Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Friday Night: Yoga for You (+ for Uganda!)

Help support Sarah’s goal to build a birth center in Uganda AND take part in a soulful, spirited 2-hour yoga practice this Friday from 6-8 p.m. This special yoga class kicks off a series of classes in which all proceeds will go toward the Blooming in Uganda Seva Challenge. Donation Suggestion: Pay the drop-in class rate of $18, or give what you can (a little more would be so, so great; a little less is OK, too). Sign up now! (Click on the Workshops tab.)

YOGA FOR YOU! with SARAH LONGACRE
Through the grace and healing power of yoga, you can support the pregnant women of Uganda. Your heart will soar, and your body will thank you for the sweet gift of so mindfully dedicating every breath and every pose.

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Moments + Mindfulness



You may have seen this video already since it's gone viral, but if not, turn up the volume and set aside 4 minutes to watch (preferably without a kid tugging at your pant leg). For me, it was a powerful reminder that even the most mundane-it-happens-everyday type moments are ones worth paying attention to. Mindfulness in every day life— not just on the yoga mat.

Shortly after I finished watching this yesterday, I heard my son waking from his nap upstairs. The moment of cracking open the door and peeking in to see him sweetly standing there, waiting for me and softly saying, "Mama," was as perfect a moment as any I can think of.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Friday, September 25, 2009

Cindy Crawford talks birth

Here's a bit of celeb gab for you. Cindy Crawford shares her birth story, in two parts, on MyBestBirth.com. Here is part one and here is part two. What fun insight to how one of the world's most famous super models gave birth!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Post Baby Wardrobe Blues

Today we have a guest blogger, Michelle LeBlanc of Pretty Mommy. Her beautiful belly and babe have been featured in many a Blooma photo! Thanks for the postpartum style tips, Michelle!

Love, Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma


Honestly, it's not that hard to be a cute, stylish, pregnant woman these days...everyone from DVF, to H&M, to Target does cute maternity versions of real clothes instead of those Peter Pan collar muumuus our mothers wore. Add to the mix some cute ballet flats, leggings, and a great necklace and your worries are over. The real trouble comes post delivery when your hormones are all over the place, you haven't showered in three days, you smell like spit up and breast milk, and your old clothes are either too small are too big... argh!! and you have visitors stopping by with presents and food.
So, here's Pretty Mommy to the rescue with 5 foolproof post baby wardrobe tips.

1) Take a Shower...EVERY DAY...I mean it! A shower a day keeps the crazies away! I know it can seem like an impossible task when your newborn is nursing or crying around the clock but find your spouse, or a bouncy chair and take 5 minutes for yourself.

2) Invest in some pretty Pajamas. You'll be spending a lot of time in and out of bed so skip the sweats and put on something you can receive guests in. A lovely, lightweight kimono robe is a great coverup and easy access for nursing.

3) Skip the jewelry, accesorize with a great scarf instead. In my experience it's pretty hard to wear necklaces and earrings for a while since they are either in the way or being pulled/chewed on. A large cozy scarf/shawl is a perfect pop of color, nursing coverup, blanket, spit up cloth, etc... I don't leave home without one!

4) Boyfriend Jeans are your friend. Not only are they the latest look sported by uber cool moms like Reese Witherspoon but they are the perfect rolling around the floor, haven't lost the babyweight, throw on my converse, not trying too hard style. Remember your favorite 501's in '93? These are the updated version!

5) Nursing Tank + Pretty Cardigan = Effortless style. I lived in my nursing tanks for almost 18 months and loved the ease and coverage they offered. No bare bellies, or exposing your whole chest...whew! Pair this with a long, knit cardigan and you're all set. (My personal faves all reside at JCrew.com)
For more musings on motherhood and fashion visit: www.myprettymommy.blogspot.com. And for some extra special items including the Blooma Uganda Tee visit: www.shopprettymommy.com.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Blooming in Uganda: Upcoming Events

Hello Blooma families,

As you may have heard, Blooma founder Sarah Longacre has taken an incredible challenge to help open a birth center in Uganda, Africa. Blooming in Uganda needs your help to make this happen. In the coming weeks and months, there will be events to help raise money for the project, including special yoga classes and workshops and a gala at the Weisman Art Museum Nov. 17. Pick up one of Blooming in Uganda's cute t-shirts, too, and spread the word!

You may be asking, why Uganda? Complications related to childbirth there kill 150 women every week. That totals about 8,000 women a year. As the strong women and families that you are, we know you can help make a difference. In February 2010, Sarah will travel to Uganda with other participants of the Off the Mat, Into the World® program (OTM), which organizes and inspires hundreds of yoga communities to help make the world a better place. The project is partnering with Shanti Uganda, the organization leading the charge to build a birth center, to offer prenatal education programs, and to provide basic, sanitary medical supplies. To make this happen, Sarah needs to raise $20,000. Please take a look at the upcoming events and sign up now for one of them, or several of them, to help send Blooma to Uganda! Or, donate now.

• Nov. 13th, 7:30 p.m. — Blooming in Uganda GALA AT THE WEISMAN ART MUSEUM, with special guests Krista Tippett (of MPR’s “Speaking of Faith”) and Matthew Sanford. Tickets are $50 each. RSVP now.

• Oct. 2, 6-8 p.m. — Blooming in Uganda KICK OFF event! YOGA for EVERYONE with Sarah is a donation-based two-hour long class. Sign up now under the Workshops tab.

• Oct. 3, 9:30-10:45 a.m.—Blooming in Uganda PRENATAL YOGA with Sarah
Sign up now under the Workshops tab.

• Oct. 10, 3:30-5:30 p.m. — PRENATAL YOGA and CHIROPRACTIC WORKSHOP with Sarah and Dr. Fargo; one hour of yoga followed by a one-hour workshop with Dr. Tim Fargo. He’ll present a workshop that will teach you ways to reduce pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy by using safe and natural techniques. Sign up now under the Workshops tab.

• Oct. 11, 3-5 p.m. — BOOT CAMP FOR DADS with Anthony Arnold
The Vikings kick off at noon, and personal trainer Anthony Arnold will be ready and waiting with a post-game workout. Go ahead: Tailgate all morning, then get your tail kicked (in a good way!) all afternoon! Sign up now under the Workshops tab.

We look forward to seeing you at Blooma and at one of our Blooming in Uganda special events!

Love,
The women of Blooma

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Talk VBAC options + support at Blooma this weekend!

Pregnant and thinking about having a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC)? Whether you’re already planning a VBAC or researching your options, Blooma invites you to a VBAC workshop this Saturday night, from 6 to 8 p.m., to help put your mind, heart, and body at ease.

Join Blooma founder Sarah Longacre, life & wellness coach Sarina LaMarche, and C-section mama Anne Gustin for a candid conversation about your options for birth: from changing care providers late in pregnancy to researching your options for birth after Cesarean-section. During this informative evening, we’ll provide a safe space to ask plenty of questions, share stories, cover Cesarean support, and VBAC and HBAC options. We'll also spend time journaling about birth experiences and expectations. Spouses, partners, and labor companions are welcome to attend.

You may use your class pass for this workshop, or pay as a drop-in ($18). Please sign up on the 9/26 CLASSES tab or call Blooma, 952-848-1111.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Clare's birth: a story of triumph + inspiration!

Hello Blooma mamas!

We love hearing your birth stories. Sometimes, you even let us share them. Such is the case with Clare, a mom who attended Blooma yoga classes throughout her pregnancy. Below is a letter from her. We thought it might inspire all you mamas out there. Clare, we are sending you big, congratulatory hugs!


Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma


___

Dear Sarah,


I wanted to write an email to you telling you my birth story so you can share it with anyone you feel needs to hear it. The birth process for my first daughter did not go as planned and ended in an emergency C-section with a faulty epidural. As they pulled Bella out of my uterus, it tore and because my epidural was not working they put me
under general anesthetic as soon as the umbilical cord was cut. I have no memory of her first cry, I didn't get to see her first bath and she didn't meet me until she was a few hours old. I remember coming around in the recovery room and asking, "Does she have red hair?"

The outcome of her birth was wonderful: I have an amazing daughter who is now 3 years old and everyday she teaches me something new about how to be a better human being as I watch her gentle soul interact with the people around her. My OB told me before I took Annabelle home that I would never have a natural birth.




Christmas Eve 2008: I discovered I was pregnant again and I dutifully made a 12-week appointment with the OB who had delivered Annabelle. He insisted that I could not attempt a VBAC and everywhere I turned I only found people telling me it was not possible. So I scheduled my C-section and started going to the yoga classes at my local hospital in Shakopee. There I reconnected with a wonderful woman named Susan Colvin who had been a real support to me after Annabelle's birth. She suggested I try out the yoga classes at Blooma so I went along one Saturday morning to take the class.

Well, there were so many women there at all stages of pregnancy and the instructor was telling a story about a birth she had been at as a doula and how the woman had been in a birthing squat for most of her labor. I loved the energy there and my little girl fell in love with the childcare that we always called the Kid's Club.

Every time I took a class and heard one of Sarah's success stories I knew that I wanted to be one of them. There was something in me telling me that I could do it.

At 30 weeks pregnant I asked Sarah to be my doula and said that I was going to find someone who would let me try a VBAC. Before I even found a new OB I called and cancelled my C-section, as I had no intention of doing it. I spent the whole summer
surrounded by the wonderful women of Blooma in the yoga classes that began to be so hard to do. I shared inward groans when Sarah asked us to "Peel off the floor into another crescent lunge" or "Hold in Goddess pose for just one more minute."

I finally found an OB who agreed to let me try a VBAC and decided to deliver at Methodist. Labor Day weekend I started having contractions on the Sunday night and dutifully went to Methodist as I had been told not to labor at home. When we got there, they were reluctant to let me go home, even though the contractions were not regular. There were enough of them that they were worried I was about to go into active labor.


They finally let me go home at 3 a.m. and I went to bed and tried to sleep as much as possible between contractions. Monday morning I mostly hid out in my bedroom until Amber (my backup doula) came over at about 3 p.m. She suggested we go out for a walk and she massaged my back and shoulders as we kept stopping for my contractions.

At 5:30 p.m. I suddenly decided we needed to go to the hospital. In the car the contractions became very intense and by the time we got to hospital I was in tears. Hearing Sarah's voice in my head I refused a wheel chair but I did cheat a little and take the elevator to the 3rd floor! When they checked me in triage I was already 7 cm dilated!!!!

They whipped me into a delivery room as soon as they could. I had always told Sarah I was very reserved and would be very modest and quiet when I gave birth. Well, here I was almost completely naked, screaming some very primitive noises at the top of my voice, and I did not care who could see or hear me! I was so loud that I was hoarse the next day. I refused to lie on the bed and wanted to stand for most of the time—thank God for strong thighs from all those bloody Goddess poses and Warrior sequences.

Amber has to be an angel in human form as her calming voice was a complete voice of reason for me and she even held my leg while I was pushing and pulled my knees open to give more room in the pelvis.

Three-and-half hours after I arrived at the hospital, my second daughter, Harriet Grace, was born. She was pretty much exactly the same size as Annabelle and she made it through without even a cone head! The doctor handed her straight to me and she started to nurse immediately. I was present in every part of the birth and I remember it all. My husband cut the cord and even looked at the placenta when I insisted on looking at it (just like a big liver!). I was lucky to labor completely drug free and I had very little tearing.

With the support of the wonderful women of Blooma I found the courage to say that I didn't believe I couldn't do it and I took on the challenge to prove that it was possible. I got my miracle.

I know the decision I made is not necessarily the right decision for everyone but it feels amazing to have followed my intuition and to have my miracle. So, now I am home with my family...

I am feeling amazing. I am going to miss the weekly yoga classes and hope to see familiar faces in BYOB yoga. Thank you for all of your support and community.

See you soon,
Clare

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Believe in birth centers? This meeting is for you.

Word is just starting to circulate that two birth centers are opening in the Twin Cities in the next few months. We're always excited about additional birthing choices for women! Birthing at a birth center isn't the right choice for everyone, but for some, it's the perfect option for those who want to birth with a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) in a home-like atmosphere without actually being at home.

If you want to support birth centers as an option to birthing women, you may want to attend an upcoming meeting at Sen. Al Franken's office to voice your support of birth center care being reimbursed by insurance. Here are the details that were passed along to us:


When: Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 4 p.m.
Where
: Office of Senator Al Franken

316 North Robert Street, Suite 615

St. Paul, MN 55101


* Kids are welcome.

* Rosemary Senjem will meet everyone in the lobby at 3:45.

* Please call Rosemary so that she knows who will show up: 651-429-4792 or 612-226-5101

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Get calm now.

There's evidence that acupuncture helps calm moms... and which one of us doesn't need a bit of soothing every now and then? Read all about it, then call Blooma to schedule a session with our acupuncturist, Jalashree Pradhan.

Acupuncture can also work wonders during pregnancy by helping to treat hip, leg, and back pain, headaches, and the pregnancy-induced skin rash (PUPPS) that occurs in some women toward the end of their pregnancy. Jalashree is additionally trained to help women with labor induction, fertility, lactation, postpartum depression, as well as fatigue.

Never tried acupuncture? Jalashree is the perfect person to start with. We love her, not only because she has a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine with advanced training in gynecological/reproductive issues, but also because of her beautiful spirit and dedication to working with women!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Monday, September 14, 2009

Find your green baby bargain

Always on the look out for a deal on eco-friendly baby clothes and gear? Me too. I get these nifty updates from Green Baby Bargains, a web site that prides itself on selling "green" products, one item each day, at a bargain price—often 50 to 75 percent off the regular price. Be on the lookout for things like organic swaddling blankets, bamboo socks, slings, organic crib sheets, natural baby care products, and maternity tees. Check it out!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sydney Marie



Sydney Marie

August 9
6 lbs 12 oz
20 1/4 inches long

Congratulations, Janal, Stacy, Wyatt & Sydney!

Leif Buckley

 
  
Leif Buckley

August 25, 2009
12:48 AM

Congratulations, Kate!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Adorable hats for your adorable baby

I'm in a bit of denial that it's practically mid-September... what can I say? I'm a summer girl. But along with September comes cooler weather as a signal of all the fun fall things to come: apple picking, vivid fall leaves, and cute, warm clothing! Blooma can help in that department. We sell bunches of long-sleeved tees that are the perfect weight for fall. You can also keep your sweet baby's head warm with one of these Blooma baby hats. Aren't they adorable? (And so is the model, Alex!) Pick one up for your cutie the next time you're at Blooma. See you then!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Eating for two... not five

You may be eating for two, but ease up on the potato chips, sister. New research shows that eating too much fat when pregnant may lead to both a fatty liver in the baby, and a change in the small molecules that govern metabolism in your own body. So if you really have a salt and fat craving, try a healthier snack like a handful of roasted almonds (barring nut allergies, of course). You'll get a dose of monounsaturated fat (the "good" fat), protein, fiber, vitamin E, and fantastic flavor in one nutritious package.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Kick Asana!

Breath deeply and salute the sun— 108 times! Check out the following event and mark your calendar for a yoga date on Sept. 20.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Kick-Asana 108 Yoga Event

Sunday, September 20, 2009

9:00am – 10:45am at The Firm


Do 108 Sun Salutations Consecutively - Breath by Breath!

*Take a break any time you need to in child’s pose


Celebrate the transformative power of yoga through this
powerful, physically challenging and empowering experience. Stay for a cool down restorative class after from 11-12.

Be a part of the International Global Mala Yoga for Peace Event www.globalmala.org

The Firm • 245 Aldrich Ave. N. • Suite 220 • Mpls, MN 55405
612.377.3003 www.thefirmmpls.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Flame retardants found in children's products

New research shows that although a compound used as a flame retardant in children's pajamas was phased out in the 1980s, related compounds are showing up again in furniture foam and other children's products.

According to a story published today on Discovery News, the phosphate-based flame retardants in question were found in foam samples of baby gear including
a stroller, a car seat, a nursing chair, a changing pad, and in many furniture samples. The chemical has been found to cause DNA mutations, has been shown to linger in the body, and may cause problems with neurodevelopment and hormone regulation. The article does not name the brands tested. For more information, you can look up the research, which appears online in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Audio inspiration, by Sean Corne

If you missed Minnesota Public Radio's "Speaking of Faith" (SOF) interview with Sean Corne over the weekend, you can now download the mp3 or listen to the podcast by clicking the above link. You'll hear Sean talk about her social activism program "Off the Mat, Into the World." Our own Sarah Longacre has taken Sean's challenge and will be traveling to Uganda next year to open a Blooma birth center! We are SO excited about this. She is working her tail off to raise $20,000 to make this happen. Blooma appreciates every donation, big and small, to help bring better birth choices to Ugandan women.

What's more, get to know SOF's host Krista Tippett during this interview. She will be speaking at a Blooma event in November... details to come! Krista's interview with Sean is fantastic. I was particularly moved by hearing Sean talk about yoga as "body prayer." And wait until you see it! She demonstrates body prayer in the 3 minute video below, while dedicating the practice to her father, who is ill with cancer. The grace and fluidity of her practice is breathtaking. Watch, and be inspired.




Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Monday, September 7, 2009

Shifra Malka


Mamas Miryam and Mara and big sister Rayzie welcomed another little girl into their family July 6. She was recently named after being welcomed into the Jewish community.

Welcome, Shifra Malka!

Ila Rose

 
  
July 11
3:41 PM 

Mama Jina says: After 38 hours of labor including 1 hour 40 min of pushing, we were so glad to meet her. She was born "occipital posterior" or sunny side up so for me I felt the labor in my back and hips, but we used many techniques from Liz Abbene's class to help. She was also in a "plus one station" before labor began, which I attribute to all the yoga I did the last month and I think it helped when pushing the baby out (that and the epidural i received after 26 hours). Many thanks to all the prenatal yoga instructors! Also, my midwife, Kaisa Johnson, at Methodist Hospital, made the delivery an amazing, unforgettable experience for both my husband and I. Can't wait to get back to yoga, as soon as I can find the time!

Izzy

 
  
  
  
July 6
1:50 AM
7 lbs 13 oz
19.5 inches long
Congratulations, Jessie!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Cuyler William

 
  
August 18
4:38 pm
7 lbs
20.5 inches long
Congratulations, Carrie!

Kingston Michael

 
 

July 23
10:24 AM
8 lbs 7 oz
21.5 inches long

Erika had a wonderful homebirth experience. She shares the heartwarming letter she wrote to Kingston telling him about his birth:

Dear Kingston,


In regards to your arrival…

Brant and I were lucky enough to enjoy our two year anniversary and his 30th birthday on Tuesday, July 21st, 2009. We spent the day in Stillwater shopping, eating, and enjoying the day. I knew this would be the calm before the storm. How did I know this you ask?

Because Wednesday, July 22nd was the full moon and I was convinced I was going into labor on the full moon. So convinced I called my labor support team the day before to tell them mine and baby's plan. So when contractions started at 4am on Wednesday, July 22 I wasn't a bit surprised and did my best to sleep around them for the next five hours. Once we decided to get up for the day contractions were about five minutes apart and fairly notable so we decided it was time to prepare for baby's arrival; this was the real deal. Well to be honest I tried to convince Brant to go to work for a while but was quickly was reminded by a contraction this day was no normal day! So we hustled and bustled around the house getting everything in order. To manage the contractions we did things to both encourage the progression of labor and pass the time. We played fetch at the park with Bosko and walked around the neighborhood. As we walked the block we wondered what the neighbors thought when they saw mommy, in her bright green slippers, walking then stopping to hug daddy for support through the contractions! We even went to Sonic to have a little snack all while having contractions four to six minutes apart! In the mid afternoon our acupuncturist, Stefanie, came over to give me a treatment which helped progress contractions a bit more bringing them to three minutes apart. Then in the late afternoon our first doula, Liz, arrived at the house to help. We decided it was time to get into the warm cozy tub to help with the pain. I was still in good spirits when the second doula, Carey, showed up. My good spirits were much ado to my birth team keeping me laughing. I was cracking jokes and keeping up well into labor. The amazing thing about natural birth is you get to feel all your hormones pumping through your body this in turns allows a mother to feel an almost high in between contractions which makes her birth experience pleasurable as well as rewarding. Then as the sun set our midwives, Amy & Kate, arrived and as Brant said, "turned our house into a full birthing center with all kinds of equipment and supplies." Labor continued to move ahead but at a slow pace. I kept feeling the urge to push but since my body wasn't ready for baby to emerge had to ignore that sensation and keep focus through contractions. Our wonderful birth team did a great job of reminding me to constantly change positions in order to progress labor so we did all kinds of things like take a shower, sit on the yoga ball, squat, lay on my side, and rotate my while hips on all fours. All helped to take me closer to my goal with each contraction. Finally we decided to climb the stairs two at a time (thanks to Liz!) in order to open things up. This successfully brought us to the next step... time to push! Little did we know this would reveal why I felt like pushing so much during the whole labor. Turns out my tailbone was turned upwards and exactly in the way of baby's head which meant it was extremely painful on my back and caused piercing pain when I pushed. To help ease the pain Dr. Amy called a chiropractor, Dr. Amber, to adjust my low back and help support me during the last phase. I am so thankful for Dr. Amber coming over at 7am to help out! Once again thanks to my labor support team (especially daddy!) I made it through the process and three hours later and finally gave birth to a baby boy! He took his time coming out but once he was here he made his presence known with a loud cry as he nestled into mommy’s chest. Almost immediately big brother Bosko made his way up onto the family bed to see who all the fuss was about and he quickly approved! After 30 long hours our baby boy, Kingston Micheal, was born at 10:24 am Wednesday, July 23rd, 2009. He had red hair and long fingers, toes, and legs. His personality definitely met his fiery look with loud roars and demand for feeding. He loved to sway his arms about almost like he was boxing opening and closing his fists. He made all kinds of facial expressions with tight lips and open mouths most of the time with his eyes wide open. After his well baby exam (also done on our family bed!) we found out he weighed 8lbs 7 oz and was 21.5 inches long. Based on the shape of his head we found out he was also a bit crooked on his way down the birth canal (and also posterior facing or sunny side up), yet another reason mommy should be proud she delivered him in only three hours & without any interventions! All the helpful birth women made sure to give Daddy a nod for being so helpful and supportive during labor one even mentioned he should teach a class to other daddy’s as she has never seen a daddy so supportive and involved like he was! The next four hours after labor were spent getting mommy and Kingston prepped for a nap and having the house cleaned up. We are so thankful to have had such a warm and cozy homebirth experience. Our midwives stayed until mommy was bathed and had eaten and they got the laundry started. We really feel so fortunate to have had such wonderful energy and experience surrounding us during such a transitional experience.

We would never change a single detail about our home birth experience. The fact that I was able to make all my own decisions about my labor and delivery experience allowed me to feel empowered and enlightened not only about my own existence but also that of my son’s and my family’s. I was lucky enough to have everything happen in my own home so I was able to recover quickly and begin to adjust to my normal life more smoothly.  The experience brought me and my husband closer and gave us strength to face any adversity.


And for all those wondering… in all honesty… I can’t imagine doing it with pain medication. The woman’s body and chemical makeup is really amazing! Experiencing every moment was so important to the progression of our labor and each sensation was accompanied by rushes of birth energy making the experience wildly colorful.

Rowan Patrick

 
August 18
 
8 lbs 10 oz
21 inches long
Congratulations, Sarah!

Wyatt

 
  
  
August 13
11:36 PM
7 lbs 14 oz
21 inches long
Congratulations, Kelsey and Pete and big brother Tommy!

Friday, September 4, 2009

The Mother's Plunge!

I absolutely devoured the book Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood. One might think that a parenting memoir written by a Zen priest would come off as preachy or self-righteous, but not so! Karen Maezen Miller writes with searing honesty, a clear mind, and a sense of humor that makes each of her experiences easy to relate to. In fact, she's the type of mom you'd love to sit down and have a cup of tea with. (Now you have the chance! Keep reading...) Readers quickly discover that Miller is an ordinary person, too—though with a bit of Zen wisdom she beautifully and lovingly imparts on the rest of us. I highly recommend this read to any mother, whether you just gave birth or have older children. Read an excerpt from the book here.

Now here's the good part. Miller is coming to Minnesota to lead a day-long retreat for mothers called the Mother's Plunge! I just purchased my ticket. It will be held in Rochester on Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It's $75 and Miller says we will receive "personal encouragement, spiritual refreshment, easy laughter, beginning meditation, mindfulness practices, and meadow walks." Sounds divine.

So leave the kids with dad, the grandparents, or a friend, and take a day just for you!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Blooma, in veggies

The Minnesota State Fair brings art to a whole new level. Apparently you can make "crop art" in the agriculture building, every day until 1 p.m. Naturally, our own Amber Kay (shiatsu massage therapist and doula) designed a tribute to Blooma. Wacky, fun, and super cool. Thanks, Amber!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Writing about mothers, mothering & motherhood

The Loft Literary Center is offering a class for anyone who wants to write about mothers—what a rich topic to mine for ideas! Below is the description. It sounds amazing! The class is held every Tuesday evening, for 12 weeks, beginning Sept. 15. You can sign up here.

"Whether singing or scolding, adoring or smothering, mothers make great material for writers. As children we may see them as mysterious, godlike beings who bake cookies and never sleep; as adults, we may have to learn how to see them as actual humans, real people with their own histories, flaws, and eccentricities. At times, they may be resented, quietly tolerated, or loved to the point of melodrama, as in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “To My Mother.” This class draws from our own memories, experiences, and relationships with Mom in order to create works of creative nonfiction—including personal essay, memoir, and short shorts (flash creative nonfiction)—dedicated to exploring and expressing the vast world of Mother (including surrogate mothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, or whoever you call “Mom”). Through in-class writing exercises, group sharing, workshopping, readings, and discussion of craft issues, we’ll capture the essence of what makes each mother–child experience unique though entirely universal."

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

William Christopher

 
  
August 5, 2009
9 lbs 3 oz
Congratulations, Samantha!

Ruby Dora

 
March 31, 2009
10:55 PM
5 lbs 7 oz
18 inches long
Congratulations, Brenda!

Bergen Richard

 
July 29
10:09 AM
8 lbs 3 oz
20 1/4 inches long
Congratulations, Betsy!

Ernest Harrington

 
  
July 18
7 lbs 5 oz
Congratulations, Marjorie and family!

Patrick Francis

 
  
June 14, 2009

Congratulations, Erin!

Michael Albert

 

July 21
10:29 AM
6 lbs 15 oz
20 inches long

Say goodbye to back labor

Most pregnant women have heard all about back labor and hope to avoid it like the plague. Unlike the feelings that come with contractions, which dissipate once the contraction is over, the pain associated with back labor is usually constant and extreme. It can also drive a laboring woman who otherwise planned to birth naturally to ask for medication—PRONTO.

So here's something to keep in mind before you go into labor: sterile water injections. The injections are given in the lower back and many women say it works wonders. Not all nurses know how to do it, however, so be sure to ask about it. Read more about sterile water injections here. Other techniques to cope with back labor include getting on all fours, doing pelvic tilts, warm compresses on your back, massage, or laboring in the tub or shower.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma