Chandler, Arizona
Sweet Pea ​Births
Sweet Pea ​Births
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
Blog
Pregnancy Exercises in Summer Weather
| Posted on June 17, 2016 at 8:46 AM |
comments (131)
|
 It feels like the Arizona Summer Oven just turned on last week...after a beautiful May, we are now at the mercy of triple-digit temperatures. A big concern for me as the heat continues to ratchet up in
Arizona is that mamas stay hydrated, especially those that are still pregnant.
It is super important for their health, as well as their baby’s
health. Having gone through three summer pregnancies, I remember very well the discomfort; and
the need to stay hydrated in spite of multiple trips to the bathroom throughout
the day. As you drink, sweat and eliminate, remember that you also have to replace your trace minerals. HERE is a post written by a colleague about your water needs through pregnancy. Which leads me to another concern I have with our students and readers that will be pregnant through the summer months…exercising safely and wisely.
One of the components of The Bradley Method® classes is exercise. Dr. Bradley called his pregnant patients
“obstetrical athletes” and his nurse, Rhondda Hartman, RN, designed a whole
pregnancy exercise program that was taught to his patients. Now we share that program with all our
students. We find that the students who
exercise faithfully for the duration of the 12-week series, are well-trained
for their athletic event: birth.
So how do you balance exercise, heat and advanced
pregnancy? Even in early pregnancy these
thoughts will apply. The developing
fetus is especially susceptible to temperature changes in the mother’s body
(Ref 1), so this information is good all around.
The Bradley Method® exercise program encourages all of our
healthy moms to get at least forty minutes of stamina building cardiovascular
exercise every day. The suggested
regimen is two sessions of 20-25 minutes each.
Many of our students get this in by walking their dogs (I was one of
those mamas, too!) or walking on a treadmill. As the heat builds up here in Arizona, we start to caution
our students against doing too much during the hottest times of the day, and to
start drinking more water than they think they need. Thirst is a sign of dehydration, which means
that you needed more water a while ago. When
it’s summer in your part of the world, drink plenty of water and consider some
of the following options for cardiovascular activity.
 Here are some ideas to keep up the stamina exercises as it
heats up that are gentler on the pregnant body.
A mama can swim, participate in water aerobics or maybe find a pre-natal
yoga (Ref 2). You can even keep jogging (3)
and cycling (4) – in the water! The
weightlessness feels awesome and you get to stay cooler while you
exercise. These are my preferred methods
of keeping up my exercise regimen when I am pregnant. I was never much for sweating!
 If you are a mama that wants to keep up with more intense
cardio, consider taking it indoors to use a stationary bike while you still
have good balance, and then move to a recumbent bicycle or pool (3) as your
belly grows, or you can keep up a good pace on a treadmill. We have had mamas jog into their seventh
month of pregnancy; and our latest version of “extreme pregnancy” exercise has
been a mama who ran stairs into her seventh month. Both of these mamas were under the watchful
eye of their care providers, of course!
There was a great question that came up in one of our Spring 2012 classes as it relates to
exercise and not knowing when labor is going to start. One of our mamas asked, “What if I had a
really intense cardio workout in the morning, and I am tired, and I go into
labor that night?”
My answer: Once you are in weeks 36+ of pregnancy, you
are no longer exercising to build stamina.
You are on more of a maintenance program. Turn the settings down on the treadmill, take
a slower pace if you are out on the street, keep up the same amount of laps in
the pool, maybe a slower pace, or switch to a completely different type of
exercise. I especially love pre-natal
yoga and water aerobics in the last weeks of pregnancy because they are gentle
on the body and encourage relaxation for the mind.
A critique of The Bradley Method® that I have
heard more than once is that there is too much emphasis on walking during labor
and mamas wear themselves out.
As it relates to labor, we teach that walking is a tool that
needs to be used judiciously. If your
contractions are 8 – 10 minutes apart in frequency, our experience has been
that walking is not going to speed it up significantly at this point. This is the time to eat if you are hungry,
sleep if you are sleepy – stop timing your contractions and conserve your
energy for the hard work. Once you have
a pattern of contractions that is well-established, then walking might be a very
effective way to ease discomfort and possibly speed labor as baby is encouraged
into an optimal position by opening the inlet of the pelvis.
Since we are headed into triple digits this weekend, I will
close with this thought: There are two
very important people in the pregnancy:
Mom and Baby. Make good choices
that preserve Mom’s health and Baby’s well being above everything else. That extra workout to keep off the pregnancy
weight won’t be worth it if overdoing it and suffering from heat and/or
exhaustion compromise either Mom or Baby.
What is/was your favorite form of
cardio-aerobic exercise during pregnancy? References (1) Maternal fever and birth outcome: a
prospective study
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9894674 (2) Yoga 101: Yoga is aerobic exercise
http://www.examiner.com/article/yoga-101-yoga-is-aerobic-exercise (3)Tips for deep water running
http://running.about.com/od/injuryrecovery/a/Tips-For-Deep-Water-Running.htm
(4) This is an exercise I learned in my water
aerobics class: Find a pool noodle that
you can float on. Bend it into a U-shape
and straddle the bottom of the U. You
exercise in water where your feet do not touch the bottom and you can bicycle
in a circular pattern around the pool, or back and forth along the pool. If you want an extra workout, you can curl
water weights while you are at it.
Disclaimer: |
Stay Safe and Cool Through Your Summer Pregnancy - Part 2
| Posted on June 10, 2016 at 10:05 AM |
comments (228)
|
 As you read on Tuesday (Part 1), dehydration and hyperthermia can cause
dangerous complications of pregnancy. Remember you have permission to be a Drama Queen during the summer months! Take it easy and take care of yourself as the
temperature climbs. You can also enlist
your partner and other family members to help you take advantage of one, some, or all of these comfort
measures listed below to avoid dehydration and hyperthermia in the first place. The simplest steps you can take are staying hydrated, getting rest, and staying out of direct sunlight and high temperatures. Above all, good judgment is the
best guide when you are out and about in the heat and sunlight. Here is a more detailed list of suggestions and tips I complied from
having had three (!) summer pregnancies, and all the reading I did on the subject (see the articles in the reference section
below). There are no affiliate links in this post - please feel free to click away at the other info I want to share with you. Bradley Method® instructor Krystyna Bowman, AAHCC shares ideas for staying safe and cool during the summer monthsClothing and Fabrics - Wear light-colored clothing that will reflect the
sunlight. - Stay away from dark colors that absorb heat if you are out
and about during the day. - Wear non-restrictive clothing to minimize swelling – you
want to encourage optimal circulation as much as possible. Pay special attention to wear clothing that isn't restrictive
around your waist area. - Wear a cooling bandana – there are several brands
available in the stores, or you may be able to shop local and support a crafter
at an area farmer’s market. - Wear fabrics that are breathable and keep you cool, such
as Cool Max (wicks sweat), Lycra (keeps shape while being elastic) and Supplex
(cottony feel and quick-drying). Stay
away from Spandex and nylon based fabrics that don’t let your skin breathe. - Breathable fabrics can also help prevent heat rashes on
your breasts and abdomen, the areas that rub against the fabric the most. - Avoid open-weave fabrics that allow the sun to reach your
skin. Cool Comfort Measures  - Carry a spritzer bottle or personal misting fan with
you. For extra cooling, keep them in
filled in the refrigerator until you need to take them with you.- Take frequent, quick showers – air dry if you have time,
or pat dry if you need to move on with your day. - Stay cool indoors by sitting in an air conditioned space
or near an electric fan. - If air conditioning isn’t an option, try an air filter or
a dehumidifier. These are especially
helpful if you live in a humid climate. - Find the most comfortable room in the building and make
that your nest. If your house or
workplace doesn’t have one of those rooms, think about investing in a personal
air conditioner that you can leave in your space, or move around with you. - Keep beauty products such as sun lotion, moisturizer or
toner in the refrigerator. Applying a
cold product to your skin will give you an instant cool down. - Use cold packs or ice cubes at wrist pulse points, the
back of the neck and on the forehead.
You can keep long-lasting soft-gel cooling strips in your car or purse
when you know the freezer isn’t going to be handy when you are out running
errands. You can also decide if THESE amazing necklaces might come in handy now instead of later. - Get long hair up and off your neck. You can braid it, tie it in a ponytail or
clip it up. Find easy up-dos via BuzzFeed HERE . - Raise your legs at every opportunity – encourage good
circulation whenever and however possible. - If you don’t have a swimming pool, fill a wading pool with
water and place it in a shady part of your yard or patio. Cool off as needed! Exercise Bradley Method® instructor Krystyna Bowman, AAHCC shares ideas for staying safe and cool during the summer months- Wear a heart rate monitor to ensure your working heart rate stays in a safe range while you exercise. Ask your care provider what they feel is a safe active heart rate for you. - Avoid exercising during the hot hours. Wherever you are in the country, the
temperature is generally the hottest between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. - It follows to limit your outdoor activities from the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm - find as many places to stay cool inside as possible! - Instead of walking outside, do your walking inside at an
indoor track or at an indoor shopping mall. - Swimming is a good warm/hot-weather option. It supports your growing body, the feeling of
weightlessness is awesome, it cools off your whole body, it takes weight off
the sciatic nerve, and it encourages the baby into an optimal birthing
position. - Prenatal yoga can be another good option. A class taught by an experienced prenatal instructor will provide a good mix of heart healthy poses, strengthening poses, and relaxation (see "Mind Over Matter" by scrolling down in this post). - Do the pregnancy exercises assigned by your Bradley Method® instructor. They are designed to be gentle enough to do during any time of the year, yet there is enough repetition to strengthen the muscles you will need for your labor. Fluids  - Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day, and more if you are
active.- Avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine acts as a diuretic and
it may increase the frequency of urination, which can then lead to a reduction
in your body fluid levels – hello, dehydration. - Make sure you are replacing your electrolytes...water intoxication is an actual condition that can be caused by drinking too much water in a short amount of time. In order to hydrate safely, we have used the product made by Emergen-C. Coconut water is a great natural "gatorade". A third option is to use trace minerals - find a brand you trust and add them to your glass of water. Food  - Eat little meals more often. Large meals increase your metabolism and this
could make you feel hotter.- Eat fluid-filled foods, such as strawberries, celery,
watermelon and cucumber. HERE are more ideas for hydrating foods. - Make healthy popsicles by freezing organic fruit juices. - Treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant – use their air
conditioning and you can keep the heat out of your kitchen since you won’t be
using your stove or your oven for food prep that night. As a bonus, pack half of your meal in a to-go container and have it as a snack later. - Read more about eating during pregnancy HERE - archive post from Spring 2014. Hustle and Bustle  - Do your chores early or late in the day when the
temperature is cooler.- Move slowly and avoid rushing. - Avoid movements that could lead to light-headedness, such
as repetitive bending or rushing around on staircases. Mind Over Matter  - Relaxation – the key to The Bradley Method®. It is easier to keep your body temperature
lower if you are calm and relaxed instead of stressed and hurried. Take the time to practice some mental imagery
and move through your day with the intention to stay cool.- Breathe – a good rhythmic breathing pattern can reduce
heat production in your body. The
foundation of relaxation is breathing that supports a relaxed state. Bradley instructors love to encourage
abdominal breathing anytime and anywhere. - Meditate – even an one-minute practice can make a difference - really!! Find some meditation resources HERE - archive post from Spring 2015. Sun Safety Bradley Method® instructor Krystyna Bowman, AAHCC shares ideas for staying safe and cool during the summer months- Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Sunburn impairs the body’s ability to cool
itself and it causes the loss of body fluids. - If you must be or choose to be in the sun, use a good
sunscreen, at least SPF 15. The natural
momma in me will encourage you to find a sunscreen that is organic, thereby
minimizing the amount of chemicals absorbed into your bloodstream. EWG publishes a sun-screen guide - find it HERE. - Avoid mid-day direct sun exposure. If you live in the north, this means stay out
of the sun between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
If you live in the south, this means 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. - Use a sun hat and sunglasses to avoid prolonged exposure
or sunstroke. - Apply a sun lotion at the end of the day whether or not
you sunburn. The ingredients will soothe
and restore your skin from the drying effects of the sun. Did I forget to mention one? What is your favorite sun safety tip? Disclaimer: References: http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/water-pregnancy.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52172 http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51783 http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/healthy-safe-pregnancy/pregnant-during-the-summer-months-3185/ http://www.suite101.com/content/coping-with-the-heat-in-pregnancy-a129230
http://www.parentingweekly.com/pregnancy/pregnancy_health_fitness/hot_summer_safety.htm
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/jun/18/staying-cool-pregnant-women-face-greater-risks/ http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pampering/summer-pregnancy-issues/?page=5 http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pampering/summer-pregnancy-issues/?page=6 |
Waiting For Baby
| Posted on May 27, 2016 at 8:54 AM |
comments (346)
|
 Originally posted Fall 2011 - sharing today since some of our Spring 2016 mamas are starting to approach their EDD's)So
your estimated due date is approaching...or maybe it has passed. Those
little ones we are carrying are happily ensconced in their warm, loving
homes. To us “carriers”, it feels like we have been pregnant forever!! I
remember that feeling very well. We have always had the good fortune
of having our babies before our due date. I am mentally preparing for
this baby to be the one that teaches us how to wait...and since we are
not planning to have any more children after this, reminding myself to
treasure every moment of the pregnancy...I’ll get back to you on that
after our baby is born. (Our youngest was born at 38 weeks - got lucky again!) As
a reminder, if you are a first-time mom, there was a Harvard study
published in the June 1990 edition of the medical journal Obstetrics
& Gynecology that demonstrated that we are probably not allowing
enough time when estimating due dates (read more). We give a copy of
this article to our students on the first evening of class. It is a
retrospective evaluation of pregnancies between April 1, 1983 and March
31, 1984. The
conclusion of that study was that the median estimated due date for
primiparas (first-time mothers) should be 8 days later than Naegele’s
rule (the 40 week date used to estimate due dates - it’s been around
since 1830), and that multiparas should have an estimated due date that
was 3 days later than Naegele’s rule. Per their study, if you are 41
weeks as a first-time mother, your baby might just be arriving to the
point when he or she is ready to be born. For
some of us, it is hard to be in the last two weeks before your due
date, wondering when labor is going to start. If you are personally
tired of being pregnant, it is hard to remember that every day your baby
is inside your womb is a day he or she needs to finish their
preparation for “life on the outside”. Because you are big, hot and
uncomfortable, and you are ready to be done!! I cannot even imagine
what it’s like to go past your estimated due date and then have people
you know constantly asking, “Is the baby here yet?” or, “Have you had
that baby yet?” At
that point, you might as well get a t-shirt made that says “Obviously
STILL Pregnant”. If your family and friends are constantly calling to
check on you, you could screen your calls. Change your phone message to
say “Still pregnant - don’t call me, I’ll call you! Leave me a message
if you are calling about something else.” All
kidding aside, here are some ideas that have been shared on our Facebook page that I hope
will help you pass the time as you wait for your baby to arrive safely
into your loving arms. From a Series 2 Coach: “[We] Reviewed Bradley® material,
continued to think about our own birth plan and contingencies,
continued to exercise (Kegel), and practiced relaxation techniques. Bags
packed, gas tank filled, friends/family/support group info programmed
into phone, phone charger? We also enjoyed the peaceful time we shared
as a couple and thought about our soon to be family of 3. Slept a bunch
too. Ahhhhh..... sleep.” From a reader in Phoenix, AZ: “My
confession: I had gathered supplies to bake birth-day cupcakes during
early labor. At about 10 days past ''due date,'' I caved in, baked the
cupcakes, and ate them! Our son arrived two days later. Despite our
Bradley® training, I was a bit impatient and I definitely learned my lesson!” From one of our Bradley® teachers: “The other kids kept me busy. Eating out is always a help.” From moms in our Series 2 and Series 4: “Retail therapy!” I
know one of our students from our Spring Series 5 is busy quilting a
blanket while she waits for her labor to start - they are already “past
due” their estimated due date by seven days. To
piggyback on the advice from our Series 2 Coach, it is vitally
important that you keep up with your exercise and relaxation practice.
Exercise is important to keep your stamina and your energy up, as well
as keep your circulation going. Some moms experience swelling in the
last weeks of pregnancy. Doing regular cardiovascular exercise will
make sure that things are circulating through your body as needed. The
pregnancy exercises will continue to keep you in good shape for your
athletic event, whether you have a “sprint” or a “marathon” birth. It
has been proven that exercise also produce endorphins. These “good
guys” will be a great asset to you if you are feeling a little cranky
about being uncomfortable. Anything you can do to stay positive will
help you have a better labor. Relaxation
practice is another key for coping with an approaching or passing due
date. It helps both mom and coach increase in their confidence to
manage their natural labor. If mom knows that coach knows what they are
doing, it will help her achieve deeper relaxation to manage the
discomforts of labor. If coach knows they know what they are doing,
they are confident and unwavering in their support. Relaxation
practice also helps keep mom’s blood pressure lower. If you go past
your due date, your blood pressure will be monitored every visit. The
better your reading, the less likely you are to be pressured to “do a
little something to speed things along” or schedule an induction. I
spent the last two weeks of our first pregnancy preparing Puma’s
pregnancy scrapbook. The attention to detail and the loving touches
made the time worthwhile. To date, she is the only one with a real book
- that was the last time I have made the time to work on one. The rest
of the kiddos have their items gathered and labeled...one of these days
there will be time again. If
you have older children, I find it’s important to spend one-on-one time
with them, too, wherever you are in respect to your due date. I do
have virtual albums made for each of the kiddos - they are a great help
as we prepare to welcome our fourth child. I use our special time to
look at their pictures with them, tell them their birth story, and
remind them that they were once babies, too. The
albums show their birth and their first year in our family. The
pictures show them how we took care of them, and we can relate how we
will be doing things for the new baby. You can also remind them that
you will always love them despite the fact it will seem like you are
spending most your time with the new baby. It may feel like the baby is
going to be a baby forever - showing them the pictures of their quick
progression may help demonstrate that this time will pass and soon they
will have more of your attention again. “Banking” some special time
with them now may help decrease the jealousy after baby arrives. I
would also suggest making time with your spouse. Create special date
nights for just the two of you, for it will be the last time you are
just the two of you, or “the parents of # children.” This is a time you
can spend talking about the plans for your birth, your hopes and dreams
for your children, and reminiscing about the days you fell in love.
Although it will feel like there is less “couple time” after your baby
is born, I hope that you will be as blessed as we are with the birth.
Inexplicably, we are more and more in love with each other after each
birth when it seems like we just couldn’t love each other any more than
the overabundance of love we felt already. Have you documented your pregnancy yet? Make time to have a belly-cast done, or have some pregnancy pictures taken. You can share some laughs with the person doing your belly cast. Find a fun place to take pregnancy photos - maybe a botanical garden, the zoo, a historical building. Not only will you have a good day trip, but your child will have some great stories to hear some day when you tell them about the pictures. If
you are artistic, you can dedicate some time to writing, painting or
drawing. You can dedicate your art to the new baby, or explore your
feelings about your pregnancy through your art. These pieces will
probably become treasured keepsakes to your children. If
you are so inclined, you can also sew, knit, or crochet a blanket or
baby clothes. Older siblings might enjoy having an item of clothing or
outfit made out of the same fabric or yarn to show that they are all
going to be part of the family now. Just wear your “STILL Pregnant”
t-shirt when you go to the fabric store! It has been my experience that
the ladies at the fabric counter love to chat up pregnant customers. Best wishes to you if you are near or past your due date. Please feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] if you would like us to pray for you. Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It
is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical
advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider
to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own
situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in
Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The
Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily
reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of
Husband-Coached Childbirth®. Reference: Harvard Study: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vol. 75, No. 6, June 1990, pgs 929-932 |
Inside Look: Baby Boot Camp
| Posted on July 31, 2015 at 10:22 AM |
comments (201)
|
I had the pleasure of meeting Meredith Carder at the Baby Bonanza + Child Expo in May (photojournal HERE). She took the time to answer our SPB interview questions so we could share her amazing program with you. Photos by Kristen Carter Photography SPB: What motivated you to get involved with Baby Boot Camp? MC: As a mom of three I know how hard it is to make time for exercise when caring for a baby. Many gym daycares won’t take young babies. Those babies that are old enough sometimes don’t do well in that setting and mom is spending her entire workout worrying about her child. Having been there I wanted to make it easier for moms to make exercise a part of their lives. I also loved the idea of creating a social group where moms can make friends and build a support system, all while making their health a priority.  SPB: How do you stay motivated to keep up an exercise program? MC: Over the years I have learned that regular exercise is extremely important for not only my physical health but my mental health . Knowing I will always feel better and more focused after a workout keeps me going. When my motivation is low I connect with friends to keep me accountable.  SPB: Do you have a favorite class out of your fitness programs? Which one is it, and why? MC: I love our StrollFit class. StrollFit combines cardio drills and strength exercises for a total body workout. There is a lot of variety in this class and we are constantly switching up the format to keep things fun for both mom and baby. We often play boot camp games as well as interacting with the little ones so that everyone leaves class with a smile on their face.  SPB: What sets Baby Boot Camp apart from other fitness programs? MC: Baby Boot Camp is not just about working out. It is about creating a community. Moms from our classes frequently connect outside of class and we offer weekly play groups and monthly moms night out events. Our classes are also unique in that they are designed to address the unique physical challenges and issues pregnant women and postpartum moms face.  Want to learn more or enroll for a class? Always receive your first class FREE of charge. LOCAL: Meredith Carder Franchise Owner/Instructor - Chandler and Gilbert, AZ ~ South [email protected] 949-338-8605 Not local to AZ? Visit the website to find a class near you. www.babybootcamp.com Connect with us on social media! Thank you, Meredith, for taking the time to answer our questions! As you can see from the photos, classes are both indoors and outdoors. Grab a friend, pack up your Sweet Peas and your strollers, and go have some fun! Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and
posted. The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Q&A with SPB: Healthy Pregnancy
| Posted on July 6, 2015 at 11:46 PM |
comments (51)
|
 Question: What can I do to have a healthy pregnancy? Answer: A lot, actually! Come to Saturday's class to learn more about what any mom can do to lay the foundation for their Sweet Pea to have a healthy start in life. See today's VLOG HERE or click We are excited to announce another Healthy Pregnancy Classes at Modern Mommy Boutique this month! It is a two-hour class designed to introduce the basics of having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy that is best for mom and best for Sweet Pea. As childbirth educators, one thing has become painfully clear over the last five years...no matter how many things a family will "do right" during pregnancy, we just don't know what the birth journey will hold until they are on the other side, holding their baby. The one thing we can all share, in spite of whatever happens during birth, is the opportunity to give our Sweet Peas a healthy pregnancy. We all have the ability to be intentional; to provide a place for our baby to grow and be nourished through the pregnancy. If you or someone you know is interested in setting a great foundation for their child's life earthside, please join me! In the class, we will cover how to the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. We'll introduce basics like exercise (no previous fitness level required) and nutrition to build on to keep the mama and the Sweet Pea well, plus substances and environmental factors to avoid. We will also do a mini-relaxation workshop so that participants can have a few basic tools to practice during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. We know that meditation, even a minute a day, can make a difference! This class is designed to be an informative session to get your pregnancy off to a healthy start, or to make sure you are having the healthiest possible pregnancy! Couples in the first, second and third trimester are welcome. Included in the tuition is a 1-on-1 call follow-up call with Krystyna, as well as a take-home packet for you to use as you continue through your pregnancy. Tuition for the 2-hour session: $10/couple I hope you can join me - please call or text 602.684.6567 to register. JULY CLASS AUGUST CLASS  Disclaimer: |
UPCOMING EVENTS: May 5 - 9, 2014
| Posted on May 5, 2014 at 1:45 AM |
comments (122)
|
Planning Ahead: Ready, Set, Baby Class Saturday, May 10 Ready, Set, Baby will talk about what happens right after the
birth of your baby and how to help mom heal better and feel better. We will
practice bathing, dressing and swaddling babies; please bring a doll. This
class also covers: Normal newborn appearance Newborn procedures Signs and
symptoms of newborn illness Safe sleep/Co-sleeping Infant CPR This class
briefly covers breastfeeding, please sign up for Breastfeeding Basics for
Expectant Parents. Cost: $65 Register at: http://babymooninn.com/community/education/ Please contact [email protected] with questions. The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 10:00 – 11:00 am 220 E Lexington Ave Phoenix AZ 85012 602-314-7755 Special Event & Storytime Saturday May 10 Oh, the Things My Mom
Will Do...by Marianne
Richmond Join us for Mother's Day Storytime featuring Oh, the Things
My Mom Will Do ..., stories celebrating mom and card making, too! Barnes & Noble @ 10:00 AM Chandler Fashion Mall 3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054 Chandler, AZ 85226 480-792-1312 #1 Vaccination
Education for Parents - MMR+ Varicella Thursday, May 15 Educate yourself about risks, benefits, and choices when it comes to vaccinations! This is the #1 of a four part series - this class focuses on Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Chickenpox. Taught by Kari Hanks, this class is only $5 per couple! Contact Kari Hanks by email at [email protected] to sign up. Nurturing Hearts Birth Services @ 7:00 pm
40 W Brown Rd Suite 108 Mesa, Arizona 85201 Bounce, Bike &
Boogie Wednesday, May 21 Kids can play with an assortment of wheeled toys or venture
within a bounce house while enjoying some music. Cost: $3; $2 Chandler residents Tumbleweed Recreation Center @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am 745 E. Germann Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286 #2 Vaccination
Education for Parents – DtaP Thursday, May 29 Educate yourself about risks, benefits, and choices when it
comes to vaccinations! This is the #2 of a four part series - this class focuses on Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Taught by Kari Hanks, this class is only $5 per couple! Contact Kari Hanks by email at [email protected] to sign up. Nurturing Hearts Birth Services @ 7:00 pm 40 W Brown Rd Suite 108 Mesa, Arizona 85201 MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014 National Geographic Kids Club The Arrowhead Towne Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Meet in the JCPenney wing now through mid-November! May 5: Join us as Persephone
explores backyard animals. Arrowhead Towne Center @ 10:00 am 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center Glendale, AZ 85308-8612 623-979-7777 TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014 Tumbleweed Tots This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Cost: $3.00. Fee included in all TRC family passes. Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am 745 E. Germann Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286 480-782-2900 Homebirth
Circle Come join the beautiful space and share thoughts about life, babies and love. The circle is open to any adult and lap babies only. Feel free to bring a healthy snack to share. Freedom and The Seed Office @ 12:00 pm – 2:00
pm 714 W Marlboro Dr Chandler, Arizona 85225 480-528-1689 Fish Feeding Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill. Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish. Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm. Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm. Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 6:00 pm 1133 N Dobson Rd Mesa 85201 602-606-5600 Prenatal Yoga + Fitness This prenatal yoga + fitness class will have all the elements of a traditional vinyasa (flow) yoga, designed for your prenatal needs, with added options for any mommas seeking a little extra fitness to compliment and enhance pregnancy, as well as help you to prepare for you upcoming birth journey. Any stage of pregnancy is welcome (including postpartum), as is any fitness level. Classes are $10 drop in or $30 for 4 classes. Emerge Acupuncture & Community Center @ 5:30 – 6:30 pm 123 E. Baseline Road, Suite D102 Tempe, Arizona 85283 480-466-2004 BELLIES at Nurturing Hearts As always, this is open to anyone and everyone!! Topic: Essential Oils Different brands of oils, different types...What they can be used for and how to use them throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Nurturing Hearts Birth Services @ 7:00 pm 40 W Brown Rd Suite 108 Mesa, Arizona 85201 WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014 Inn Families Moms, Dads, and Babies are all welcome for Inn Families at
The Nest at Babymoon Inn. Meet with other parents or families and chat about
parenting or any other topics of interest while the babies play. The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 9:30 – 11:00 pm 220 E Lexington Ave Phoenix AZ 85012 602-314-7755 National Geographic Kids Club The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Meet in the Gap wing near the Food Court now through mid-November! This week’s theme: It's time to celebrate backyard animals! Some sing, some talk and some are small. Some are teeny tiny and a few may be tall. Chandler Fashion Center @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am 3111 W Chandler Blvd Chandler, AZ 85226 (480) 812-8488 Music Time Enjoy singing, simple instruments and movements with your child. For children ages 5 and under and their caregiver. Bookmans Mesa @ 10:00 – 10:30 am 1056 S. Country Club Dr. Mesa, AZ 85210 480-835-0505 Blossoming Moms Breastfeeding and Postpartum Support Pregnant moms are welcome too! Facilitator: Michelle Hottya 818-606-5687 Blossom Birth and Wellness Center @ 11:00 am 2928 N 16th Place Phoenix, AZ 85016 Dignity Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Group With the exception of major holidays… For more information, please call the ResourceLink toll-free 1 (877) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm Chandler Regional Medical Center @ 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 1955 W Frye Rd Chandler, AZ 85224 Pregnancy And Postpartum Depression Support Group Free support group to help moms support each other through the adjustments of pregnancy and postpartum anxiety/depression. Partners, Babies & Toddlers are Welcome. No Registration Necessary. Free parking available off of Frye Road. Meeting held in the Morrison Building (blue roofed building just east of Chandler Regional) – follow signs. For Questions Call: Resource Link 480.728.5414 or 480.728.5617 (Recorded line with more information) Group Contact: Missy Beauchamp 480-728-5620 Chandler Regional Medical Center @ 1:00 – 2:30 pm 1955 West Frye Road Chandler, AZ 85224 Inn Mommies: Cuddlers Group (birth-around 7 mo.) Please join us Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.! This is a group for
expecting and new mommies with babies that are not yet crawling and is open to
women giving birth at home, at Babymoon Inn, or in a hospital. This is a
wonderful group where you can come and meet other new moms and their babies. We
usually have a topic each week and also time to get to know each other. Open to
the community, for all mommies and their babies (expectant mommies too). Bring
your lunch if you like, the Babymoon Inn coffee and tea bar will be open :-).
Hope to see you there! Please no older siblings in the Cuddlers group. The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 1:00 pm 220 E Lexington Ave Phoenix AZ 85012 602-314-7755 Phoenix Art Museum It’s never to early to start art appreciation with your Sweet Peas. You can enjoy PhxArtKids, an interactive space for children, along with galleries of art showcasing American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. The Phoenix Art Museum offers free admission every Wednesday afternoon and on First Fridays. Phoenix Art Museum @ 3:00 – 9:00 pm 1625 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-256-7539 Wildflower Kids Every Wednesday, Wildflower kids enjoy a complimentary cookie, milk & activity. Program offered at all locations. Find your nearest store HERE Wildflower Bread Company @ 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm Chandler Fashion Center 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 1100 Chandler, AZ, 85226 480-821-8200 Phoenix Public Market “our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, live plants and unique local arts and crafts, tasty hot foods, music, and more. Open Air Market @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 721 N Central Phoenix, AZ Prenatal Yoga Prenatal yoga is an excellent exercise and helps prepare your body and your mind for labor and birth. Each class is an hour long and incorporates a birthing theme, birthing affirmation, breathing techniques and guided relaxation. Prenatal classes are open to pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. It is recommended that women take it easy the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy and allow their body that time to become accustomed to the changes of pregnancy. Beginners are welcome, no previous yoga experience is required. If you practiced yoga before becoming pregnant, variations and different levels are offered. Classes will educate, empower and encourage you through heart opening poses with philosophy and techniques of a healthy, calm and joyful yoga practice preparing you for a beautiful and peaceful birth experience. Classes are $10 each. The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 6:00 pm 220 E Lexington Ave Phoenix AZ 85012 602-314-7755 THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Tumbleweed Tots This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes. Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am 745 E. Germann Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286 480-782-2900 Inn Daddies Daddies are encouraged to join us at The Nest to meet with
other Stay At Home Dads, Part-time at home dads, work from home dads, freelance
dads, working dads, and involved fathers around Phoenix to socialize and
interact with other guys who enjoy spending quality time with their kids during
the day. Dads can talk about the challenges and pure awesomeness of being a
dad. All dads and babies are welcome. If you have any questions, you can get
more info HERE
or feel free to email [email protected] The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 10:00 am 220 E Lexington Ave Phoenix AZ 85012 602-314-7755 National Geographic
Kids Club The Superstition Springs Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting. We've teamed up with National Geographic Kids to create activities and games that focus on discovery through play. Hosted by Persephone with Dewper the Prairie Dog every Thursday in the JCPenney Court. May 8: Raccoons are clever, tough and adaptable, too. They stay up all night and sleep when it's light. Superstition Springs @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am 6555 E Southern Ave Mesa, AZ 85206 480-832-0212 Chandler Farmer’s Market This Farmers Market hosts a variety of vendors including produce, baked goods, salsa, jams and honey, olive oil, seafood, granola, beauty products, and much more! The Craft Market will be held once a month on the first Thursday of each month. Come find hand made and hand crafted items from local artisans. Dr. AJ Chandler Park @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm 3 South Arizona Avenue Chandler, AZ 480-855-3539 Birth Circle - Central Phoenix A birth circle is a gathering of pregnant women, new moms and mamas a few miles into the journey. It's a chance to meet people, to share experiences and to ask questions about the journey to motherhood in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. It’s an opportunity to tell your birth story and be heard, to process you birth story in new ways, to listen to a range of experiences as you prepare to birth your baby, to ask questions about birth, babies and parenting, to connect with other pregnant and new moms in the community, and maybe meet some birth professionals as well. Topic: The Fourth Trimester ~ What you need to know Kids Rising @ 7:15 pm 4332 N 24th Street Phoenix 85016 Phone: 602-832-6389 FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014 Mesa Community Farmers Market May include depending on season: fresh produce, baked goods, jams & jellies, salsas, spices, natural pork, beef and fish, hand-made craft products, lotions and soaps. Free admission, free parking. Accepts AZ Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Located near downtown Mesa and cafes, coffee shops, museums, and antique stores. Rendezvous Green @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm 263 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201 602-290-5067 Dignity Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Group With the exception of major holidays… For more information, please call the ResourceLink toll-free 1 (877) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm Mercy Gilbert Medical Center @ 10:00 am to 11:30 am 3555 S Val Vista Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85297 Groovy Kids Music Groovy Kids Music is for babies and kids of all ages. Class participants can expect music and movement, singing, rhythm, instruments, and fun!! This class is for children of all ages. The cost is $10 for one child, and $5 for each sibling. RSVP if possible, but drop-ins are welcome! As always, the Babymoon Inn snack and drink bar will be open. We hope to see you there! The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 10:00 am & 11:00 am – two sessions! 220 E Lexington Ave Phoenix AZ 85012 602-314-7755 Storytime at Barnes & Noble Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram (Illustrator) Join us as Little Nutbrown
Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare describe the immeasurable love between parent and
child. Barnes & Noble @ 10:30 am 3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054 Chandler, AZ 85226 480-792-1312 Fun Fridays Children 1 to 4 and their caregivers can enjoy themed events, including hand motion songs, sing-alongs, dancing, stories and games. Activities are designed to enhance musical, social, physical and memory skills. Caregivers must remain in the store. Microsoft Store @ 10:30 am to 11:15 am Scottsdale Fashion Square 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1288 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-308-0800 Food Truck Friday Phoenix Public Market @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm 721 N Central Phoenix, AZ Enchanted Island Family Night There’s never a charge to enter Enchanted Island. You simply pay for the rides you want to ride on, the games you want to play, and the food you want to eat. Friday nights, enjoy special pricing for unlimited rides: $6.50 for Children or Adults Wristbands Enchanted Island Amusement Park @ 5:00 – 9:30 pm 1202 W. Encanto Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-254-1200 Free Outdoor Concert – Tempe Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians. Choose from two stages of entertainment. For more information click HERE Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy Tempe 85281 480-966-9338 Free Outdoor Concert – N. Phoenix/Scottsdale Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians. Choose from two stages of entertainment. For more information click HERE Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm Phoenix 85050 480-513-7586 LIBRARIES: Chandler, AZ http://www.chandlerlibrary.org/ Glendale, AZ http://www.glendaleaz.com/Library/index.cfm Mesa, AZ http://www.mesalibrary.org/ Payson, AZ http://www.paysonlibrary.com/ Phoenix, AZ http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/default.jsp Peoria, AZ http://library.peoriaaz.gov/polaris/default.aspx Scottsdale, AZ http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/ Tempe, AZ http://www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=1588 Monterey, CA http://www.monterey.org/library/Home.aspx To submit your event: Please follow this format (same as above). Anything that is not "copy-paste" ready may not be posted - it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles. Event Name Description & Cost Location Name & Time Address Contact Phone Number Send your event information to [email protected] Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
A Visit with Rhondda Hartman
| Posted on March 28, 2014 at 7:30 AM |
comments (867)
|
I first "met" Rhondda Evans Hartman after the publication of her second book, "Natural Childbirth Exercises for the Best Birth Ever". As with many meetings these days, our first interactions were via email, Twitter and Facebook. Through the course of correspondence, it was arranged for her to come visit Phoenix, Arizona. That visit finally happened last weekend. It was such a treat to meet her in person! As it turns out, my suspicion that her personality is the "real deal" was more than true. In person, Rhondda is every bit as lovely as I expected. In addition, she is a wealth of information about breastfeeding, the birth of the natural childbirth movement here in the US, and life in general. As a mother to five and grandmother to nine, she is a Wise Woman with more than one book left in her if you ask me! I really hope she and her "book shepherd" will turn her memories and experiences in the natural birth community into her next publication. And she probably has a parenting/relationship book tucked away somewhere, too! Here are some of the pictures from our weekend and time together. We packed A LOT into our brief visit. I definitely made a new friend and learned so much. Our Bradley Method® students going forward will definitely benefit from the training sessions we had with her on the Bradley™ exercises and her lesson on mental relaxation. Saturday, March 22, 2014 Teacher training  Meet+Greet+Book Signing    Bruss's cousin Ernie, who was a Husband-Coach back in 1964  Pictured here with Rachel Davis of Birth & Earth  Rachel, Anne (one of Rachel's students), and Rhondda with Baby L.  Anne, her mom, and Rhondda with Baby L. Ann is a big fan - she birthed her posterior baby naturally thanks in part to the inspiration from Rhondda's newest book. Read her birth story HERE.  Rhondda autographs her award-winning book at Saturday's event Sunday, March 23, 2014 Meeting a fan of her first book at church   Chihuly Exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens  Reuniting with Bruss' cousin Barbara (Ernie's wife) who took Rhondda's classes as one of Dr. Bradley's patients in 1964 Fall 2013 SPB Class Reunion  Teaching the postpartum exercises to some of our alumni students Monday, March 24, 2014 Lunch Date  Rhondda's friend Schotze, Bradley™ mom of 4, was personally trained by Dr. Bradley to help other couples achieve a natural birth Teacher Training  Two more area instructors take advantage of Rhondda's visit to receive information from the creator of The Bradley Method® exercise program Leading the "Relaxation" portion of our class on Monday evening:  The Bradley Method® instructors personally trained by Rhondda: 
It was such an amazing weekend. Thank you, Rhondda! We are so pleased to announce that Rhondda has agreed to come back in November to be our Keynote Speaker for Bradley Day 2014! You are welcome to contact me if you would like an autographed copy of Rhondda's newest book. We have a limited amount available at the weekend's special price! Do you have a favorite "natural birth how-to" book? If so, what is it? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and posted. The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Special Guest: Rhondda Hartman
| Posted on March 21, 2014 at 5:52 PM |
comments (61)
|
I am so sorry we have not been very active on the blog this week. We have been doing extra-spiffy Spring cleaning around the house since we are hosting a very special guest this weekend! We are thrilled beyond words to welcome Rhondda Hartman to Arizona. She will be leading some Bradley Method® teacher training sessions, as well as appearing at a public event. You can meet the author of Natural Childbirth Exercises for Your Best Birth Ever this weekend in Tempe, Arizona! For 25
years, she taught classes and trained and supervised other teachers in
husband-coached childbirth for Dr. Robert A. Bradley in his Obstetrical Medical
Practice in Denver, Colorado. Rhondda is on the Advisory Board of the American
Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth, The Bradley Method®. She is Charter
Member and past president of La Leche League of Colorado and was a meeting
leader for many years. Rhondda and Dr. Bradley were frequent speakers at
national Natural Childbirth conferences. As an expert on natural childbirth
exercises, Rhondda has been a guest on national TV in both the United States
and Canada. Natural Childbirth Exercises is her second book. She is also the author
of Exercises for True Natural
Childbirth and is a contributor to the Five Standards for Safe Childbearing by David Stewart, PhD.
and Compulsory Hospitalization or
Freedom of Choice in Childbirth? by Stewart and Stewart,
editors. From Rhondda:
Presentation + Book Signing Event Meet and Greet Reception Saturday, March 22, 2014 4:00 – 6:00 PM Please join us to meet one of the pioneers of the natural birth
movement. Light refreshments will be served.
Free event – donations appreciated. Offices of Dr. Kevin Ross, DC 2405 E
Southern Ave, #4 Tempe, AZ 85282 Special Event Pricing Receive $5.00 off your copy of Natural Childbirth Exercises for Your Best
Birth Ever $20.00 on Saturday Regularly $25.00 Please contact me to arrange payment+pick-up of
your book if you cannot attend Please RSVP to Krystyna Bowman, AAHCC 602-684-6567 or [email protected] RSVPs
appreciated for planning purposes, however not necessary If you are in the area, I hope you will join us tomorrow afternoon. Have a great weekend! You can pin or download this file for printing:  The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Special Event with Rhondda Hartman
| Posted on March 17, 2014 at 1:53 PM |
comments (0)
|
I am thrilled to be able to officially announce that Rhondda Evans Hartman, a pioneer of the natural birth movement in the US and award-winning author, is paying us a special visit in Phoenix, Arizona this weekend! You may have seen THIS mantra on here a few months ago (artwork by our very talented student, Jon Garza)  Rhondda's philosophy on birth is exactly what we teach in The Bradley Method. Her exercises that she designed for Dr. Bradley's patients are the ones that we are still teaching in classes today. Here are the details on her event. Please feel free to "pin", tweet or share so we can give her a warm AZ welcome! The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
An Inside Look: Total Momma + Family Care
| Posted on June 28, 2013 at 7:48 AM |
comments (1)
|
Welcome to today's guest blogger, Koren Michelle. She is the founder of Total Momma + Family Care, providing postpartum care, family fitness and nutrition classes, and support for mamas at all stages of their parenting journey. When
I had my son in 2010, I didn’t know anyone with kids. All of our family is back in Ohio. I was on my own. However, I knew I wanted a homebirth. I was determined to succeed with
breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and babywearing.
While I did succeed with all of these things, that first year was TOUGH.
I have since made friends with lots of parents, and learned so much!  In my
heart of hearts I believe that women are not meant to parent alone. We are not designed to live in isolation. Especially when you have this tiny little
creature that you love so dearly and yet requires so much of your body, time
and patience you occasionally find yourself feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Understandably so. We all need help, hugs, a soft place to land
when we hit the floor. Someone to hold
the baby so we can shower in peace…So I have been inspired… to provide a support system for all those moms in the valley that need it. I created Total Momma + Family Care. My service is mobile and I specialize in Postpartum/Momma Care, Placenta Crafting, Family Fitness & Nutrition. I’m a yoga professional trained in the art of placenta crafting, obsessed with healthy cooking and homesteading ventures. I know from experience and association what mommas struggle with, postpartum and beyond. I take care of moms, kids, families. I am here to motivate, educate, mentor, conversate. Postpartum/Momma care is the core of my business. This is what I’m passionate about. I come to the home at any time of need. This can be immediately postpartum or months later. It all depends on the mom and the situation. I take an assessment of mom: How is mom feeling? What does mom need help with today? I base my work around each mother’s individual needs. I provide meals, clean house, do laundry, attend to children so mom can rest or address other needs, run errands, provide groceries… Sometimes moms just need company. In short, moms do A LOT, and I come in to assist and cover for her so she can recharge and keep going. This makes for a happier, more confident mom and thus, a happier family. I was trained by Lindsay Williams of Sonoran Desert Placenta Encapsulation Services to prepare and encapsulate placentas for consumption. I pick up your placenta, handle it safely and with reverence as I prepare, cook, and dehydrate it, then I deliver it back to you in whatever form you request. With all placenta services I include 2 hours of postpartum care. The
last piece of taking care of mommas is making sure mommas have the knowledge,
resources, and motivation to get back on track.
We all want to look good to feel good.
Juggling your needs with the needs of the family can make this goal seem
impossible at times. I can assist you
with your goals by coming to you and designing a customized, comprehensive
fitness plan OR you may opt to join in on some of the classes I regularly host
from my home studio in South Tempe. Classes I currently offer are:
My home is set up as a sanctuary for moms. I want all moms to have a place they enjoy coming to, where kids can play and interact together safely and naturally. You may follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TotalMomma You may
reach me at [email protected] or
call 480.466.2004 Here is a link to Koren's class schedule for July 2013:
Please leave us a comment - although it doesn't show up immediately, it will be moderated and
posted. *I think* that the amount of traffic you so generously
generate has led to a lot of spam posting. In an effort to keep the spam
to a minimum, I am taking the time to moderate comments now.  Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
