Once a month (except during the summer) there's a meeting in my city for people involved with pregnant mothers, birthing and the early weeks. Think midwives, doulas, chiropractors, nutritionists, yoga teachers and so forth. I love to go there if I possibly can, to learn and be inspired. Each time there is a different presenter, and it seems, always something new and/or interesting to hear about.
This morning we had a fun time, because we had a chance to experience what's called Dancing For Birth (yes, there's a .com website). We moved for sure. Our instructor had her own small baby in a comfy sling, held in front of her. The child slept peacefully during the whole hour's session. Advice was, 'When baby is fretful, try a little gentle dancing'. Being an ex-dancer myself, I like that! And, of course, rhythm is always helpful.
She ended the session with a small demonstration about how life has changed; how we used to lean forward to do the laundry in a river (and of course this still happens in some parts of the world); how we'd hang the laundry on the line, and squat when we were gardening. All useful for positioning a baby in the most helpful way for birth (anterior rather than posterior), and using gravity to advantage. The trouble is, these days we use washing machines, drive around and sit at the computer. So these simple stances are being sidelined. Gardening is still good, though... and yay, the weather has warmed up! When I returned home I found Curly-locks happily playing in the newly-replenished sandbox. Is there anything the little ones like better?
