The Intuitive Mother + Prep for Birth Workshop is a holistic and comprehensive program designed to prepare expectant mothers for the journey of childbirth. Led by Kristiana Castillo Vuong, a mother of two, Doula and prenatal yoga teacher. She will be joined with Lindsey DiCello, prenatal yoga teacher and Doula.
What to can I expect to learn in this workshop?
The workshop commences with an introductory session, where participants are encouraged to share their names, the progression of their pregnancy, and aspects they are looking forward to in this journey.
Following the introductions, there is a short meditation session. This part of the workshop is dedicated to grounding and breath awareness exercises, which are aimed at fostering a calm and focused atmosphere, essential for the stages to come.
After the meditation, a gentle yoga flow is conducted, targeting areas of the body that experience strain during pregnancy—neck, back, and shoulders. This part of the workshop starts with exercises while seated, then transitions to hands and knees exercises, including cat cow and supported child’s pose. The yoga segment concludes in a seated position, deliberately excluding Savasana.
The next part of the workshop involves comfort measures, where participants are guided to quickly jot down their birth plan "wish list". This activity leads into a lecture discussing vital questions to ask healthcare providers. This information is crucial for expectant mothers to ensure that their healthcare provider can support their birth plan and to understand the likelihood of achieving their desired birth outcomes.
Following a short bio break, the workshop resumes with an activity where students are prompted to write down their fears about birth and postpartum. This leads to a discussion about recognizing areas of control and lack thereof. The fears are then categorized into these two areas, and strategies are discussed to address what can be done versus how to let go.
Towards the end of the workshop, a lecture is delivered on Penny Simkin's Labor Road Map. This session is particularly helpful for mothers to understand how to cope with adjustments to the birth plan and manage feelings of disappointment that might emerge.
Finally, the workshop concludes with a restorative yoga session. Participants engage in a supported savasana pose, accompanied by affirmations to reinforce positivity and strength. The Intuitive Mother + Prep for Birth Workshop, therefore, offers a well-rounded approach to birth preparation, combining physical exercises, emotional reassurances, and educational support, all designed to empower and prepare expectant mothers for childbirth.