Empowered Births, Parents and Families. Since 1999.
Perhaps we share stories in much the same spirit that explorers share maps, hoping to speed each others journey, but knowing the journey we make will be our own. Gloria Steinem on motherhood
PREGNANCY SHIATSU FOR EXPECTING COUPLES
Pregnancy Shiatsu for Expecting Couples emphasizes the father or partner's involvement during the pregnancy and labour. It has been designed for second and third trimester pregnancies. It may complement a childbirth class but it is not in itself a childbirth class. The process of learning is natural, gentle and rapid and it does not require extensive knowledge, preparation or specialized skills. Information will be delivered in a safe and supportive environment. It is an opportunity for the birth partner to learn to support the mother. You will learn about how Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body and conception, about breathing, relaxation, shiatsu and massage. You can have time for the partner to explore how they feel about their role during birth and their relationship with the baby. What to Expect The length of the workshop is approximately four hours. The expectant mother may involve the father as a birth partner but also any other person (relative or friend) who she feels may act as a supportive participant. Most of the workshop is hands-on and performed mostly on the floor with plenty of pillows. Participants are fully clothed. No oils are used. The benefits of shiatsu massage to the pregnant woman and her partner are (as outlined by Susan Yates in Shiatsu for Midwives, 2003):
• She is more likely to tune into her pregnancy – and therefore look after herself, pace herself, prepare for labour • She can better deal with the ‘complaints’ of pregnancy, both major and minor • She is more in touch with the baby and more able to trust in birth – that she can do it • It helps the mother to cope with pain and promotes an easier postnatal recovery • She is more likely to have a normal labour • It can promote a positive relationship with her partner, who can be more involved in the pregnancy, labour and postnatal period and as well as a long-term health
Location: Optimum Health Centre (Yonge and Summerhill) Days and Times: Six hours in total (two Saturday mornings 10am -1pm or twoThursdays nights 6-9pm) Please e-mail or call us (416-878-5392) to find out more.
Fee: $100.00 + GST per couple
BABY SHIATSU
Baby Shiatsu explores the relationship between mothers and babies during the so-called fourth trimester and beyond. It clarifies the mother-baby relationship in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and offers some possible solutions to common problems such as mastitis, breastfeeding difficulties and postpartum depression. Basic Baby Shiatsu will be demonstrated.
Highlights:
What is Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine (Meridians, Five Elements and how they influence the child, Baby's Chinese Signs)
How Meridians develop in the unborn; the mother as a child's immune system (as seen from the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Type of touch (holding vs. pressing); Mother hand and Working hand; useful acupressure points for particular conditions
The participants are fully clothed. No oils are used.
The session will be broken into two smaller segments to accommodate the need for movement.
Breastfeeding is encouraged. Manual (a couple of pages guide) and Certificate of Attendance will be provided.
Location: See above, Optimum Health centre
Days and Times: Average length of session is 2.5 hours. Please e-mail or call us ( 416-878-5392) to find out more. Generally speaking we are usually off in the Summer, resuming our classes in September .
