Anxiety, Depression and Pregnancy
A few months ago during the beginning of one our prenatal yoga community classes, a new student caught my attention. I am not sure what it was about her that I focused on, there was nothing peculiar...
View ArticleChoose Wisely. Your Provider’s Anxiety Level Can Influence Your Birth
I have this weird fascination with people watching. Being a New Yorker for the past 17 years, I am endlessly entertained at slyly observing all the vast and diverse population around me. I am intrigued...
View ArticleNPR: Pain Really Is All In Your Head And Emotion Controls Intensity
Movies, TV and friend’s stories often portray birth as a painful and arduous experience. From the repetition of these external influences, it is understandable how there is little space left to believe...
View ArticleYoga for a Happy, Healthy Heart
Guest Blogger: Jyothi Larson Yoga improves heart health. A yoga practice reduces stress and reduces blood pressure, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease. Studies published in the Journal of...
View ArticleTuesday Tip! The Birth Ball!
Prenatal Moms-to-Be…Be sure to get your birth ball and rock your hips on it regularly and you can bring it to the hospital, too! New Moms…when your baby is being fussy, gently bounce on the ball....
View ArticleSpontaneous Pushing versus Directed Pushing
In our prenatal yoga classes, a portion of time is devoted to abdominal toning- specifically the transverse abdominis. These are the deepest layer of the anterior abdominal muscles; the muscles fibers...
View ArticleTuesday Tip – Hot Socks!
This may sound like an odd idea, but trust me, it is worth the effort! Fill up a tube sock with dry rice or barley, enough to make a supple pack. Sew the end securely closed. For those who like …...
View ArticleYour Birthing History
Last night, a friend and I were discussing the different factors that help shape one’s perception of birth. There are so many influences that come into play: depictions of labor and birth in movies and...
View ArticleTuesday Tip! Water!
As the warmer days are finally upon us, it is important to stay hydrated, especially for new moms and moms-to- be. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Pregnant mamas: Did you know dehydration can...
View ArticleHaving the Birth You Want: Are You Setting Yourself Up For Success?
I recently attended a moving and incredibly supportive workshop for expectant parents and birth workers about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and cesarean births. Choices in Childbirth, a well...
View ArticleVideo Blog: Acid Reflux!
Deb Flashenberg, founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center, talks about a common alignment of pregnancy, acid reflux. She discusses why it happens and what can be done to remedy it as well as...
View ArticleTuesday Tip! “I Get By with a Little Help From My Friends”
During and after pregnancy are great times to call upon your friends for a little extra help. Mamas-to-be When you are at a loss of what kind of stroller to get or contemplating if you really need 5...
View ArticleVideo Blog: Dealing with Calf Cramps
Deb Flashenberg, founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center, talks about a common ailment of pregnancy, calf cramps. She discusses why it happens and what can be done to remedy it. Related...
View ArticleU.S. Birth Practices: Are They Traumatizing Our Women?
(photo 1) In a recent Teacher Training weekend, one of the trainees opened up about a conversation she had with her father. When she started to share some of her new ideas of involving less...
View ArticleStudy: Yoga During Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal Comfort, Labor Pain and...
I am a bit of a self- proclaimed geek! I love to examine studies and findings that are related to childbirth education and prenatal yoga. I spend countless hours reading Medscape, childbirth blogs, and...
View ArticleFreezing the Biological Clock
Guest Blogger: Ali Epstein Delaying motherhood is a common topic for discussion among women and their partners, especially in cosmopolitan areas like New York City, where ambition and high achievement...
View ArticleBetter Birth; Eliminating Intrauterine Constraint
What makes some births faster then others? Often, it is the baby’s position in the pelvis. The optimal position is when the baby is head down, with it’s chin in line with the birth canal, evenly tucked...
View ArticleThe 4th Trimester: Making the Choice for Self Care With Postnatal Yoga
Originally published with Choices In Childbirth Many women find themselves surprised by the physical and emotional challenges of the 4th trimester. This part of the journey into motherhood is often...
View ArticlePrenatal Yoga Tips For Optimal Fetal Position (Homework!)
Deb Flashenberg, founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center shows you some simple stretches to help you relax and encourage optimal fetal positioning all from the comfort of your living room....
View ArticleTuesday Tip! Epsom Salt
In the past few years I have come to appreciate all the uses and benefits of magnesium sulfate, aka Epsom salt. First off, I must stress, Epsom salts are sometimes recommended as a laxative; this...
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