Practice any time, anywhere, enjoying time on your mat with baby. Check out the preview and order today — especially for your mom-to-be friends in other states or countries!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Mamas, we love, love, love hearing about dads and partners.

So we were thrilled to receive the following e-mail and photo about this awesome, new baby daddy!

The night before I went into labor my partner, David (pictured) came to prenatal yoga with me for the first time. It was such a blast.

We were talking about it afterwards with my mom and he was saying how challenging it was for him. He said that during warrior pose, he was in the front of the room and after a few minutes Cynthia gave us the option of putting our hands on our hips if our arms were tired. He did so with great relief before looking back and realizing he was the only one who’d taken that option. So he raised them again and acted like he was just adjusting.

When he was doing warrior again to demonstrate what a good baby-wearer he was, I couldn’t help but think of how grateful I am to him for coming to yoga and how much strength Blooma gave me during pregnancy, birth, and now!

Thank you,

Bonnie

David, you rock. All you dads out there, you’re welcome any time to join your partner in one of our prenatal yoga classes, whether in Minneapolis, St. Paul or Shakopee!

xoxo,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

This workshop is perfect for couples who’ve taken childbirth education already, but either need a refresher before another birth, or are looking for additional inspiration, comfort measures, hands-on practice, and the emotional connection as a couple that will help you feel prepared for the incredible journey ahead.

Here’s what two moms had to say about one of Sarah’s most recent Birthing Intensives:

“It was THE BEST thing (my husband) and I have done for our baby-to-be, our relationship, to prepare us for the birth.  It was just awesome.  It made me feel like the end is in sight and we can do this… Her class made us both feel so excited.  My husband said, `We should do something like that together more often.’ It definitely brought us closer and more together and ready for the upcoming labor.  … It felt so good to connect like that with each other and with our baby.” — MG

“It really helped (him) see some of the rawness that will be involved in a full labor — and made me feel more comfortable knowing he is more prepared for that.  He said that he liked the ‘active learning’ aspect of it. To my surprise, he really liked the yoga aspect — he said it was helpful to analogize holding a tough position to powering through a contraction.  And he liked the beer — it was a good way to honor dads, he said.  I’m so glad we did the class. I feel like I have read plenty about the mechanics of labor, so it was just so important to learn about the emotions and other aspects that you don’t read about in a book. Thank you for a great afternoon!” — KH

Sign up now — the Birthing Intensive on Feb. 25 is already full!

Love,

Alisa & the women of Blooma

The strength I summoned to push Max out, was more than any goddess pose ever required, but was clearly possible because I was strong and healthy as I went into labor.

From goddess pose in class to goddess giving birth, you did it, Kirsten! (And Cynthia, what a sweet and well-deserved love note to the teacher!)

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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Cynthia,

I wanted to write and send a heartfelt thank you for the support, information, and challenge you provided during my pregnancy. The Saturday prenatal yoga class at Blooma (St. Paul) was such an important part of my self-care, of building my confidence, and of strengthening my body. Being led by you, an enthusiastic doula and supporter of women, made it all the more wonderful.

My son Maxfield Timothy was born Dec. 16 at 2:24 a.m. after only six hours of labor and 20 minutes of pushing.  As you’ll remember, last time I came to class I was dilated to 4 cm and 80% effaced.

On the day I went into labor, at 39 weeks and 4 days, I visited the midwife and was dilated to 6 cm and 90% effaced.  My body did so much of the work in advance of “officially” going into labor that I got to have an intense, powerful and short birth. I gave birth entirely naturally and in fact would not describe the experience as painful, intense yes, a total mental marathon yes, but not painful.

So many things helped me prepare for the awesome experience of giving birth, prenatal yoga was incredibly important. I breathed my way through the many nights of 1 or 2 hours of contractions I had as my body made it’s way to 6 cm dilation, often on my yoga mat.

During my actual labor, I was in the hands and knees position for the most intense part of transition and the first part of my pushing. The strength I summoned to push Max out, was more than any goddess pose ever required, but was clearly possible because I was strong and healthy as I went into labor.

Thank you for your part in my pregnancy and birth.  I feel blessed to have had so many supporters, and to count you among them.

-Kirsten

Kirsten's birth team, her husband and best friend, surround her as she holds Max for the first time.

If you are hearing that whisper that you want life to be different, make 2012 the year you do it differently.

Sarina LaMarche

How? Join Sarina LaMarche’s Personal Renewal Group (PRG) at Blooma, starting Feb. 9. A PRG is a life coaching program for mothers, with the purpose of supporting you in gaining clarity, experiencing balance and creating the life you desire.

Past participants rave about the experience — some mothers have taken the experience to bring their big dreams to life (writing a book, starting a business, etc).

Sarina’s PRG runs for six months, meeting the second Thursday every month. Read more about Sarina (she’s SO inspiring!) and sign up for the PRG online. Take the leap!!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Smooches,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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Jack Thomas

Hi Corrine + Blooma Ladies,

Blooma baby Jack Thomas was born Dec. 29 at 9:01 a.m. He weighed 8 lbs, 9 oz and was 21 inches long.

Spent many hours moving between rolling cat, warrior, goddess and squat. Which helped to labor the baby down and manage labor pain. Nurses were shocked by mama’s agility.

Both baby and mama are doing great. Big sister Tori doesn’t quite know what to think, but seems excited. We look forward to seeing you at BYOB!

Kimberly A.

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Hey Corrine,

Our baby boy, Owen Russell, made his debut into the world in his perfect timing!  Owen was born on Dec. 20 at 12:27 a.m.

Once home after your prenatal yoga, the contractions were staying constant and increasing in their intensity.  After about 36 hours of labor, our son greeted us with eyes wide open and taking in the world (see photo attached; our doula took this photo within an hour after his birth).

I could not thank you enough for all the support you and Blooma gave me through my time on the mat.  All the moves I learned in yoga were all put to good use during the labor and my body often went to positions I learned in yoga automatically to keep my mind at peace.  Surprisingly, I even used goddess a couple of times!   Even though I did get pain medication for the last 3-4 hours of labor, I would not have handled my marathon labor as long as I did without the the mental and physical preparation you provided in class. Thank you!

Owen Russell

I also want to mention that Blooma prenatal yoga classes not only assisted us through labor and delivery, but also with the start of breastfeeding.  The first two weeks of breastfeeding were a bit rocky in learning the right latch and soreness, but the relaxation techniques we practice in class were very handy in times I wanted to quit.  Through lots of patience and practice, Owen and I are now pros at breastfeeding.  For this I thank you and Blooma greatly for the services and kindness you provide every time I came to class.

Looking forward to coming to BYOB yoga in the next few weeks!  Until then say hi to the rest of the mamas for me!

Thanks again,

Alexia, Russ & Owen P.

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Hi Sarah, Corrine, Angela, Jesse & Lindsay,

I wanted to thank you for all of your wonderful prenatal yoga classes! My son, Alton, was born on Oct. 23, 2011 and he was 8lbs, 12 oz.

Welcome, Alton!

Prenatal yoga was so important for me physically and emotionally during my pregnancy, and I took so much of what I learned into Alton’s birth. Even now, I figure-eight my hips to rock my son to sleep!

I went into this birth with an open mind and heart, and I believe that the experience was so positive because of all the good birth energy I stored up from each of you! Thanks again and again!

I plan to bring Alton to BYOB in the spring! I’m very much looking forward to it!

Love,

Jen M.

Sarah Hrudka, Blooma Prenatal Yoga teacher

The ever-inspiring and energetic Sarah Hrudka brings something special to each of her classes. Among other things, she boasts killer playlists! Find out how fabulous Sarah H. is for yourself at her Sunday Prenatal Yoga class, 8:30 a.m. in St. Paul.

In the meantime, enjoy peeking into some of her favorite yoga tunes:

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

• Tonight, Jan. 19 — Vaginal Birth After Cesarean workshop with Anne Gustin. Just three spots left! We will dispel the myths and explore the facts on VBAC while helping you to determine the right path for your next birth. All moms pregnant or planning a pregnancy, doulas and midwifes are welcome.

• Saturday, Jan. 21 — Yoga teacher Cori Levin is back from a year abroad in Mexico and bringing all her fabulous, sunny energy to her Saturday morning, 9:30 a.m., Vinyasa Flow (for everyone!) class. Check it out!

• Sunday, Jan. 22 — Rub-a-Dub Baby with Alisa Blackwood. Once a month we offer a weekend infant massage classes for moms, dads and/or grandparents. You’ll learn infant massage techniques that convey your love and warmth, increase bonding, and go home with knowledge of essential strokes that help soothe a gassy baby and encourage sleep!

Also on Sunday, Lindsay McCoy teaches a NEW, late afternoon Prenatal Yoga class perfect for melting into the last bit of your weekend.

And looking ahead…

• Saturday, Jan. 28 — Yoga for Loss; Join Sarah Longacre & Sarina LaMarche for a healing 90 minute yoga and loss circle. Feel supported and nurtured in this class for mothers who have experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or the loss of a child. 

• Thursday, Feb. 2 — Abdominals: Before & After Birth with Karin Twigg. We’ll discuss abdominal separation (Rectus Diastatis); how to prevent it, identify it and heal it after child birth. This class if for pregnant women, new moms, and anyone interested in learning about the abdominal muscles and pregnancy.

Check out our schedule for many more classes and workshops you’re sure to love!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Here’s the crux of the story:

The landscape for businesses that cater to expectant and new mothers is a rapidly growing one. In the past 10 years, an increasing number of local women have started businesses that are prospering and expanding. This Better Birth movement is based on the theory that women deserve a better pregnancy and birth experience, and a better entry into motherhood, than they’re currently receiving.

Read on to check out what MN Parent says about Blooma, in-hospital postpartum body work by Bavia Health, First Day Photos and more. Thank you for supporting Blooma and being a part of our wonderful community!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

After two C-sections, Meg poured her heart and soul into her third pregnancy and plans for a VBAC.  Thank you, Meg, for the courage to share your journey — and incredible video — with all of us at Blooma. Congratulations!

xoxo,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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{By Meg}

There is so much to tell about this birth, it’s hard to know exactly where to begin.  The preparation began as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I immediately started interviewing midwives and shortly after that, doulas.  After a cesarean with my first baby, and a devestating repeat c/s after four days of labor for our second, there was a huge part of me that wasn’t sure I could handle putting everything into another pregnancy without a guarantee of a vaginal delivery.

I knew I wanted to have a homebirth.  That alone would cost, but even more than that, it was the heart.  I knew I would have to put my whole heart into the entire process again, only to wait, and wait, for the outcome.  Jeremy and I talked through it a lot and despite all the financial cost, he wanted me to have a shot at my dream birth.  What amazing support he was.

We found a midwife.  We found a doula.  We began our journey.  They wanted me to follow the high protein, low carb/sugar diet, which I had planned on.  They also really wanted me to try yoga.  I had always wanted to do prenatal yoga, but we were not able to afford it.  Jeremy got a new job and promotion to cover yoga and some massage that was highly recommended by my amazing midwives.  Around the same time, I started reading Hypnobirthing, which I had chosen somewhat randomly from a pile of books lent to me by a friend.  I had never thought Hynobirthing would interest me.  As I started reading, I became more curious about the method and we decided to take the class.

At around 18 wks I began yoga.  I knew yoga would be good for my body. Good for the baby and positioning. I’ve always preferred group exercise, but I never could have imagined to what extent yoga would help my heart.  I am not sure I ever left class without shedding a few tears-some stress, others pure joy. My journey through yoga started out with determination for a vaginal birth, to a point up until the birth of letting go, of releasing.  I would give everything I could for a vaginal birth, but I would let go of what I did not have control over, namely, the baby and how labor would go.

On November 29th, a Tuesday, at just over 39 weeks, I went to class. I had been having strong contractions on and off for a few days and got through class with 2 or 3.  I wasn’t terribly graceful that day, but it didn’t matter. It was still productive and good for the soul. I was signed up for class again Thursday morning, but did not make it to class…

Wednesday evening the bothersome contractions were kicking in quite frequently. I was discouraged because of the four-day labor I had endured with our second baby.

Our midwife suggested I take full advantage of the birth tub and use it to keep comfortable until real labor kicked in full force.  In the meantime, I was so bothered I took a hot bath (not helpful for filling the birth tub might I add), drank a glass of wine, drank a cup of chamomile tea.  Anything to get the pesky “pre labor” to settle down so I could sleep.

The time ticked by.  Before I realized it was 1 a.m.! A friend of mine, thankfully on Pacific time, asked if I was timing them.  I hadn’t but we decided to do that right before she suggested it.  Sure enough, it seemed that despite my efforts to stop the contractions, my body was working to get our sweet baby in our arms!

Another 15 min or so later, they were really getting strong and we called our doula and midwife who headed our way.  

I got in the tub as soon as the doula arrived.  My husband was boiling water like crazy trying to warm up the tub.

Before the midwives arrived, my water broke during contractions in the tub.  Clear fluids. I could tell by the way the doula was relaying information to our midwife (on her way across town) that they really thought this baby was coming!  Really?  Do they really think this baby might actually come out of me? I cannot express the encouragement I felt hearing the nervousness in the doula’s voice as she asked me to feel for a head.  No head yet, but the baby was working its way down.  Amazing.

My labor went on beautifully in our bedroom while my children slept soundly. I never labored the first birth, and with the 2nd, I got to 7cm.  So I knew what contractions were like,  but not pushing.

I was pushing by the time the midwives arrived.  I could not believe how GOOD it felt to push!!!  I think that surprised me the most!

I let my body take complete control over the labor, relaxing as much as I could during contractions, breathing as I had learned in hypnobirthing and yoga, as well as following my body’s urges to push as it directed.

There was a point though, when I realized while I was getting through the contractions with good deep breathing, my jaw had been “soft” and my shoulders loose, but I had not fully surrendered.  I had to  let go.  Even more.  I started telling the baby, “okay, you can come out, you can come out now.” Outloud, a few times, I said this. (More below video.)

I do not remember exactly when the midwives arrived, but I had been pushing for about 2 hours or so when they asked me to get out of the water and sit on the toilet. I didn’t want to but I completely trusted them, and got my butt out of the water and waddled down the hall to the bathroom. They could see the baby descending down my back, as my hips opened up, and knew the baby was “right there.”

They had me feel for the head, and I told them, “I don’t think that’s the baby, I think it’s just my cervix.”  Hmmm.  Who do you think knew more?   After some convincing my baby was right there, birth came quickly.

After about 15 min of pushing on the toilet, the midwife asked if I wanted to get back into the tub. “I’m fine right here,” I told her.  “Well, you can’t have this baby on the toilet. You need to get to the bed or the tub,” she said.

Deep breath, deeeep deeeeep breaths. I could tell everyone really thought the baby was coming as they scrambled to get the plastic and sheets on my bed. What wonderful encouragement. They really thought this was going to happen!! I couldn’t believe it.

After no more than another 15 minutes back in the water, the baby was crowning. As the head came out, I yelled, “This is AWESOME! This is AWESOME!”

With head and FISTS out, my sweet little baby grabbed ahold of the midwife’s finger. How sweet is that?

I had to wait about two full minutes before I had any urge to push again.  As soon as I did though, out flew the rest of the baby.  A little girl!

After two boys, and two C-sections, I had a healthy baby girl in my arms, birthed in a beautiful tub of water in my bedroom.  It was amazing!

I would have been more than happy to have another boy, mind you.  Just goes to show, no two births are the same.  Everything about this birth was completely different. I had to encourage myself with that knowledge the entire pregnancy.  How good to see that truth brought to light.

P.S. — 9 lbs, 5 oz