Pregnancy often comes with aches and pains, high blood pressure, swelling, and many other complaints. Far too many women experience birthing complications that lead to interventions like induction, forceps or vacuum-assist, or an emergent Cesarean section. Pregnancy and childbirth are natural functions that our bodies are designed to do—why then do we see so many complications and discomforts?!

There are many factors that influence pregnancy and birth experiences: the care provider, the woman’s preparation, her mental/emotional state, medical conditions, diet & exercise….Here I focus on alignment and mechanical factors.  In our modern society we use our bodies unnaturally on a daily basis. We tend to spend large chunks of time sitting and wearing shoes. We suck in our stomach to look thinner or tuck our pelvis under to make our butt look smaller. Our habits cause tension and skeletal misalignment, which can interfere with our bodies’ ability to carry out natural functions such as pregnancy and birth.

Many of the “normal” issues of pregnancy are a result of our movement habits–how we sit, how we stand, how we move (or don’t move).  They can be avoided once you understand how!  

I offer private sessions (see below for special packages) and a variety of classes and workshops designed to help you have a more comfortable pregnancy, prepare for birth, and recover afterwards. Don’t live local? I can work with you via Skype. Have a hard time finding child care? I can work with you in your home!  I’m also a birth doula and would love to support you in labor.  Contact me for more information or to schedule a meeting.

You can also SUBSCRIBE to the Anthology Wellness Newsletter to receive updates, special offers, and info on classes & events.

---

Did You Know…

Many of the common pregnancy related issues  aren’t necessarily caused by pregnancy. They are the result of adding pregnancy to a misaligned skeleton. Improving your alignment can:

Reduce aches and pains

Reduce swelling

Keep blood pressure normal

Prepare the pelvic floor for birth & clear up incontinence

Treat and prevent diastasis recti (splitting of the abdominal wall)

Provide optimal space for fetal positioning

Increase space in the pelvic outlet

Maximize your chance of having a VBAC

Prepare the breast tissue for breastfeeding

Decrease recovery time after a vaginal birth or caesarean section

 

---

 Alignment & Restorative Exercise Packages

*Doula clients receive 20% off these prices

 Prenatal Alignment Package $295

This package is designed to help prepare for pregnancy, labor, delivery and recovery afterwards. Sessions must be completed within 6 months of purchase. Includes the following:

3 Private Sessions (1 hour each)

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the hips to improve pelvic function & alignment
• Learn to squat properly to prepare the pelvic floor
• Build strength, improve circulation & decrease pain

1 Coached Walk (20 minutes)

• Practice adding the alignment you’ve learned to walking
• Discover how to get the most benefit from your walks

Homework & Equipment

• You will get far better results if you commit to doing your homework. I provide handouts with instructions and the equipment you will need to practice on your own.

Unlimited phone/email check-ins throughout your pregnancy

• Things come up. Maybe your having trouble with an exercise and need a modification. Or perhaps you’ve started to have incontinence or back pain. If you have a question or need support, I’m here to help.

 

 

Postpartum Alignment Package $260

This package is designed to address the needs of the postpartum period. I know it’s difficult to get out of the house with a new baby, that’s why I offer the option home visits!  Sessions must be completed within 3 months of purchase. Includes the following:

3 Private Sessions (1 hour each)

• Learn upper body alignment to benefit breastfeeding
• Relieve neck and shoulder tension
•  Regain proper core & pelvic floor function and heal diastasis recti (abdominal wall separation)
• Build strength for pain free baby holding

Homework & Equipment

• You will get far better results if you commit to doing your homework. I provide handouts with instructions and the equipment you will need to practice on your own.

Phone/Email check-ins in between sessions

• Things come up. Maybe your having trouble with an exercise and need a modification. If you have a question or need support, I’m here to help.

 

 

Complete Prenatal & Postpartum Package $505

If you know from the get go that Restorative Exercise™ and alignment are what you need, this package is for you. When you commit to doing this work while you are pregnant AND after, you receive extra discounts. Includes everything above, at a lower price!  Sessions must be completed within 1 year of purchase.

 

---

 

Further Reading!

Click here to see relevant blogs and articles written by Katy Bowman, my colleagues, and myself.  I’ve selected a few favorites that are about popular topics and answer common questions.