Prenatal Partner Yoga Workshop with Britt Fohrman
“Yoga is an excellent way to prepare the mind, body and spirit for the many transitions of pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. In this workshop, you will learn techniques for breath awareness, partner poses and massage, which can help strengthen and relax your body, and sooth your mind during the birth process.
Additionally, these approaches will give you the opportunity to connect more deeply to yourself, your partner and your baby. We will also explore visualization and relaxation techniques that can further assist you during childbirth.
Please eat a light meal one hour before class, and bring a snack.
This workshop is limited to 20 couples; pre-registration is recommended. Pre-register online or by calling the Valencia studio at 647-9707.
COST: $70/couple
Britt creates a healing, loving, and supportive environment for pregnant and birthing women, as well as and new mammas, in her work as a pre and post natal yoga teacher, bodyworker, photographer, and birth doula. Britt’s Prenatal yoga classes draw on a variety of practices including alignment-based yoga, mindfulness meditation, fluid movement, HypnoBirthing, and breath awareness. These practices help mammas connect with their babies as well their own inner beauty, wisdom and strength. From her experience, Britt knows that the practice of yoga is one of the most effective ways that a woman can prepare to bring her baby into the world in a peaceful, conscious, and loving way.
Britt was certified to teach Prenatal Yoga by Colette Crawford, RN, the top specialist in yoga for pregnancy, birth and postpartum, and has also traveled to India to study with the Iyengars. She continues her studies with Judith Lasater and a variety of other teachers, but finds that her most profound education comes from witnessing true yoga in action… women giving birth.
Receive more information about Britt and her practice at www.brittfohrman.com.”
Books for New Parents
Cindy‘s history as a preschool teacher and relationships with her teaching-colleagues serve us well. Recently she spoke with three local teachers who have recently birthed about their parenting book recommendations, and we are happy to share the list with you:
- Davis, Laura: Becoming the Parent You Want to Be
- DeClaire, Joan : How to Raise an Emotionally Intelligent Child
- Kohn, Alfie: Unconditional Parenting
- Sears, William and Martha :The Baby Book
- Siegel, Daniel : Parenting from the Inside Out
- Small, Meredith F : Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent
- Stiffelman, Susan : Parenting Without Power Struggles
Melissa, who has two young children adds: “My favorite overall “parenting” book is: Everyday Blessings-The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn. (Elizabeth may have something to say about this book down the road as she’s currently borrowing it from Melissa). It won’t tell you how to get your kid to sleep or eat or behave but it’s inspiring and beautifully written. I also like Harvey Karp but he’s way into swaddling..so wherever your opinion lies may sway you one way or another. For sleep issues with babies I personally liked Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby. I did also use no cry sleep solution.”
A recent client of Gwen‘ s mentioned in a prenatal visit at 39 weeks that she had switched from reading about labor/birth to focusing on newborn and parenting books. Let us know if this idea, or any of these books sounds especially exciting, or if there are other books you love!
Meal Baby
When a baby is on the way, leaning on your community can ease the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. One of the best ways to mobilize friends and family in the postpartum period is through a meal calendar, such as Meal Baby.
During the days and weeks when new parents are first settling in and getting to know their new babies, having guests may feel daunting. As opposed to entertaining, try requesting that visitors drop off a pot of stew and put in a load of laundry or fold some clothes and bring you a casserole. With websites such as the one linked above, friends and family can sign up for particular meals and times so that mama, baby and partner have plenty of space and time to bond and be well-nourished!
Welcome Melissa Berg to (Re)birthing Collective!
Melissa with her kids at the pumpkin patch
Over the years (Re)birthing Collective has had a rotating cast of doulas.
This summer Audrey Muto headed to New Haven to study at Yale and we miss her dearly. A few years down the road we look forward to having her back in the Bay Area as a nurse midwife! These days the collective consists of two doulas in San Francisco and two in the North Bay, a lovely balance for serving Bay Area families.
Our newest member is an acupuncturist, bodyworker, mother of two, placenta encapsulator and all around doula extraordinaire, Melissa Berg. You can visit her new bio page here. Welcome, Melissa!
Mayan Abdominal Massage
by Cindy Whitman-Bradley
This past week I had the privilege of attending a presentation by Abigail Reagan on Mayan Abdominal Massage. This technique is an “external, non-invasive manipulation that repositions internal organs.”
How does this relate to birth? Abigail explained that the uterus is held in place by ligaments that can get stretched and tightened from improper body mechanics. Abdominal massage can help to strengthen and reposition these ligaments for optimal alignment. In creating a stronger core, birthing is then more efficient and easier.
Abigail has learned this technique from Dr. Rosita Arvigo. The therapy incorporates massage, anatomy and physiology, herbology, nutrition, and emotional and spiritual healing.
To me, what is so powerful is being part of the movement of women who are re-learning much of the wisdom that previously was handed down from generation to generation. The richness of this body of knowledge is vast and diverse. It is part of the journey of women taking back their bodies and their power.
To learn more you can go to : Abigail Reagan’s site, orthe site for Dr. Rosita Arvigo
Now Offering Postpartum Doula Services!
Postpartum Doula Services:
Cindy and Elizabeth are available for postpartum doula support, providing emotional, physical, and informational support for your family after the birth of your baby. Services include help with new baby, lactation education/support within our scope, help with healing/discomforts, meal preparation, resources and referrals, help with older children, and light housekeeping.
Contact us for information on scheduling and rates.
