Dr. Pinkey Patel on Turning Pregnancy into a Passion
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Dr. Pinkey Patel, Pharm D, a pre/postnatal certified trainer, clinical pharmacist, and Oklahoma native passionate about bridging the gap in women’s maternal healthcare globally by making pregnancy and postpartum resources accessible, easy-to-understand, and helpful in teaching women to advocate for their health in the form of an app, consultancy, and blog! When I am not playing mama to a six month baby boy, Arjun and three year old daughter, Karishma, you can find me pumping iron, trying to squeeze in a run, or enjoying some good ole’ tex mex. With a baby in one arm and a laptop in the other, I am navigating mompreneurship while working full time!
You can follow Dr. Pinkey on Instagram @fitpinkx
What brought you to where you are now? Bring us along from the beginning.
This truly has been a long journey, that keeps unfolding. I am an Oklahoma native that grew up in small town Oklahoma. My parents immigrated from India over 30 years ago and they worked in the hospitality industry to create the 'American dream." To be honest, I still felt the need to hustle my way, on my own. I soaked every opportunity dry to pay for my college—from pageants, choir, valedictorian, three jobs while I secretly studied my highlighted organic chemistry note cards—you name it!
I received my doctorate from the University of Oklahoma at 23, got married, practiced pharmacy (still do!), became a personal trainer (over ten years ago), and eventually started a family. You probably wonder how I ended up starting my company in the tech and wellness space, being a health professional...well, it was all because of my experience while pregnant and my postpartum period. It was and still has it's challenges as I navigate this new 'hood' of motherhood, work, and entrepreneurship—but this is truly the most fulfilling work I can do—to help other mamas and babies thrive. Now, you can catch me in the closet or corner of the house squeezing in work while my littles are off to bed, but nothing can quite explain how good it feels..to give back.
Tell us about your partner. What made you want to start or grow a family together?
What was your journey to parenthood like?
I have to admit, this is something we just learn as we go. It really is just that—a journey. The most fulfilling yet challenging role there ever was! I always knew how I wanted to parent, but honestly—they in turn, teach you so much as well. It has been one of the most humbling experiences and trust me, I am still learning!
What was happening in your life when you decided to start your family?
I was working full time as a clinical pharmacist, and it was definitely a slower time compared to the second time around! We actually decided to conceive in the beginning of 2015, but it didn't happen until the end of July/August that year.
How did you care for yourself while trying to conceive?
How did you care for your body while pregnant?
This was achieved by a combo of working out, eating as well as I could (listen, not perfect here—my sweet tooth had to be tamed!), and accepting that my body was made to do this. Mental health was a priority when I learned how quickly I was going down a rabbit hole at times (hello, hormones). Although I am not a fan of yoga (ha!), I even started to incorporate this into my training! I definitely attribute much of my ability to labor naturally for 60 hours (my daughter clearly was taking her time) to yoga, strength, and endurance training! I also gave myself grace with my weight gain. This can oddly be a stressor since we have to learn to embrace our changing bodies as we grow these humans. Having faith in the process and accepting that we were made to do this, helped me tremendously.
What experiences shaped your understanding of conception and pregnancy?
Tell us how you found out you were pregnant. We'd love details!
We were actually at a friend's wedding, out of state. I had picked up an acupuncture session with one of my favorite acupuncturists while I was there, between the wedding and reception. Upon seeing the acupuncturist, she asked me if I had taken a test for pregnancy. We were trying so I told her I did earlier that week, however, it was negative. She proceeded to tell me to take one again. I brushed it off until a few hours later, I felt compelled to check. I went to Walgreens in my Indian outfit and grabbed a test. We went back to the hotel and of course, the little line slowly crept in—I was pregnant! I screamed and couldn't believe it, so I made my husband go back and get five more tests (LOL). I came back, took all five and then went outside by the pool and stared at them. My life changed that day!
What have you learned as a result of trying to get pregnant and/or being pregnant?
