In 2006, when I was pregnant with my first child, a friend and colleague made me a CD titled “Yoga Nidra of Birth” I used it frequently, although I can’t tell you exactly what was on it, since I almost always fell asleep partway through the recording.
Yoga Nidra means “the Yoga of Sleep” and she assured me that it would still work, even if I slept through it….which totally felt like cheating. Yoga Nidra is essentially a guided meditation/relaxation exercise, and I find it incredibly helpful for pregnancy. I like recordings that have a body scan or relaxation focus, as well as those that have some positive affirmations for a healthy pregnancy, baby, or delivery.
I like to play a sample track in my childbirth class, so parents can experience this type of relaxation–and I encourage anyone, especially pregnant women, to explore Yoga Nidra as a tool to use during this stressful and exciting time.
Here I will share some links to resources on the web–check them out. And, if you or anyone else is dealing with insomnia, pain, or any health related problems, you can probably find a great Yoga Nidra for that, too!
Check out these free resources on the web:
Yoga Nidra Network Free Downloads (several Childbirth-specific)
Solara An-Ra meditations for Birth
Here is my personal YouTube playlist for Meditation and Relaxation for Pregnancy
Positive Affirmations can also relieve anxiety and set the tone for a healthy, joyful birth. Here are some resources for ideas. You can make your own prayer flags, posters, or flash cards.
PopSugar has a list to get you started
Birthing Well has this Great list for moms and another specifically for men
HUMBOLDT COUNTY FAMILIES:
If you’re in the Humboldt County area, be sure to check out some prenatal yoga to enrich both body and mind:
Prental Yoga with Kate Maguire, Fridays 1-2:30, FREE in the Burre Room, General Hospital Campus at St. Joe’s (3rd Floor), 2200 Harrison Ave, Eureka. 707-268-0341
Om Shala Prenatal Yoga and Childbirth Prep with Jodi DiMinno, more info here
Hypnobirthing Classes are being offered at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka
10fullmoons 
Hey Shosh, i love your blog and can’t wait to see what you have in store. I am facinated with pregancy and interested in becoming a doula. Are you familiar with any online courses? I was told that DONA does not encourage arromatherapy or the use of essential oils, have you heard anything like this?
See you on the hog farm soon! 💚 Jenn
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Hello Jenn! Thank you for the feedback! Wonderful news that you feel called to be a doula. Childbirth support is so important for families, and very rewarding for helpers. I came to birth work as a nurse, so I have never been certified as a doula or had any formal doula training. I love providing support during labor in the nursing capacity, and have considered doing postpartum doula work. There are several options for certification though- DONA is a big one but Birth Arts International, CAPPA and Childbirth International are some other options (amongst many choices). I had never heard that about essential oils and DONA. Interesting. I see many moms using oils during labor. I’ll have to look into it. Best wishes on your journey, Jenn, you’d be an awesome doula!
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