Prenatal Yoga Techniques - Do they work?

Lisa Pedersen, YogaBirth founder: "When I think back to the births of both of my sons, I can't believe I went from feeling tense and nervous to being completely at peace with my second birth. Practicing yoga, participating as a team with my husband, inspired me to give back all my lessons learned."
Lisa is grateful for the opportunity to serve mothers-to-be and their babies, as well as their partners, through YogaBirth workshops and classes. Here are happy words from just a few others who can attest to the benefits of the experience: Quotes from Happy Parents Quotes from Healthcare Professionals
Quotes from Happy Parents Scott William Winters, new father: "Lisa's class was a great alternative to what's out there in the pre-natal circuit. Instead of the large and formal typical settings, we found ourselves in a group of three couples, listening to soft piano music learing how to physically help our wives with> discomfort by way of yoga positioning...a revelation. Lisa was peaceful and calming to my wife, Jennifer, and I. The breathing methods she taught will be very useful to us for this birth as well as for coping with stress in our lives in the future". -Scott William Winters (plays Cyril O'Rielly on HBO's "Oz" and can be see this Fall on ABC's new series 10/8 "
Christine Suh, new mother: "Before I started taking classes with Lisa, I was very scared and nervous about labor. Lisa helped me to relax and approach labor positively by teaching me valuable techniques that I could use in preparation for and during labor. During labor, I was able to relax and even enjoy it because of Lisa's instruction. I used yoga to manage the pain of labor and to remain in control throughout the process. I believe that the birth of my child was a positive experience due to the things I learned from Lisa. I would highly recommend it for all pregnant women, regardless of whether they have practiced yoga before becoming pregnant; it's never too late to reap the benefits from yoga. Lisa also taught me yoga poses that relieved much of my third trimester discomfort, which ultimately allowed me to be more rested before I went into labor."
Kelly Viklund, second-time mom: "Thank you for so many things during this pregnancy: your kind spirit, yoga wisdom and gentle touch. You have touched my whole family in a very positive way!"
David Stanley, new father: "The YogaBirth Preparation Workshop was extremely helpful to us. Lisa taught me ways to incorporate yoga and massage to make my wife as calm and comfortable as possible during labor. The workshop was the best use of my time for birth preparation, and enabled me to coach my wife effectively during labor. She was in labor for 20 hours and the techniques Lisa showed us helped my wife relax and conserve her energy for pushing when the time came. One of the physicians who was there commented positively on my wife's ability to tolerate pain and discomfort; I feel much of this was due to her yoga practice and the things that Lisa taught us. We were especially impressed by Lisa's ability to tailor the class to our specific needs."
Heather Reyes, first-time mom: "Thanks Lisa, your class really helped reduce my sciatic pain, and it also gave me more energy during the day!! I had taken other yoga classes in the past, but your teaching of the yoga breath was more effective, so that I was really able to manage my labor pain."
Nicole Sevier, mother of three: "Thanks, Lisa, for the workshop you gave us. We especially liked the breathing work and the time to bond together as a couple."
Shannon DiSanto, Yoga Instructor/Owner, Peninsula Yoga Center : "Lisa, I want to thank you for the fabulous prenatal yoga class, support and inspiration you have given to me, and many other women during this very special time. I will forever remember your kind and nurturing way and am very happy we met. I look forward to the future..."
Quotes from Healthcare Professionals Talitha Sherman, AAHCC, Bradley Childbirth Classes: "For over five years, my husband and I have taught Bradley Childbirth Classes. We love helping the couples who come to our classes prepare for the births of their babies. When we found ourselves expecting a third baby, we knew preparing for her arrival was just as important as it had been for our first and second. We didn't need the full 12 weeks of Bradley, since we practically knew them by heart and so we looked for something complementary. "I had spoken with Lisa Pedersen as a colleague and was impressed with her description of Yoga Birth Preparation. We called her for a private class and were delighted with the results. Even though my husband had no experience with Yoga, he and I learned some great new positions to help with labor and birth and really enjoyed Lisa's gentle instruction. Even better, we spent time together focusing on our new baby. We're practicing every day and looking forward to welcoming a brand new person into our arms. "In short, (YogaBirth Prep is) a perfect compliment to natural childbirth preparation and a great way for couples to connect with each other and their baby. Well worth the investment."
Dominique M. Scott, D.C., Chiropractic Doctor: "Sometimes we have the opportunity to provide our care for families who already have a priority on providing whatever it takes to have the health and body performance they are designed to have. Lisa Pedersen is one of those people, and part of one of those families. In working with Lisa from my chiropractic and natural health perspective, I have found that her areas of expertise in Pilates strength training, Pregnancy Yoga, and psychotherapy provide key components to the whole-health picture. She has an excellent understanding of the integration of the body's systems for function and health, in pregnancy, and for the adult. I am always confident in referring people whom I care for to Lisa. I know she will be aware of meeting the needs of their body where they are at, and building, healing, and strengthening from there. Basically, her philosophy of function, health, and life for the body is right-on."
Lauren Feder, M.D. "Lisa Pedersen's knowledge, enthusiasm, and support of childbirth preparation is a wonderful asset for parents-to-be."
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