Prenatal yoga and mother and baby yoga birth stories - Brunswick and Northcote, Melbourne

Sorry for the delay in letting you know our good news!!!!!!!! Our lovely boy Ahri Joseph Galea was born on Monday the 17th May, a beautiful natural drug free birth, and an awesome 4 hour labour.  It was an amazing experience, everything we hoped it would be... relaxed, intimate.  The yoga definately helped, Mick and I were able to really focus in on the breathing and get into positions that were comfortable as we progressed.  I cannot thankyou enough for giving me the tools to have the birth I wanted, your guidance and support were irreplacable. Thanks again Katie, what you do and how you do it is amazing to me, look forward to introducing you to Ahri on the 16th. Cheers, Jennifer

Hi Katie, our beautiful baby girl, Cinzia, was born on sunday 20th june, 2010 at 22.21pm. I had a pain relief-free,  natural birth - she was 3.748 kg and 47cm tall. I went through most of the motions of labour mostly in standing position, using Marco as my wall (like the wall-resting pose you taught us). Your pregnancy yoga classes helped me in so many ways - namely, for discomfort relief during the pregnancy and contractions; connecting with my baby; breathing into my baby and uterus during pregnancy and labour and most of all, your classes helped with my confidence and positivity about the the whole birth experience - I was actually looking forward to the birth!  She is such a precious, sweet and silky soft little bundle of love and joy. Emilio, his two and a half year old brother, is very excited about having a new little sister as much as we are about having a new daughter.

Hi Katie, > > Well the doctor was right, I wasn't far off at all! > > I went into labour at 8.30 this morning (Tues) and delivered naturally at 3.35pm today after a relatively quick 7 hour labour. > > And so now we welcome our beautiful little princess, Tessa Clare Ward, who, while a couple of weeks early, weighed in at 3.5kg ('7pds 9' in the old scale!). > > I have no doubt your prenatal yoga helped me through my labour, the constant positive reassurances and different techniques you would mention throughout each class were invaluable! Mostly though it was the breathing and relaxing between each contraction that got me through. > > I hope to be back for your mother and baby yoga classes some time soon. > > Thanks (from all of us!), > > Nicole, Ben and Tessa Ward. Hi Katie, We had a little girl on December 19th at Epworth Freemasons. Her name is Rose Catherine and she is happy and healthy, weighing in at 3.65kg at birth. Since the birth we've been down at the beach (hence the lack of email!) and she's been great. Her birth was long! I went into labour just before midnight on the 17th and had contractions every 7-10mins for the whole of the next day. Mum had her first child within 5 hours of going into labour so I though I'd have a quick one too, but it definately was not! During the next day I used lots of prenatal yoga moves to try and get the baby moving down and speed things along a bit. The deep breathing really helped get through the contractions as they slowly got closer together. By the morning of the 19th at 5am they were close enough together to go to the hospital. Unfortunately again things didn't go quickly and I had to have my waters broken, which is when we found that Rosie was posterior and that was why things weren't progressing quickly. Another 4 hours of contractions and I hadn't dilated any further from the intial 7cm so I was put on a drip of syntocin. This made it difficult as I'd been able to move around before and do some yoga moves, but on the drip I needed monitoring so was confined to a chair/fit ball. The contractions also got a lot more painful so I had some gas. The great thing about the drip was that the increased strength of contractions turned Rosie around and so she was out within 2 hours. All up it was a 41 hour labour, definately not what I expected, but I was really happy to get through with no serious intervention and no scary drugs. Oh, and I got to pull her out! That was the most amazing part of the whole experience! Although I didn't get to use too many yoga positions during the actual birth, I definately used the breathing which allowed me to cope with the pain without serious drugs. I think I was also fitter and more mentally prepared to deal with a long labour than if I hadn't done any yoga, so thankyou! I'd like to come back for mums and bub's yoga in Feb. Could you please email me the details. Thanks again, Sophie

Hi Katie,

I hope you had a great time New Zealand! We feel blessed to announce the safe arrival of our beautiful baby girl! Neave Zahra Snelders Monday 7 Deceber 2009
7.5 pounds (3.2kg). Little love was a week late but once she decided it was time she was here in 6 hours, naturally and drug free! She is just so adorable.
I found the pre-natal yoga just so helpful, the breathing techniques, birthing positions and above all the confidence that I could do it! I found your teaching, the other people in the class very inspiring. Looking forward to the mother baby yoga! Bye for now Sue (Northcote)

Hi Katie - Apologies for not coming along to Yoga class last Tuesday the 17th but went into Labour that night! Our gorgeous Baby Girl Amelia Vivienne arrived Wednesday at 2.09 PM, and we are so in love with her it hurts :o)

We Laboured at home until my water's broke around 8am on 18th Nov. We had a drug free vaginal delivery which is exactly what we wanted, and used lots of the Yoga positions and also vocalisation we found very helpful along with visualisation! The labour was long and unfortunately Amelia was posterior but we got through that and Amelia was never in distress.

Thanks very much for all your advice during class and we look forward to coming to Mum and baby Yoga classes soon. Take Care Michele

Hi Katie, Our daughter Freida Wren came into the world Tues 17th Nov- it was an amazing experience, euphoric would probobly be the best way to describe it. We laboured at home and got to the birth centre on time to start pushing- didn't even get to use the big bath my only regret. Did lots of yoga positions, visualisation and breathing exercises- drug and intervention free and proud of us for doing it- couldn't have asked for a better birth. Thanks for the coaching! love Ella, Lucas and babe

Hi Katie,
Just a quick email to let you know that Elena was born last Monday I was very fortunate with the labour, without a doubt the yoga helped immensely. I had my waters break at 9am in the morning and went in to hospital to have it checked out. The doctor sent me home and told me to go for a long walk because the labour hadn't kicked in yet. My husband Nick and I went to Lygon street for some lunch and shopping, my contractions were only intermittent, every 30 minutes or so and not painful. We arrived home at 3:30pm and by 4pm the contractions were about 15 minutes apart and regular and I was using the breathing that we learnt in yoga to get through them. The labour then progressed very quickly, with contractions progressing to 5 minutes by 5pm and 2 minutes by 5:30pm, which was when we rushed to the hospital again. The pain was really intense by then. When I arrived at the hospital I told the nurse I felt like pushing and she said that I was already fully dilated, so the pushing stage started and Elena was born an hour and a half later at 7:30pm. It all went so quickly that I didn't even have the option of pain relief.
Thank you so much for your wonderful classes, they helped me get through the labour and they are helping me get through the stressful periods now. I hope to see you in the Mums and Bubs classes soon.

Take care Paula, Northcote

Hello Katie!!Please excuse the long delay!! We haven't had a working computer for the last two weeks. I hope you haven't been worried. I have been thinking about you and getting in touch. We had a little girl Garielle on the 20 th Oct and it was a great birth. Quite a calm and relaxed labour only really intensifying with the last few contractions before needing to push. actually we were still at home with the urge to push but I decide to wait until we got to the birth centre. As we ran throught the doors my sister in law was was yelling "She nees to push!" Graham my partenr almost missed the birth as he was looking for parking. It was a quick labour 1hr and a half and this time I birthed our baby by holding her head and guiding her out. It was beautiful and empowering! I'm positive that yoga helped me immensely with peparing my body, mind and soul for the birth. Thank you for your wonderful guidance, wisdom and little reminders in class thet helped keep me centred during the labour.I hope you are well and that the home studio is a success (no doubt) lots of love to you and many blessings. thank you, Lucia

I'm thrilled to tell you of the arrival of my baby Xavier who arrived on his due date on September 1.  His birth was such a different experience compared to Lucy's.  This time I DIDN'T get scared and therefore felt much more in control.  I didn't need any gas or medication.  Concentrating on my breathing, relaxing between contractions (your mantra!) and listening to music got me over the line.  I spent most of the time on the fitball gently rocking back and forth, then during a contraction I stood up and leant over the bed.  When it came time to push, he only needed three contractions and he was here.  The whole thing was over in about 6 hours.  I'm not saying it was easy or enjoyable - but it was certainly easier this time around.  I was really able to control the situation through my breathing, being focused and being upright and active. Thanks again for all your encouragement, support and friendship throughout the pregnancy.  I believe it made such a difference to the birth.

All the very best, Liz, Northcote

Hi Katie, My daughter has been born! Layla Blue was born on Saturday 29 August at 4.55am after a wonderful medical intervention free labour at the Mercy Family Birth Centre. All I can say is that it was such an amazing experience and I feel completely blessed that I had such a empowering, spiritual and positive labour journey. I know that the carers, educators and teachers that I surrounded myself with during the pregnancy had a huge role to play in what a wonderful labour I had and that includes you Katie!

I finally went into labour spontaneously in the early hours of Friday morning, after a couple of days of strong period like pain, bouncing on the fit ball and gentle yoga practice, contractions kicked in at 2.00am Friday morning but I found them very managable, using breath and relaxation techniques to take me through the night. They increased throughout Friday but I still found I could get on with normal activities just stopping to deal with the contraction and then onto the next thing. So after speaking with the birth centre they suggested that Justin and I just rest, watch a DVD and go for a gentle walk. So after a day of just mooching in the late afternoon we went for a walk and that really got things going.

By Friday night I was in active labour with contractions coming every 5 minutes and lasting 40 - 60 seconds. I used forward bending positions at this stage, over the fit ball and leaning against anything waist height, relaxing in between contractions was key at this point and allowed me to conserve energy for the rest of the labour!. By 10.30pm my contractions were 2 mins apart, lasting 60 sec so it was time for the birth centre. Once at the birth centre it was in the tub for a while and more dynamic active birthing positions, changing every 20 minutes or so. Vocalisation was my biggest tool, matching the intensity of the contractions with my voice, I certainly did not hold back!

So, second stage lasted 55 minutes and I gave birth on a birth stool which was great, I am sure all the squatting helped! Thanks Katie for all your support over the last 7 months and Layla and I look forward to coming to Mum and Bubs class. Jess, Brunswick, Melbourne

hi katie, just a quick one-handed email as have  joe in other arm... we are both well,joe arrived at 2.26pm on Sunday 26th july, birth was longer and more challenging than with asher-but still a great experience, a  natural,drug free water birth,he was 4 kilos (over a kilo heavier than asher) and came out with hand up against face, so an interesting shape to manouver through the birth canal!  managed no tears and am feeling reaaly good, not really sore at all-amazing,but a think a real testimony to the pelvic floor and breathing and strengthening exercises you teach at yoga. So thankyou for your wonderful classes, i enjoyed them so much.  all is going well, just enjoying this special time and my two beautiful boys! Will hopefully make it to some mums and bubs yoga. wish all the saturday girls all the best for the remainder of their pregnancies and safe and joyous arrivals from me. x Bel, North Fitzroy

After joining beyoga's pregnancy classes and absolutely loving them, I was eager to get back into yoga after the birth of my baby Tye.  Tye was 8 weeks old when we joined the Mums and Bubs yoga class.  From the first class, whilst being out and about with Tye, I felt totally comfortable.  I could feed him as he needed and not get embarrassed if he cried.  The enjoyment I got from doing something for myself (looking after my body), socialising with Tye and hearing other mothers 'talk babies' made a huge difference to my week. I learnt relaxation techniques, including chants (which Tye loves) and core strengthening techniques, which have proven invaluable.  Thanks Katie for providing a lovely space for me to connect with myself and my baby. Lily and Tye, North Carlton

Hi Katie, I had a little girl, Polly last Tuesday. I just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for your wonderful yoga classes.. I had a really long early labour and found all the breathing and rocking/swaying positions really helpful. Helped to stay home pretty relaxed until it was all on with only three hours at the hospital til she was born. Pip North Fitzroy

Hi Katie, Thank you so much for all your support throughout my pregnancy. I really enjoyed your classes and your warm words of wisdom & humour. I always felt calmer, both physically and emotionally, after each class. Brigid North Fitzroy

Hi Katie, Finally had my bub yesterday morning - a little boy - It was a successful VBAC at home in the birth pool. I definitely credit the pregnancy yoga with giving me strength, flexibility and, most importantly, confidence in my body's ability to do what it was meant to do. It also gave me so many options for movement/ positions to deal with the pain (not that i ever quite found the perfect one while it was all happening!) So thankyou. It was a lovely class and i will miss coming on Tuesdays. Cheers, Ann - Brunswick, Melbourne

Hi Katie, I had a fantastic labour - quite long but very calm and only really hard in the last couple of hours. I kept really active, and used a lot of the yoga positions - lots of rocking and supported upright positions. I didn't need pain relief, the bath and the shower were my saving grace! Afterwards I didn't even feel like I'd been through labour. I really enjoyed your classes, they fit exactly with what I wanted to achieve from pregnancy yoga, and the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the group was great. Caitlin - Brunswick, Melbourne

Thanks Katie. And thankyou sooo much for your wonderful yoga classes this year. They have been something that I have looked forward to each week. Your guidance during the pregnancy classes really helped me experience my labour with confidence. Milos and I can't wait to continue mum and bub yoga in 2009. Have a wonderful and relaxing Christmas and New Year! Cheers Emily.

Hi Katie, > We had a very eventful new year with the birth of Harvey at 2am on new years day. He was two weeks early, but thankfully he decided not to stick around because he was 4.2kg! (that's 9 and a quater pounds). We managed to have a natural birth and dont think I could have done it without the yoga. The positions that we;d been practicing throughout the classes, especially cat pose and all the squatting was invaluable, as was the breathing which gave me the ability to focus internally when needed. Also - I tracked down that Spirit of Yoga CD and played it about 4 or 5 times during my labour! I didnt want to listen to anything else! So thankyou for your wonderful classes and all the tips you give throughout them. I look forward to joining the mother and baby classes, so please add me to that email list. Anna and Harvey, Brunswick Melbourne

"I really believe that regularly going to your classes helped me immensely throughout my pregnancy and labour and continues to be of benefit now that I'm a new mum.

I am grateful for your genuinely kind and caring approach to all of us mums to be, as well as your obvious love and understanding of yoga. While I had done lots of yoga before and found your classes both relaxing and challenging, there were many mums-to-be totally new to yoga who you accommodated easily and who seemed to get just as much as out of it as me. So once again many thanks." Nada, East Brunswick, Melbourne

"Prenatal yoga was fantastic for relaxation during my pregnancy. I'd go home revitalised & replenished after a class. With my second pregnancy I had problems with pelvic instability which limited the yoga poses I could do, however the overall session was still challenging, and I enjoyed feeling stretched and lighter. " Kate Northcote, Melbourne

"Prenatal yoga was an important and essential part of my pregnancy.    Katie's classes are warm and personal and she modifies the poses to  suit the varying abilities and yoga experience levels of each of her  students.  Her classes have a lovely blend of physical poses,  visualisations and relaxation that enhance the pregnancy and I looked  forward each week to my next class." Myf - Northcote, Melbourne

" I chose this prenatal yoga class initially because I felt confident from my first phone conversation with Katie that she genuinely knew what she was talking about with regard to prenatal yoga. I've really enjoyed the classes so far, and have found that they've been useful throughout various stages of pregnancy - most of the poses can be as challenging or as gentle as you want them to be, depending on how you feel that week. The stretching and breathing practice I suspect will be really useful through labour, and these are skills that I didn't feel I could get through more traditional forms of exercise. I've also found many poses have been useful to call on to help with various symptoms throughout pregnancy, such as lower back pain. I found weekly classes important as I needed regular contact with a class to make sure I did the poses correctly...and because much as I swear I will, I hardly ever get around to practicing at home. As I get bigger and slower this is about the only form of physical activity I still look forward to!" Anna - Kinglake

" I excitedly attended Katie's classes from 5mths into my pregnancy.  They were fabulous; after each class I felt energized and more deeply connected to my body and my baby.  Each class was made up of similar asanas to the weeks before which meant I could observe my body strengthening and witness the changes I needed to make for my baby and my body along the course of pregnancy.  I would highly recommend Katie's classes to all women" Natalie North Carlton, Melbourne

"I found Katie's prenatal yoga classes to be extremely beneficial in
preparing me for a positive natural labour and birth. I utilized many of the
poses during my contractions, particularly the "cat pose" which assisted me
in pain management. Consequently I enjoyed a drug-free experience and have a
happy healthy baby as a result!" Joanne Barrett, Brunswick, Melbourne

"Hi Katie I wanted to let you know that I gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy on the 26th of July. He was 3.1kg which is great since I did have diabetes. The labour went pretty smoothly and I drew heavily on the resources I gained from attending your class. So thanks! I can see now why you emphasised the warrior poses not just for labour but for mother hood as well." Natalie Brunswick, Melbourne

"You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer seeks the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the Archer's hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable."

--Kahilil Gibran "The Prophet"