Brahmacharya – Restraint or Self Control: Traditionally Brahmacharya is defined as chastity or sexual restraint. Although that may be applicable during certain aspects of pregnancy, such as the first six weeks postpartum, it is not practical, realistic or helpful to your relationship to take Brahmacharya to its strict definition. So, for our purposes, we’ll use […]
Integrating Yoga and Lamaze: How the Ethical Practice of the Yamas and Niyamas Relate to Pregnancy and Childbirth. Part 2 – Satya
Satya – Truthfulness “Honesty is the best policy.” We teach our children not to lie, but as adults we do it all the time. “Oh yeah, I’m OK…” “Of course I have time to help with that.” “No, no. It’s not your fault, really.” Sometimes we lie to protect others. Sometimes we lie to protect […]
The 4 “P’s” of Birth – The Need to Sync your Body, your Baby and Your Mind
When most of us hear about birth it’s in the singular, “When I was in labor…” or “The baby just didn’t budge.” or “They told me my pelvis was just too small.” or “I felt really strong and proud of giving birth naturally.” All of these things describe just one component of labor and birth. […]
Prenatal (and Postnatal) DVD’s and Books
Please Note: These are in no particular order. I do own all of these myself, so I’ve read / watched them and can recommend them. A word of caution – You can read too much and become overwhelmed. Pick 2-3 of the pregnancy books, 1 breastfeeding book, and 1-3 Yoga DVDs. Any more and you’ll […]
Decision making tool – BRAINS!
I love these acronyms. They are great decision making tools for your labor and birth, as well as your prenatal tests and procedures! BRAINED Trying to make a decision? Get BRAINED! Ask yourself, and your caregivers, these questions: Benefits – How could the recommended course of action help me or my baby? Risks – How […]