MEET A MOM – AMANDA THOMAS
Amanda Thomas Physical Therapy/Doula Services LLC
Where are you originally from, and how long have you lived in Pittsburgh?
I’m originally from Bergen County in Northern New Jersey. My husband and I met in NJ, and then, when he moved out here, I followed. We’ve lived here 7 years now. We started in Shadyside, moved to Lawrenceville and now live in the North Hills.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
We have 2 kids and one on the way. My boys are 2 years old and almost 4. Baby #3 is due in January and we are going to wait to find out gender! 🙂
What do you love about living in Pittsburgh?
I love the sense of community and how it’s so family friendly. Our town always has events going on, the library is great and there are so many parks around for the kids. The people are nice and down to earth too.
What’s your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in Pittsburgh?
I really like Industry in Lawrenceville. It was the first restaurant we went to when we moved to Lawrenceville, and it’s been the restaurant we go to after our first doctors appointment during each pregnancy. It’s casual, and the food is good! For fancier nights out, my husband and I like Monterey Bay Fish Grotto in Mt. Washington.
Tell us about your business.
My business is called Amanda Thomas Physical Therapy/Doula Services LLC. I am a pelvic floor physical therapist and specialize in pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum rehab. I’m also a postpartum doula. My practice is mobile which means I can come to your house to provide treatment! This is super convenient for new moms.
Conditions I treat for physical therapy include pain with sex, back/hip/pelvic pain related to pregnancy, pain related to PCOS/endometriosis, diastasis recti, C-section scar pain, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary/fecal incontinence, urinary urgency/frequency.
Postpartum doula services are designed to help mom and family adjust to life with a new baby and usually occurs the first few weeks after baby is born. This can include, but is not limited to, basic lactation support, help with bathing, feeding/nap schedules, watching baby while mom naps/showers, older sibling care, running errands, basic household chores (laundry/dishwasher/vacuuming) and help with prepping healthy meals to help your body heal in the postpartum period.
Areas I cover include the North Hills, Strip District, Lawrenceville, Morningside, and Highland Park. For clients outside these areas or who don’t want in-home services, I do have a clinic location in Glenshaw.
What do you love about your job?
I love all things pregnancy and birth. It’s such an exciting time in a woman’s life and shouldn’t be clouded by pain and dysfunction. I love being able to help moms decrease pain so that they can enjoy their pregnancy journey. Everyone wants to “get back to themselves” after giving birth, so being able to come alongside moms and help them recover is so rewarding (and moms are so thankful that there is help for conditions such as pain with sex, diastasis recti, vaginal tearing, back/hip pain and prolapse/incontinence issues)
What is your favorite thing to do with your children and/or family?
I love being outside and going on “day adventures.” We’ll go on a walk or go to a park in our neighborhood. We also love going to the pool in the summer and just being together. I love watching my kids explore and have new experiences!
How do you juggle work and motherhood?
By having lots of patience with myself and good time management techniques! I try to get work related tasks done when the kids nap or in the evenings once they go to bed. I’ll see clients 2-3 evenings/week once my husband get home from his job. So far, it’s working well and I definitely think I’m getting the best of both worlds: I get to be there for my kids and watch them grow, but also get to keep my foot in the door professionally.
How has the Pittsburgh community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
People are so willing to help each other! I’ve met many wonderful physical therapists, birth and postpartum doulas and midwives who are willing to provide me with guidance and advice with regards to starting and growing my business. Word of mouth between friends and my community has also been instrumental. Even the Facebook and other social media groups in Pittsburgh have been very helpful.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from another mom?
Children refine us and and make us better! There’s a lot we can learn from them, and that they can learn from us. Have patience with them, and delight in them! They are a gift 🙂
Is there anything that you would like to share with other moms?
Find some friends that are in the same life stage as you! Meet together and have play-dates with your kids. Also, find some people that have kids older then yours. They have such great knowledge and can provide guidance and encouragement through the tough stages! Community is so valuable.
Interested in learning more about Amanda and her business?
Check out her website below, and feel free to contact Amanda for further information:
www.amandathomasptdoula.com
Instagram: @amandathomasptdoula
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandathomasptdoula
