Tag: pregnancy

Spread Your Lips for a Better Birth

August 15, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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I have a prediction that this may become one of my most popular blog posts.  Just wanted to put that out there right from the start.

Ina May Gaskin has noted that:

Early in my midwifery career, I observed another fascinating relationship pertaining to the Law of the Sphincter.  I noticed a strong connection between the sphincters of the mouth/throat and those of the cervix and yoni.  A relaxed mouth means a more elastic cervix.  Women whose mouths and throats are open and relaxed during labor and birth rarely need stitches after childbirth. (Gaskin, pg. 178)

Research now shows that what Ina May Gaskin observed is also supported by actual anatomical features of the mouth and cervix.(As of 4.16.16 it has come to my attention that this link no longer works.)

Cervix and vocal fold tissue behave similarly in smear tests.

Vocal Folds

Vocal Folds

 

Cervix

Cervix

So mamma, what can you do to keep all your lips relaxed from your mouth to your perineum?

1. Keep people with you in labor who can help you laugh, remind you to sing and chant and keep your face as relaxed as possible.  Now, anyone who has been in labor or attended to a woman in labor knows that demanding that someone “relax your mouth” is not only ineffective, but it is not respectful.  The best thing to do is help the laboring woman remember by doing a mouth relaxation exercise yourself where she can clearly see you.  Watching YOU relax YOUR mouth will remind her to do the same.

2. “Horse Lips”—-flutter the lips on your mouth during contractions.  It not only helps regulate breath and manage pain, but it is kind of hilarious and fun too.  Practice when you are relaxed and in private while pregnant and you will automatically do it while in labor.  It may feel silly when you aren’t in labor, but you will reach for this amazing trick when the going starts to get strong during labor without question.

3. Sounding: The seed syllable to chant for the navel center is RAM.  Sit in your strength during labor or stand or dance and chant RAM deep from the basin of your pelvis.  In order to pronounce the “RA” part of the chant you have to make an open oval of your mouth.  Then, when you go to close your mouth to “M” you hum a bit and the vibration relaxes your lips, tongue, mouth and whole face.

4. Did I mention laughing?  Sure, if you’ve never been in labor you might be thinking that I’m one of those folks that insists that labor doesn’t hurt (OK–I KNOW that some people have orgasmic births and some never feel pain, but that isn’t my personal experience and I don’t think you should count on it for your experience.)  But, it is FUN!  You are having a baby and not a train wreck after all.  Let your support team plan to keep things light and smile at you often so you can remember to smile back.

5. Kissing?  I’ve got to be honest with you here.  Personally, I get super sensitive about my personal space while I’m in labor.  The idea of someone blocking my precious airways with their mouth by kissing me and being all up in my face and my space was not attractive.  Not in the least.  But, you know, if you feel like kissing while you are in labor, it definitely wouldn’t hurt.  And, well, it’s really your last chance to make-out and not have to worry about getting pregnant for a while……..so, might as well live it up!

To summarize, it’s important to keep your mouth open and relaxed so your perineum and cervix will relax and open to make way for baby.  You can do this effectively by singing, laughing, kissing, fluttering your lips with “horse lips” and sounding deeply from the basin of your belly or chanting RAM or OM if you are open to these sounds.

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Want to know how prenatal yoga can help you feel great during pregnancy and help you prepare for birth?  CLICK HERE

 

Did you super love these fascinating labor tips and information on the anatomy of labor and birth?  Well, join me for regular updates and be the first to see articles and find out about FREE pregnancy and postpartum events!

 

RESOURCES:

Ina May Gaskin
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.

Cervical and Vocal Fold Study

Beautiful Cervix Project

 

This post was written by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, MA, E-RYT, DONA Trained Birth Doula and mamma to two lovely littles.  I’m based in Pittsburgh, but due to the incredible power of the internet, I work with expectant moms and their partners all over the world to prepare for birth.  You can call me for a free phone consultation (412) 855-5692 OR send an e-mail: sharon@yogamatrika.com.  I’d be so honored to be a part of your pregnancy and birth!  https://www.yogamatrika.com

Day 3: Week One of 8-Weeks with Rodney Yee

April 17, 2012
Posted by Sharon
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In today’s practice I have discovered what two pregnancies have done to me.  Well, at least I think that is what is to blame.  Apparently, I no longer have any inner leg strength.  If you’ve never practiced tree pose, then you don’t know what I’m talking about.  But, if you’ve ever put the sole of your foot onto the inner thigh, you will recall (unless the last time you did tree pose was a LONG, LONG, long time ago…..) that you not only press with your foot into your thigh, but the inner thigh presses back into your foot.  This not only helps with balance, but it helps to maintain the strength and integrity of the standing leg.  Well, aparently, I no longer have any inner thigh strength at all.

In other words, my gracilis is nillis and my sartorius is nowhere to be found—burried under some, uhmm, “fatty deposits”………..

Makes me kind of wish that Rodney Yee were here to help me figure out how to find my inner thigh again.  OK, let’s be honest, I don’t kind of wish that Rodney Yee was here, I definitely wish that he was here.  But, in his absence, I hear the voices of my own wonderful teachers in my head and I am:

1) activating “root lock” aka. secret chakra action center or mula bandha

2) pressing my big toe into the earth

3) dropping my sitting bones and lifting my thigh bone to engage the thigh into the pelvis

and, of course…….

4) hanging on for dear life (I have this wonderful dresser at a perfect height in my living room.)

I just found this Real Simple article outlining some “easy” exercises I can do to strengthen my inner thighs—maybe when I’m done with 8-weeks of Yoga with Rodney Yee I’ll start these exercises and let you know what happens. Or, maybe I should just make sure I get to Aleta’s Yoga Booty Ballet classes on Saturdays at Yoga Matrika!

Please feel free to join me in my 8-week program with Rodney Yee. You can share your own experience by leaving comments on this blog. It’s OK if you start on a different day or we get out of sync. This is going to be fun!

Posted by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, the fearless leader of Team Matrika. Are you in Pittsburgh, PA? Join us for a great class at Yoga Matrika in Squirrel Hill.

Reading to Prepare for the Storm

May 28, 2011
Posted by Sharon
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Knowing that I will most likely not have the opportunity to read for pleasure for about a year (maybe more?), I have been taking advantage of the absolutely wonderful public library system here in Pittsburgh and reading everything I can get my hands on.  For those of you who are expecting your first child, you may not understand why I would think that I wouldn’t have time to read for pleasure in the coming year. Expectant parents read the baby books that indicate that babies sleep for 14-18 hours per day of 24 and they think that they will have those 18-hours to themselves.  HA!  For those of you who have ever parented an infant, you know that I am one smart cookie! Honestly, I may be preparing for the storm that never comes and I may actually get a chance to read a few books this coming year.  Who knows?  In the meantime, bring on the storm my wee one——I’ve filled my head with enough fiction for at least two years!

When I read something that is particularly delightful, I try to post at least the title and author so that, if you are looking for a recommendation, you can explore my prenatal reading frenzy postings for ideas.  Just so you know, I am trying to avoid anything violent, terrifying, and terribly sad.  So, my reading suggestions are perfect if you are looking for easy reads that are well written, engaging, but don’t take a whole lot of literary prowess to conquer (I AM pregnant…….).

This past week, I was able to check-out a book that I had placed on reserve a while back by Marina Lewycka titled, “A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian.”  And no, my sweet readers, I did not also decide to learn Ukrainian this past year in preparation for the storm!  This wonderful little story is written entirely in English.  I read this novel in one night and enjoyed every wonderful word. I laughed out loud.  I worried.  I found the characters to be flawed in the most fabulous of ways.  This novel is the story of an 86-year old man who falls in love.  This novel is the story of two adult sisters who are brought together after years of feuding.  This novel is the story of the capacity of the human spirit to endure through tragedy and hardship.  It’s a novel about war, globalization, generalizations, feminism and how these all manifest themselves in family dynamics.

Pregnant or not, I can’t imagine that you won’t enjoy this quick read that warms your heart and makes you think at the same time.  Enjoy!

Posted by Sharon Rudyk, an independent yoga instructor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with four cats, a five year old son and one on the way and a husband that works hard to support her reading addiction and creative pursuits.  Learn more about Sharon’s teaching schedule, teacher training programs, meditation program and comprehensive six-month stress reduction programs.

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, December 5

December 2, 2009
Posted by Sharon
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You know you’re curious—-what’s going on in there at 6520 Wilkins Avenue? 

Here’s your chance to check out Yoga Matrika’s new studio spaces, share some sweet holiday spirited refreshments and shop for some hand-crafted gifts.  There are many items that are under $10 that are great for office presents, gift exchanges, hostess presents and stocking stuffers.  This is a great craft sale with NO CROWDS, NO PARKING PROBLEMS and great snacks and activities for children!

EVERYTHING for sale is locally made and includes: jewelry, aromatherapy, herbal and green teas, eye pillows and scented sachets to create passion, promote peace and some even keep moths out of your woolies!  We have herbal products for pregnant and new moms like lactation support teas, belly balm and vegan nipple creams.  Fleece and knitted hats for babies and young children and felted wool hats—even some handspun and dyed yarn by our lovely local Cosy! 

You can also purchase discounted gift certificates and class cards during the open house or purchase a new yoga mat for a friend or yourself! 

Gift certificates make PERFECT gifts for expectant and new moms—we offer the only Prenatal Pilates and Exercise class in the city, two postnatal classes a week and five prenatal classes a week.  Moms can also use gift certificates for massage, childbirth preparation workshops and to shop for all natural items to keep them comfy and relaxed during pregnancy and after birthing.

We have some coloring pages and toys for young children to play with while you shop.  Sharon Rudyk, the studio owner will be around all afternoon to answer questions you might have about yoga in general or the studio. 

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Posted by Sharon Rudyk, Owner of Yoga Matrika located in Point Breeze, 6520 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.  Check out our website: https://www.yogamatrika.com/