Prenatal Yoga to: Lessen Labor Pain, Fast Recovery from Birth. Nederland, Beaumont, Port Arthur

Prenatal Yoga in Beaumont Texas - January 2012

2012-01-11T16:04:00.000-06:00

Tiffany announces prenatal yoga offerings.

NEW CLASSES!!!
pre-natal yoga: Monday 10:00 am
All trimesters!

Mommy and me yoga: Wednesday 10:15 am
Babies 3-16 months!
At LoveYoga studio in Beaumont Texas. See previous article.

<3 Gaileee

Prenatal Yoga to be offered at Love Yoga Studio in Beaumont Texas

2011-11-02T14:32:00.005-06:00

Tiffany Maloney will be offering, starting in January 2012, Prenatal Yoga classes at her Love Yoga Studio in Beaumont Texas.

Lots of benefits for moms-to-be and babes in taking prenatal yoga.

Here's my list of benefits:

Yoga Postures to help you in the first stages of labor - helps you to keep calm, and promotes an easier labor process.

Retain strength, tone and flexibility - which is needed as you progress in your pregnancy.

Maintain good posture - helps you to breathe easier, as you grow bigger in the later stages of pregnancy.

Awareness of breath patterns - allows you to redirect the strong surges of the labor process.

Connection to baby and its movements.

Promote relaxation and well-being during pregnancy & in preparation for labor - less stress for the momma and for the babe to be!

Peanut Ball to reduce occurance of C-Sections

2011-09-25T13:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2011/09/04/20110904banner-health-peanut-ball-reinvent.html

Here is a short youtube video on using the ball for pregnant ladies. We did this in the prenatal yoga class that I taught. The ball so good for many things during pregnancy!

Also check out the reviews of James F. Clapp's book, Exercising Through Your Pregnancy. A must have in your pregnancy library.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/388143.Exercising_Through_Your_Pregnancy

Benefits of Prenatal Yoga

2011-05-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

Yoga Postures to help you in the first stages of labor - helps you to keep calm, and promotes an easier labor process.
Retain strength, tone and flexibility - which is needed as you progress in your pregnancy.
Maintain good posture - helps you to breathe easier, as you grow bigger in the later stages of pregnancy.
Awareness of breath patterns - allows you to redirect the strong surges of the labor process.
Connection to baby and its movements.
Promote relaxation & well-being during pregnancy & in preparation for labor -
less stress for the momma and for the babe to be!

Have a pain free delivery....

2011-04-28T10:58:00.000-05:00

If you are pregnant (or know someone who is) this could be one of the most important messages you ever read.

Ob/Gyns, Midwives, and Mothers-to-be have been stunned by the research about how yoga lessens the pain of labor and delivery.

The practice of yoga has many positive effects on pregnant women. Yoga includes physical stretching, mental centering and breath awareness. This makes it an ideal preparation for labor and childbirth.

Yoga encourages relaxation, internal focus and slowed breathing patterns, goals that are common in many types of childbirth preparation classes such as Lamaze and Bradley Childbirth method.

Yoga may help relieve many of the common discomforts of pregnancy, such as lower back pain, nausea, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.

Research suggests that yoga can help relax the body while preparing the muscles of the lower body for use in childbirth.

The breathing techniques used in yoga can help reduce or manage the shortness of breath that may accompany pregnancy and teach women how to breathe through physically challenging experiences such as labor.

Yoga encourages pregnant women to be mindful of the body's innate capacities and to recognize the connection among mind, body and breath. Yoga techniques also may be useful in promoting postpartum recovery and coping with the stresses of parenting.

Yoga during pregnancy is safe for most healthy women.

My name is Gail Pickens-Barger and I teach pre-natal yoga classes right here in the Golden Triangle Area (Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland). I also teach privately at the Port Arthur YMCA.

Please pick up the phone and give me a call at 409-727-3177 to discuss whether pre-natal yoga is right for you.

You don't need any background to get started. Even if this is the first time you have ever done yoga in your life, I urge you to give me a call at 409-727-3177.

Being informed is work!

2011-04-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

That is my opinion! Being informed about your pregnancy and the birth process, and what you can do, to make the birth process and informed one is work!

I remember having a miscarriage early on in my marriage, and vowing to myself, that I'd be more informed about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and child rearing. I'm finding through my interactions with other to be moms and new mothers, that they do not share my thirst for this type of knowledge.

Eating right, exercising, reading up on what to do, during your pregnancy, is not on everyone's forefront mind. My OB commented to me, as I was pregnant at age 45, that he wished his clients in their 20's and 30's would take care of their pregnancies half as well as what I was doing! Course, I had enjoyed early on Bradley Childbirth Method training, as well as Lamaze, and the various renditions of hospital's "prepared childbirth" methodologies. Of course, sueing/litigation/covering their behind type of thinking comes to mind, in the present day of birthing a child in a hospital environment.

What does this have to do with prenatal yoga? I'm just surprised that ladies aren't doing more for their pregnancies and their babies to be. Prenatal yoga lends itself easily to be a exercise method, to calm - destress the momma (which is good), help with the aches and pains of pregnancy, and also to be with other mom's to be, and network, be friends and such. Plus learn a lot of what you can do, to help you during your labor.

Just some observations.

Prenatal Yoga Use of Birth Balls in Pregnancy and Labor

2010-12-15T16:32:00.000-06:00

Prenatal Yoga use of Birth Balls in Pregnancy and during Labor.

Here are some excellent resources for you to have on hand and to practice while pregnant, and to use in easing your labor pains.

Birth Balls. Use of Physical Therapy Balls in Maternity Care by Paulina G. (Polly) Perez, R.N.

Great Expectations Pregnancy Program with FitBall by Lisa Westlake (1/2 price on VHS tapes right now), Mother of two, Physiotherapist and Australian Fitness Leader

Carolyne Anthony's Childbearing series - Using the ball during pregnancy DVD

Exercising during pregnancy with the "Gymnic-Plus" ball. (in Italian and English)

I used these resource to help supplement my prenatal yoga practice, and the prenatal yoga classes that I taught, during my fourth pregnancy in my late forties. Also used the yoga poses on the ball and otherwise during labor to help me through my induced contractions. It works!

Any Questions? Please post a comment!

One of the best things to progress your labor....your yoga breath and walk.

2010-12-14T14:42:00.000-06:00

One of the best things to progress your labor, is to get upright, and let gravity help.

Slow meditative walk, using the relaxed inhale and exhale breath, really helps. As a contraction comes along lean against your birth partner, wall, relax the abdominals, listen to your breath, allow your body to do the work that it needs to do to progress your labor. If you tighten up during labor contractions, you are fighting against your body, and your reserves of strength.

These ideals can be found in the Husband Coached Childbirth - The Bradley Method book, and Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way. A lot of the concepts in these books, and in the Bradley Childbirth classes are based on the relaxing breath work of yoga.

I had to be induced for various reasons, so once they found out I could tolerate the pitocin well, then the docs and nurses allowed me to walk 15 minutes, then monitor for 5, and repeat this process between my checks. Using the yoga breath, the meditation walking helped me progress really well and to tolerate the pitocin being upped also. It can be done.

Check out these books from your library, or through intra-library loan, or maybe from your local La Leche League library.

Prenatal Yoga DVD Review site

2010-09-03T15:51:00.000-05:00

I just found this website, where there are reviews and links to prenatal yoga dvds. I did a few reviews myself, and list my favorites on my blog and website, but this site has reviewed quite a bit more than I have.

Thought you might like to look at their site, to find some more recommended prenatal yoga DVDs.

Clink on over to:
http://pregnancyyogadvd.net/

Good book to have if you are pregnant and want to keep exercising!

2010-05-26T08:29:00.000-05:00

Exercising Through Your Pregnancy, by James Clapp, MD. This is a must have book if you exercise prior to pregnancy and want to keep up your efforts. A book to take to your OBGYN, cause some of those guys are still on the bandwagon of "don't let your heart rate go above 140!".

Here is the Amazon Link. http://www.amazon.com/Exercising-Through-Pregnancy-James-Clapp/dp/1886039593

Lots of good scientific evidence about continuing to exercise, and starting to exercise while pregnant.

(Plus don't forget about your prenatal yoga!)

Gaileee

Prenatal Yoga on the Ball with Sara Varona

2009-09-25T10:03:00.001-05:00

I loved doing prenatal yoga on the ball with my last pregnancy. Helps with those pregnancy aches and pains, and helps you to prepare your body for childbirth! (On the left hand side of this blog, you see me sitting on the resist-a-ball or birthball, doing hip circles to try to open up my pelvis even more, for an easier birth.)

RestoraFlow Yoga Creator, Sara Varona demonstrates in her later stages of pregnancy, prenatal yoga that can be done with the resist-a-ball, with one never having to get up off the floor. Sara is a very generous yoga teacher, in that she and Harlan Kilstein created a website Build Your Yoga Business, to help yoga instructors become financially independent in the teaching of yoga. So get out your resist-a-ball/fitball and try out these sets of prenatal instructions!

Sara Varona Introduction To Pre-Natal Yoga Videos Pre Natal Yoga Fitness

Prenatal Yoga Volume 1 on the Ball with Sara Varona

Prenatal Yoga Volume 2 on the Ball with Sara Varona

Prenatal Yoga Volume 3 on the Ball with Sara Varona

Prenatal Yoga Volume 4 on the Ball with Sara Varona

Prenatal Yoga in Mongolia

2009-07-24T18:35:00.004-05:00

I presented a Prenatal Yoga class in Avraikheer, Mongolia, while I was visiting Amber (who is in the Peace Corps) this summer.

Mongolians have this superstition about being on the floor in public, so they laid a blanket on the floor so that I could demonstrate Cat/Cow flow.

I then proceeded to demonstrate the rest of the poses standing, with the chair, or with the wall. Talk about a change of plans! Good thing I had come up with a alternate flow for doing prenatal yoga in chairs!

Now they want me to prepare a handout, so that they can take it at home and practice at home. Amber and I are working on that information, and it will be translated into Mongolian.

I had a midwife there also, and she was supplementing the things I was trying to say, for poses that you do during labor, with her expertise too. Great presentation!

Birth Buddies Blog - Prenatal Yoga Poses

2009-07-17T08:08:00.003-05:00

Great site that you need to look at:

Part One - Introduction to Pregnancy. http://birthbuddy.wordpress.com/2007/02/28/yoga-in-pregnancy-part-1-introduction/
Part Two- Simple Yoga Prenatal Postures. http://birthbuddy.wordpress.com/2007/03/08/yoga-in-pregnancy-part-2-simple-postures/
Part Three- More Advanced Prenatal Postures. http://birthbuddy.wordpress.com/2007/03/18/practising-yoga-during-pregnancy-part-3-more-advanced-postures/
PDF 33 Page Hand out. http://birthbuddy.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/pregnancy_poses.pdf

Enjoy the site! Updated 8/26/2009

Prenatal Yoga presentation....in....Mongolia...

2009-06-22T08:17:00.004-05:00

I'm scheduled to present a prenatal yoga class in Mongolia. Amber works for the local Chamber of Commerce through the Peace Corps, and her organization is having a two day workshop with prenatal health issues. I'll be one of the presenters for that workshop.

I'll have an interpreter, so I won't have to learn the language. This will be interesting to say the least. I pulled out my prenatal yoga lesson plans, and the documents about the benefits of prenatal yoga. Amber will have the benefits translated into Mongolian. I'm thinking a 45 minute class might last a bit longer, due to the translation part.

Now that you have had your baby...

2009-06-13T23:26:00.002-05:00

It is time to do baby yoga! My baby loved doing the little routines listed in the book, "Itsy Bitsy" Yoga.

I'd sing to her, "Pada Hasta, pada Hasta", for the pumping of the knees into the chest, to help her with her gas, and the "Corkscrew" movement, to help, again, the movement of the bowels. (Okay, sounds gross, I know, but if your baby has those issues, it is a nice way to help them out, plus they love it!)

Plus the "Kissy feet, kissy feet, toes to the nose"!

Curious? You can check out the book from the local library, or request it from IntraLibrary loan, or check out Helen's http://www.itsybitsyyoga.com/ website. Lots of good information there! Or find a local teacher

Yoga to help induce birth.

2009-05-21T17:20:00.004-05:00

I've had a couple of ladies ask me, "What type of yoga poses can I do, to help induce the birth of my baby"?

Hmmmm. Well, you know my training for prenatal yoga entailed poses to do while pregnant. Poses & breathing techniques to help you through your labor, and of course postnatal yoga.

For me, I had my massage therapists "massage" those areas, that they aren't suppose to, when one is pregnant. Nope...didn't work. (Actually had two different massage therapists work on me.) Even had a pedicure (good ole wife's tail).

So, sorry, I really don't know of any poses to help induce birth. Legalistically, one could probably get into trouble with that.

Webmaster note: Now, you can use prenatal yoga and childbirth techniques to help you avoid narcotics or epidurals. One really needs to be an active participant in the birth process, become informed and educated....beyond the hospital prepared childbirth information!!

Birth Ball use in prenatal yoga

2009-04-16T08:35:00.002-05:00

The birth ball (aka, resist-a-ball), helps you to lessen hip pain, when used on a regular basis in your pregnancy. Its fun too (always a plus)!

Help you to place your baby in an optimum positioning for giving birth. I think that is one of the reasons on my last birth, after I got to 10 cm, baby Grace came out in 5 pushes. My pelvis was so open. She was 8 lb 4 oz, and she had no weird shaping of her head. In fact one of the nurses made a comment that she looked like a c-section baby (a benefit of c-sections??? pretty head shapes?).

Go check out Sara Varona's prenatal yoga demonstrations with the birth ball. Your body and baby with thank you!

Sara is 9 months along, when demonstrating these postures. Listen real carefully, as she gives you modifications and suggestions for the different yoga poses.

Here is the link to the first Prenatal Yoga Birth Ball video.
Prenatal Yoga Video with the Ball I on the Buildyouryogabusiness.com site

Second Prenatal Yoga Birth Ball Video
Prenatal Yoga Video with the Ball II from the Buildyouryogabusiness.com site with Sara Varona

Third Prenatal Yoga Birth Ball Video
Prenatal Yoga Video with the Ball III Sara Varona from RestoraFlow Prenatal Yoga Video

and Last Fourth Prenatal Yoga Birth Ball Video
Prenatal Yoga Video with the Ball IV the last Prenatal RestoraFlow Yoga Video

How long can one teach yoga while pregnant?

2009-03-27T07:40:00.004-06:00

So a question came up on the YogaFit forum. How long can one teach yoga, while pregnant?

Well, I gave up two of my classes at 7 months, because where I taught was really cold, and I was always exhausted after teaching those two particular classes.

But I continued to teach my 3 other regular classes and the one prenatal yoga class that I was teaching too!

I soon gave up the YogaFit Strength and Sculpt class about a three weeks before my due date, but that was because we ended the class at the end of a month, so schedules could be reflected on the group exercise calendar. The other classes I taught up to a week of my due date.

I felt pretty good, and was on a strict carb diet at the time because of the gestational diabetes, in fact, the doctor wanted me to eat more (maybe because I was exercising more than he other pregnant ladies).

I think it all depends on the individual and their personal circumstance, but be sure to acknowledge that there might be some limitations at some point and time. Just Breathe!

Jennifer Wolfe's Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga Part II

2009-03-04T08:57:00.004-06:00

So, I did the 30 minute Vinyasa Short Form Prenatal Yoga practice from Jennifer Wolfe's Prenatal Yoga DVD.

Wow, even though it was only 30 minutes (and a separate 5 minute relaxation), you still got a good work out!

I like that there were modifications and variations in the poses for this practice (the 30 minute one) and the longer 45 minute practice. The first, second and third trimester modifications, well there weren't really any delay in waiting for the descriptions of the variations. It was a very streamlined process in giving out the different modifications.

I liked the wording for being certain you "feel good", because of where the baby is located, and going towards your minimum edge, but backing off, if it doesn't feel good.

Once again you could do this as a beginner, if you really listened to your body, and did the modifications, and weren't trying to compete with anyone. But if you wanted to take it up a step or two, lots of opportunities to do so.

Next, I'll be viewing the shortest version that Jennifer presents on her Prenatal Yoga DVD series. Stay tuned!!

p.s. Right now she is having a web sale on her Prenatal Yoga DVD's. Take a look at her site at: http://www.jenniferwolfeyoga.com/

Jennifer Wolfe's Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga - Short Forms.

2009-02-18T09:19:00.003-06:00

I'm currently reviewing Jennifer Wolfe's Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga - Short Forms.

If you are currently a power yoga, ashtanga, vinyasa yoga practicioner, then you are going to love this DVD. Even if you aren't a "power" person, and you want a *bit* more in your prenatal yoga practice, this is the DVD for you. I was looking for something just like this, when I was last pregnant (but since I'm a yoga teacher myself, I can dial it up a notch or two!)

More details in a later post (got to see the other two options....did the 45 minute version first!)

Gaileee, E-RYT

Prenatal yoga

2009-02-17T16:42:00.002-06:00

When I was pregnant with my first child, I miscarried when I was 4-5 months along. I vowed to myself that from that point and time, I'd find out all I could to try to have a birth that was beneficial for both baby and mom.

That led me down the path of Husband Coached Childbirth - The Bradley Childbirth Method. I did take lamaze and the hospital sponsored childbirth method at my local hospital. But, the Bradley Childbirth Method helped me to make informed decisions about using or not using drugs during the labor process, how to do different yoga poses to help with labor, and helped my husband to coach me during transition. This led me to have 4 hospital births with no pain medication and easy recovery.

It was tough for about an hour during each of the births. I was able to move around and walk. Even when I had to be induced. I walked 15 minutes, was checked for about 5 minutes, then sent my merry way in my walking or yoga labor poses (until transition time, and pushing the baby out time).

I encourage each of you to do lots of reading, research and talking to other moms to be, moms who have had babies recently, to find out what is best for you!
gaileee

Yoga Giveaway on my yogawithgaileee.blogspot.com site

2009-02-03T22:25:00.001-06:00

Yoga Giveaway on Gaileee's Blog. (Which means click on over "there" to make an entry!)

YogaFit kindly donated two music CD's for this yoga giveaway on my blog.

YogaFit Music for Power Yoga - Volume 1

YogaFit Music for Slow Flow - Volume 2
I'm donating the 2nd edition of Beth Shaw's latest book.
and a 50 card deck of cards of Rodney Yee's Yoga the poetry of the body.

Here are the ways that you can make a valid entry for these giveaway items.

Make a comment on this blog AND put your email address in the same comment. You can make your comment in a way that spammers won't pick it up. For example; yogawithgaileee (at) gmail [dot] com. Your comment won't show up immediately, as I approve comments made to this blog. You will need to be a U.S. Resident or Canada Resident.

Additional entries will be given as follows:

Subscribe to this blog (see side left hand widget). I can check feedburner to see if you've subscribed. Post a comment that you've subscribed (yeah, and include your email addy).
"Follow" this blog (see side left hand widget). Post a comment that you are "following" (and include your email addy).
Blog about the giveaway. Post a comment that you've blogged, with the web address, and put your email addy in there too!
Twitter about the giveaway. Put your "twitter" name in a comment, and your email addy.
Put a link on your website. Post a comment with your website name, and your email addy. This one is worth 2 extra entries.
If you belong to a forum, let people know about the giveaway, that is worth an entry. You have to list the forum, and your email addy! Just don't put it on the YogaFit Forum. (I'll post it on the YogaFit Forum.)
For 5 extra entries, put in one of your favorite yoga flow sequences. Yes, you can put in multiple sequences, just make a separate entry for each flow sequence. (You guessed it, put in your email addy in the comment.)

Deadline for entries are: February 14th, 2009. Only open to U.S. & Canada Residents.

Prenatal Yoga Vid's on YouTube by Sara Varona

2009-02-02T12:56:00.000-06:00

Sara Varona, Teacher of RestoraFlow Yoga style, has provided an excellent visual aide, of how to use the birthing ball, or resist-a-ball, in her latest YouTube videos.

On her site, Buildyouryogabusiness.com she has four videos, about 10 minutes in length, that shows various ways to use the birthing ball, and you never get up off of the floor. Which is a bonus sometimes, when you get late into your pregnancy.

Sara is 9 months along, when demonstrating these postures. Listen real carefully, as she gives you modifications and suggestions for the different yoga poses.

Here is the link to the first Prenatal Yoga Birth Ball video.
Prenatal Yoga Video with the Ball I on the Buildyouryogabusiness.com site

Second Prenatal Yoga Birth Ball Video
Prenatal Yoga Video with the Ball II from the Buildyouryogabusiness.com site with Sara Varona

Third Prenatal Yoga Birth Ball Video
Prenatal Yoga Video with the Ball III Sara Varona from RestoraFlow Prenatal Yoga Video

and Last Fourth Prenatal Yoga Birth Ball Video
Prenatal Yoga Video with the Ball IV the last Prenatal RestoraFlow Yoga Video

I wished that these videos were around when I was pregnant, because I was inventing things to do with the ball, based on some books that I had, and other exercise maternity programs. I do have favorite videos on prenatal yoga, but none that used the birth ball, and these videos have enough modifications for beginners, and advanced sections for those of us, who can handle a bit more. But as always, listen to your body, become aware of your breath...if it is somewhat ragged, that is your number one clue, that you are doing to much!

Enjoy these videos, and if you have comments, come back here, and we will discuss them!

gaileee, momma of four children through Bradley ChildBirth Methods and Prenatal Yoga

Cute Prenatal Yoga clothes you can make

2009-02-02T12:55:00.003-06:00

Aren't these cute? Ottobre Woman's Magazine February 2008 issue has all of these patterns in the magazine (and some other maternity clothing in the same magazine), so that you can continue your yoga practice in style while you wait those 9 months for your bundle of joy! I might make these, even though I'm not pregnant, as I like the color blocking!

Enjoy your prenatal yoga practice.

Gestational Diabetes - Prenatal Yoga - Walking.

2008-12-06T21:57:00.000-06:00

Did I mention that tested positive for Gestational Diabetes at 28 weeks?

Hoo Boy! I had earlier in my pregnancy went to the diabetes nutritionist, so I had an idea
about the small meals all days long, count the carbs, etc.

But, now it was serious! No way did I want the doc to have an excuse to do a C-Section.

My fingers sure did get sore for those last weeks in pregnancy. I tested when I got up.
I tested after breakfast, I tested after snack, I tested after lunch, I tested after snack, I tested after dinner/supper, and yes, I tested after my last snack. I did really well actually, in writing everything (yes, everything) down that I ate, the carb count etc. Whenever my blood sugars got above 160, I had to go and walk for 20 minutes, retest, and if they didn't go down, call the doctor.

Well, let me tell you, that 20 minutes of being either outside walking around in my backyard/neighboorhood or on the treadmill really did the trick.

I taught yoga4 times a week by then, too, and I'd go in on my days that I didn't teach, and get on the recumbent bike, and then go the mats, and do more yoga stretching. I really felt strong and in control of what was going on.

Doctor said, he wished his younger patients, would get serious and take care of their health like I did at the "Advance Maternal Age" of 46!

Course he said that I had 1/3 chance of getting diabetes later in life, since I had it while pregnant, so I needed to be retested within 6 weeks, and then on a regular basis after that.

So, little Grace turned out to be the smallest baby, that I had ever had. Only 8 lbs 4 ozs. After I got to 10 cm, she was the quickest to come out.....4 pushes! The birth ball, the breathing, the redirection of sense through Yoga and Bradley Childbirth techniques really works.....even though I had to be induced....no pain meds....quick recovery too....

gaileee

Common Questions Asked About Yoga and Pregnancy

2008-11-26T14:02:00.000-06:00

I keep tabs of what types of questions/statements are asked, in order to find this particular website. In looking at the keywords, I'm thinking, these would be good to answer (to the best of my ability...being a 4 time natural child birthed mom, and prenatal yoga instructor, and Bradley Childbirth participant) these questions. So here we go...

Yoga Postures for Labor. Many, Many postures!

Modified Child's Pose - Using either the birth ball to rest your head/arms upon, or the seat of a chair. What is cool about the birth ball, is that you can rock back and forth, using a rhythm, which can help you get into a zone of good slow breathing, maybe humming at the same time, and allowing your uterus relax and do the work of the labor process. This same posture can be done somewhat in the birthing pool/tub, but you have to have the ability to rest your head/arms on a ledge, where your tummy won't be hitting up against something.
Cat/Cow - Gentle flexing of the spine, done with a rhythm, inhaling and exhaling from one part of the posture to the next.
Seated circles on the birth ball....great for opening up the pelvis, making the second stage of labor quicker!
Meditative Walking - During the first stages of labor, walking with a rhythm, pausing during a labor surge (contraction), and concentrating on the long slow inhale and exhale. Focusing the mind on the steps, on the breath, possibly humming under the breath. It is thought that if one can use all of these things at the same time, the neuro pathways are so busy, that when a contraction occurs, there are so many things happening with the body, that the intensity of the contraction is perceived to be a lot less, thus allow you to proceed through your labor with little or no pain medications....you feel and believe that the contractions are manageable.
Active relaxation - using progressive relaxation techniques - whether it is yoga based, or based off of the Bradley Childbirth Method (which in my opinion are the same technique), allowing your body to relax and do the work to progress the baby out of the birth canal, while refocusing all of your attention to your breath work (none of the Lamaze breathing, that you often think of, when you see births on TV (Ha Ha, He He)). To repeat, maybe circular movements with your birth coach either on the small of the back, or the tummy, maybe you circling your finger and thumb, humming, softly singing, again, getting a lot of things going on to distract you from the labor surges.

Whole Mothering Center in Beaumont Texas!

2008-11-20T09:27:00.000-06:00

I've had interaction with some of the ladies in this article through the Beaumont La Leche League. (Not used a doula myself, unless you count my husband toward that effort!) Always had good advise for me with regards to breastfeeding and such. This should be a good service to this area. Read on! Gaileee

Businesses provide support during pregnancies
By HEATHER NOLAN
November, 17, 2008

Nine months into her pregnancy, Amber Barron was looking for outside support to make the birth of her first child as easy as possible.

She stumbled across the Whole Mothering Center - a Beaumont-based business that provides emotional and educational support for expecting mothers and new parents.

Beaumont residents Heather Thomas and Amy Jones - both trained doulas, or professional birth assistants - founded the organization in October 2007 in an effort to educate Southeast Texas women about natural childbirth and to support mothers.

"They were a tremendous help and provided emotional support," said Barron, 25. "I don't think anyone should give birth without a doula."

Thomas, 31, and Jones, 33, met about five years ago through the La Leche League of Beaumont, an international breast-feeding support group. Thomas is one of the local leaders. They also belong to each other's playgroups.

Both Jones, a mother of three with child No. 4 due in a few weeks, and Thomas, a mother of two, received doula training through the Doulas of North America.

A doula, according to the group is "a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth, or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period." The word "doula" is an ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves."

The two preach "informed consent" and most of their job as doulas is to educate moms on the different birthing options available and to answer whatever questions clients may have about childbirth.

They do not, however, perform medical procedures, tell moms how they should raise their children or give moms advice while they're in labor.

"Our goal is to preserve a memory of her experience, to help her process it in a way that she's satisfied with whatever the outcome is." Jones said.

They encounter a number of people who have misconceptions about childbirth, and Thomas said a lot of that comes from watching television shows, like "A Baby Story" on TLC.

"It's a TV show designed to be entertaining, it's not a documentary to see what life's really like," Thomas said. "A birth is not an exciting thing. You're waiting around a lot. If they showed more natural births on TV it wouldn't be as exciting and not a lot of people would watch it."

When an expecting mother contacts Jones and Thomas, they schedule a meeting. The client eventually chooses one of them as her primary doula, and that doula and the client continue to meet, and map out a birth plan.

The doula stays with the mother during birth, and stays around for a few hours after to make sure breast feeding goes well.

Barron said the Whole Mothering Center was a great resource when it came to breast feeding, and her doula even made a few extra trips out to her house after her son was born to make sure everything was going OK.

The Whole Mothering Center also offers postpartum services, which include light housekeeping, light cooking, sibling care and crowd control.

"Sometimes, mother-in-law comes over and she wants to hold the baby so you can get something done," Jones said. "Well, that's not what we need. We need you to come and get something done so we can take care of baby."

The two will leave notes on clients' doors with a list of chores that need to be taken care of so when visitors arrive, it's easier for a new mom to ask for help. That list could include tasks like washing a load of laundry, emptying the litter box, or bathing the big sister.

The note, Thomas said, relieves pressure from mom who may be uneasy about asking for help, and usually makes people laugh.

"I can walk into a mom's house, and she's on the verge of tears, and know the thing that's setting her off is the blanket in the middle of the floor that she can't go pick up," Thomas said. "Basically we're there to advocate for mothers and support whatever they're looking for in their (childbirth) experience. We're here to help mom in whatever capacity she needs help."

---------

If you go:

What: Whole Mothering Center Cafe©

Where: Logon Cafe©, 3805 Calder

When: second Thursday of every month, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

How much: free for Whole Mothering Center members, $5 for nonmembers

Contact: (409) 466-1198

Article from Health Choices: Advantages of Yoga for Pregnancy....

2008-11-14T10:37:00.000-06:00

Are There Advantages In Yoga For Pregnant Women
Thursday, November 13, 2008 8:36

Fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, tenderness, swelling, cravings, constipation, cramps, headaches. Pregnancy can really get you down. However, many women are turning to yoga for the duration of their pregnancies to alleviate many of the unfortunate symptoms, for keeping excess weight off during those trying months and to provide their babies with the healthiest possible start.

Pregnant women practice yoga for physical benefits. For instance, yoga practice can teach techniques that will be helpful during labor, such as breathing and relieving tension around the cervix and birth canal. Additionally, prenatal physicians recommend combining a light cardiovascular exercise (like walking) with a relaxing, muscle-toning exercise (like yoga) to maintain your physique, in spite of the intense cravings and normal weight gain associated with pregnancy.

Other pregnant women practice yoga for mental benefits. For one, it can be a great support to meet other women going through the same thing you are. Also, there is much emphasis on focusing on the moment and deriving happiness from each and every day, which can be vital when your hormones are out of whack. Yoga has been known to stimulate beta-endorphins, which also brings comfort and a sense of relief.

Yoga for pregnancy improves circulation, leg strength and increases energy. Sitting and standing positions are the most recommended, with pressure put on the shoulders and back, rather than the abdomen.

Yoga videos can be previewed at YouTube.com — or you can read user reviews on Amazon.com as well. There are many options featuring yoga for pregnant women, so it’s all a matter of your personal preference regarding setting, instructor, technique and comfort. Some focus more on emotional benefits, whereas others are designed to help strengthen muscles. You may also want to look into communal yoga classes at Yoga.com. Either way, this is a special time to bond with your baby — don’t pass this up!

It may surprise you to learn that Yoga dates back to 3300-1700 B.C.E. and has long been a practice of Buddhists, Hindus and other Eastern religions. But what should not be surprising the tremendous benefits that this form of exercise and meditation can bring to your life. Working professionals, students, home-makers and the retired alike are finding how wonderful they feel after participating. The sense of calm that prevails as well as the satisfaction of muscles well worked all make Yoga the perfect blend of philosophy, religion and exercise. Even if you do not practice the spiritual aspects of this ancient practice, you can still benefit.

Original article can be found at: http://broadcastarchives.net/health-blog/?p=146

Yoga Giveaway on my Yogawithgaileee blog...

2008-10-27T21:36:00.001-06:00

Click on over here for an opportunity two win one or the other yoga giveaway....

http://yogawithgaileee.blogspot.com/2008/10/yoga-giveaway-yoga-deck-cards-or.html

Deadline, Nov. 1st, 9 a.m. Saturday, Central Time.

Prenatal Yoga may benefit baby, too....

2008-10-26T11:50:00.001-06:00

From: Fitpregnancy dot com Magazine - Oct/Nov 2005 issue stated that:

Women who practice yoga during pregnancy may have a lower risk of preterm labor, according to research in Bangalore, India. This preliminary study of 335 women compared expectant moms who did yoga for an hour per day with a similar group who walked 30 minutes twice per day. The yoga moms also had a lower risk of high blood pressure, and their babies, on average, had a healthier birth weight. Researchers speculate that yoga's benefits could come from increased blood flow to the placenta and lower levels of maternal stress hormones. - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

How did I go down this path???

2008-10-15T09:11:00.000-05:00

Just a bit of history about me. When I was in my early 20's I got pregnant. Went to a new doctor (mine didn't do deliveries), and just rocked along in the pregnancy. For my first pregnancy, I miscarried at 13 weeks. I was so scared and in pain and didn't really know what was going on. My doctor couldn't be found, and through my miscarriage, found a new doctor.

I vowed to myself, that I would from then on, be a consumer advocate of my health. So I researched, bought books, talked to people, traveled two hours each way to go to a Bradley Childbirth instructor, then found more information to consume. I also did Lamaze, but decided that Bradley was the route for me, since that would be the best for the baby and I.

Wrote up a birth plan, Doctor was okay with it, stayed at home as long as I could. Basically ended up at the hospital about 2 hours before the birth.

All four children have been no drugs, natural childbirths. I had to fight a battle with number 3. They wanted me to sign that I refused an epidural (new town, new doc, backwards types of thinking). Even though #3 was sunny side up (lots of back labor....hubbies hands in counterpushing on the back, will never be the same!), one can manage the labor contractions, with the yoga and Bradley techniques.

#4, was 21 years after #1. Older mom (advanced maternal age-ha!). Had to be induced. Still could do the yoga and breathing and walking meditation to manage the labor contractions. I walked 15 minutes, then monitored for 5 minutes. They kept upping my pitocin gradually, let me eat popsicles and such, potty breaks....I thought I could manage the pitocin, if I was allowed to walk, and to sit on the birth ball. Again, no drugs, natural childbirth. Had a student nurse cry, because she had never seen a natural childbirth before. (What does that say about our medical system?) #4 came out after I was 10 cm, in 4 pushes. I had read an article about a different way to push, and tried to use that technique (still researching and reading), maybe it was that or that my pelvis was so open from the birth ball yoga techniques. I don't know. My doctor said that he wished that his clients in their 20's and 30's took good care of themselves as I did. (Even though I had gestational diabetes....wrote down everything I ate, and exercised 20 minutes any time my sugars got to high.)

So, yes, Yoga does lesson labor pain, does allow you to manage without pain relievers, allows for you and your baby to recover quickly!

What do you think you can do, to help you through a childbirth with what is best for you and your baby?

Gail

The use of "Birth Balls" during pregnancy

2008-10-04T16:44:00.000-05:00

Here are two more videos/dvds that were helpful for me during my pregnancy, and I used some of the things on these dvd's in the prenatal yoga classes that I taught.

"Great Expectations Pregnancy Program" - using the Fitball (Resist-a-ball) to provide low impact alternatives and to facilitate muscle strengthening of the lower back, deep abdominals and pelvic floor." Keeping fit during pregnancy and early motherhood. By Australian Lisa Westlake. Video/DVD. Can also be found on the Gymnic website.

"Carolyne Anthony's Childbearingseries - 1. using the ball during pregnancy. Simple and beneficial poses that will help you through your pregnancy and delivery. These poses will help strengthen and stretch your body in preparation for the birth. They may also be done postpartum. Video/DVD. Pre- and Post-Natal Center for Women’s Fitness

Here are some booklets: Exercising during pregnancy with the "Gymnic-Plus" ball. Can be found also on the Gymnic website.

Additionally, "Birth Balls - Use of the Physical Therapy Balls in Maternity Care" - by Paulina G. Polly Perez, R.N. Found at Cutting Edge Press. Article was done in epregnancy about birthballs back in 2004.

My list of recommended books for Pregnancy.

2008-09-23T11:21:00.001-05:00

Here is my list of recommended books for pregnancy. This list is geared toward natural childbirth without pain killer medications. After I miscarried my first pregnancy, I vowed to myself to be an informed consumer of the birthing process. So I investigated the best way (for me) for my pregnancy, birthing/labor process, and recovery & recuperation. My method may not align with your values.

Hospital birth, no pain medication, fast recovery and breastfeeding (all four births)!

"Birthing from Within" by Pam England *****

"Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer *****

"Exercising throughout your Pregnancy" James Clapp, M.D. *****

"Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg *****

"Exercises for True Natural Childbirth" by Rhondda Evans Hartman, R.N. *****

"Stretching and Pregnancy" by Kit Laughlin ****

"Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan" by Bonnie Berk ***

"Yoga for Pregnancy" by Sandra Jordan (spiral bound) *****

"Yoga for pregnancy - birth and beyond" by Francoise Barbira Freedman ****

"Fit to Deliver" Karen Nordahl, MD ***

"Step by Step Yoga for Pregnancy" Wendy Teasdill ****

and now for the kiddo....

"Baby Om" Yoga for Mothers and Babies by Laura Staton & Sarah Perron *****

"Yoga Mom, Budda Baby - the yoga workout for new moms" Jyothi Larson *****

"Isty Bitsy Yoga - Poses for help your baby, sleep longer, digest better and grow stronger" Helen Garabedian *****

"Loving Hands - The traditional Indian Art of Baby Massage" by Frederick Leboyer *****

"Infant Massage - a handbook for loving parents" Vimala Schneider ***

5 stars - got to have, less than 5 stars, not necessary, but good to have...check out through intra-library loan...In fact that is my recommendation on all of these books, check out through your intra library loan, as some of these are old vintage books, but excellent information. Try before buy?

Hope that helps. I also have individual magazine articles, that I can send you, if you send me your address through personal email.

"Breathe!"

Use of the Resist-a-Ball for Prenatal Yoga Ladies

2008-09-11T18:25:00.000-05:00

I love the use of the Resist-a-ball (or birth ball) for ladies taking prenatal yoga!
For me, it helped with the aches and pains, that generally were going on with my hips.

Seated Alphabet. As you sit on the ball, with your yoga mat underneath, write your name in cursive with your (ahem) behind. Keep your hands on the side of the ball for security. Don't forget to dot your i's and cross your t's. A bit of fun, in getting used to being on the ball. A chair can be beside you for further securty.
Hip Circles. Move in a circular motion, like you were doing the hula hoop (only, no hula hoop), behind making small circles on the ball, or tracing the letter "O" with your behind. Don't forget to do the other direction. Can help with the aches associated with the hips starting to open up, for preparation for delivery. I really think these hip circles helped me open up my pelvis, to where when I was in the final stage of labor (at 10 cm, 100% effaced), I only had to push 4 times to get baby Grace out! Wow, previous labors, it took a while....
Pelvic Tilts. Again, another method in easing back/hip pain issues. Curve your spine like a letter C, then do the opposite direction. Hands on the side of the ball. Another hip Opener.

Lots of other things to do with the Resist-a-ball. More on that later!

Nursing Bras....

2008-08-13T08:21:00.000-05:00

So I bought a couple of nursing bras. Some from Motherhood Maternity, a couple from Walmart. But the ones I liked the best were the ones I made myself!

Over at Jan Andrea website, she has a tutorial on converting your favorite bra into a nursing bra. I just so happen to really like my Victoria Secret IPEX bra, so that is what I did. Cut the straps, added the bra hooks (as shown to the left - found these at JoAnn's), followed her tutorial and had a great nursing bra.

Those IPEX bras are really expensive, and I've always taken good care of my bras. So after 29 months of nursing, I converted my nursing bras back to regular bras. Took my seam ripper out, and took the bra hooks out (save them, might use them for bra hooks for swimsuits!). And now have my regular bra back.

Here is Andrea's link to the tutotial....Enjoy!

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/braconvert.html

Prenatal Yoga article from the News-Leader Newspaper, Springfield ,Missouri

2008-06-11T18:12:00.000-05:00

Yoga benefits pregnant women

This week's expert: Ginny Ross is a prenatal yoga teacher at Success Naturally in Springfield, and is a registered nurse and a doula (birth coach).
Advertisement

Q. Can pregnant women practice yoga?

A. Absolutely. It is highly recommended for pregnant women.

Labor and delivery nurses have told us that they can tell when women have done yoga because those women have good breath and body awareness.

Women who do yoga also tend to be calmer during birth and they push better because they are more aware of their bodies.

Q. In what ways can prenatal yoga be beneficial to pregnant women before, during and after birth?

A. Prenatal yoga:

Calms both the body and mind.

Strengthens the pelvic floor, which helps women push better during labor and helps their bodies return to normal after pregnancy.

Increases body awareness.

Helps women overcome negative feelings such as fear, worry and anxiety, which can slow down the labor process.

Helps to relieve sinus conditions, which are common during pregnancy.

Strengthens the nervous system.

Can minimize and/or eliminate headaches and insomnia, which are common during pregnancy.

Can help keep blood pressure at normal levels, which is particularly important during pregnancy.

Makes women feel peaceful and serene.

Q. How does prenatal yoga differ from regular yoga? Are there certain poses or types of poses that pregnant women should not do?

A. In general, prenatal yoga is a gentler practice than regular yoga. It focuses on poses that strengthen the parts of women's bodies that are under strain during pregnancy, such as the lower back, or that will be under strain during labor, such as the pelvic floor. It also focuses more on relaxing or restorative poses.

It is important not to overextend your joints during pregnancy because the same hormones that prepare your body for delivery can make your knee, ankle and lumbar joints less stable. Therefore, it is important that yoga instructors help pregnant women with proper alignment and that pregnant women not push themselves too hard while in a pose.

It is also important for pregnant women to avoid poses in which they lie on their back. Instead, when they feel fatigued during pregnancy (which is normal), women should use side-lying restorative poses. Certain back poses are fine, however, provided that pillows and other props are used to maintain the body in a reclining position rather than a flat position. These reclining poses are also recommended for nausea and indigestion.

Q. Have you witnessed any women directly benefiting from doing prenatal yoga?

A. As a doula, I see amazing differences with women who use yoga. The main differences are how they breathe and how they are aware of their bodies. They respond to the need to change positions during labor.

Prenatal Yoga study: less pain and shorten labor, easier recovery.

2008-06-10T16:55:00.000-05:00

Yoga during pregnancy: effects on maternal comfort, labor pain and birth outcomes.
Chuntharapat S, Petpichetchian W, Hatthakit U.

Department of Obstetric Gynecological Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand. songporn.c@psu.ac.th

This study examined the effects of a yoga program during pregnancy, on maternal comfort, labor pain, and birth outcomes. A randomized trial was conducted using 74-primigravid Thai women who were equally divided into two groups (experimental and control). The yoga program involved six, 1-hour sessions at prescribed weeks of gestation.

A variety of instruments were used to assess maternal comfort, labor pain and birth outcomes. The experimental group was found to have higher levels of maternal comfort during labor and 2 hours post-labor, and experienced less subject evaluated labor pain than the control group. In each group, pain increased and maternal comfort decreased as labor progressed. No differences were found, between the groups, regarding pethidine usage, labor augmentation or newborn Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min. The experimental group was found to have a shorter duration of the first stage of labor, as well as the total time of labor.

Published 8 April 2008 in Complement Ther Clin Pract, 14(2): 105-15.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

Link for reference Prenatal Yoga study

Photos of my fourth child - Grace

2008-06-08T14:56:00.001-05:00

Other benefits of a prenatal yoga class!

2008-06-07T07:18:00.000-05:00

When I was pregnant with my fourth child, I actually taught the prenatal yoga class in my local town. It was nice being able to share my knowledge with other moms, whether they were first timers, or old pros like myself.

There was this camaradery with the other moms, as we could share what stages we were in, in our pregnancy, our pregnancy woes, advise for this and that. An instant connection! For first time moms, it helped them know what was coming up, on their upcoming doctor visits, and things to be sure to ask the OB on those visits.

Some of the things that I shared with the ladies, was the names of several good prenatal massage therapists, the names of the breast feeding la leche league and lactation consultants. Of course the experience that I and others had gone through prior to this pregnancy too (my fourth).

gail

Prenatal yoga proven benefits....

2008-01-21T16:42:00.000-06:00

Research has proven that yoga can:

Relieve back pain

Induce relaxation and relieve stress

Increase stamina

Produce healthier babies and mothers

By working on breath control exercises, mothers are better able to use their breath to relax during labor.