Dear Friends,

Greetings! I have just returned from a fabulous week in Austin, Texas, during which I was privileged to offer a Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training to an amazing group of 19 yoga teachers. I also got to take some wonderful yoga classes myself. The day after I arrived, I took a class with an accomplished teacher, Devon Dederich, at Clear Spring Studio in South Austin.

For the last seven years, I’ve been working my way around a spinal condition known as spondylolisthesis, which for a period of time caused me intense lower back pain. My yoga practice over the past few years has been a process of learning to become aware of habitual patterns that lead to more pain, and replacing them with habits that lead to more ease. Having been mostly pain-free for a couple of years, I thought I was “on top” of my habits.

However, Devon, who specializes in Iyengar yoga, gently made me aware of a habit I have of shortening my lower back, particularly on the problematic left side. It was one of those “aha!” moments: as soon as I recognized that I was doing it in one pose, I became aware of how much that habit was accompanying me through both my practice and my daily movements and how much it contributes to the residual discomfort or pain that still arises from time to time. In that “aha!” moment, I was given the gift of a greater understanding of how I’m moving through my life, and the possibility of working toward more freedom.

Yoga for me is a continual practice of awakening. Sometimes the awakening comes in the form of becoming aware of physical habits; sometimes I’m challenged to learn about mental or emotional habits that are causing myself or others discomfort. The moment we realize we’re caught in an unhelpful habitual pattern is an opportunity to celebrate – for we cannot change a habit until we know we’re doing it. At one point in that Austin yoga class, the instructor urged us not to “collapse on our habits”. I could not help but think that during moments when – for whatever reason – we do collapse, how helpful if might be if we’re able to fall back on a foundation of healthy habits, rather than harmful ones.

During the childbearing years, our bodies and psyches change so rapidly that some of the habits we got away with before we became pregnant become increasingly unhelpful and more obvious. In a way, becoming a parent is like a giant wake-up call, a time to re-evaluate our patterns, to consciously choose to nourish some habits and extinguish others, so that we can bring the best of what we have to offer to the next generation.

Our fall schedule is full of opportunities to foster healthy, joyful habits of the body, mind, and heart for yourself and your family. We’re excited to add Prenatal, Postnatal Pilates, and a Hatha Yoga class (big people only!) to our mix of on-going classes. We’ve also added Itsy Bitsy® Yoga for Babies and Postnatal Pilates to our Saturday schedule to accommodate the needs of working parents of young children. And this fall we’ll begin an Expert Speakers Series, in which local specialists offer information on topics of interest to expecting and new families. Be sure to check our schedule periodically for other additions to our schedule throughout the fall season.

We hope you’ll join us for our fall session. Wishing you a relaxed end to your summer, and a happy, healthy beginning to the autumn season.

Namaste,

Leslie

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Birth Announcements

Lucy, daughter of Beth G, born April 9, 2009	Mandy T and daughter Ana Sierra born April 25, 2009
Claire Elise, daughter of Kendra N, born May 9, 2009	Daniel Lukas, son of Martina A, born May 21, 2009
James Roy, son of Chastity H, born August 4, 2009	Layton Edwards, son of Erin H, born June 28, 2009
Rowan Elizabeth P, daughter of Lea M, born August 6, 2009	Sydney Sutherland, daughter of Vanessa A, born August 5, 2009

What's New

We have several new offerings this fall to ease the way for expecting and new families. We are very happy to welcome Cora Huitt, PT, of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, to our growing family of instructors. Cora will be leading a Prenatal Pilates class on Wednesdays and a monthly Bellies, Backs & Bottoms class for postpartum moms. Also, Candy Beers, who’s been teaching Itsy Bitsy® Yoga for Tykes at OmMama, will be teaching Postnatal Pilates and will take over some of the Itsy Bitsy® Yoga for Babies and Tots classes. And check out our Expert Speakers Series, below, for upcoming topics of interest to Richmond’s newest families.

Reminder: The studio will be closed August 24 – 31 for Summer Holiday. The new Fall Schedule starts September 1.

New On-going Classes

• Prenatal Pilates – Wed, 5:30 – 6:30 pm (begins 9/9/09)
• Postnatal Pilates – Mon, 10:00 – 11:15 am; Sat, 11:45 – 1:00 pm (begins 9/14/09)
• Hatha Yoga, Level I – Tues: 4:30 – 5:45 pm (begins 9/8/09)

Series Classes, Workshops, and Events

• Itsy Bitsy® Yoga Classes – See our schedule for new dates and times, including Saturdays!
• Bellies, Backs & Bottoms Class: Fridays, 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 9:30 – 11:00 am
• Conscious Birthing Workshop for Couples: 9/20 or 11/8, 1:30 – 5:30 pm
• Expert Speaker’s Series: Thursdays, 7:30 – 8:30 pm *
  • 9/17: Money 101: Things New Parents Should Know – Dave O’Brien, CFP
  • 10/15: Baby’s Here, Now What!? – Jenn Atkinson, LCSW
  • 11/19: Dogs & Babies: Fostering a Happy Pack – Jennifer Kyzer
  • 12/3: Optimal Nutrition for the Childbearing Year – Tina Shiver, RD

Pre-registration is required for all of our Series Classes, Workshops, and Events. Click here for more information or to register.

Other Events

• Birth Talk – 3rd Monday of the month: September’s Topic: Babywearing. Call Jennifer Kyzer at 804-440-2498 for details.
  

Birth Story

Lucy G, born April 9, 2009

After keeping me guessing and waiting for more than a week after she was due, Lucy was born in a hurry. Although both of my previous pregnancies lasted past 40 weeks, somehow I got it in my mind that this baby would come earlier. When I had my last visit with my midwife, Nancy, on Tuesday, I was thrilled to hear that I was already four cm dilated, and very much ready.  She sent me home with high hopes, and I began having contractions as soon as I left. They dwindled after I went to bed, though, and the next day nothing was happening. We discussed whether we should use the "drink" to get labor started, and I was wavering- one minute I'd think, "let's go," and the next I'd be reluctant. I did not want to try to control the birth- I just wanted things to happen as they should. It took a good amount of deliberation, and finally it was clear to me that we should go for it. In hindsight, we all agreed that it was a good thing, since Lucy came so quickly. . .

Read Full Birth Story

Postnatal Article

Solving Naptime Problems

By Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution

Napping is an important element of your child’s healthy mental and physical growth. A daily nap refreshes a child so that she can maintain her energy, focus, and ability to learn for the rest of the day. Some studies even show that children who nap every day are more flexible and adaptable, have longer attention spans and are less fussy than those who don’t nap.

How can you tell if your child needs a nap?

Here are some of the signs that your child needs a daily nap:

• Wakes up in a good mood, but gets whiny and cranky as the day progresses
• Has more patience early in the day, but is easily aggravated later on
• Cries more easily in the afternoon and evening than earlier in the day
• Has an afternoon or early evening slump, but gets a second wind afterwards
• Yawns, rubs eyes, or fusses while getting ready for bed
• Often falls asleep in the car or when watching a movie

How much naptime does your child need?

Children differ in their sleep needs, some needing more or less than shown here - but what follows is a general guide that applies to most of them. Even if your child’s sleep hours add up to the right amount, his or her behavior tells you more than any chart possibly could. When in doubt – always try for a nap, since even a period of quiet time can help a child feel more refreshed.

Average hours of daytime and nighttime sleep

*Newborns sleep 16-18 hours daily, spread over 6-7 sleep periods. 
** These averages don’t signify unbroken stretches of sleep.
© Elizabeth Pantley, The No-Cry Sleep Solution and The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers (McGraw-Hill)

When should your child nap?

The timing of your child’s naps is important since a nap that occurs too late in the day will prevent your child from being tired at bedtime. Generally, the best nap times are:

• If your child takes two naps: midmorning (around 9:00 to 11:00) and early afternoon (around 12:00 to 2:30)
• If your child takes one nap: early afternoon (around 12:00 to 2:30); after lunch

If your child tends towards short naps, don’t give in and assume that it’s all the nap time that she needs. Try some of these tips for increasing the length of naps:

• Give your child lunch or a snack a half hour before nap.
• Keep the sleeping room dark.
• Play soothing music or white noise during the entire nap.
• Make certain that discomfort from teething, allergies, asthma, ear infection or other health issues aren’t preventing your child from taking a good nap. If you suspect any of these, schedule a visit to your health care professional.

Watch for signs of tiredness

Tired children fall asleep easily. If he isn’t tired he’ll resist sleep, but if you miss his signals, he can become overtired and be unable to fall asleep when you finally do put him to bed. Your child may demonstrate one or more of these signs that tell you he is tired and ready to nap - now:

• losing interest in playtime
• rubbing his eyes
• looking glazed or unfocused
• becoming whiny, cranky or fussy
• losing patience with toys, activities or playmates
• having tantrums
• yawning
• lying down or slumping in his seat
• caressing a lovey or blanket
• asking for a pacifier, bottle or to nurse

The nap routine

Once you have created a nap schedule that works with your child’s daily periods of tiredness, follow a simple but specific nap routine. Your child will be most comfortable if there is a pattern to his day. He may come to predict when his naptime approaches and willingly cooperate with you.

Nap routines change

Children’s sleep needs change over time, so remember that the routine that you set up today won’t be the same one you’re using a year from now. Be adaptable!

Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Publishing from The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night by Elizabeth Pantley, copyright 2002 http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth

OmMama Work/Trade Program

OmMama is looking for enthusiastic, reliable folks to help us expand our services. Work/Trade gives you an opportunity to earn some credit for any of our classes or workshops, while giving us a pool of talented folks to turn to when we need some extra help.

How do I apply?

• Send an email to info@OmMama.com with Work/Trade in the subject line, and your name, address, phone number, and email in the body of the email. If you have any special expertise, please be sure to let us know. Resumes are always welcome. You’ll then be entered in our Work/Trade contact list.
• We’ll periodically send out emails to Work/Trade contacts regarding work-trade opportunities as they arise. If you want to take advantage of the opportunity, just follow the instructions to apply.
• When you have completed the task, we’ll note your credit in your account.
• Trade credit is typically $12/hour in credit. Credits may be used toward any OmMama class pass, series class, or workshop purchase. Your credit never expires!

Thank you for trading your time for classes!

Prenatal & Postnatal Resources

Check out the new Pregnancy Connection Directory for local maternity care and service providers. It’s growing all the time.

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