Last month, as part of the Blossom's Achieving Quality Maternal Care Lecture Series we had Christine Morton, PhD join us to talk about the work of California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) and the rising rate of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in California. The report of the study that she and her colllegues have been involved in is now out! Also, join us this Saturday May 30 at 6:30pm for the next talk in our series by Henci Goer, Limits of Evidence Based Care
The California Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (CA-PAMR): Report from 2002 and 2003 Maternal Death Reviews.
Read the report online.
The California Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (CA-PAMR) is a project of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program in collaboration with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC), the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Institute for Health and Aging (IHA), and the Public Health Institute (PHI). CDPH/MCAH and the CA-PAMR project are fortunate to have the voluntary service of the CA-PAMR Committee, a statewide, multidisciplinary Committee comprised of leading clinical experts in maternal and perinatal health and public health. The CA-PAMR Committee serves to determine the causes of maternal mortality and to make recommendations concerning quality improvement opportunities in maternity care and public health strategies to prevent maternal deaths in California. Funding for CA-PAMR is provided by the Federal Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant Funds.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Mothering with Mindfulness Yoga
After the birth of my son, when my daughter was just 22 months old, the days were a mixture of elation and exhaustion. The physical and mental challenges of keeping up with the routine while attempting to adopt “best” practices in diapering, sleep routines, communication, potty training, etc., etc., were overwhelming. Navigating the myriad of choices and philosophies during the first years felt complicated and annoying to me. I yearned for something that felt solid, old, and normal, for something reliable and familiar, something that was the total opposite of the universe that I had entered.
Through the practice of mindfulness, I found huge freedom from the “shoulds” and gained access to a vast reservoir of inner wisdom, intuition, truth and clarity. As a long-time yoga teacher and practitioner, I wanted to share this source of freedom and contentment with other moms and created “Mindful Mama Yoga.”
In the Mothering with Mindfulness Yoga session at Blossom's Mother's Day Celebration on May 7, we explore what it means to cultivate mindfulness and how to open to the wisdom that allows us to deepen our connection to our children, our families, ourselves and our community. The class is a blend of yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation focused on opening the energy channels of the body to better access the insight, inspiration and guidance that is available to us in any given moment.
Now my children are 3 and 5 years old and the mindfulness practice continues to be my guiding light. I walk a crooked path; but I have a reliable radar to come back to over and over again. When I start to stray, I remember this lovely quote by Thich Nhat Hahn that grounds me and brings me back to center. He says, “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”
Grace Kendrick
Mindful Mama Yoga and Ayurveda, Founder
www.mindfulmamayoga.com
Over the coming weeks we are featuring articles about the inspiring, rejuvenating and relaxing offerings at our Mother's Day Pampering Celebration on Saturday, May 7, 9am onwards. Come join us- sign up for a massage with Verde Touch, enjoy a great self portrait by professional photographer Rosalinda, participate in our workshops and celebrate a fun evening of music with Rockin'Moms! It is a double win: all funds from the event support Blossom's work with new and expectant families and you get to have a fun day celebrating being a mom or mom-to-be! RSVP today!
Through the practice of mindfulness, I found huge freedom from the “shoulds” and gained access to a vast reservoir of inner wisdom, intuition, truth and clarity. As a long-time yoga teacher and practitioner, I wanted to share this source of freedom and contentment with other moms and created “Mindful Mama Yoga.”
In the Mothering with Mindfulness Yoga session at Blossom's Mother's Day Celebration on May 7, we explore what it means to cultivate mindfulness and how to open to the wisdom that allows us to deepen our connection to our children, our families, ourselves and our community. The class is a blend of yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation focused on opening the energy channels of the body to better access the insight, inspiration and guidance that is available to us in any given moment.
Now my children are 3 and 5 years old and the mindfulness practice continues to be my guiding light. I walk a crooked path; but I have a reliable radar to come back to over and over again. When I start to stray, I remember this lovely quote by Thich Nhat Hahn that grounds me and brings me back to center. He says, “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”
Grace Kendrick
Mindful Mama Yoga and Ayurveda, Founder
www.mindfulmamayoga.com
Over the coming weeks we are featuring articles about the inspiring, rejuvenating and relaxing offerings at our Mother's Day Pampering Celebration on Saturday, May 7, 9am onwards. Come join us- sign up for a massage with Verde Touch, enjoy a great self portrait by professional photographer Rosalinda, participate in our workshops and celebrate a fun evening of music with Rockin'Moms! It is a double win: all funds from the event support Blossom's work with new and expectant families and you get to have a fun day celebrating being a mom or mom-to-be! RSVP today!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Eight Steps to a stronger back and better posture!
Hi, my name is Esther Gokhale, and I am the author of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back and creator of the Gokhale Method, which provides life-long tools for healthy, pain-free posture. The Method was the culmination of my long journey from constant pain and the threat of surgery, to an active life without pain or physical limitation. After undergoing back surgery after my first pregnancy, I hoped my back troubles were at an end. In spite of following the advice I was given, I had a relapse of unbearable sciatic pain that made sitting and lying down for extended periods impossible. Doctors advised both a second surgery and that I refrain from having any more children. Determined to find an alternative path, I set out to understand and address the root causes of back pain.
One of the foundations of my work involved studying cultures around the world in which back pain is virtually non-existent. I also studied the transformation of posture through the last century and before, through art and photos. I was also fortunate to work with experts in posture, movement and physiology. These elements led to the development of the Gokhale Method, which has successfully guided thousands of people away from back pain, neck pain, sciatica, repetitive stress injury and other musculoskeletal ailments that plague our modern world.
I am especially happy to be participating in this year’s Mother’s Day Celebration at Blossom Birth on May 7, because mothers can have a huge influence on the posture of their children. The most important thing in carrying your child is to periodically lengthen the child’s spine and to support a healthy forward-tipped (not tucked) pelvic position. Babies are born with excellent posture and fantastic instincts. In fact, we can learn a lot from simply watching the way they sit, sleep and move. Unfortunately, the beds, stroller, bouncy chairs and backpacks we carry them in often distort their natural good posture. Umbrella strollers are an excellent example of this. Their rounded shape forces the baby’s spine into a C-shape, encouraging the head to drop onto the chest, reducing circulation throughout the body and compressing the lungs.
Another helpful technique for mothers is to engage the inner corset--the abdominal and back muscles closest to the spine. The inner corset is a natural way for pregnant women to tone their abs and will be invaluable for carrying your baby.
I will also answer your questions about healthy posture-- including how to hold your baby, selecting baby furniture, and other ways to stay vital during your pregnancy.
See you soon!
Esther
Over the coming weeks we are featuring articles about the inspiring, rejuvenating and relaxing offerings at our Mother's Day Pampering Celebration on Saturday, May 7, 9am onwards. Come join us- sign up for a massage with Verde Touch, enjoy a great self portrait by professional photographer Rosalinda, participate in our workshops and celebrate a fun evening of music with Rockin'Moms! It is a double win: all funds from the event support Blossom's work with new and expectant families and you get to have a fun day celebrating being a mom or mom-to-be! RSVP today!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Get Your Body Back, Get Your Self Back
If you're a mother, then you probably know how it feels to surrender your body, your time, and your life after you've brought a child into the world. Things like sleeping, taking a shower or brushing your teeth become variables rather than constants in your day. After giving birth and breast-feeding you've also given up your waistline and even your breasts. They're not just for you anymore...they are part of your child's basic needs.
Your body and your life have gone through massive shifts, and you may be left wondering, “How do I take care of myself after baby?” Here are the top three ways for new moms to get nurturing they need.
1) Get support.
You’ve heard the saying, “it takes a village” – and it certainly does! This new phase of your life is truly magical but it can be depleting, too. Getting the support you need in this time of change is crucial. Ask how can you create a team of friends, healers, or coaches to assist you. Who could help you stay calm, relaxed, grounded and at ease? Find ways to be replenished, revived, and ready to take on the tasks of being a parent.
2) Create structure and establish routine.
Make sure that “you time” is part of your routine. Even a few minutes makes all the difference.
Clients in my mind body boot camp say that one of the greatest things about the work is having designated time just for them. It's something they can count on. In boot camp we meet on a weekly basis for 1-4 months. It's incredible what can happen with a little structure and designated “you time.”
3) Heal & align your body.
Mind and Body are connected. After you have a baby your posture and body has changed. The low back automatically pulls forward with the weight of baby. The pelvis has expanded and contracted. If your body is off and out of alignment, it's only natural that you will feel off. Taking care of your body brings you back into balance and alignment in all areas of your life.
Bodywork and the habits of the physical body are critical in the work I do. We release tension and tightness to restore the body's natural posture. Join us to discover what’s happening with your alignment and try sample alignment exercises at Blossom's Mother's Day Pampering Celebration on May 7th. You’ll come away feeling relaxed and inspired about being a parent and about being YOU.
Be well,
Rebecca
Rebecca hosts a mind body boot camp to address the physical, mental and energetic needs of women. She creates structure and accountability and paves the way for profound shifts--leaving clients inspired and powerful as an individual, spouse or parent. Rebecca uses a unique blend of coaching, bodywork, & energy work to clear away blocks, balance and align clients on all levels. http://www.aligntheself.com/
Your body and your life have gone through massive shifts, and you may be left wondering, “How do I take care of myself after baby?” Here are the top three ways for new moms to get nurturing they need.
1) Get support.
You’ve heard the saying, “it takes a village” – and it certainly does! This new phase of your life is truly magical but it can be depleting, too. Getting the support you need in this time of change is crucial. Ask how can you create a team of friends, healers, or coaches to assist you. Who could help you stay calm, relaxed, grounded and at ease? Find ways to be replenished, revived, and ready to take on the tasks of being a parent.
2) Create structure and establish routine.
Make sure that “you time” is part of your routine. Even a few minutes makes all the difference.
Clients in my mind body boot camp say that one of the greatest things about the work is having designated time just for them. It's something they can count on. In boot camp we meet on a weekly basis for 1-4 months. It's incredible what can happen with a little structure and designated “you time.”
3) Heal & align your body.
Mind and Body are connected. After you have a baby your posture and body has changed. The low back automatically pulls forward with the weight of baby. The pelvis has expanded and contracted. If your body is off and out of alignment, it's only natural that you will feel off. Taking care of your body brings you back into balance and alignment in all areas of your life.
Bodywork and the habits of the physical body are critical in the work I do. We release tension and tightness to restore the body's natural posture. Join us to discover what’s happening with your alignment and try sample alignment exercises at Blossom's Mother's Day Pampering Celebration on May 7th. You’ll come away feeling relaxed and inspired about being a parent and about being YOU.
Be well,
Rebecca
Rebecca hosts a mind body boot camp to address the physical, mental and energetic needs of women. She creates structure and accountability and paves the way for profound shifts--leaving clients inspired and powerful as an individual, spouse or parent. Rebecca uses a unique blend of coaching, bodywork, & energy work to clear away blocks, balance and align clients on all levels. http://www.aligntheself.com/
Over the coming weeks we are featuring articles about the inspiring, rejuvenating and relaxing offerings at our Mother's Day Pampering Celebration on Saturday, May 7, 9am onwards. Come join us- sign up for a massage with Verde Touch, enjoy a great self portrait by professional photographer Rosalinda, participate in our workshops and celebrate a fun evening of music with Rockin'Moms! It is a double win: all funds from the event support Blossom's work with new and expectant families and you get to have a fun day celebrating being a mom or mom-to-be! RSVP today!
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