Sunday, November 16, 2014
Through teaching pre-natal yoga I have met countless mothers who struggle with the memories of their first birth. The emotions that stem from their experiences are deeply embedded. I wasn't surprised when so many of you commented or emailed me with the same question: "How do I journey towards my second birth if my first was such a traumatic/painful/scary experience?"
Labels: birth , natural birth , QA , yoga for pregnancy
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
In her inspiring words:
"...When I went to the Coorong, Murray River, for my first visit I knew I wanted to sit in the dirt with the Aunties and weave. Weaving is a girl's right of passage into womanhood - once you learn to weave you are ready to fall pregnant. I got to weave only a few stitches but within less than a month I was pregnant with Estelle.
The first time she touched the earth was on this mat. Made by one of the master weavers from our tribe - Ngarrindjeri - down south. Her feet were dusted with earth from where our dream story began. The flower on her back was made by my mother from Pelican feathers. The women originally made them to sell to the "tourists" (treasures made by the exotic other) - it was the only item they had to trade which ensured they could stay "in country" and not be removed in the assimilation policy.
After making placenta prints (tree of life) my placenta was encapsulated. The umbilical cord we dried in a spiral (the spiral is the symbol for women) and wrapped it in a placenta print with a copy of my story "Returning to Country". I then bound it with paperbark and twine and buried it in country. The women from my culture have buried their babies' placentas and umbilical cords for years.
I felt a strong connection to the land when I visited my ancestral country for the first time. I also felt deeply saddened by the fact that I had grown up detached from my heritage. In a way I felt lost from my soul's song. I wanted Estelle to be born into that connection and know what it is to be connected to her people and the land. I want her to know belonging and not to have to spend a good part of her life, like I did, in search of it.
I felt privileged that my Aunties and cousins embraced my choice to do this for Estelle. It was a powerful move to realign my life with my culture." - Natalia
Photo by Jane
Labels: birth , friends , natural birth , water baby
Friday, June 08, 2012
The three students who admitted out loud, without any hesitation, that they were doubtful, are all preparing for a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC).
Labels: caesarean birth , natural birth , pregnancy , QA , yoga for pregnancy
Thursday, May 10, 2012
But, if my inbox is any indication, it seems that quite a few of you are patiently waiting. Thanks for the nudge, because I'm now organised enough to share what I know about prenatal yoga and birth preparation.
In the next few days I'll be publishing a post on Preparing for a VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarian. If you are one of the thousands of women considering this birth option I encourage you to research, prepare and surround yourself with encouraging and loving support.
For those of you wanting to know more about conscious conception.....that's next on the list.
Please remember that I am not a midwife, medical practitioner or birth educator. I'm a yoga teacher, mother and journalist. My stories are informed by my own experience, research and the blessing that has been the meeting, teaching and learning from my pre-natal students.
Q & A - Making Peace With Birth
Labels: birth and beyond , natural birth , pregnancy , QA , yoga for pregnancy
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Labels: i like taking photos , natural birth , pregnancy , yoga for pregnancy
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A few weeks ago I wondered if you had any questions for me about yoga for pregnancy, birth and beyond. It turns out that you do. I have decided to write a series of posts to 'answer' you and some will be accompanied by interviews with a few of my past students. Topics will include:
- "Conscious Conception"
- "Preparing for a VBAC"
- "Letting go of Fear"
- "Preparing for a Homebirth"
- "Surrender"
- "Making Space and Being Calm"
- "Preparing for a Caesarian Birth"
Labels: birth and beyond , natural birth , pregnancy , QA , yoga for pregnancy
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Yoga is so much more than an asana (posture) practice. I learned this in its fullness when I was a new Muma. My yoga was the way I went about my day with my baby. It wasn't stretching into downward dog or attending a class every week. My sadhana (spiritual practice) occurred every day - in my home. Perhaps it was the way I cooked the evening meal, or the thoughts I had when I walked with Che. Perhaps it was the (((((oms))))) I chanted when he was unsettled or the mental relaxation I practiced while he fed. My yoga, right now, is my mothering and it is this very concept that Katie Manitsas addresses in her new book The Yoga Of Birth.
UPDATE: The winner, using the Random Number Generator is Bridget. However, I feel like my copy needs to be passed on to someone that needs to read its wisdom, someone that needs to be comforted by its message. And so I hope that Yasmin will receive it with gratitude and be inspired x
Labels: giveaway , natural birth , pregnancy , yoga
Sunday, August 28, 2011
the growing and birthing of Poet Winter
Labels: being a big brother , danielgrey.com , family , natural birth , poet , pregnancy
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Born in the water. Oh so happy in water. And look at those eyes. Yep, they're big and beautiful and I could gaze into them for hours. I do gaze into them for hours. Precious little Poet. 5 weeks today.
Labels: natural birth , poet , water baby
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Before Poet arrived I was well aware of how I wanted to spend the first few weeks of her life. It was my priority to have a 'babymoon' - a restful period where I could recover from the birth, connect with my newborn and take good care of my self. As of today I am yet to venture past the letterbox. As a result I feel wonderful. It's liberating to give yourself permission to just 'be'. Truth be told, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way.
- Ready-made meals. "We don't need gifts, but we would love food," I said to family and friends. In the first few weeks, a warm, hearty meal is absolutely priceless. I informed those that were willing to cook for us that we desired comfort food that didn't have too much garlic or onions (creates too much wind for baby) and definitely no sage (sage is the herb you eat/drink when you want your breast-milk to dry up - if you want to produce more milk you should consider fennel and dill). We've been blessed to eat beautiful lasagne, wholesome soups, slow-cooked organic chicken, casseroles, quiche and the most delectable chicken pie from the lovely lady next door.
- Banana Bread - ok, so it's not a necessity but my gosh I have enjoyed a mid-morning cup of tea with a slice of toasted banana bread. Yum!
- Water - every time Poet attaches I get so very thirsty. I actually found it quite hard to quench my thirst in those first few days.
- Hot Water Bottles - With every baby the after-pains (contractions encouraging the uterus to return to its original size - the size of your fist) get more intense. I literally had to breathe and moan through each and every one of them. Ouch! Hot water bottles were my saviour.
- Luxury toilet paper - I usually buy recycled but I treated myself to the ultra-soft expensive type. I wasn't overly sore after she was born but it was nice to use soft paper. In the 24hours after birth you pee about 3 litres of fluid so it's nice to have comfy toilet paper at the ready.
- l'il Fraser Wraps - the greatest baby wrap. Ever. Poet had her hands up near her face in my womb and since she was born, they've always gravitated upwards, which can make feeding and sleeping difficult. She loves to be snug and wrapping her in a l'il fraser ensures she feels safe and, thankfully, sleepy.
- Bonds wondersuit - when you're spending lazy days at home with a sleepy newborn, there's nothing better than a warm, cosy, easy-to-wash wondersuit (for baby, not for muma)
- Queen Bee Nursing Bra - there are so many maternity bras out there and it can easily become a confusing and expensive shopping trip. I've loved this no hook, no strap version that's comfortable to wear while sleeping and incredibly supportive.
- Yes to Carrots Nourishing Baby Lotion - We haven't bathed Poet yet - we don't want to wash away her purity. Little babies don't need baths and they most definitely do not need soap! But, this natural moisturiser has been lovely for me! I like the fact that it's made from organic ingredients and it smells lovely - there is no overpowering scent which is good considering Poet is always close by. She wants to smell her muma and her milk - not synthetic floral!
- LOVE AND CUDDLES AND SMOOCHES - make a babymoon all the sweeter...make the world go 'round.
Labels: babymoon , natural birth , poet
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Five hours after she was born we came home and went to bed. Today, one week later, I've ventured out of the bedroom feeling rested, content and incredibly blessed. There's been so much to reflect on, a lot to take in and, of course, the imagining of what the days will bring.
Labels: being a big brother , family , natural birth , poet
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Born on the full moon in mid-winter.
Labels: natural birth , poet
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Literally hours after I peed on the stick to confirm that there was indeed a tiny little baby inside me, I phoned the local hospital to request Val as my midwife. Val has been catching babies for longer than Daniel or I have been alive - there is so much reassurance in her 34 years of midwifery. She's a passionate midwife too - passionate about guiding women through labour and birth, whether in a hospital or at home. In 2008 she was awarded NSW Midwife of the Year and since then her name has been passed around the circles of pregnant women here on the Central Coast - hence the need to phone as early as possible in pregnancy to request her support. She told me that some women phone her the morning after the possible conception - just in case.
Labels: growing a baby , motherhood , natural birth
Sunday, June 13, 2010
For those of you that read here often you know that I'm passionate about bellies, birth and babies. Over the past 2.5years I have taught about 200 women pre-natal yoga and it is a true blessing to sit amidst women who are growing new life. It's a blessing to witness and to share in a little bit of their wonderful journey.
Labels: natural birth , pregnancy
Monday, May 17, 2010
Labels: natural birth , yoga
Thursday, February 04, 2010
The birth of baby Koa! from Rachel Shepard on Vimeo.
Anna from along griffin creek recently birthed her fourth child, a baby boy named Koa. Watch the stunning vimeo here. Congratulations lovely muma...you are amazing.
Labels: natural birth
Monday, October 19, 2009
mumas with bellies...then babes
Last week I had six prenatal students well past their due dates. Six...in one class. It was a beautiful class. Their awareness was so inward, they were so soft and relaxed....biding time till the imminent births of their babies. The other students in the class took great care to watch these mumas because regardless of how pregnant they were, they knew their time would come. Where they moved cautiously, the deep weight of a babe cocooned inside them. Waiting. Waiting.
Throughout this week I received six messages, all describing wonderful, unique and natural birth experiences. I told my students on Saturday that teaching prenatal yoga is one of the most natural things I have ever done. That I feel so blessed to share such a beautiful journey with these mumas...to encourage them to embrace their pregnancy and help them prepare for a joyous birth. It feels like I've done it all before. I think about my students between classes, especially if their nearing the end of their pregnancy. Then they have their babies and I welcome another bunch of women to class...and so it goes.
So blessed I am to share yoga and positive birth stories with these women...so blessed I am to be able to combine my passions into a project that I am oh so excited about.
There, I've put it out there. I have to do it now. I won't tell you just yet, but I'd appreciate a reminder in a few months time if it's not mentioned again.
I held the most precious little five-month-old baby boy yesterday. Koru, you are beautiful.
And a huge blessing and congratulations to fliss, claerwen and leigh who are all enjoying their brand new and very precious baby boys.
If you like babies and eco-friendly baby products...check out this giveaway
Labels: natural birth , pregnancy , yoga
Saturday, July 04, 2009
I'm so saddened by news that the Australian Federal Government plan to make home birth illegal. From July 2010 midwives who work outside of hospitals and birthing centres will be excluded from insurance schemes. Essentially, from July 2010 if a midwife assists a homebirth she/he will be doing so against federal law and could face a $30,000 fine.
Homebirthing mothers are a passionate bunch and without doubt will continue to birth at home - with an 'underground' midwife (so ridiculous that I had to write that) or they will opt to freebirth, birth without assistance.
Lately I've been so inspired by this beautiful story
I love reading this mumma's words as she prepares for her second homebirth
and this Spanish advertisement is simply stunning.
Visit Home Birth Australia to read more and sign a petition.
Labels: homebirth , natural birth
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
In the growing, birthing and raising of our children we are challenged and we surrender.
We devote ourselves to these little beings that came from within us.
In this devotion we find meaning. And from meaning we find power.
The deep, everlasting power of a mother. Revealing her instinctual desires and her own truth.
Labels: natural birth , parenting , self , yoga
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
and so has he.
Thank you so much beautiful mothers. For sharing your birth experiences in this space. I expected more criticism but I was so utterly overwhelmed by the passion in your voices. How wonderful it is that you all want to share.
The language of birth is so powerful. I'll note here that becka a doula from Vancouver, Canada suggests we refer to cesareans as cesarean births. Using the phrase c-section makes it entirely medical and we should acknowledge that it is still a birth expereince for the mother and her child.
While the language of birthing remains fearful in many circles it is inspiring to know that there are women all over the world willing to share their sacred stories. However, I do believe that one of the major obstacles in changing this society of fear is silence.
I remember when Ché was only a few weeks old and I was in a room of new mothers at a local child health clinic. I was the only one who had a positive birth experience. And I didn't share my story because I didn't want to offend anyone. Because I didn't want the mothers who had a cesarean birth to feel like they had failed. And I didn't want the mothers who had agonising and fear-driven vaginal births to look at me like I was loopy. I was silenced because I didn't want to come across as the hippy-yoga-mum who loved her birth. Who felt like she could stand on the tallest mountain and confess her pride to everyone below.
Yes I roared throughout my labour. I opened my lungs, my mouth, my heart, my pelvis and my vagina and I didn't do it quietly. But it took me months after Ché's arrival to feel it was ok to share my story with women who didn't have the same experience. When I started teaching again I really felt that I was in the perfect position to change perceptions of birth. And that was when I really opened up and shared every moment of my journey.
It wasn't long after that I connected with pregnant women on an entirely different level. Where I could gently guide them through their pregnancy and encourage them to wrap their arms tight around labour - to embrace that wonderful rhythm and push their baby out into this world. And it was then that I received phone calls and emails describing 'the best expereinces of their lives'. A few of my students refused cesareans they were so determined. One student was crying to me on the phone because after 2 hours of pushing she was wheeled down to theatre to prep her for an emergency cesear. Despite the 13 people in the room and the constant advice of 'don't push' from the medical team she held tight to her midwifes hand and pushed her beautiful 9.5pound baby into this world. Through tears she told me that she was just so proud of herself. Later she told be that the obstetrician had never seen anything like it before - the sheer determination and power of a woman in control of her birth experience.
When I heard her story I cried too.
I will never again be silenced about my birth experience. Nor will I be ashamed about my opinion and beliefs.
When I took Ché to his last check-up at the child health clinic - the same place that I sat in silence 17 months ago, the early childhood nurse said to me: "I have to tell you Jodi. I have never in all my career seen so many happy mothers and so many calm and settled babies." At that point I wasn't really sure what she was referring to.
"...they all went to your yoga classes in their pregnancy. You're doing a great job."
I blushed. But it was then that I knew that all those positive stories were slowly but surely sinking in. Women were beginning to share, listen and experience for themselves. Just as it should be.
Labels: natural birth , pregnancy , self , yoga
