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A proud mama doing skin to skin right after birth.
This was their great beginning to breastfeeding since baby was able to instinctively lead by crawling and rooting around his mama's breast  and latching at his own pace.

January Yoga Schedule

c/o daughter of the sun

Mothers and mothers-to-be join together for a 75 minute practice to prepare for labor and birth.  We focus on strengthening key muscles,  relaxation techniques that are helpful during labor, and yoga poses to promote optimal fetal positioning.  We also focus on alleviating common ailments during pregnancy for happier and healthier mamas and babies.

Class meets Sunday mornings at 10, January 12, 19 and 26 at Restore,  401 N. 23rd Street.

Space is limited. To reserve email rachaelgtaylor@gmail.com.

Donations welcome.

La Leche League January Meetings

"Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother."

LLL meetings are a place where babies are always welcome and meetings are free.  Mothers provide support to one another and discuss different aspects of breastfeeding and mothering, and they are a great place to connect with the mothering and birth community.

January 9, 6 pm at Hip to be Round in Carytown

January 15, 10 am at St. Mark's in Midlothian

January 28, 6:30 pm at Mount Vernon Baptist Church

For more info visit http://lllvawv.org/breastfeeding-help/central-virginia/

Five Activities for the Final Weeks (or days) of Your Pregnancy

The last weeks of pregnancy can be filled with anxiety, excitement and frustration waiting for labor to start and to meet your baby.  For first time moms especially, waiting it out can be a challenge because they might not have the distraction of other children.  As a doula, I've learned that supporting a mama through her last few weeks and days of being pregnant can be as challenging as supporting her through the labor itself because your mental state leading up to birth affects how prepared and calm you will be during labor. 

I encourage my clients to keep busy and perform activities that will be helpful during her postpartum period, as well as things they enjoy that will help them relax.  Here are a few things that are "must dos" for the final weeks:

1.  Walk the dog.  Walking is great for opening the pelvis and encouraging the baby to engage.  Fresh air never hurt anyone, and it is an enjoyable way to pass time.

2.  Make lots of meals and freeze them.  It is always lovely when neighbors and friends bring you delicious homemade meals, but it will be nice to have familiar, comforting food you love.  You will be glad you made six quarts of butternut squash soup or your favorite chili!

3.  Craft your own postpartum padsicles.  YOU WILL BE SO HAPPY YOU DID THIS!  My favorite recipe is here:  postpartum padsicles.

4.  Go to prenatal yoga.  What better way to prepare for birth, spend time with other expectant mamas and send labor love (or a friendly eviction notice) to your baby?

5.  Take a bath.  Relaxing in the tub is a wonderful way to soothe aching muscles and cherish your last few weeks or days of "me" time.  Practice relaxing your inner thighs and pelvic floor... and it doesn't hurt to throw in a few kegels!