Yoga Lua

This strong momma planned a peaceful water birth with a midwife in our birth center but early in pregnancy she noticed a suspicious breast lump. After separate ...evaluations and reports saying it was "probably benign", our Certified Nurse Midwife didn't feel comfortable with the diagnosis of "probably benign" and consulted a breast specialist. The lumps were biopsied and mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer around 20 weeks pregnant. She had a left breast mastectomy a few days later and immediately started chemo while pregnant with her miracle baby. At 36 weeks, she was induced and birthed a perfectly healthy baby BOY. She really wanted to breastfeed after having many of her birth choices and preferences taken from her if only for a short time because cancer treatments resume when she is discharged from the hospital. After he was born he latched to her right breast all on his own and the room was full of emotion. These images show the incredible strength and love through the art of breastfeeding. Please pray for her and her miracle baby. They have a long road ahead. Photo credits to Kate Murray Photography Update on Sarah's story http://www.today.com//inside-a-mother-s-inspiring-fight-as

Cytotec/Misoprostol is still routinely used for labor induction in many hospitals, despite warnings by the the manufacturer that it is not to be used for this purpose. It is a drug for stomach ulcers that causes uterine contractions as a side effect. It is responsible for countless cases of uterine rupture, amniotic fluid embolism, severe vaginal bleeding, retained placenta, shock, fetal bradycardia and severe pelvic pain - leading to unnecessary maternal and infant death. Please sign the below petition, which would require the FDA to create a medical guide that warns about these side effects when using this drug for off-label labor induction. http://petitions.moveon.org//off-label-use-of-cytotec.fb47

"Graduation" gifts for my HypnoBirthing students. Lavender essential oil can help with pregnancy, birth and postpartum in so many ways. There's a good reason it's referred to as the "Swiss army knife" of essential oils! Wishing each of my students the calm, comfortable, natural, healthy births they deserve (and are ready for)!!!

My next HypnoBirthing series starts this coming Tuesday in Encinitas! There are still two spots left. More info on my website: http://yogalua.com/hypnobirthing/class-information/

Comments from a Doctor in Malaysia regarding differences in birthing for patients using HypnoBirthing techniques: "I have had more than 10 HypnoBirthing patients so far. The differences that I observed are: 1. Patients are very calm during labour. No cry or scream, unlike those given pethidine or entonox. (Both are drugs used for pain relief)... 2. Some of the patients were induced with oxytocin or prostin but they were still very calm and do not require any other methods of pain relief. 3. Second stage is without active pushing but big babies can also be born easily. My biggest HypnoBirthing baby delivered was 3.8 kg (8 lbs 6 oz), first baby. No active pushing. Just breathe down. It's amazing. Without HypnoBirthing, most patients would push for hours and may need vacuum or forceps due to maternal exhaustion. 4. Patients are very fresh and alert after giving birth because they were at deep relaxation state throughout the whole labour process. So, they are very keen for immediate bonding, skin to skin and breastfeeding. Patients without HypnoBirthing are usually very tired and exhausted and usually spend limited time on bonding and breastfeeding. 5. HypnoBirthing babies are also alert and very keen to breastfeed immediately after birth unlike those with no HypnoBirthing, many babies are sedated and often not keen to breastfeed. 6. Most HypnoBirthing patients can spend the next few hours breastfeeding because both mother and baby is fresh and alert. I have observed that these babies have less problems breastfeeding over the next few days. Unlike the non HypnoBirthing babies, they can be sedated for the next few days because pethidine takes 72 hours to eliminate from the baby. So, babies sleepy most of the time and with no stimulation, the mother takes more days to establish breastfeeding. 7. Breathe down method of birth also reduce the chance of episiotomy and less tearing because the baby descend slowly and allow more time for the perineum to stretch. With every HypnoBirthing patient I have, I am amazed by the advantages of HypnoBirthing. This is definitely one method of birth that I would teach my daughter." - Dr. Tan EE Ping, Malaysia

Babies by the Sea Birthing Center in Encinitas is having their grand opening party on Saturday, September 27. Hope to see some of you there! More details to come...

My friend Tina Yago - babywearing extraordinaire - has started an AWESOME babywearing educational site. She's put in a lot of work and anyone interested in learning about babywearing (novice to expert) should definitely check it out!! Tons of great info, tutorials, etc. Definitely a work of love. www.caringiswearing.com

You can safely delay cord clamping even with the collection of cord blood.

Soon to be open... Babies by the Sea Birthing Center in Encinitas!! I am teaching HypnoBirthing classes across the hall at the adjacent Health & Wellness Center!

Many of us focus on eating cleaner, organic foods and reducing our intake/use of synthetic chemicals while pregnant. But have you checked to see what is in your prenatal vitamins?

My Tuesday evening August 12 September 9 HypnoBirthing class is FULL. I am keeping an interest list and may open up a second evening, so let me know if you are interested in an August class!

Now that Facebook has changed it's breastfeeding photo policy, we can actually share images like this!