from us

   The journey on the path of pregnancy often begins long before conception. And the destination, birth, is by no means the end of the voyage. In our issue, Great Expectations!, we explore a variety of the choices available to a woman and her partner (if one is participating) on the passage into parenthood. One of our cover stories, Mind, Body, Spirit, Baby, explains, “A number of natural, holistic and alternative choices exist, and it is essential that they refer to qualified research on the advantages and disadvantages of their preferences. They should fully research, weigh and discuss the options. A decision that is ideal for one couple may not be the best option for another. ” A number of the articles in this issue support this concept by providing educational information about holistic options related to fertility, prenatal care, childbirth and infant care.

    In their article, Achieving Fertility through the Body-Mind Approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine, authors Anne Kinchen, R.Ac. and Bob Wachsberger provide optimistic information for a woman/couple having trouble conceiving. They elucidate, “New research has demonstrated that Traditional Chinese Medicine – particularly the use of acupuncture (the insertion and manipulation of hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles into specific sites on the body) – is of great value in addressing fertility issues.”

    Pregnant women are generally advised to follow health-conscious guidelines. A woman may choose to continue (or include) a holistic-wellness regimen in order to increase her own well being, as well as that of her baby. For example, she may take yoga or Pilates classes specifically geared toward pregnancy. The article in our Yoga Matters department describes how yoga can be beneficial. Author Karen Allgire, MFA, RYT, writes, “Yoga is a wonderful way to prepare mothers physically, emotionally and spiritually for the experience of childbirth. In prenatal yoga, as in any yoga practice, it is important to know what to cultivate and what to avoid. The poses to do and to omit change with each trimester and may vary according to the condition of the individual.”

    Author Lisa Lansing shares that prenatal Pilates also offers exceptional benefits. In her article, Prenatal Pilates: What Can it Do for Pregnant Women?, she explains, “Prenatal Pilates not only helps women stay strong and connected during pregnancy, it also helps with labor, delivery and postpartum. It teaches women how to focus and breathe during contractions as well as how to push effectively.”

    In our second cover story article, Doulas: Women Who Mother the Mother, Rae Schmidt describes the role of a doula in prenatal, labor and delivery and postnatal care. Armed with knowledge and experience, the doula provides support, advocacy and more. Rae writes, “With comforting and calming words, the doula mothers the mother, reassuring her that the pain of childbirth is normal and natural. With an arsenal of experience, the doula offers the mother massage and other non-pharmacological pain-relief measures, as well as suggesting positions that will assist the labor and birth. The doula also encourages the woman's partner in his/her chosen role, thus enhancing the interaction between all three.”

    As crocuses push through the snow and birds hatch from their eggs, spring is a time to celebrate new life. Regardless of whether pregnancy is a current plan for you, we are confidant that you will find the information in this issue inspiring, educational and even touching.

Happy Spring,
Balanced Living Magazine