Welcome to all the new Prenatal Yoga students who came to Yoga Yoga in May, and congratulations and welcome to all the new yoga babies born!

Jack's Birth Story by April Garner

It was 7 am on Wednesday, February 27th, Jason and I were checking into Seton, preparing to induce labor and deliver Jack. It was a cold morning, just getting light when we drove to the hospital. Neither of us had slept well the night before, we were too excited. Checking in, though, I felt nervous. I was worried that labor wouldn't progress well, as I knew happened sometimes with inductions. I had intended to do things "all natural," without drugs, but I'd heard that Pitocin-induced contractions could be more intense, and I was afraid it might jeopardize my ability to cope with the pain. Mostly, though, I was ecstatic and I couldn't believe that we were actually going to finally meet this little man.

Click here to read the rest of the story!

by Jessica G.

Last week in my postnatal class I asked the moms to write down a few of their favorite mantras, the ones that get them through the day. I was thrilled with the results, and now I get to share them with you each month in this section of your newsletter! The hardest part was deciding which gem of wisdom should go first.

"This too shall pass."

This is so true during that first year of baby's life. We struggle to understand, to create schedules and build routines, and just when we get it all set, poof! New baby! New issues! New joys! New developments with their own set of new challenges! We look back at last week and feel so much wiser now. How silly we were for worrying about THAT problem when THIS problem is so much bigger! Ha! Guess how you'll feel next week about the problem at hand today. So just relax, this too shall pass...

And, sadly, it will. That's the other side of this mantra. Never again will you be where you are today with your baby. My 2 1/2 year old, Nate, will never again fall asleep in the sling. I no longer feel like I need to check on Havia, my 9 month old, to make sure she's breathing at night. Neither of them has the patience to sit through the baby yoga stretches anymore. We applaud and crave their independence, but their gain is also our loss. This time will pass. This wonderful, frustrating, challenging, thrilling time will pass, too. Don't wait for tomorrow when you are sure things will be easier, because they won't be. As my mother-in-law says, "the days are long, but the time is short."

Think of time like your breath -- no matter what you do, it moves on. You are never "stuck" in an inhale. We may hold our breath in response to stress, but to keep living the exhale eventually follows, the breath moves on, and the last inhale is forgotten. When we thoughtfully breathe, we are truly in the moment. There is only this inhale or exhale right now. In yoga, we aim to slow down the breath, to focus our mind on the present moment. As a mother, when you are in those moments of frustration, think about slowing down your breath. You will calm your nerves, and find you can meet whatever challenge you are facing with patience and wisdom. It also slows down time so you can remember this moment always, because, thankfully and sadly, this too shall pass.

Click here to see when Jess teaches.

Prenatal for Partners with Alice
Register early for this workshop as they tend to fill quickly!
Saturday, July 26, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm at Yoga Yoga Northwest
This fun and supportive workshop gives both birthing partners the tools they need to experience a satisfying childbirth. Reflect upon the sacred aspect of the prenatal period and take an opportunity to experience deeper connection with one another and the growing baby through physical and meditative practices.
Click here to register.

As you prepare for the birth of your baby, find the support of our prenatal community. Join Alice Duffy, Registered Yoga Teacher and sought after local doula for an invaluable afternoon to share with your birthing partner.

This fun and experiential three hour class will take you through yoga postures, labor and birth positions and other yogic techniques you can use during the stages of labor. Each stage will be discussed (Early Labor, Active Labor, Transition, Pushing and Post-birth) and each couple will leave with invaluable handouts.

Partners will learn specific breath and sound techniques as well as guided relaxation techniques. There will be time for questions, sharing, and the opportunity to interact with other expectant parents. This special event draws many couples, as mothers spread the word to each other. Mark your calendar and tell your expecting friends! It will be a perfect addition to your other birthing classes.

Click here to register.

Professional development training for yoga teachers and pregnancy health care professionals.

This training is open to yoga teachers and pregnancy health professionals with a committed yoga practice. Pregnancy offers women many physical, spiritual, and social challenges as they embark on the journey into motherhood. Yoga practice during pregnancy can help them prepare for these challenges with awareness, strength, and grace. Yoga is rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways of preparing for childbirth in the United States. After childbirth, yoga can be a powerful tool to help women connect with their bodies, their babies, and each other.

"I did this training last year with Leslie Lytle while pregnant! It was phenomenal. It probably gave me the best preparation for labor, birth, and postnatal than anything else I read or did." - Liz Belile

Click here for more information.

Seton Medical Center Williamson
Saturday, June 21
10:00am - 2:00pm
A family-fun event offering helpful resources for new and expecting moms.
More info: www.seton.net/williamson

Beat the Heat!

Take advantage of our Beat the Heat summer special. Buy a 20 class pass now and get August FREE!
All August weekend workshops are free, including
Prenatal Yoga and Nutrition.

Click here for more information.
Register for Beat the Heat at any Yoga Yoga Location.

Prenatal Resources

Click here to view our online resource list of birthing professionals, vendors, and other services that might be of use to you.

We invite you to share your birthing resources with us. If you are a Birthing Professional who would like to appear on our list, please contact lisat@yogayoga.com

Postnatal Class Schedule - Summer '08

Postnatal Yoga classes are a great way to support the body's recovery after birth. Mothers may bring their babies for an experience that incorporates yoga and bonding with the baby. These classes are a wonderful way to connect with other new mothers in a supportive and healthy environment.

YYNorthwest
Wednesday 10:30am with Sarah E
Thursday 10:30am with Summer

YY North
Friday 10:30am with DeLora - for Crawlers and Toddlers!

YYSouth
Monday 1:00pm with with DeLora - for Crawlers and Toddlers! (NEW TIME!)
Wednesday 12:00pm with DeLora

YY Westgate
Tuesday 10:30am with Jess G
Thursday 10:30am with Jess G - for Crawlers and Toddlers!
Sunday 1:30pm with Jess G

Click here to see our new Staying Connected Blog!
Where pre and postnatal yoga students get information and share their thoughts on all things yoga, baby, and the parenting life.

Yoga Yoga Westgate, 4477 South Lamar, 512-358-1200
Yoga Yoga North, 2167 Anderson Lane, 512-380-9800
Yoga Yoga South, 1700 South Lamar, 512-326-3900
Yoga Yoga Northwest, 12001 Burnet Rd, 512-490-1200
Yoga Yoga Teacher Training, 1700 South Lamar, 512-326-2273