Congratulations on your growing bundle of joy!

First-time Mama?

If you are anything like I was then you are making it to all your appointments, eating as healthy as you know how, staying active, and (for the most part) loving being pregnant. But despite doing all the right things, you may wonder what to expect during labor and how to prepare your body and mind.

With my first pregnancy, I did all the classes - back then they were in person. And, can I be honest with you? They didn't help at all during labor! What a waste of time and no one has time to waste.

Not your first rodeo?

I also meet a lot of second and third-time moms who have already experienced pregnancy and birth. The moms that find me usually have trauma from past births and desperately want this pregnancy and/or birth to be different. They are ready to invest in themselves, heal from their labor and birth trauma, and learn tools that will make them have the experience they dream of with their next birth.

You will probably have people in the generation above you talk to you about Lamaze and quick short breaths. Although I've never taken a Lamaze class, I can tell you that quick short breaths will cause your body to go into fight or flight. THE EXACT OPPOSITE of what you want during labor and birth. So please, no!

Here is what will prepare your body and mind for labor:

• Practicing breathing techniques that turn on your Parasympathetic Nervous System. (think slow breaths)
• Practicing mindfulness by paying attention to what you feel, becoming aware of your bodily sensations, and focusing on them. That's right, you will not learn to breathe through pain. You will learn to breathe into the pain. The pain is a part of the practice and you will learn to unite with pain to birth your baby.
• Relaxation. Seriously, the more you practice relaxing the more you train your mind to relax during labor! We will practice gentle, restorative yoga together. If we are face-to-face you will receive hands-on assists and touch to enhance the experience. After practicing relaxation consistently during your pregnancy you will be primed to relax through your labor.

I was consistent in my yoga and breathing practice during my last pregnancy. Because of that, I was so relaxed during labor that the nurses were shocked that I progressed from 5cm, when I arrived in triage, to birthing the baby only one hour later. Before I was given the go-ahead to push, the nurses checked me again and said, "You can't have progressed. You are way too calm." Imagine their shock when I was fully ready to birth my baby.

If you continue to move through life at top speed and neglect relaxation, then you will enter labor and delivery in fight or flight mode. You will have difficulty relaxing during labor which can affect your birthing experience.

When you purchase this offering you are scheduling a Single one-hour private session with an option for in-person or online or a mix. You save money by bundling sessions so please check out the 10-session package as well.

In-person:

If you are in the Lake Wylie area this is a great option for you! Most clients prefer I come to their house. And we will work together to find a day and time that works for you.

Please send me an email at [email protected] to inquire about booking BEFORE you purchase this offering!

Online:

I happen to think this is the best option of all and I'll tell you why... You will receive all the same benefits of an in-person session except the hands-on assists from me. BUT, I have a solution for that...Bring your partner! I will teach them how to touch you. Most partners want to help during pregnancy, labor, and delivery but they don't know how! Our sessions will empower them to comfort you and to be a helper and supporter during labor.

One More Thing...

If you are concerned about completing all your sessions before baby arrives, do not worry! I will honor your remaining sessions and pamper you with a Relaxation Session(s) after baby is born. If your doctor approves, this can be done pretty soon after birth. This is a great way to take care of yourself while you are experiencing all the post-partum feels.

If you need to wait six weeks, then you will have the option to choose Relaxation Sessions (recommended) or a Post-Partum safe yoga class.

Please check out all the package options before you purchase this offering and/or send me an email so we can determine the best plan for you!