Sunday, November 16, 2014
Q&A - Making Peace With Birth
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?"
You have to make peace.
Bee has come to my yoga classes during both her pregnancies. When she turned up to class for her second pregnancy we greeted each other with open arms - delighted to be growing our babies at the same time. She was eight weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy and she was struggling.
Bee suffers from Hyperemesis - severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It's not just morning sickness - she vomits from five weeks pregnant right up until she births. She constantly feels sick. Sometimes she vomits eight times a day.
I knew that her pregnancy was a challenge and so I comforted her and attempted to nurture her in the best way that I could - encouraging her physical, emotional and spiritual journey through the practice of yoga. Bee was also unhappy about her first birth and needed to process the experience before she could move on to 'preparing' for her second birth.
This is what I knew. Which, it turns out, was only a snippet of the story.
I contacted Bee a few weeks ago and asked if she would be interested in being interviewed. She had told me that during the birth workshop she attended that she had made peace with her first birth so I knew that she would be the perfect candidate for this post.
When she sent me her story I sat in awe. Without doubt she is the most courageous and equally gracious woman I have ever met. But since reading her story I have a new-found respect for her unending strength, love and determination.
Bee wholeheartedly knows what it means to surrender and let go. She knows how to make peace. I'll let her tell the story...
Labels:
birth
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natural birth
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QA
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yoga for pregnancy
Friday, June 08, 2012
Q & A - preparing for a VBAC
Last week in my pre-natal classes I discussed two words - determination and doubt. And I posed the question: "do you doubt that you can birth your baby naturally?"
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
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natural birth
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pregnancy
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QA
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yoga for pregnancy
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Q & A
Last year when I discussed writing a series of posts on yoga for pregnancy and birth I had the very best of intentions. Clearly I was still in the new-muma stage, reality set in and my words never did come to fruition.
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
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natural birth
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pregnancy
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QA
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yoga for pregnancy
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
"pure utter joy"
"Only a mother can understand the joy of locking eyes with her newborn babe the moment they take their first breath.
After the powerful journey of labour, Natalia embraces her babe for the very first time. Sheer exhilaration, joy and love describes the moment of bringing forth her child. The gentle hand of her midwife, trusting in the innate wisdom of birth." - Photographer
Jane McCrae
Natalia was one of my yoga students...it was a blessing to teach her and compare belly notes as we grew our baby girls at the same time. Her midwife,
Lisa from Bella Birthing, is a new independent midwife on the Central Coast and has supported two of my students in their pregnancy and birthing journeys (I hear she is absolutely wonderful).
I know exactly what Natalia was feeling at this moment, when she held little Estelle for the first time. If you're a Muma, you know what this feels like. Which is why you should
head over here and vote 10/10 for this photo in the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest.
Natalia was supported by Lisa in the comfort of her own home and birthed her baby girl in the water. This photo is proof that homebirth is a safe and joyous option for those who choose it. Proof that homebirth is good and normal and natural. For more homebirth inspiration,
look here.
Labels:
i like taking photos
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natural birth
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pregnancy
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yoga for pregnancy
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Q & A
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"
Tomorrow I'll be posting about a topic that, it seems, will resonate with many of you. "Making Peace with Birth" will include a little discussion from me accompanied by the courageous and gracious story of one of my beautiful students, Bee. Her story is an unforgettable one.
If you are reading this and would like to ask me a question, please go ahead. I'll add it to the list!
Now is a good time to mention that I am not a midwife, a medical practitioner or a birth educator. I'm a yoga teacher, mother and journalist. These stories are informed by my own experiences, research and the blessing that has been the meeting, teaching and learning from my pre-natal students.
Till tomorrow...
Labels:
birth and beyond
,
natural birth
,
pregnancy
,
QA
,
yoga for pregnancy
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?"
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:
