BirthKuwait interview with woodturtle

This interview is reposted from Woodturtle blog ( with her kind approval) .  Thank you very much for writing about our humble group.

"Smooth indie pop mixed with the din of morning breakfasters — masking the Arabic and English conversations and adding a warm buzz to the many clinking tea cups. It was a cold morning and the wind off Kuwait’s Marina drove patio-goers indoors to the trendy cafés lining the water.

I was enjoying a Moroccan mint tea and nursing Ivy to sleep when I heard a testing, “Hello?”

Expecting guests, I looked up with a bright smile and instantly recognized Heba al-Ali, co-founder of BirthKuwait. Her colleague, a birth doula, gave a quick nudge and joked at me, “When I saw you breastfeeding, I knew you were one of us.”

The three of us had never met before — but a chance tweet and a couple of email exchanges later, there we were, talking all things maternal over poached eggs and organic bread.

BirthKuwait was created to better support mothers by advocating for healthy and natural birth, and to improve maternity services by making resources and information available to women. One and a half years ago, doula Sarah Paksima and midwife Zuzana Nadova spearheaded a plan to get professionals who were interested in maternal care — breastfeeding and natural birth — all together in one room. Health professionals, doulas, pediatricians, and members from the Ministry of Health’s Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Team entered into a discussion to move beyond just breastfeeding support and answer the question, what else was there to offer women in Kuwait?

Heba explained:

We wanted to offer monthly meetings to give out free information, and educate women so they can demand the changes in maternal health. We didn’t want to lecture the government or the hospitals to change — but to empower women to demand the change for themselves.

BirthKuwait is essentially helping to fill education gaps in breastfeeding support, prenatal care, unnecessary medical interventions during delivery and postnatal care that women in Kuwait might not receive from private or government hospitals. Unless someone actively seeks out information from their doctor or government clinics, it’s unlikely they will be made aware of  lactation consultants, childbirth preparation classes, or that the birth experience doesn’t have to include an episiotomy — a standard procedure in Kuwait.

I had read online that birth in Kuwait is a highly medicalized, hospital event and that midwifery isn’t a recognized profession. But I was still shocked to hear the opinion that doctors don’t know how to birth a child without an episiotomy and that women simply expect to receive one.

Sarah recently mentioned on EngagingBirth that while doctors and nurses in Kuwait are well-trained surgeons and medical care providers, “they were educated, trained, and continue to operate in a pathological system that focuses on the failures of the human body and the need for human intervention to correct them. That’s why so many doctors look at a mother’s birth plan with a mixture of incredulity and either tolerance or derision.”

To understand the situation better, I asked Heba to describe a standard hospital birth experience:

In a private hospital, you see your doctor who schedules an ultrasound for every prenatal visit.  They don’t ask if you have any concerns or tips on how to birth your baby — if you don’t bring it to the table, they just assume it will be done the standard way. If you are the average person who doesn’t know anything about natural birth, you come, you do some tests, blood work, and that’s all you get. But if women were taught how the tissues were designed to stretch, no one would opt for cutting.

There’s no direct access to prenatal preparation courses, or advice from doctors. The doctor isn’t communicating what he’s going to be doing at the birth and the patient doesn’t know what to expect, or even that she has options.

At the government hospitals you’re not allowed anyone with you. No books, no phone. You’re alone in a room full of other women staring at the ceiling. Of course you’re going to tense up and not have a good birth experience.

Birthkuwait wants to help all women, from the ex-pat to the national, understand that they can insist on evidence based care and that they can be empowered to have options for healthier, more natural births. And they’re doing this through an amazing array of monthly events — offering everything from natural birth videos to lecture series covering topics on pregnancy, nutrition, natural birth, breastfeeding, and how to write a birth plan. They also have breastfeeding support groups, Hypnobirthing events, and most recently, held a Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Workshop.

And so far, they’re seeing a lot of positive results. The trainers they bring in from the States or the UK are the best in their field, they’re helping women become DONA certified, and doctors from the Kuwait Lactation Consultants Society are now affiliated with BirthKuwait. Husbands are also becoming more involved in the organization — though, they tend to skip out when they screen birth videos.

As we were wrapping up, and the ladies cooed over a sleepy Ivy, Heba shared a wonderfully inspiring story:

Yesterday I was helping a mother breastfeed. She couldn’t get the baby to latch on whatsoever. Nobody at the hospital really gave her enough one-on-one time. She was waiting for the lactation consultant who never came — and the nurses tried their best, but a successful experience really depends on who you have, and how much time they can give.

So I gave her some tips — and at the end of the session she was crying because it was the first time the baby latched on in 11 days!

She didn’t want to move. She just cried and said, “Thank you for taking mommy’s fresh milk.”

Stories like this are amazingly heart warming, when so many women in Kuwait are told that they will never produce enough milk and that they just can’t breastfeed. The government itself gives contradictory messages — with the Ministry of Health training Lactation Consultants, while the Ministry of Commerce heavily subsidizes all formula brands for up to three years. This is why BirthKuwait is needed.

These women are among the first of their kind in Kuwait working toward giving others the power to control their pregnancy, to have positive birth experiences and successful nursing relationships. They have a goal of one day expanding to other countries in the Gulf and a 20 year vision to create Kuwait’s first birthing centre.

I was truly honoured to learn about maternal health and breastfeeding in Kuwait from these inspiring and passionate women. I can’t wait to meet up with them again the next time we go — and to hear more about their success."

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Kangaroo care for newborns with low birth weight

This article has been prepared by Dr. Alia Abdin, Neonatologist, Acting Senior Registrar and Lactation Consultant

Premature baby in her mom`s arms 

You can check the full version ( powerpoint presentation ) in the following link
Kangaroo Care for newborns 

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Prenatal yoga Blooma training course

We would like to share with you photos from Prenatal yoga training course which took place January 10-13, 2013 at RanaFit Studio , located in premises of Kuwait Women`s Cultural Society. 

These beautiful photos are courtesy of talented Kuwaiti Photographer  Nawaf Al Ali  

Prenatal yoga is an hour long workout , consisting of four phazes , imitating stages of childbirth : Meditation, Warming up, Intensity and Final rest. The sequence of exercises is specially designed to tone up muscles and keep them flexible in order to stretch and enable baby to pass through the birth canal quickly . It also concentrates on breathing techniques and strengthening muscles of the pelvic floor ( aka birthing muscles).  Every pregnant lady can benefit from prenatal exercise not only during pregnancy, but also during actual labour , where she can be active and combine her routine positions which made her feel comfortable during pregnancy with resting positions which will restore her energy.

Meditation ( Introduction) with our beautiful trainer Sarah Longacre

Seated positions- Stretching arms

Seated position - Stretching forward

Short neck massage

On all four position

Dolphin position

Downward facing dog with leg extention

Belly dance

Sun salutations

Warrior 2

Deep squating

Final resting after workout

The end

FAQ:

Will Prenatal Yoga alleviate common pregnancy discomforts?

The vast majority of mothers who practice yoga in their pregnancies report a decrease in their discomfort. Back pain, insomnia, hip pain, sciatica, leg cramps, and round ligament pain are just a few of the pregnancy discomforts which are easily remedied through a regular yoga practice. In addition, many mothers report improved digestion, decreased swelling, and better sleep at night as a result of yoga practice. Let your instructor know during intros/ check-in if there is something that you would like to address through the yoga practice. Not only will she be able to address it in the practice, other moms may have experienced the same issue and have ideas to help.

How will Prenatal Yoga prepare me for my labor?

A consistent yoga practice can help put your baby in an optimal position for labor, and many of the breathing techniques, postures and movements practiced in class can be used during labor to cope with discomfort and help your labor to progress efficiently. In addition, many questions and concerns regarding the birth experience are addressed in class. Instructors can answer questions or direct you to appropriate resources and other students may have experiences and information to share, as well.

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Natural birth success story in Kuwait

To all beautiful mothers in Kuwait : today`s inspiring story is about natural birth success story in Kuwait , re posting from Co founder of BirthKuwait and blogger : Mrs. Sarah Paksima of  EngagingBirth



"I will admit. My experience working as a childbirth educator and doula in Kuwait has often times been frustrating. My purpose is to educate, empower and support mothers to birth in a way that is both healthy and satisfying. Unfortunately, there are many practices in Kuwait that make this difficult. Don't get me wrong ~ the doctors and nurses in Kuwait are well trained surgeons and medical care providers. But they were educated, trained, and continue to operate in a pathological system that focuses on the failures of the human body and the need for human intervention to correct them. That's why so many doctors here in Kuwait look at a mother's birth plan with a mixture of incredulity and either tolerance or derision. The type of birth that many of these mother's want is so different from the way doctors have been taught to deliver babies here in Kuwait. So in an effort to help doctors understand those of us from a more holistic and community health background better, here are three principles I don't think they taught you in medical school.

Women's Bodies Were Designed to Grow Life & Give Birth to that Life

The whole process of pregnancy and birth include a delicate orchestra of hormones and events far more complicated and fine tuned than anything man could ever create. Women have been giving birth for thousands of years. Humanity would not have survived if there were any inherent flaws in the process. And no ethnicity or race is better designed for birth than another. We have all evolved to this point because of our ability to birth. There are very few inherently deficient pelvises or pelvic floors, more often ineffective birthing positions. There are very few "dysfunctional uteruses" that fail to progress that wouldn't be resolved by the elimination of artificial time limitations and dysfunctional birthing environments.

There are some women born with complications and challenges: deformed pelvises, uterus's that don't work properly, conditions that make certain moms high risk. For these women I am so grateful for well trained doctors (it is very likely that my sister would not be here today without this kind of advanced obstetrical care). In these circumstances, I am grateful for doctors who detect and try to prevent complications or who deal with emergency complications that happen unexpectedly. In these situations, doctors serve as a safety net for mothers. But that doesn't mean doctors should be orchestrating the process of birth for every other healthy and normal mother. But if things are going well, it is better to stand back and leave well alone. Except for a very rare number of cases, the danger of childbirth in the past can be attributed to unsanitary conditions and disease (not any flaw with the natural design of birth). We are so thankful that advanced obstetrics are available for the small number of women with rare childbirth complications; but in the majority of cases, birth is designed to progress normally and optimally with no or minimum interventions.

Pain is Not the Same as Suffering

Medical Schools teach doctors to view pain as a symptom of something wrong. They are trained to treat or alleviate pain and suffering, for which we are all grateful! But what they are not taught is that the pain in childbirth is different than the pain caused by an illness. Pain (there are many women who would choose to use a different word to describe the intense feeling of contractions, such as surges or waves) in childbirth is normal, healthy, and has a purpose.

The pain women feel in childbirth is directive: it encourages them to move throughout labor into positions that best help the baby progress down through the birthing canal. Positions that make a mother more uncomfortable during labor than others (like lying on your back on a bed) are less effective for the progress of birth. If women are allowed to respond to and move into positions that are more comfortable and satisfying, they will also be able to help their labor progress more effectively.

The pain women feel in childbirth is also intermittent. In a twelve hour labor, with an average of 60-second contractions every 3 minutes, a laboring mother only spends 3 hours in pain. Nature designed the rest of the time in between contractions for mothers to rest and gather strength. Creating a supportive environment helps mothers to relax and fully take advantage of these resting periods.

The challenges women face in a normal and healthy childbirth, including pain, self-doubt, discouragement, or exhaustion are a part of her rite of passage into motherhood, and come hand-in-hand with her feelings of awe, triumph, confidence, power, and capability that she will need to help her be the best mother she can be for her new baby. She does not need to be rescued from her experience. She needs those around her to believe in, support, and encourage her to birth her baby the way she wants to.

Science is not static or dogmatic.

Don't stop learning when you finish medical school, or even after you have been practicing medicine for 20 years! Stay current and up to date with the newest research designed to inform and shape your obstetric practices. According to the World Health Organization, many doctors are not basing their obstetric practices on current scientific research:

“….Evidence-based maternity care uses the best available research on the safety and effectiveness of specific practices to help guide maternity care decisions and to facilitate optimal outcomes in mothers and newborns. Although the field of pregnancy and childbirth pioneered evidence-based practice, resulting in a wealth of clear guidance for evidence-based maternity care, there remains a widespread and continuing underuse of beneficial practices, overuse of harmful or ineffective practices, and uncertainty about effects of inadequately assessed practices. …”

New scientific studies or ancient wisdom may challenge your cultural or social norms, challenge what you may have learned from a previous text book, or challenge even your own experiences ~ but that does not make them untrue. Be open to different ways of doing things. If you don't know how to do something (deliver a baby in positions other than with the mother in stirrups, support an intact perineum rather than cutting routine episiotomies, use intermittent fetal monitoring rather than continuous) find someone who does and learn! You will be respected more ~ not less.

Hope for Maternity Care in Kuwait

A few weeks ago I attended a birth at Royal Hayat with a first time mother. I could tell that many of the mother's requests on her birth plan were foreign to her doctor, Dr. Mona. But she respected and supported this mother and her wishes during the birth. She was open to trying something different. When the mother wanted to deliver on her hands and knees Dr. Mona was concerned, because she had never delivered a baby in that position. We found a compromise that both mom and doctor were comfortable with: what was really important to the mom was to be in an upright position (off her back and out of the stirrups) and to prevent an episiotomy and minimize natural tearing. We worked together to find a squatting position that both mom and doctor felt comfortable with, Dr. Mona supported the mother's perineum patiently while the mom slowly breathed her baby down (at her own pace), and mom was given her baby skin to skin after the birth for two hours of uninterrupted bonding time.

Dr. Mona initially wanted to give the mom a routine injection to prevent heavy bleeding after the birth. However, after the mother reiterated how important it was for her to have a completely natural birth and expressed her confidence in her body's ability to contract normally if she was allowed skin to skin and breastfeeding time with her baby (a process that creates the natural hormones needed for the uterus to contract after birth), Dr. Mona respected this mother's wishes. Dr. Mona never used scare tactics or coercion to convince the mother to do things her way; she never belittled the mother's wishes or opinions because she wasn't a medically trained doctor. She was supportive, open-minded, and respectful. So, Thank You Dr. Mona for giving me hope for the future of birth in Kuwait. I am happy to refer any mothers in Kuwait looking for a doctor who will respect and support their birth to you! The work that I do as a doula helping mothers have a healthy and positive birth experience would not be possible without doctors like you!

(See the mother's birth story below)

Joy and relief after a long labor, supported by her doula and doctor.

My name is Addie and my son, Maxence, was born on January 4th, 2013 at the Royale Hyatt Hospital in Kuwait.  He was delivered naturally without the use of any drugs.  The greatest reward of having an all-natural birth was seeing my son enter this world calm, peaceful, and alert.  

The decision to move to Kuwait during my pregnancy was somewhat reassuring for me because I had previously lived 2 years in this country and was familiar with the private hospital services offered here.  I knew that we would have luxury, comfort, and professionalism when it came to delivering at the Royale Hyatt Hospital, however my biggest concern was whether or not I’d have a positive birthing experience.  I felt very strongly about having an all-natural birth and the idea of delivering without an epidural or C-section seems to be a foreign concept here.  The last thing I wanted was to be in the labor room, fighting with the nurses and doctor, being pressured into doing things that I don’t agree with. 

Fortunately, I came across Sarah Paksima’s blog, “Engaging Birth” and discovered that she offers doula services, right here in Kuwait!  My spirits immediately elevated and a sense of relief came over me as I was overjoyed at the possibility of having a doula present during my delivery.  I emailed her expressing my interest and after speaking with her, I knew there was no other option.  

Having a doula (Sarah) was by far the best decision in making my natural birth a reality.  I was in labor for over 24 hours and spent nearly the entire time in the comfort of my own home.  It was only the last hour that I spent pushing at the hospital before my son was born.  Staying at home for most of the labor not only created a relaxing and peaceful  environment, but I was able to have the freedom to move around, try different positions, and spend a considerable amount of time in the bath tub, while avoiding any pressure from doctors about how far I’m dilated.  I cannot express how essential it was to have Sarah by my side during this time.  She kept me grounded and focused during every contraction, reminding me that with each contraction, my baby was moving lower and preparing to make his entrance into this world.  

Sarah’s knowledge about different positions and the birthing process kept me reassured, confident, and hopeful that I could continue on with a natural delivery.  ( Deeper into the labor, the thought of an epidural crossed my mind on several occasions, but having Sarah by my side swiftly pushed those thoughts away) She provided words of encouragement,  kept me hydrated (avoiding an IV at the hospital), and kept me breathing  which provided crucial oxygen to my baby, all the while Sarah remained calm and collective.  It was also great having her present because she was able to direct my husband so he could be involved with the labor.  As a typical male, my husband really had no idea what to do during these moments, however Sarah simply indicated tasks for him like rubbing my back while I was in the bathtub.  This was a wonderful way for him to be a part of the experience and feel of use.   Overall, I can honestly say I don’t think I could have successfully performed an all-natural birth without the support, guidance, and compassion of a doula. 

I am beyond thankful that Sarah has so passionately offered her knowledge, services, and teachings to Kuwait.  Having a doula (Sarah) made my birthing experience the most positive and memorable experience of my life!   

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Gentle Birth: A Calm Birth, A Peaceful Birth For Your Baby

Claim your right to empowering birth! Today`s article by Co founder of BirthKuwait: Zuzana Nadova of Midwifery in Kuwait .
Pregnancy and labour are supposed to be natural and normal events. They provide a woman with a unique opportunity to learn about her body and soul. A woman experiences changes in all aspects of her life as the pregnancy progresses, and thus can experience transformation into an intuitive, relaxed and receptive mother. She is given a chance to find out how powerful and competent she is by facilitating bringing a new life to this world.

" Whoever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life" Ina May Gaskin

 How does your body prepare for labour?

The transition from pregnancy to labor is a sequence of events, that often begins gradually.

The physiological transition from being a pregnant woman to becoming a mother means an enormous change for each woman, both physically and psychologically. Every system in the body is affected and the experience represents a major transition in a woman's life.

During the last few weeks of pregnancy, a number of physical and psychological changes may occur, including:

·      Mood swings

·      Surges of energy

·      Lightening : baby usually " drops down" into the pelvis 2-3 weeks before the onset of labour, breathing becomes easier and heart and stomach function more easily.

·      Engagement of the baby’s head: pelvic floor becomes more relaxed and softened allowing the   baby's head to descend further into the pelvis increasing pressure on the perineum floor.

·      Walking becomes more difficult

·      More frequent trips to the bathroom!

·      Braxton-Hicks contractions, warming-up contractions which may be just your uterus practicing, or might be helping to reposition your baby or help your cervix move into position for birth.

·      Cervix of the uterus becomes soft, effaces (thins), and dilates (opens).  Mom will lose the protective fluid at the end of the cervix called the “mucous plug”, creating slightly pinkish cervical fluid.

·      Feelings of great intensity, from exited anticipation to fearful expectancy.

What is happening during labour? 

Labour is the process of giving birth, from the onset of true labour pains until the completion of delivery.

Labour is usually divided into 3 stages.

1. In the first stage, the cervix dilates (opens) and the baby descends into the pelvis.

Before labour : Baby is engaged ( positioned in a bony pelvis and head is pressing against cervix) and cervix is still closed by the mucous plug

Beginning of labour: release of mucous plug and rupture of amniotic sac ( baby waters) which can happen in the beginning of labour or later as labour progress

Active labor, or the onset of regular contractions: Contractions dilate cervix and push the baby into the birth canal.

During labour cervix dilates (opens) and effaces (thins) to enable baby to pass through birth canal

During labour: as the head of the baby descents into the birth canal, the head needs to mold in order to fit the diameters of bony pelvis.

2. In the second stage, mom’s usually feel the urge to push as the baby descends all the way to the pelvic floor.

3.      In third stage baby is delivered  and  placenta is expelled.

   

According to WHO's recommendations 85%- 95% of pregnant women should be able to give birth spontaneously- without the assistance of obstetric tools or interventions.

Our bodies are designed to give birth: While the process of birth is quite complex, when we allow our bodies to work the way they were designed to, it’s a simple and beautiful process. 
Three primary hormones assist in this process:

OXYTOCIN

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain which gradually increases during pregnancy.

Oxytocin is called the “love hormone”; it helps us to feel peaceful, affectionate, and empathetic, and helps us move into the right side (non-rational) of our brain. Oxytocin is one of the primary hormones that triggers a mother’s instinct to nurture, protect, and bond with her baby. Humans produce the most oxytocin during love making and childbirth. They must feel safe and enjoy privacy to produce the optimum levels of oxytocin.

During labour, Oxytocin stimulates powerful contractions which help thin and open the cervix, move the baby down and out of the birth canal, expel the placenta and limit the bleeding. It also helps women to be calm and relaxed during labor.

After delivery, oxytocin stimulates the let down reflex ( milk ejection reflex) and is released as babies nurse.

Laboring moms naturally produce the needed amount of oxytocin to help labor progress when they feel safe and secure.

Here are some ways to naturally help promote the production of oxytocin:

·      Stay calm and relaxed

·      Seek positive experiences ( laugh, hug, talk to your friends or loved ones, watch a funny film)

·      Delay epidurals and avoid the use of synthetic oxytocin (Syntocin or Pitocin)

·      Nipple stimulation (for example, with a breast pump)

ENDORPHINES

Endorphines are hormones produced in the brain in response to positive stress or pain. They are calming and pain relieving hormones, sometimes referred to as natural opiates (pain killers). An example of this is when runners describe their feelings at the end of a race as feeling “elated” or experiencing the “runners high.” The amount of endorphins in a naturally laboring mother is significantly higher than a marathon runner, that is why you will hear some mothers describe their birth experience as “ecstatic.”

In unmedicated labours, endorphins continue to gradually rise through the labour and can cause an altered state of consciousness that can help woman to flow with the process, even if it is long and challenging. Despite the hard work, high endorphine levels make laboring woman feel alert, attentive and euphoric.

In medicated labours (such as induced labours) , endorphine levels are lower because the natural signal sent to the brain to continue to increase the release of endorphins in response to increasing levels of oxytocin is shut off. This can cause labors which use Syntocin or Pitocin to be excessively painful and create a need for interventions.

How to keep endorphins level high:

• Staying calm, comfortable and confident
• Avoiding disturbances (avoid unwelcome people, unnecessary interventions)
• Delaying epidurals, avoid synthetic oxytocin.

ADRENALINE

Adrenaline is a hormone known as  the “fight of flight" hormone that our bodies produce to ensure survival and to deal with stress. Certain amounts of adrenaline are needed during the labour in order to deal with the physical demands of labour, but excess amounts can be harmful. Women who feel threatened may produce high levels of adrenalin which can slow or stop labour.

Excessive levels of adrenaline can: 

• Decrease blood flow to uterus and placenta slowing contractions and lengthening labour  and causing distress to the baby
• Create a sense of panic in the mother
• May create the need for interventions

You can keep adrenaline levels low by:

• Staying calm, relaxed and comfortable
• Trusting in your body and it's capabilities
• Staying in a private and safe environment
• Avoiding conflicts and disruptive procedures

How does labour start?

The onset of labour is a process, not an event, therefore it is very difficult to pinpoint exactly when the painless (or sometimes painful) contractions of pre-labour develop  into progressive rhythmic contractions of established labour.

The exact trigger of labour is still unknown. It is believed that when a baby is ready it releases hormones into the mother’s blood to initiate the labour.

What factors affect successfully progressing labour?

The mind and body are connected and they affect each other. This is called the Mind-body connection.

Emotional disturbances are shown to affect the physiological state of woman . Fear, anxiety, stress, anger, fright and  suppressed emotions can hold up a  labour .

Negative feelings heighten the perception of pain and can help elevate the stress hormone

" adrenaline " which may slow or stop contractions. They also reach the baby who can suffer from neonatal distress as well.

Negative emotions also cause tension in muscles , thus making the softening, the thinning and the opening of the cervix difficult.

The simple progress of birth: Maintain a safe and private environment

All labor progression is dependant on the release of the hormone oxytocin but can be inhibited by any interference in a laboring mother’s environment.

For birth to proceed optimally, the limbic system, which the more primitive part of brain (the part that controls instincts, memory and emotions) needs to take precedence over our neocortex (the rational part of the brain). This shift of consciousness, which some call "going to another planet" or "tapping deeply into one self " is aided by the release of birthing hormones and is inhibited by disturbances such as bright lighting, loud conversation, expectations of rationality and use of rational language (like when the nurses ask you questions about early labor etc.) Most women at this point are unable to- and should not be expected to- answer rational questions near the end of labor. Her support system should step in to answer for her, or lean close to whisper questions in a quiet voice in between contractions.

" If we hope to create a nonviolent world

where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred ,

we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life,

for it is where our deepest patterns are set,

from these roots grow fear and alienation or love and trust. "   

~Suzane Arms

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Prenatal Yoga ~ Your Questions Answered!

Do you want to learn more about the latest trend in pregnancy ~ Prenatal Yoga? 

Come to a free public lecture by Blooma Founder and Trainers Sarah Longacre and and Stacy Seebart to learn more! 

(See some commonly asked questions below)


When: Sunday, January 13, 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Kuwait Women's and Cultural Society (Khaldiya, Block 2)


When should I start Prenatal Yoga?


Prenatal Yoga can be started at any stage of pregnancy. The sooner you begin, the more time you will have to prepare for your upcoming birth, connect with other pregnant moms, and avoid common discomforts of pregnancy. If you are unable to begin classes until the later stages of pregnancy, even one or two classes can be of benefit. 

What should I bring to class? What should I wear? 

Most yoga studios are fully equipped with all of the necessary props and equipment. They will have blankets, blocks, bolsters, straps, mats and more. If you have a mat, feel free to bring it- most students prefer to use their own. You may also like to bring a water bottle, as pregnant moms become dehydrated twice as fast. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in- yoga pants, sweats, T-shirts, etc. Layers are nice, that way if (when) you get too hot as your muscles warm up, you can remove a layer. When you are ready to relax at the end of class you can put your layers back on to keep you warm and comfortable.

Will Prenatal Yoga alleviate common pregnancy discomforts?

The vast majority of mothers who practice yoga in their pregnancies report a decrease in their discomfort. Back pain, insomnia, hip pain, sciatica, leg cramps, and round ligament pain are just a few of the pregnancy discomforts which are easily remedied through a regular yoga practice. In addition, many mothers report improved digestion, decreased swelling, and better sleep at night as a result of yoga practice. Let your instructor know during intros/ check-in if there is something that you would like to address through the yoga practice. Not only will she be able to address it in the practice, other moms may have experienced the same issue and have ideas to help.

How will Prenatal Yoga prepare me for my labor?

A consistent yoga practice can help put your baby in an optimal position for labor, and many of the breathing techniques, postures and movements practiced in class can be used during labor to cope with discomfort and help your labor to progress efficiently. In addition, many questions and concerns regarding the birth experience are addressed in class. Instructors can answer questions or direct you to appropriate resources and other students may have experiences and information to share, as well.

I have never practiced yoga before and I am not flexible. Will Prenatal Yoga be too difficult for me?

Many women come to yoga for the first time when they are pregnant ~ you are not alone! While the practice will offer a challenge for long-time yoga practitioners, it is designed to welcome newcomers as well. Teachers are trained to meet you where you are and offer modifications as necessary. You should communicate with your instructor throughout class, letting her know if something does not feel right and asking for assistance. Whether you are a long-time yoga practitioner, or completely new to yoga, remember to listen to your body and honor your needs in the moment. Your yoga instructors- and the practice itself- will help you to do this.

Keep in mind that all yoga practice- whether prenatal or not- will help increase flexibility. Few yogis have come to the practice already flexible- it’s the practice that made them so! And as a pregnant mom, you are at an advantage. With the increased production of Relaxin (a pregnancy hormone designed to make your ligaments more supple and stretchy) it’s a perfect time to take up yoga!

I have been practicing yoga for years…will Prenatal Yoga be challenging enough for me?

Preparing for labor can be thought of as training for an athletic event, and while Prenatal Yoga is sensitive to the needs of pregnant women, most will find at least part of the practice physically challenging. As an example, some classes may include holding poses such as Warrior (virabhadrasana) or Powerful pose (utkatasana) for a minute while practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques to cope with the discomfort. Other classes use an active vinyasa flow practice. And some classes may use a gentler practice while challenging the mother with mindful meditation.

Like “regular” yoga, Prenatal Yoga comes in many styles, with practices as diverse as the teachers teaching them. If one class does not meet your needs, try another, till you find a class that works for you. And of course, be mindful of your changing body- you may find that the practice you have been used to is not what your body needs during this transformative time.

What does Prenatal Yoga have to offer that a regular yoga class does not?

The focus of Prenatal Yoga is very specific to the childbearing year. The physical practice focuses on relief for common pregnancy discomforts and restoring energy while preparing the body for the rigors of labor. Many poses can even be used as labor coping tools. The meditation aspect of prenatal yoga classes will help you feel connected to your pregnant self and your baby ~ and help you find stillness for your mind as you learn to integrate the changes that come with pregnancy. The community building will help you feel connected to other mothers sharing many similar emotions, questions, and experiences. This is a great opportunity to “compare notes” and make long-lasting friendships! In addition, pregnant moms taking regular yoga classes are often met with misinformed comments and instruction from well-meaning teachers and classmates, preventing them from getting the most out of their practice. Prenatal yoga class offers a safe space to totally immerse in the experience of pregnancy and let go of the distractions of the outside world.

What is the advantage of taking a class as compared to just practicing at home with a book or video?

Coming to class provides you with community and personalized instruction that cannot be provided from a book or video. An instructor can tailor your practice to meet your specific needs and help you troubleshoot when a pose feels awkward or you are experiencing discomfort that requires special attention. The conversation that happens in class can help moms find a provider, learn what to expect in their chosen birthing facility, or hear about maternity care options they would not otherwise learn about. A good prenatal yoga DVD or book is a great way to practice at home between classes, but is not a good substitute for class itself!

Where Can I Find a Prenatal Yoga Class in Kuwait?

The availability of prenatal yoga classes is growing in Kuwait ~ with the training and Blooma certification of 20 new prenatal yoga instructors this January! Please look under resources available for pregnant mothers at www.BirthKuwait.com for the latest class timings and locations available.

Written by Sarah Paksima, mother of four children, expecting her fifth this February! Through her business EngagingBirth, she teaches prenatal yoga and Lamaze childbirth education classes and provides doula services. She is also one of the founders of BirthKuwait. 

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