Diet The Royal Australian and New


Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) strongly recommends ‘a healthy, balanced diet’ before, during and after pregnancy. Eat fresh, local, seasonal produce, preferably organic. Eat often. Eat smaller meals. Chew well.


Yoga, deep breathing, mindfulness and meditation Yoga helps you breathe and relax, which in turn can help you adjust to the physical demands of pregnancy, labour, birth and motherhood. The practice of yoga during pregnancy may be beneficial as it seems to improve birth weight and reduce prematurity and overall complications. Educate yourself about types of yoga, postures, and at what times in your pregnancy it is safe to practise what. The Vivekananda Yoga Research


Foundation in Bangalore conducted studies which found that the yoga- practising control group enjoyed a significant reduction in premature deliveries and lower incidents of pregnancy-related high blood pressure. Some likely mechanisms whereby yoga


improves pregnancy outcomes include increased blood flow to the placenta, decreased transfer of maternal stress hormones, and the decreased chance of premature release of hormones that trigger the onset of labour. The Indian study included various


loosening exercises, postures (asanas), relaxation, deep breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation, which were practised for a total of one hour per day. In my experience any breathing and/or


moving mindfulness exercises, such as tai chi or chi gong, have a similar effect.


Hypnosis Hypnobirthing techniques are an


upcoming trend for good reason. Hypnobirthing is highly effective to assist in pain management, as well as in relaxing the mother and helping her connect with her own innate intelligence and intuition. After extensive studies of hypnosis, I combined hypnotic techniques and deep


mindfulness states, producing exciting results. Clients experienced a ‘state of wholeness’ which powerfully assisted their health and well-being. Hypnosis can help mothers-to-be resolve underlying tensions, blocked emotions and anxieties, and allow them to prepare holistically for pregnancy, birth and motherhood. Such ‘inner yoga’ may also support


general health – physically, emotionally, mentally and energetically.


Enjoy the journey More than anything my partner and I


found that pregnancy and childbirth can be prepared for, but can’t be managed the way other aspects of life can be managed. There came a point where we had to let go and trust our preparation, as well as surrender our need for the pregnancy and birth going exactly as we planned. I recommend exploring any of your


misgivings, fears and doubts. I’ve found that, as annoying and disempowering as they can be, they are always certainly precious portals to your personal empowerment and healing. Pregnancy, birth and parenthood


can be an incredible journey, a rite of passage, helping you step into your power, tapping into inner guidance and opening to the faith and trust of knowing that all will be okay. When a child is born, there is the


simultaneous possibility for a parent to be born, to evolve, and to take their life experience to a new and fulfilling level. Happy Mothers Day! n


Disclaimer Although Boris has a professional holistic health background, the advice given is general advice only, from one consumer to another. No warranties are made or responsibilities taken. Listen to your body, do your own research. Even good herbs can be dangerous in large doses or for extended period of time or in combination with other herbs. It is always advisable to consult your local health food store, pharmacist, naturopath, herbalist or doctor. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of LivingNow magazine.


Boris von Rechenberg, DoCH, is a transformational energy healer, coach and educator; combining holistic psychology and


transpersonal hypnotherapy with quantum source energetics. Based in Melbourne, he helps others rediscover true self, life purpose, ease, abundance, radical forgiveness, peace of mind, youth and wellness through whole being.


MAY 2015 31


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