfulness. With the Mind the Bump app on your smartphone you can seize those brief peaceful moments whenever they pop up and use them to regain some focus and calm.
Mind the Bump is based on clinical research, designed by mental health professionals, and created in conjunction with Beyondblue. It’s the first of its kind and proudly Australian made. You can download the app via the App Store or Google Play and can find out more at Mind the Bump.
