BLOOMA YOGA | prenatal, postnatal, and beyond

The Blooma Blog Has Moved to a New Home!

2012-01-21T10:34:00.001-06:00

The Blooma blog has moved to a new home! Please change your browser's bookmark, or blog feed to the following:

http://blooma.com/connect/blog/

Thanks for making the move with us!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Welcome, Oz!

2010-02-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Blooma yoga teacher Bridgett Erickson! She birthed a beautiful baby boy named Oz on Saturday, Feb. 6. He weighed in at 8 lbs, 2 oz. Welcome to the world, sweet boy! We'll post a picture when we get one.

In the meantime, enjoy these lovely belly shots recently taken of Bridgett. These gorgeous images were captured by Leann Manning of honeybee & peony.

Big love to you, Bridgett!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Birth Story: Sue + Alexander

2010-02-05T10:00:00.011-06:00

I just wanted to pass along the great news that Alexander Stephen joined our family on January 12, 2010 at 3:25a.m.!! He weighed in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. and was 21.75 inches long. He is an absolute perfect sweet angel and we couldn't be more in love with him!

I am so grateful to you and Blooma for all you had done for me throughout my pregnancy. I feel as though my body was so well-prepared for labor and I was able to breathe through a lot of my contractions without losing focus. Thank you for all you do and I cannot wait to come back with my new little man to the baby yoga classes and to join the new moms group!

Sue

Birth Birth Story: Sharra + Mylo

2010-02-04T09:00:00.006-06:00

Dear Sarah and Blooma staff,

I've been meaning to update you and time has been going by so fast. I delivered my baby boy, Milo Christopher, on December 20th at 4:34 am at St. Joe's. He was 9 lbs 7 oz and 21 inches long. Labor and delivery went great and he arrived 45 minutes after we got to the hospital! So, the waterbirth we were planning for didn't happen but it was beautiful and everything that my husband and I hoped for.

I sincerely thank you for your guidance, support and inspiration through my pregnancy. I loved the prenatal classes and I always left feeling fulfilled and positive in the anticipation of giving birth. Milo and I will definitely be at the BYOB classes and probably the new mothers group that's starting up too.

Sharra

Blooma Birth Story: Kristina + Brinegar

2010-02-03T10:42:00.001-06:00

Hello Blooma!

My baby daughter is here! The after-Christmas prenatal class I attended on Dec. 26 must have worked some magic, because I went into labor the next day. Brinegar Rose (rhymes with 'vinegar' - my grandma's maiden name) was born by water birth with the midwives at Woodwinds on Dec. 28 at 1:37 am. She was 7 lbs 2 oz.

Thanks to Blooma for all the advice and breathing/yoga techniques I used during labor, and thanks to Amber Kay for being an awesome doula! Can't wait to join you again for the BYOB classes when Brin is a few weeks older.

Kristina

Blooma Birth Story: Katrina + Noah

2010-02-02T14:07:00.000-06:00

Hi Sarah,

I wanted to share with you the exciting news of the arrival of our new little one Noah Benjamin! He was born on Friday morning at 3:52 am at 7 pounds 13 ounces. He's a very healthy little boy who looks just like his dad!

I wanted to write to you and let you know how much you influenced my labour and how much I appreciated that! Going to Blooma opened up my mind to a world of support and knowledge that I just didn't think I would have had, had I just gone to the traditional baby classes and the local gym! I entered a world of support and your guidance was wonderful.

Even though you may not have been my doula, it was you and your classroom I pictured the most during the labour and your voice that kept me on track when things just seemed impossible. You gave me inner strength in a time when I truly didn't think I could take it anymore! I have to say I am feeling a bit proud of making it through naturally!

I started my labour at about 3 pm, so taking your advice I went to go and get a pedicure-something to distract me! Afterwards Ben and I hung out at home, sat on the ball, had lots of showers and waited until the contractions were about 3-5 minutes apart and then headed to the hospital about 10:30 pm.

I started off slow taking a while to move along but then everything went super fast. I went from 2-3cm at midnight to 10 cm by 3 am and then he was born at 3:52 am. As you said, make noise! and noise I made! I breathed in and moaned out for the entire labour and even at one point had Ben and I talking to the contractions "Hello Contraction, Hello Pain-do your job!"

Ben was also such a great labour partner keeping me right on track when I did lose my way and start to talk about pain killers-he got me moving, on the ball, in the tub and he spent hours rubbing my lower back and just being a true support-we have your class to thank for that! Even Ben was saying after it all, "Thank God for Blooma!"
Love,
Katrina

Blooma Birth Story: Jennifer + Claire

2010-02-01T15:15:00.000-06:00

We have so many great birth announcements and birth stories that have poured in during the last several months that I've decided to make this week Blooma Birth Stories Week on the Blooma blog. Tune in all week to read along, gaze at super cute baby pictures, and send all these new mamas and babies some love. As always, feel free to share your birth stories for the blog by sending them to info@blooma.com.

Namaste,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Birth Story: Jennifer + Claire

Well, after thinking I was going to be pregnant forever our little pumpkin arrived on Halloween Night a week before she was due. Her name is Claire Marcella Jane and she weighed 7 lbs 2 oz and was 20.5 inches long. She was born at 9:37 pm after my water broke at 8:00 pm on the 30th of Oct.

I was very lucky to be able to labor at home from Friday night until about 8:30 pm on Saturday night. We arrived at the hospital at 8:55 and she was born in less then an hour. I guess we were cutting it kind of close, according to most the hospital staff but that's exactly how I wanted it. Plus I was able to do all of it without any pain meds or epidural (even though I was begging for one right before she was born).

It was pretty intense but I had a fabulous team supporting me including my husband and rock star doula, Sarah. I couldn't have done it without either one of them. It was such a powerful experience being able to give birth and then walk to my hospital room after it was all over.

I want to thank all of woman of Blooma for all the support they gave to me through out my pregnancy. All of you helped me accomplish my perfect birth.

Jennifer and Claire

Who doesn't love a good sale?

2010-01-29T14:22:00.000-06:00

We thought we'd pass along a whispered-to-us deal about an upcoming sale. Trot on over to Hot Mama Feb. 1-3 for 25% off all denim. That means all premium denim and maternity, too. Suddenly this mama is dreaming of a new pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans. Oh yes.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Update: Countdown to St. Paul!

2010-01-28T11:00:00.035-06:00

Our guess date for Blooma-St. Paul was this Monday, but it looks like we are a week overdue. (We all know how hiccups with construction projects can take longer than expected!) So, in the true spirit of birthing and patience, we are taking a deep breath—the studio will open at just the right time!

Please join us in our beautiful, new St. Paul studio starting Monday, Feb. 8. And pass the word along to all your St. Paul, Roseville, and Woodbury friends.

Mondays Prenatal Yoga, 6-7:30 p.m. w/Cynthia Levine

Tuesdays       Prenatal Yoga, 9:30-10:45 a.m. w/Summer Michael
Wednesdays   Prenatal Yoga, 9:30-10:45 a.m. w/Cynthia Levine
                          BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) Yoga, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

                                w/Alisa Blackwood
                          Prenatal Yoga, 5:30-6:45 p.m. w/Emily Maclaury
Saturdays        Prenatal Yoga, 9:30-10:45 a.m. w/Cynthia Levine

Blooma St. Paul is located at 968 Grand Ave., inside Health Foundations Family Health & Birth Center (across from D'Amico). When you walk in, head upstairs to the lovely, light-filled studio, take a deep breath, and roll out a yoga mat. Prepare to be replenished.

You can sign up for any of our classes online at Blooma.com. Click on Class Schedule, then choose "Blooma St. Paul" from the drop-down menu on the upper right side. Make sure you forward to the week and day you're looking for. We can't wait to see you soon!

Love,

Sarah, Alisa & the women of Blooma

Milk needed for babies in Haiti & the U.S.

2010-01-27T12:53:00.000-06:00

It feels like we're all looking for ways to help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. If you're a nursing mama with an abundant supply, now there's a tangible way for you to help: donate breastmilk.

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) issued an urgent call earlier this week for human milk donations for premature infants in Haiti, as well as for sick and premature infants in the United States.

Following this news, an e-mail from Twin Cities' Dr. Amy Johnson-Grass landed in my inbox:

"Health Foundations Family Health & Birth Center has partnered with the Ohio Milk Bank (a HMBANA milk bank) and is a breast milk donor collection site. We are the only HMBANA, a non-profit, collection site in the State of Minnesota. If you or moms you know would like to donate breast milk they can call our office at 651.895.2520 or visit our website at www.health-foundations.com (look for Donate Breast Milk button on the main page) to learn how to become a donor! After being approved, women can drop off their milk at the Center and it is flown by Angel Flight (a volunteer non-profit organization) to the Ohio Milk Bank monthly. As well as being a breast milk donation site, we have a small supply of donor milk available for moms in need and can order larger quantities directly from the milk bank if needed."

This week the first shipment of human milk from mothers in the U.S. will be shipped to the U.S. Navy ship Comfort stationed outside Haiti. Comfort is currently set up with a neonatal intensive care unit and medical personnel to provide urgent care to victims of the earthquake.

Thanks for all you do, mamas, whether it's donating milk, money, or sending healing energy out into the world!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Curl up and snooze...

2010-01-26T14:17:00.000-06:00

A friend sent us this link to sheets that share our namesake. They're called "Blooma Sateen Bedding." Ooh-la-la! They make me want to get all cozied up and relaxed just like I feel at the end of a really fabulous Blooma savasana!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

It could happen to any of us...

2010-01-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

This is a bit off-topic from my usual parenting/pregnancy/yoga postings, but it's about women's health and that's important, too.

   It's with a heavy heart that I learned recently about a close friend's shocking diagnosis of breast cancer—at age 34. She has no family history of breast cancer. She's a runner and yoga practitioner. She eats well. In other words, she's healthy in every other way. Just days after her diagnoses she ran her first half-marathon.
      After finishing the race strong and crying as she crossed the finish line, she announced her diagnosis on Facebook: "Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Yesterday I ran my first half marathon. TAKE THAT, YOU FRIGGIN' CANCER CELLS, I DON'T GO DOWN EASY!"
      How I love this woman and her spunk!

   Unfortunately, her situation is not totally unique. Most of us know at least one person affected by some type of cancer. Sometimes those loved ones are old. Sometimes they are young.
      I felt it important to reach out to the amazing community of Blooma women and remind each of you to do monthly self breast exams. For reminders on how to do self exams, follow this link.
      Meanwhile, I keep hearing advertisements about the Susan G. Komen 3-day For the Cure breast cancer walk. It's hard to fathom walking 20 miles a day, three days in a row, for a total of 60 MILES. Then again, it's hard to imagine the surgeries, radiation, chemotheraphy, hopes and prayers that go into battling breast cancer.
      If my friend can hit her cancer battle with a running start, the least I can do is walk 60 miles and raise money for breast cancer research. If you've walked this journey before, tell me—how was it?

As for the 2010 walk, it's scheduled in the Twin Cities for Aug. 21-23. Who wants to do it with me? Team Blooma perhaps? E-mail me: alisa@blooma.com.

Love,

Alisa & the women of Blooma

Uganda birth center - the foundation is built!

2010-01-22T11:06:00.001-06:00

Sarah leaves in just a couple of weeks for Uganda! In the meantime, the Shanti Uganda blog keeps us up-to-date on how projects are going. Check out one of the most recent blog postings, which is specific to the birth center developments. It begins:

Last week we held a community meeting on our land to gather the thoughts, ideas and questions of the three villages that surround the birth house. As the meeting went on more and more people came flowing in – babies, mothers, men in their best dress pants. We sat on benches, on bricks and on the earth surrounding the tree on our land that has naturally become our meeting place and shared with them our ideas, asked them about theirs and invited the community to walk through the birth house for the first time.... The women clapped when we told them there would have an emergency transfer vehicle to take women with complications from our birth house to the hospital in town. They told us stories of walking long distances into town while in the birth process only to receive poor care at overcrowded hospitals in Kasana. (Read more...)

Natalie, executive director of Shanti Uganda, stands in the middle of the building foundation which will be the birth center. It includes 2 birth rooms, a bathroom and a sterilization room.

Eat, drink, and push out your baby!

2010-01-21T12:23:00.002-06:00

Labor is hard work. That's why many women plan to have snacks readily available during their labors. A mama has to keep her energy up!
   Still, some hospitals have long-held rules telling women they can only eat ice chips during labor. Why? The idea is that just in case a mom should need general anesthesia for a Cesarean-section, she should not have food in her belly that could possibly be regurgitated and inhaled into the lungs.
   On the flip side, many birth professionals have long believed that without proper nourishment for a body working as hard as a birthing mama's is, labor is more likely to stall.
   So it's great news that a review by The Cochran Library showed that there is no benefit to restricting food or drink during labor. Also, "poor nutritional balance may be associated with longer and more painful labors, and fasting does not guarantee an empty stomach or less acidity," the review says. Therefore, Cochran recommends that women should be free to eat and drink during labor as they wish. Watch a CBS news segment about this announcement below.
   A few ideas: soup broth, toast, apple sauce, oatmeal, popsicles—things that can be digested easily and chewed easily between contractions. Mamas and birth professionals, please share—what were some of your favorite labor snacks?
   Moms-to-be, take note and pack your bag with nibbles that will nourish your body and mind during the amazing work of birthing your baby!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Our very own "Sleevie Wonder"

2010-01-19T12:48:00.000-06:00

Props to Yoga For You! teacher and designer Ann Fink! Her designs caught the eye of Pop Fizz Daily, a blog telling Twin Cities folks about all things cool.

Ann's fun and functional sleeves keep you toasty warm, while upping your hip factor. We love them! Hmm... I'm going to go slip on my own velvety purple pair right now to add some sass to this chilly afternoon.

Soak up some of Ann's infectious energy during one of her Yoga For You! Vinyasa Flow classes, Fridays at 11 a.m. Prepare to become addicted to Friday mornings...

Stay warm,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

So happy together

2010-01-18T14:38:00.002-06:00

Blooma re-opened Saturday with a burst of amazing energy! Our classes were full and it was wonderful to see all of you with your blooming bellies or with kiddos in tow. My Saturday 11 a.m. BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) yoga class was a blast with 16 mom and baby pairs filling the room with breath, movement, and songs for baby.
If you haven't tried BYOB yet, give it a go! It's so much fun to develop a yoga practice that rebuilds your strength, is fun for baby, and bonds the two of you even closer together. Plus, BYOB classes are a great place to reconnect with familiar faces from your prenatal yoga classes and to share what's happening in these first months with baby.
Whether your baby is 2 months old or crawling, there are a bunch of class times and days to choose from. (And yes! BYOB is open to dads and other caregivers, too!)
Tuesdays 11am -12 pm - Allison Cunningham
Tuesdays 6-7 pm - Lisa Bergley (YogaBonding founder— she's back at Blooma! If you haven't had the pleasure of a class with Lisa yet, be sure to drop in.)
Thursdays 11 am-12 pm - Jennifer Colletti
Thursdays (Crawlers), 11 am-12 pm - Allison Cunningham
Saturdays 11 am-12 pm - Alisa Blackwood/Jamee Yung
Sunday (Crawlers) 11 am-12:30 pm - Allison Cunningham

St. Paul moms, please start spreading the word that I'll also be teaching BYOB at our new St. Paul location (968 Grand Ave.)—Wednesdays at 11 a.m., beginning February 3.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah the women of Blooma

Printable class schedule

2010-01-15T22:15:00.004-06:00

Our new and improved class schedule is here! With a second studio and a few new, fabulous teachers, we've added new classes and changed the times of a few others. Download, print out, and stick it on your refrigerator! Log onto Blooma.com regularly for updates and to reserve your spot in class.

See you soon in the studio!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma_TempClassSched

Open for class tomorrow!

2010-01-15T13:27:00.001-06:00

Great news! Blooma's construction is almost finished. Sarah tells me the guys have been working for 29 hours straight. You can see the second studio in-progress in a few pics below.

We know you're craving some delicious yoga classes after our week of being closed, so please come tomorrow (Saturday) for any of the following:

8 a.m. Early Bird Yoga For You! - with Kim Bosanko

9:30 a.m. Prenatal Yoga - with Sarah Longacre

11 a.m. BYOB (bring your own baby) Yoga - with Alisa Blackwood

*note the new Saturday BYOB class time

We can't wait to see you again tomorrow!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

We'll trade you for discounted yoga...

2010-01-13T10:34:00.016-06:00

Volunteer at Blooma at enjoy yoga at a FABULOUS price!

For every three shifts you volunteer, you may purchase a volunteer pass: 5 classes for $15. That's a savings of $75!

We immediately need volunteers (1 person each day) for the following, regular shifts:

• Tuesdays 9-11 a.m.

• Tuesdays 4:15-5:45 p.m.

• Thursdays 9-11 a.m.

• Fridays 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Most shifts will be in our childcare room, helping to take care of all the sweet Blooma babies and children who visit us while their mamas are in yoga or the wellness room. (Experience is preferred.) Other duties may include some desk work or light cleaning.

Can you commit to a regular, weekly shift for a minimum of three months? If so, please sign up! Please contact Lauren at blooma.lauren@gmail.com for a volunteer application. Thanks so much!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

You're never too young...

2010-01-12T16:02:00.000-06:00

I love this story: a 7-year-old Eagan kid who loves yoga, and teaches meditation and kids yoga classes right here in the Twin Cities. Word of this amazing, young yogi spread and now he's going to lead a gigantic meditation on Peace Prayer Day in New Mexico.

In case you missed this story on the news the other day, check out the segment below.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

MN Fatherhood Summit

2010-01-11T14:09:00.001-06:00

(Quick reminder: Blooma is closed this week during construction.)

Some incredible presenters are going to speak later this week at the Strong Foundations Conference and the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network Minnesota Fatherhood Summit. Organizers say this year's conference theme, "Engaging Fathers, Strengthening Families," will focus on the integral role that fathers play in the healthy development of young children. Running from this Wednesday until Friday (Jan. 13-15), the conference brings in speakers like Dr. James McHale, author of the book Charting the Bumpy Road of Co-Parenthood, and Dr. Kyle Pruett, Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and author of Fatherneed. I'm sure it promises to be a fascinating few days.

Are you planning to go? If so, we would love to hear about it!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma closed Jan. 11-15

2010-01-08T11:25:00.000-06:00

Great news: Blooma is adding a second studio space! That means we'll have even more class options and love to share.

Construction starts soon— next week. Sadly, we will be closed during the renovation from Monday, Jan. 11 until Friday, Jan. 15. Our wellness room will be closed an additional three days, until Monday, Jan. 18. But when we reopen, there will be even more of Blooma to love!

Depending on how construction goes, Sarah may add a few prenatal classes during next week— please check our schedule online that week for updates.

Please plan to come to Blooma for a class during our re-opening week of Jan. 18 so you can experience all the new, yummy energy Blooma has to share!. We'll be so excited to show you our second studio and revamped wellness and childcare rooms. We're even adding new teachers and additional workshops. See you soon!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Cupcake Lovers... hit Blooma tomorrow morning!

2010-01-07T21:00:00.000-06:00

If you haven't yet heard of Sweets Bakeshop in St. Paul, head to Blooma first thing tomorrow morning (yes, Friday!) for a treat so delightful your taste buds will melt with happiness + joy. We'll be handing out free cupcakes to the first dozen yogis, courtesy of Sweets Bakeshop. Big thanks to Amber for scoring us these cupcakes to share!

Next time you're in St. Paul, check this place out — it's so beautiful you'll feel like you're in a jewelry store or a gallery, of course instead of diamonds and pretty paintings, you can sample homemade macaroons and dreamy little cupcakes in flavors like coconut ginger, peanut butter cup, and tiramisu. How many different ways can you say yum?

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Birth Story: Theresa + Lola Marie

2010-01-07T12:06:00.000-06:00

Blooma mama Theresa is one of the first moms to let us know about her 2010 arrival. Here's what Theresa wrote to us:

Lola Marie was born on January 3, 2010— 10 minutes shy of her due date. She weighed in at 6 lbs, 14 oz, and was 21 inches long.

We had a rockin' 33 hour labor. It started Saturday afternoon, and we went to the hospital on Sunday morning. It was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced in my life. Our doula, Liz Abbene, was fantastic and talked me out of about every intervention possible. I was nearly paying the midwives to give me an epidural and a C-section when the head was nearly out (the midwives were laughing at me). Haha!! As soon as that baby was put on my chest, that all seemed like history.

Welcome to the world, sweet Lola. Thanks, Theresa, for sharing your story and congrats on a job well done!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Show us some love - cast your vote!

2010-01-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

Vote for your favorite Edina hotspots in Metro Magazine's "Best of Edina 2010." You'll need to fill in at least 10 entries (such as best coffee or best takeout), including your votes for Blooma, for your ballot to count. Maybe you love your massage therapist at Blooma and want to nominate her, or you want to vote for Blooma for Best Place to Workout. Thanks for all your continued support!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Save 20% on Blooma packages!

2010-01-05T14:39:00.007-06:00

Check out our new, paperless, mobile coupon by clicking here!

How slick is this? Simply open the coupon on your phone, bookmark the link and show us the deal in the studio. Or, print out a copy and bring it in if you don't have a web browser on your phone.

New students receive $5 off your first Blooma class, while returning students receive 20% off Blooma packages. (Offer good until Feb. 1, 2010.)

Start your year off right by giving us a test run, or by ramping up your existing yoga practice. Whether you're taking a Yoga For You class, bringing your little one in for Tot Yoga or BYOB (bring your own baby), we look forward to seeing you in the studio soon. Feel free to pass the above link on to your friends, too. We love referrals!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Laboring + breathing on New Year's Eve

2010-01-04T14:02:00.004-06:00

Props to Stephanie (in the blue pants), who chose to move her body and breathe right through contractions during Sarah's 2-hour prenatal class on New Year's Eve. Stephanie knew she was in early labor and powered right through a tough class with 31 other pregnant mamas.

Class ended at 11:45 a.m. and Stephanie gave birth just seven hours later at 7:14 p.m. WOW! Welcome to her yogi baby, June Lucille, who entered the world weighing 7 lbs., 2 oz. Congratulations, Stephanie! We hope to see you and your little one back for a BYOB yoga class when you're ready.

Were there any New Year's Day Blooma babies out there?

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Working mamas: How keep up breastfeeding?

2010-01-02T11:42:00.000-06:00

A HealthDay article recently pointed out a study that proved what most of us already know: returning to work too soon after your baby is born makes successful breastfeeding more difficult. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, showed that moms who returned to work after six weeks or less are three times as likely to quit breastfeeding.

Why bother keeping it up when formula is so readily available, some might ask? For one, exclusive breastfeeding improves protection against many diseases, including bacterial meningitis, diarrhea, and ear infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women breastfeed exclusively (meaning no water, other liquids or solid foods) for six months and continue breastfeeding for at least the infant's first year of life.

If you're a working mom who breastfeeds your baby, how have you made it work? We — and other moms — would love to hear your tips!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

A blessing for you

2009-12-31T13:25:00.005-06:00

A friend passed on this lovely blessing today as a thank you to all the women in her life who have inspired her. (Thank you, Melissa!) Every so often I come across this blessing and it's always such a lovely reminder. My shoulders rest easier, my breath deepens— ah, yes, that's right, I'm "exactly where I'm supposed to be." What a good and comforting thing for each of us to realize as 2009 winds up.

May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

Wishing each of you a happy, festive & safe New Year's Eve! (Note that Blooma is closed New Year's Day, but will be happy to see each an every one of you in class again on Saturday.)

Love, Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Good-bye 2009, hello 2010!

2009-12-30T11:40:00.005-06:00

Take the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and with your growing baby belly tomorrow during Sarah's special New Year's Eve 2-hour prenatal class, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Hint: This class is open to anyone—pregnant or not!)

Sarah says there will be "a KICK ASS mix of the 2009 hits and lots of other great stuff."

So show up to breath, stretch, energize, reflect on 2009, and set your intention for the New Year. There's no better way to send 2009 on its way than with a bit of time on your mat. Sign up here. See you tomorrow!

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Throwing out the "shoulds" in 2010

2009-12-28T11:50:00.003-06:00

Thanks to guest blogger Sarina LaMarche, life & wellness coach, and author of the fabulous blog "One Balanced Life" for this posting about intention setting for the New Year. Happy dreaming & visioning!

We here at Blooma are all about setting intentions, for your yoga practice and for your day. With the New Year approaching we wanted to suggest some alternatives to the traditional "resolution" setting that occurs. We encourage you to throw out the typical list of New Year's "shoulds" and instead embrace a more supportive practice of reflecting on the intentions you have for 2010.

Another idea is to write down all the things you want for yourself and your family in the new year. Think outside the box... think big.... and think small. Keep going until you can't possibly come up with another. Include not only things you want to do or achieve but how you want to be.

Some ideas include on my own list include:

• To spend time alone

• To be creative

• To be organized

• To start climbing

• To honor and respect

• To start climbing again

• To take a vacation with my family where we stay in one place

• To proofread stuff before I send it out

If one of your intentions in the New Year includes reconnecting with yourself, experiencing more balance or sense of presence in your life, you may want to consider signing-up for a Personal Renewal Group at Blooma. Blooma is the exclusive venue in the cities for these highly-acclaimed groups. The next group starts Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Groups meet once a month for six months on the 2nd Thursday at 7:30 p.m. You can sign up for the next PRG here and read more about PRG at www.selfrenewalcircles.com.

Sarina LaMarche

Life & Wellness Coach

www.onebalancedlife.com

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:00:00.001-06:00

From all of us at Blooma, to all of you, we wish you a

very Merry Christmas filled with much love, family, friends.

We are grateful for each and every one of you!

Namaste,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma's holiday schedule

2009-12-23T13:23:00.003-06:00

Happy Holidays! In celebration, Blooma will be closed on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26. Most classes are canceled Thursday, Dec. 24, with the exception of two fabulous classes.

We would love to see you at one (or both!) of the following:

• Prenatal Yoga at 9:15 a.m. with Sarah Longacre

• Yuletide Yoga, a special Christmas Eve class, at 11:15 a.m. with Nan Gane

We will resume our regular schedule bright and early Sunday morning, Dec. 27. Happy celebrating!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Surviving the holidays...

2009-12-22T11:03:00.000-06:00

My Early Childhood & Family Education (ECFE) teacher passed along a handout with simple, but wise tips called "Survival Skills for the Holidays for Young Families." I'm not sure where the tips come from, but I thought you might benefit from me sharing a few of them—especially as you start boarding planes to leave town or begin welcoming family visitors.

• Be in charge of your holiday season. Don't let other people or advertising medium impose their expectations on you. Keep in touch with your deepest feelings.

• Keep it simple. You arrange the pace and space. (So important for keeping your kids sane, too!)

• If the loss of a loved one, financial troubles, or any serious anxiety surround you this holiday, make the season as simple and as positive as possible for yourself.

And this part I really loved!

Holiday Bill of Rights:

• You have the right to take care of yourself: eat right, exercise, and get enough rest.

• You have the right to mixed emotions: happy, sad, frustrated, guilty, afraid, and thankful.

• You have the right to solitude—for planning, thinking, reflection, introspection, prayer, and relaxation.

• You have the right not to accept party or dinner invitations.

So curl up with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, breathe a loud ahhhh, and let any holiday stress simply melt away...

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Citrus + Snowflakes

2009-12-22T10:26:00.003-06:00

Holiday cheer from Joanne, our web design goddess at Velvet Peel. xoxo!

Sarah's gift guide

2009-12-21T13:34:00.006-06:00

Mama and local blogger "Pretty Mommy" posted a holiday gift guide based on Blooma owner Sarah Longacre's wish list. (No, this isn't a hint to get us a gift!) Take a peek at Sarah's gift recommendations for the woman in your life... maybe a funky, chunky ring, a pair of pretty gloves, or how about a riveting read? Happy last-minute shopping!

Love,

Alisa & the women of Blooma

Postpartum depression study seeking moms with infants (0-6 mos)

2009-12-21T12:14:00.000-06:00

Women aren't always comfortable talking about sad feelings after birth. But guess what, mamas—we NEED to talk about things like this. Postpartum depression (PPD) can strike any time within the first year after giving birth. It's important to know that you have options and help nearby, even when you're beating yourself up for feeling so blue when you think you "should" feel happy.

If you're a mother of a baby up to 6 months old, and have or even may have PPD, you may be eligible to participate in a study through the University of Minnesota/HealthEast. Participating moms may receive either an in-home doula or peer telephone support. The goal of the study is to reduce the impact of PPD on mothers and their families.

See this web site for more details, or contact Krista Post, a licensed Twin Cities psychologist who focuses on counseling mothers and families. (612-296-3800)

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Holiday stress— be gone!

2009-12-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the holiday shopping, travel, meal planning, managing of the in-laws, present delivering, party going, and so on? Though all these things are in the name of F-U-N and celebration, that doesn't mean we're necessarily relaxed at the end of the day.

If that sounds familiar, check out these holiday stress-reduction secrets in Women's Health magazine. According to the story, drinking black tea can help lower your cortisol (stress hormone) levels, while pressing a simple acupressure point can relieve tension. For more tips, read the full story.

You know what else can help relieve holiday stress? A massage at Blooma! Call to book an appointment with any of our bodywork therapists, or to purchase a gift card for a loved one. (And yes, we cater to men, and women who are not pregnant, too.) You can also book appointments online by clicking here, then clicking on the "Wellness Appts" tab in the upper right. You deserve to be pampered during the holidays and all year long!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Santa, please bring healthy toys

2009-12-18T14:26:00.006-06:00

As you wrap up the last of your holiday gift shopping, you may want to check out this informative web site by the Ecology Center. Nearly 700 toys were tested for the 3rd Annual Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys. According to a press release, "one in three of all toys tested this holiday season contained one or more harmful chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury."

Not in my house, Santa!

Check out the Ecology Center's HealthyStuff.org, where you can type in the name or brand of a toy to find out how it ranked in the consumer guide. Armed with knowledge of which toy manufacturers are playing naughty or nice, you'll feel much better about the presents under the tree or by the menorah this year. Happy shopping!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Birth Story: Gretta

2009-12-16T12:03:00.006-06:00

Thanks to Gretta for sharing the story of her inspiring August VBAC at Methodist Hospital. She shares her experience below in a letter to Sarah Longacre, Blooma owner and prenatal yoga teacher. Welcome to the world little Lydia, and well done, mama!

Love,

Alisa & the women of Blooma

Sarah,

I wanted to share our VBAC story with you as I credit a lot of our success to our time at Blooma. Thank you so much for the yoga, tips, advice, and workshops you provide.

Monday night I was three days past my due date and started to have contractions that lasted through the next day. I had them about 20 minutes apart and they stopped around 2:30 p.m. So, I decided to kick it in gear with one last (hopefully) yoga session before she was born.

That night I started contractions again at around 9 p.m. and they quickly intensified. By 11:30 p.m. they were 3 and a half minutes apart and we were calling my sister to come over to watch our 2 year old. We reached Methodist hospital at 1:20 a.m and I was 6 cm dilated!!

By the time we got checked in and up to get an epidural I was at 8 cm! Before we knew it I was completely dilated and decided to get some rest while my body did some work with the contractions. I ended up learning through our doctor that my pelvis is small and tilted which probably caused our son, Walter, to be sunny side up and that this little one was presenting herself the same way. I was told that this could be a good thing, as this may be how she has to come in order to get around my pelvis!!! Great news as we were told that Walter wouldn't make it because of his presentation.

What a difference a positive doctor makes!!!! We were encouraged to make it this time and told of all our options. He did say another C-section was possible, but he also told me what I had to do to make this a VBAC. He was very encouraging and gave me the extra push by saying I could do it and it was possible.

So, at 9:45 a.m. Lydia Anne was born. She was four days past her due date and weighed 6 lbs. 5 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. I kept saying "We did it! We did it! We did it!" while she rested on my chest.

I never felt like more of a "Goddess," as you would say in our classes, and never more powerful in my life. It was the biggest personal accomplishment I could have made. After the whole experience, I truly believe that God made Lydia the size she needed to be and the presentation she needed to be in in order to make it into the world! I also am very grateful to my doctor for his support with my VBAC.

After Lydia was born I told my husband that I think your yoga classes are what really inspired me to have a successful VBAC. I have never felt more engaged with my body than when I was in your classes. Thank you so much for your compassion for pregnant women. You are very talented at what you do. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

-Gretta

Put a sling on 'em

2009-12-15T10:37:00.001-06:00

You baby-wearing mamas are going to love this tribute to slings. Inspired by Beyonce's "Put a Ring On It," a New York City mom named Leigh switched up the lyrics, got a few friends involved, and viola! you have "Baby Mamas (Put a Sling On 'Em)." Check out the lyrics at Leigh's blog if you want to sing along. And to learn more about babywearing, check out Liz Abbene's "Enlightened Baby" workshops at Blooma!

Fertile Grounding — coming soon!

2009-12-11T12:31:00.004-06:00

Many of you know and love Jennifer Colletti's yoga classes. Here at Blooma she teaches prenatal yoga, BYOB yoga, BYOB partner workshops, and now, Fertile Grounding Yoga fertility workshops. What you may not know about Jennifer is that her own journey to becoming a mother was a challenging one. After many tests and two rounds of in vitro fertilization, Jennifer birthed sweet baby Beckett in 2007!

While struggling to get pregnant, Jennifer and her husband found that they longed for a sense of community with others going through a similar process. Naturally, Jennifer found solace through yoga.

Now, she is creating a community for men and women experiencing fertility challenges. Fertile Grounding Yoga workshops are 6-week fertility workshops geared toward women who are either just beginning to walk the path of getting pregnant or those who may already be in the midst of fertility treatments. Incorporating meditation, yoga, and educational components such as nutrition into the workshop, Fertile Grounding aims to nurture your body, mind, and soul.

Her next session at Blooma begins Saturday, Feb. 6, and runs through March 13; 2-5 p.m. Sign up by clicking here, clicking the "Workshops" tab, then scroll down until you see "Fertile Grounding Yoga."

Jennifer and her husband, Michael, recently shared their story during a film festival in New York. They entered a contest to create a film with an "uplifting story of infertility." As one of three finalists, Jennifer and Michael traveled to New York for the screening, and met with other couples, doctors, and industry professionals all trying to shed the stigma of infertility. Watch the video here. Well, done, Jennifer! Thank you so much for sharing your story, wisdom, and open heart with all of us.

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Tote your tot and your bag, all at once!

2009-12-10T12:01:00.000-06:00

The last time I was schlepping through the airport with my toddler, an array of rolling luggage, and a car seat somehow thrown over my shoulder, it wasn't a pretty sight. Then I saw a mom strolling along easy-peasy with this little contraption, apparently called a "Tote-A-Tot."

I don't normally go for gadgets. But this was one of those "WOW! That looks so much easier!" kind of moments. So for those of you with holiday travel coming up, I thought I'd pass this along... just in case this looks like it would make your life easier, too. Do any of you already own this thing? If so, chime in — what do you think of it? Does it work?

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Dads get down in the dumps, too

2009-12-09T13:53:00.004-06:00

You may have seen the story in yesterday's New York Times about how it's not just women who suffer from postpartum depression (PPD)—those feelings can overwhelm fathers, too. There is so much that still needs to be done about PPD awareness even when it comes to new moms, that it's easy to overlook the issues that can plague dads, too.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one surprised to learn about the science behind male PPD. As Times writer Richard A. Friedman, M.D., explains, "there is probably more to male postpartum depression than just social or psychological stress; like motherhood, fatherhood has its own biology, and it may actually change the brain... There is also some evidence that testosterone levels tend to drop in men during their partner’s pregnancy, perhaps to make expectant fathers less aggressive and more likely to bond with their newborns. Given the known association between depression and low testosterone in middle-aged men, it is possible that this might also put some men at risk of postpartum depression."

Fortunately, there are many resources for new parents (whether you're a mother or a father) that can ease the new-parent adjustment and feelings of isolation. The Twin Cities also boast excellent counselors to help sort through more complicated responses, like PPD. For more specifics, see Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota for the Minnesota Perinatal Mental Health Resource List, as well as more information about the emotional challenges that often accompany the first years of starting a family. Fathers may also want to check out a web site devoted just to them, called Postpartum Men.

New dads, also know that Blooma caters to families — fathers, too — not just moms. Be on the lookout for special classes just for you, like infant massage for dads. Or, drop your baby off in our childcare room while you take time to breathe and move in a Yoga For You class. We know that not everything is solved with a good yoga class, but taking time for you is a good start, whether you're a new mama or a new daddy.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Yoga @ the Walker

2009-12-07T12:49:00.005-06:00

Tot yoga teacher Shayla Boger was invited last week to get kiddos moving and learning about art at the Walker Art Center. What a bright, beautiful space to breath and move in! Here are some gorgeous photos of Shay teaching yoga at the exhibition Robert Irwin:Light/Slant/Volume.

Did you go? If so, let us know all about it!

Like what you see? There's more! Blooma teacher Jessica Rosenberg will also be teaching yoga for tots and kids during the Walker's Arty Pants Playdates, for ages 3-5, on Dec. 8 (that's tomorrow!) and Tuesday, Dec. 22. The playdates runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and are free with gallery admission. Every kid will tell you that Jessica's Adventures in Super Stretch classes are a blast!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Healthy mamas, healthy babies

2009-12-04T13:04:00.000-06:00

I read a disconcerting story the other day about the high number of chemicals babies are exposed to prenatally. Unfortunately, it's impossible to avoid these chemicals entirely, but there are ways to minimize your baby's exposure, according to Alexandra Zissu, author of The Complete Organic Pregnancy.

Zissu advises that you start by cutting back on or eliminating canned food, since cans may be lined with chemically-enhanced water-resistant coatings that include BPA. Getting rid of any pots and pots with Teflon or non-stick coatings, and switching to stainless steel or cast iron cookware is another healthy choice. Other options: resist microwaving your food in plastic, choose all-natural cleaning products (you'd be surprised what a bit of vinegar and water can do), and stick to 100 percent cotton materials that aren't treated with flame-resistant chemicals.

Whew! That's a lot to think about, I know. Your baby will thank you, for any small changes, both now and once baby is born, since those chemicals have been shown to pass into breastmilk as well.

For more information about the Environmental Working Group's cord blood report or a similar report by the Washington Toxics Coalition, read the full story at The Daily Green. EWG also has a very helpful website called Skin Deep that shows you which beauty products are safest (and which aren't).

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Holiday Swami Shopping

2009-12-03T14:14:00.000-06:00

Have you seen these cute black hoodies with "Breathe" written on the front? I just love them... a holiday present for my best friend, and a holiday present for me, coming right up! And how fab are these winter Om hats with the ear flaps?!

If these pique your interest, too, don't miss Swami Baby Boutique's 2nd birthday, this Saturday (Dec. 5) when you'll find adorable clothes for baby and fashionable yoga-inspired wear for men and women, too. Plus, 20 percent of sales during the party will be generously donated to Blooming in Uganda. Enjoy food from Aunt Else's aebleskiver and a cake from Sweets Bake Shop—mmm!

Come celebrate Swami's birthday at Local D'lish, Saturday, from 5-7 p.m. at 208 1st St N, Minneapolis 55401. Happy holiday shopping!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Visions for Healing

2009-12-02T12:03:00.000-06:00

We couldn't let this week pass without spreading the word about an important and inspiring night coming up. This Friday night, please consider attending Visions for Healing, a special fundraising event being held at Mind Body Solutions’ yoga studio; there is no fee to attend.

The hour-long program will share the impact of the work of Matthew Sanford’s non-profit Mind Body Solutions, and offer a vision for transforming trauma and loss into hope and potential. For those of you who are not familiar with yogi, speaker, and author Matthew Sanford, please take a moment to read more about him here. http://www.matthewsanford.com

Registration for this Friday's event begins at 5:45 p.m. The program begins at 6:15 p.m. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP to Jennifer by email at jenniferzarth@mindbodysolutions.org or at 612-803-1616. Mind Body Solutions is located at 17516 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka.

Thank you for supporting the work of Matthew and Mind Body Solutions with the same fervor that you support Blooma. We look forward to seeing you Friday night!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Babies for Uganda!

2009-12-01T14:19:00.002-06:00

Ohhhh, you just have to smile when you see these sweet babies! We are so honored that they're sporting Blooming in Uganda onesies. Thanks, little ones!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Birth Story: Kara

2009-11-29T19:57:00.006-06:00

Sometimes you just have to break the "rules of blogging." One of those supposed rules is to keep posts somewhat short. But you know what, I say bah! to rules of blogging. Sometimes stories are too important and too good to shorten. This birth story is one of those stories. It comes from a mama named Kara, about the birth of her daughter, Phoebe. It's open, honest, and raw with emotion. It gives an inside glimpse into Kara's labor, whether she's finding a way to move through moments of fear, or surprised at her ability to laugh at a joke while pushing. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Kara, and congratulations!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

___

In Kara's words:

I know how important it was for me to read positive birth stories, especially ones with first-time moms, when I was pregnant so I'd thought I'd send you my story...

October 30, 2009 7:44 p.m.

She's here! Before too long goes by, I'm trying to write down the story of Phoebe's birth. It was so incredible in so many ways—and yet so perfectly uneventful and boring as births go, which I'm so thankful for. Blooma was such a place of sanity for me—I always left feeling confident, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world!

During labor, I found myself repeating "I can do this!" over and over again as a sort of mantra, which really surprised me since I've never been someone who found mantras especially helpful. As a Labor and Delivery RN, Blooma was also a place where I could actively focus on positive birth stories, and push out of my head some of the more challenging ones I'd seen at work.

On Thursday morning (Oct. 29th), I felt the first real sense of hope that I wasn't going to be pregnant forever (I was 41 and 2 days pregnant)—or at least wasn't going to have to be induced on Monday (which had been a tentative plan)—when I noticed that I had quite a bit of red "bloody show." I'd also had a couple of contractions the night before that had made me pay attention, but hadn't really affected my sleep. I let our midwife know later that morning, but kept the normal routine going. I went to yoga, where Sarah told me that she felt a lot of birth energy coming off of me and reassured me that it would be soon.

We went to bed both excited and disappointed that nothing had happened.

I'm calling the start of my real labor at 2 a.m. on Friday, October 30, which brings my total length of labor about 16 hours long. I was able to rest through most of the contractions up until that point, when I woke Jim up and asked him to get the bed ready (put on the second set of sheets and waterproof cover) and to let him know things were heating up. After that, though, he went back to sleep since I was able to cope and still rest through some of the contractions and we both knew we should rest while we could.

At 6:30 that morning, I woke Jim up again to call in the troops as I felt things were really starting to get serious. I was still reluctant to consider myself in active labor, but was having to breath through them more and threw up once, so we called our midwife Kim, who canceled a postnatal trip to Wisconsin and told her we'd call her when we wanted her to come over. We also called my mom and sister in law, who we'd invited to attend the birth.

With the introduction of my support folk, I found my contractions slowed down to every 6-8 compared to 4-6 minutes, but their presence energized me and we had a good couple of hours talking. Things I found very helpful coping during these contractions were standing or kneeling and having Jim (or someone else) count during the worst of the contraction. It helped to focus on his voice and to know about when it was peaking. Although they weren't very frequent, they lasted at least a minute, usually closer to a minute and 45.

I finally went upstairs around 11:45 a.m. to try to get my contractions closer together and to refocus myself a little. Meanwhile, Kim had encouraged us to fill up the tub, since it would take awhile and it would occupy Jim for a long time, which it did.

We finally had Kim come over to check on us at 12:30 p.m., where I was very pleased to find out I was 3-4 cm dilated, 80 percent effaced, zero station with a bulging bag of membranes. I had been worried I wasn't going to be at all dilated and would have to reframe my idea of labor if that was the case. I still knew it could be many hours before this baby came, so I encouraged Kim to leave, which she did—saying I could call her back whenever and she had to renew her tabs anyway, which we all found pretty amusing.

Knowing I had made good progress gave me renewed energy and I spent an hour or two downstairs again with Amy and my mom, eating lightly on apples, a piece of cheese, and some popcorn. By 2:30 p.m. I was feeling less able to cope and more and more interested in the tub, so we called Kim and asked her to return to check me again.

By this point, I'd started coping with my contractions by repeating, "I can do this" over and over again, which surprised me but again allowed me to focus on the words and not the pain. I also found it very soothing to have a view of the window and to watch the leaves blowing in the wind. Kim arrived and checked me at 3:30 p.m., and Jim (and I) were so pleased to find out that I was 6-7 cms, able to be stretched to an 8, again with a bulging bag.

Kim called the secondary midwife, Gretchen, and her apprentice, Laura to get everyone here, and I quickly got into the tub. The tub was wonderful! It didn't take away the contraction pain completely, but it was so relaxing, and it was such a relief to be allowed to float and rest my body. I got into the tub for 2 hours, getting out occasionally to use the bathroom, but eventually I got too hot and got out.

At 6:20 p.m., I hadn't changed my cervix, although the bag of waters was descending I asked to have my bag of waters broke, which Kim did, and it had clear fluid—this brought baby down to +1 station and made my cervix go to 8-9. The next part of my labor was pretty wild, as the pain got very intense, very quickly and my previous methods of coping were not working.

Things I remember from that hour are:
- Hitting the bed in frustration
- Pushing the ball, which I'd been leaning on, violently away and Jim pushing it back, which made me furious for some reason
- Telling Jim he needed to stop talking
- Feeling very trapped, but having nowhere to go

Poor Jim! He told me later that this part was the hardest because I was in so much pain, and he couldn't do anything. Quickly though, I felt like pushing but was very nervous about pushing too early. It became clear I was pushing, however (I also think I was saying out loud, "Don't push too soon.") and Amy went down to get the midwives who had stepped downstairs for a few minutes.

They had me get back in the tub at 7:20 p.m., where I almost immediately started pushing. On a side note, the midwives had ordered a pizza at about 6:45, which arrived at 7:25, perfectly timed that no one could touch it until after the birth. The folks downstairs had joked that the baby would arrive before the pizza, and Kim commented that it would be fabulous if it did, since that meant I was so close.

I was oblivious to a lot of what was going on at the time, but someone made a joke at one point during pushing, and I smiled (and Amy caught it on camera), which was incredible even to me at that point—in between contractions I could interact with people, but was so out of it during.

I pushed in a variety of positions: hands and knees, flipped over over floating in my back, on just my knees holding the side of the tub. I know I made a lot of noise during this part of labor—the feelings were so overwhelming and I think I was also afraid it would last a long time and I didn't think I could handle it. Jim was right in front of me; I could see he'd been tearing up and that he was so excited we were at this point in labor. Kim was very soothing, reminding me to push in long, steady pushes and I remember her saying "It's not going to be a long pushing stage. You're pushing very well."

I also could feel the baby inside and between nearly every contraction, I would check my progress. It was very surreal to feel her move down—I could tell she didn't have much hair!

At one point, near the end, Kim was providing counter pressure and I felt an extremely painful movement down there and I snapped at Kim to "Stop it! What are you doing?" but it wasn't Kim, it was the baby internally. It happened again, and I yelled at her again, but she just calmly replied that she wasn't doing anything—it was the baby, which I didn't really believe at the time.

At around that point, someone asked me a question, and my answer was, "No, I'm going to catch my baby" and I pushed her head out, paused while Kim checked for a cord, and then pushed her shoulders out.

Kim and I brought her up together and it was such a relief to have her out! She had her cord wrapped around her back and then twice around her foot, like a little ballerina dancer. She had her eyes open and was pinking up great, but waited about 30 seconds to cry. I looked down and saw she was a girl and a cheer went up. Then, when she did give a nice, lusty cry, Amy burst into tears and jumped up and down. Jim was crying and so happy, and I was so proud and yet still shocked that I had done it. I kept repeating, "I did it!"

I stayed in the tub for a few more minutes, cooing over my lovely daughter, with Jim at my side, and then after the cord had stopped pulsing, Jim cut it and I handed our new baby to him, while I got out and into the bed. Phoebe was born at 7:44 p.m., weighed 7 lbs 8 oz, 21 inches long.

Her Apgar scores were 9 at 1 minute and 10 at 5 minutes. I'm not sure how we ended up with a long, skinny baby when we are more like hobbits, but she's here, she's beautiful and she's ours.

NEED features Blooma

2009-11-29T09:13:00.005-06:00

NEED magazine, a publication featuring stories about global and humanitarian issues, featured Blooma owner Sarah Longacre in a recent blog posting!

Writer Tamrah Schaller O'Neil posts:

"Would you buy a chicken coop for $500 dollars? That’s exactly what five people did to help raise funds for a birthing center in Uganda, Africa this past Friday night. The Blooming in Uganda Gala, held at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, raised over $22,000 through ticket sales, donations and a silent auction. Krista Tippett, host of NPR’s Speaking of Faith and Matthew Sanford, paraplegic yogi instructor and author and founder of Mind Body Solutions, were special guests of the evening with Sarah Longacre."

Thanks for spreading the word, Tamrah! Read the rest of Tamrah's entry here.

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Full belly, happy belly

2009-11-27T11:26:00.005-06:00

Blooma hopes you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. We spent time with loved ones and are thankful for such abundance in our lives. Our yoga schedule is back to normal as of today, so please stop in for a Yoga For You!, BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby), or Prenatal class to work off that big holiday meal and B-R-E-A-T-H-E through a bit of the holiday craziness.

Were there any Thanksgiving Blooma babies born? If so, be sure to send us your story and a photo of baby!

Love,
Alisa, Sara & the women of Blooma

Love & congrats

2009-11-25T09:34:00.005-06:00

I just had to share the blog posting from Shanti Uganda announcing that Sarah met (and exceeded!) her fundraising goal for the 2009 Off The Mat Into The World African Humanitarian Tour. As Shanti Uganda writes, those individuals who raise $20,000 will go to Uganda to see the work they do and help build the Shanti Uganda Birth House & Learning Centre. Thanks to help from all of you, Sarah will be on her way to Uganda in February. We are so thankful for your endless love and support this holiday season!
http://www.shantiuganda.org/blogs/shanti-uganda

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

For zooming, not for ZZZs

2009-11-24T14:02:00.000-06:00

I know it’s tempting to leave your soundly-sleeping baby in the car seat after a frenzied afternoon of errand running, but a growing body of research advises that you resist the urge.

A study published recently in the journal Pediatrics showed that 2-day-old infants placed in their car seat for one hour had lower blood oxygen levels than babies lying on their backs in a crib. Researchers say an infant's chest wall is compressed when placed upright for a long period of time. When that happens, airway size is affected, too.

So even though car seats are essential for safe travel, experts say the car seat should stay where it belongs: in the car, while baby comes inside with you. Read more about it here.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

More fun photos!

2009-11-19T13:57:00.004-06:00

The photos from the Blooming in Uganda gala are rolling in. We adore them! If you were there, see if you spot a photo of yourself. If you weren't able to make it to the gala, perusing these photo albums is a great way check out how the evening turned out.

Below is a link to the gorgeous shots captured by photographer Emma Freeman.
http://www.emmafreemanphotography.com/clients/
-Click on the 'Blooming in Uganda Gala' event
-Password is 'blooma' all lowercase letters

Now sit back and enjoy a slideshow of photos by photographer Sarah Bonvallet. Thanks, ladies for capturing the essence of the evening on film!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blankets for Uganda

2009-11-18T08:56:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Blooma yoga teacher Bridgett Erickson, whose recent Sunday morning class encouraged us to donate blankets to the women of Uganda. Below is a post from Bridgett about the experience:

About 20 women gathered to bless blankets to send to Uganda. First we spent about 45 minutes in a personal asana practice. Then we all sat in a circle (shaped more like a uterus!) and sent blessings to the blankets. Each woman took the blanket she had brought with her and after practicing with the blanket in her presence and meditating with it in her loving hands, each woman individually placed her blanket in the center of the circle as she spoke words of blessing and further blessed the blanket with water sprinkled from the petals of a rose.

There was a huge pile of blankets, full of love and blessings in the center of the circle. The women were happy to be a part of something greater than themselves and for the opportunity to give their blankets!

xo,
Bridgett

Success for Uganda!

2009-11-16T13:50:00.005-06:00

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Congratulations and THANK YOU to every person who donated, attended the gala, volunteered their time or talents, or attended special workshops to raise money for Blooming in Uganda! With your help, Sarah has reached her goal (and more!) of raising $20,000 to help build a birth center in Uganda!

The Friday night gala was a phenomenal success. On that night alone, we raised at least $22,000 dollars. That is downright astonishing. Look what we can do together as a community when we set our minds to it!

Moving, educational, inspirational—and yes, super fun—the gala was amazing. How about those African dancers and musicians? Talk about talented!

Meanwhile, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house after speaker, yoga teacher, and author Matthew Sanford spoke. His willingness to share his heart and story so candidly opened all our hearts. MPR "Speaking of Faith" host Krista Tippett reminded us about the ways our personal yoga practices can transcend beyond the yoga studio and into our communities, as is the mission of Off the Mat, Into the World. And Sarah grounded and inspired us all, with her words, her vision, and her dedication to breath and birth.

There are more Blooming in Uganda events to come in the next couple of weeks. Though Sarah has met her minimum goal, all future donations continue to go to Shanti Uganda and the birth center that so desperately needs to be built.

With tremendous love, awe, and gratefulness...

Namaste,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Giddy about the gala

2009-11-13T09:42:00.003-06:00

We're completely giddy about the gala this evening! Tonight's event at the Weisman Art Museum is the culmination of so much work and creativity. If you hope to come but haven't bought your ticket yet, you can buy them at the door!

Even with so much excitement surrounding tonight's wonderful events with MPR's Krista Tippett and yogi Matthew Sanford, let's remember the reason why we're coming together tonight.

In Uganda, Africa, complications related to childbirth kill 150 women every week. That's nearly 8,000 women a year. The price of your $50 ticket tonight, along with proceeds from tonight's silent auction, will directly help birthing women in Uganda.

Even after tonight, Blooma's fundraising goal continues. We have until Dec. 15 to raise $20,000 to support the work of Shanti Uganda. This small-yet-mighty organization is leading the charge to build a birth center, to offer prenatal education programs, and to provide basic, sanitary medical supplies that will save the lives of new mamas and their precious babies.

Sarah will travel to Uganda in February to work alongside local villagers to build the birthing center, along with a school and a sustainable farm. Let's make sure she gets there!

See you tonight.

With so much love & thanks,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Silent auction sneak peek!

2009-11-12T13:58:00.006-06:00

I've just laid eyes on the amazingly long and incredible list of silent auction items to be available at tomorrow night's Blooming in Uganda gala. Literally, my jaw dropped! (What are you waiting for? RSVP now!)

I can't believe how fantastic these items are. We're talking hot stone massages, one-of-a-kind art work, Aveda gift packages, private yoga parties, Timberwolves tickets, and so much more. Here's an additional sneak peek from the 150+ item list of silent auction items:

• A night at the romantic Nicollet Island Inn with breakfast the next day
• Guthrie Theater tickets
• Vickings tickets with prime location seats, plus parking passes
• A private dinner party for 8-10 of your nearest and dearest, featuring 7 courses and beverages. The menu will be crafted specifically to your party’s likings!
• Gift certificates to clothing stores such as Hot Mama, bumberShute, and Bluebird Boutique
• Gift certificates to restaurants like Tiger Sushi, The View, Heidi's, and the Birchwood Cafe
• Ballroom dancing lessons for you and your sweetie
• A Prairie Home Companion tickets
• Jewelry and interior design consultations by Blooma teacher Jennifer Colletti
• Enlightened Mama (Lamaze) childbirth prep classes by Blooma teacher Liz Abbene
• Live Savvy bags and headbands by Blooma teacher Shayla Boger

There's so much more, I can't possibly list it all here. If you already have your gala tickets, we can't wait to see you there! If you've been on the fence about it, buy your ticket now.

We know money is tight, and Blooma so appreciates your willingness to help raise money for a much-needed birth center in Uganda. If it's too late to book a babysitter, leave your partner at home with the kids and enjoy a night out with a friend. Or come solo and make new friends over a glass of wine. See you at the gala!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Sarah on WCCO!

2009-11-11T13:22:00.002-06:00

If you missed Sarah on WCCO the other day, check out the story online. She was interviewed about her goal to raise $20,000 to build a birth center in Uganda. Go, Sarah, go! For more information about her effort, Blooming in Uganda, click here.

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Hm, what are you going to wear?

2009-11-11T12:23:00.005-06:00

I keep hearing the question, "what are you going to wear to the Blooming in Uganda Gala?" Dress up or dress down? It's not every day we have the chance to put on a cute/sexy dress AND support a fabulous cause. So, here's the scoop. Get all dolled up if you want to. Short dress, long dress, it's your call. I've heard that most people plan to wear a cocktail dress, while I'm flirting with the idea of wearing a long, red dress that I rarely have the opportunity to wear. In short, if you want to be casual, be casual. If you want to dress up, own that sass and do it! Anything goes.

Meanwhile, if you haven't bought your gala ticket yet, what are you waiting for? If you haven't had the chance to hang out socially with your yoga teachers and massage therapist yet, we're a pretty fun crowd to be with. I promise. :)

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Birth Story: Angela

2009-11-09T11:14:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Blooma mama, Angela, for sharing the birth story of her son, Grayson! In her words:

___

"It all started on a Tuesday night...

I woke up Tuesday night bleeding. I called the nurses' station at St. Joe's (where I was going to birth) to see what to do. They told me to come in. I was still not dilated and they said that this was a normal occurance. At this time I was having very mild contractions that just felt like cramps. After a few hours we were discharged.

Wednesday I worked from home and continued to have contractions that felt like cramps. They picked up in intensity a bit by Wednesday afternoon. My husband Cory and I decided to head to the Fair for a distraction. We had just paid to park ($11) and were walking to the gate when my water broke. I ducked into a port-a-potty to see if it was really my water or just my bladder. I couldn't really tell. So we walked back to the car to find something else I could use to soak up some of the fluids and decide whether to turn around or go into the Fair. Just then, another gush of liquids came and we decided that with that we would head home.

It was a long night with me breathing through my contractions throughout the night. We got some sleep, but not much. Now it was Thursday. I knew I wasn't going into work so I emailed my boss to tell him I wouldn't be in that day. We spent the day breathing through contractions, working with distractions and talking to our fabulous doula, Liz! We watched the movie Yes, Man, walked around Long Lake Regional park, took multiple walks around the block and just enjoyed each others' company (all while breathing through contractions).

Around 4 p.m. the contractions picked up again in intensity. I was a bit nervous that we were not at the hospital since the doctor told me to go in immediately if my water broke. I just didn't want to be confined there, but I also didn't want to get an infection. So after talking it through with Liz we decided to wait it out. By that evening the contractions were coming stronger. I was crying for an epidural by 8 p.m. and ready to head out the door as soon as Liz got there. Cory even called the hospital to let them know we were coming in.

But lo and behold Liz came around 9 p.m. We were all stationed in the bedroom with very dim lighting and Liz' peaceful, calming voice encouraging me to work with each contraction. Cory and I would "slow dance" through them—each one lasting about a minute. I was still crying for an epidural. At this point Liz had me jump in the tub.

The contractions came less frequently and I was able to get some rest finally between them. She explained to me what would need to be done in order to get an epidural. I was wanting a quick fix, willing this child out of me right now—no matter what. And that's not what an epidural would have done.

After the tub we were back in the bedroom with me on the birth ball. Cory said that it was here I was a changed person. The contractions weren't as bad. I was much more relaxed and able to handle them by just breathing, hip circling, and imagining how powerfully they were helping to open the cervix. Around 1:30 a.m. I felt a slight urge to use the bathroom (not pee). This was a good sign. It was time to go in to the hospital.

Cory called St. Joe's to make sure they still had a room for us and to let them know we were heading in for real. I climbed in the back seat of the Honda on all fours and did my hip circles with Liz applying pressure on my lower back. In the 15 minutes I only had 2 contractions and was able to breathe through them. I was in my zone now.

When we got to the hospital Cory dropped Liz and I off at the emergency room and parked the truck. We had to wait for a nurse to come escort us up to our room. I had one little pit stop before getting into the elevator for a contraction. But we made it. I was hooked up to the fetal heart monitor and the other monitor for contractions for 20 minutes. They checked me—7 cm dilated!!! We couldn't have been happier!

After my 20 minutes on the fetal monitor were up I was able to get into the awesome tub and work through more contractions. I was getting close. I was now between an 8 and a 9. However, I didn't progress much after this. A shift change occurred and the labor and delivery nurse came into check me. She said either the kid had no hair or I still had a second bag of water in the way of the cervix. We decided to break the water bag. After she did this things progressed very quickly. Within an hour I was ready to push. The doctor had been called and here it was time to push.

They could no longer distinguish between my heartbeat and the baby's so they put a fetal heartbeat monitor in his forehead to pick up his heartbeat. It was low, so they hooked me up to an oxygen tank where I was coached to breathe deeply—once for me, once for baby, and once for my uterus.

It was now time to push. I started pushing around 9:30 a.m. and before long they were were calling the doctor NOW because the baby's head was right there. One more push and it was out. One more push and he was half out. One more push and at 10:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept 4, 2009, Grayson Jeffrey entered the world and was put right up on my chest. All perfect 6 lbs. 2 oz. of him. I couldn't have done it without my AMAZING support team of Cory and Liz and the fabulous nurses at St. Joe's. What a perfect ending to a beautiful pregnancy"

Congratulations, Angela! Thanks so much for sharing your story with all of us.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

The talent behind the design!

2009-11-06T11:13:00.000-06:00

Joanne, designer of ALL of Blooma’s stuff — our web site, logo, everything — is a bit more than half way through her pregnancy. She sent out this cute picture of her and her blooming belly that we just had to share. Like many pregnant moms can understand, Joanne wanted a beer after a long day of moving, so she found a tasty non-alcoholic version which she says she "conveniently rested on my belly as I drank it." It's handy to have your own little shelf, isn't it?

Oh, and in case you're on the hunt for a decent NA beer, Joanne says her choice is Paulaner Thomas Brau. Thanks to Joanne for dreaming up such beautiful visuals to represent Blooma with, and happy pregnancy!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Treat yourself...

2009-11-05T11:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Tot Yoga teacher Shayla Boger for another guest blog post!
_ _ _

When we were expecting our first child, the thought of having our freezer stocked with food never crossed my mind. Sure, I stocked up in the usual stuff, but that certainly didn't include full meals. I am very blessed to have several wonderful friends who, for our second child, delivered meals to our family the first month post delivery. My two experiences came back to me and made a spark go off when I met this fabulous woman, Molly, who started Tastebud Tart {a catering company}. I just had to share her information with you!

Tastebud Tart offers weekly meals and personal chef services perfect for helping out busy families and new moms! What's more, Molly's meals (think curried pumpkin soup and BBQ black bean empanadas) are healthy, organic, and make use of local ingredients whenever possible.

Specifically, Tastebud Tart offers:

Weekly Meals: "Tasty food for busy folks every week! New menus are available every Thursday for orders to be delivered the following Monday or Tuesday. We always offer a Kid’s Meal at $5, too, so it’s great for busy families! Fresh + healthy meals delivered to your door... pretty sweet!"

They also use responsible, bio-degradable packaging derived from recycled materials.

Personal Chef Services: "Tastebud will develop menus especially for you + your family, if you require a more tailored menu or nutritional and allergy considerations. Rates begin at $250/week plus the cost of groceries."

Catering: "Big or small, Tastebud can turn your party into a sassy soiree! We will meet with you to discuss menu options and create a custom look + feel for your event. We have experienced staff and event planners that we work with to ensure all of your needs are met."

As a busy parent, it's hard to ask for much more than having delicious meals delivered right to your door! YUM!

Tastebud Tart— Ask for Molly.
www.tastebudtart.com
651.470.1056

xo,
shay

Veggie chow down

2009-11-04T10:40:00.000-06:00

While it comes as no surprise that vegetables are good for you, new research shows that moms-to-be who regularly eat their veggies may reduce their unborn child's risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. The study comes from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. You can read more about it here, then cook up a big, tasty pot of vegetable soup to complement this cozy fall day. Bon Appétit!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

4:30 a.m. and it just hit me

2009-11-03T04:58:00.002-06:00

Good morning. Wow, it feels like 2 years ago when I opened Blooma and I would lay awake in bed for hours and hours with my head spinning with excitement and nervousness. It is all happening again as the "Blooming in Uganda Gala" drawers closer and closer.

There are so many things that keep me awake and full of questions about the night.....but like I say to all of my mamas, "trust and breathe and it will all be fine". Hard to take that advice when I am hosting over 200 people at the Weisman to raise the rest of the $20K for the birthing mothers of Uganda and it is less then 2 weeks and away and there is still so much work to be done. And, all of it will be done. From the ordering the flowers, to getting more people to rsvp, to making sure we have enough food and beverages, to wondering what time the volunteers are coming.....wow, it is all going to get done. One day at a time (and god knows I am a procrastinator).

What keeps me grounded at these moments when my head is spinning is thinking about the mom that is home alone while she labors and births her baby in Uganda. She has no accesses to medical care of something were to arise. We all know that Blooma and I trust in birth, but I also trust that woman have the support around them if something were to arise. What about the woman that is walking at 4am to a hospital over 10 miles away so she can be supported? That is the woman that needs the Shanti Uganda Birth Center and needs the $20k that Blooma is raising, so that she can be safe and birth her baby with dignity.

Please read more at:
http://www.shantiuganda.org/pages/birth

OK, let me see if I can try to close my eyes and get a few more moments of rest before the day begins and the things-to-do list is tackled!

Lots of love,
Sarah

Cute clothes, great cause

2009-11-02T13:25:00.007-06:00

Don't miss the Hot Mama shopping event of the season! This Wednesday night, grab your girlfriends, your mom, your sister, your neighbor and come to Hot Mama's new Edina store (3914 W. 50th Street) from 4-7 p.m. for a private event to benefit Blooming in Uganda. (RSVP here.)

Not only will you get 15% off everything you buy, but you'll feel extra good knowing that ALL of the proceeds from Wednesday night's shopping event will help build a much-needed birth center in Uganda.

Nibble on appetizers from Broders Pasta Bar, get a make-up touch up from a MAC pro, and indulge in a chair massage.

Whether you're looking for a gorgeous dress to fit your growing belly, a new mom on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans, or a fashionista who's not a mom at all, Hot Mama has something for everyone. (Think brands like Juicy Couture, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky, and lots, lots more.)

Entrance to this event is free, but since it's a private shindig, please RSVP. Hope you to see you Wed. night!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Halloween calls for cute babies!

2009-10-30T12:22:00.000-05:00

OK, parents, time to get creative!

Blooma's Jennifer Colletti is teaching a Partner BYOB class tomorrow from 2-3:30 p.m. and she welcomes costumes! If you bring your camera and capture a shot of you and your costumed little one in a yoga pose, please send me a photo to publish next week on the blog! Alisa@Blooma.com

Meanwhile, Bellies to Babies will host a 3 p.m. costume contest for preggo bellies and babies. (Use this adorable lobster-in-a-pot costume idea for inspiration!) Judges will pick their favorites at 3:30 p.m. The winner of the "best pregnant woman in a costume" will receive a $50 gift certificate for Bellies to Babies. The winner of the "best baby costume" will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Babies to Bellies
6638 Penn Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55425

Happy Halloween,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Doulas Birthing in Uganda

2009-10-30T07:04:00.002-05:00

Thank you wise doula sisters for all of the love and celebration this past Monday night.
Angela did an amazing job decorating us. Are you enjoying the henna? I love looking down at my hand and feeling you all with me. What a great image! Thanks to you all!

Let's talk about sex, baby (sing it!)

2009-10-29T13:13:00.006-05:00

Need some inspiration to put a bit of sizzle back in the sack? Then come to Blooma this Sunday for a free sexual health workshop!

"Beyond the Bedroom: Sex and a Healthier You" promises to be an empowering and enlightening event, whether you're comfortable gabbing aloud about your sex life (or lack thereof) or prefer to sit back and listen.

Led by a nurse practitioner from the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, discussions are informal and allow plenty of time for Q&A. We'll cover all kinds of topics, from spicing up your sex life and communicating with your partner, to rekindling the passion and post-birth sex drive.

The event is free, but please register online. We'll have food and refreshments, too! Read more at: www.sexandahealthieryou.org

What: Beyond the Bedroom: Free Sexual Health Workshop
Date: Sun. 11/1/2009
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

To put you in the mood, I'll leave you with this fun video about sex after baby from Momversation. (I love this site... just hang tight through the commercial.)

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooming in Uganda blog!

2009-10-27T16:33:00.000-05:00

If you just can't get enough Blooma blog action, check out Sarah's new Blooming in Uganda blog for updates on her goal of raising $20,000 to build a birth center in Uganda!

http://bloomauganda.blogspot.com/

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Blooma birth story: Rebecca

2009-10-27T13:32:00.007-05:00

We are so honored that so many of you want to share your birth stories! And we've been receiving so many lately that we're going to make this a regular feature of the blog. (If you want to share yours, e-mail it to me at alisa@blooma.com.)

Today we hear from a mama named Rebecca who wrote to me saying, "I never tire of hearing about people's amazing birth experiences and I think it is so important for women to have a chance to hear the full range of possibilities."

If you're a birth story junkie like Rebecca (and those of us at Blooma), follow this link to Rebecca's blog. She sprinkles her story with plenty of humor, including details of "groaning that morphed into loud, low MOOing" and compares herself at one point to "a most unsexy, mooing pole dancer." I was a vocal birther myself, so this description made me laugh out loud with understanding! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Global awareness for better birth

2009-10-26T12:46:00.006-05:00

I heard a story on the BBC this morning about the high mortality rate of birthing women (along with fistula, which leaves women horribly incontinent) in underdeveloped countries. In fact, health ministers from around the world are meeting in Ethiopia today to discuss how to lower those mortality rates. You can read the BBC story here.

While it's easy to think only of our birthing and health care options here in the Twin Cities, let's also extend our reach out into the greater world. Today's news shows how far we have to go. If helping to build just one birth center, in one small village, in one country, can help even a small number of women have healthier birth outcomes, let's do it. In Uganda alone, complications related to childbirth kill 150 women every week.

Let's help Sarah reach her goal of raising $20,000 for the Off the Mat, Into the World challenge. She'll travel to Uganda, Africa next year to help build a birth center. Please donate now, however small the amount, or however generously you're able to give. Please let your friends and family know about Blooming in Uganda, too, even if they do not live here in town. Better birth is global issue, not just a local issue.

One fantastic way to get involved is to r egister now for the Blooming in Uganda Gala at the Weisman Art Museum, Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Have a good time while supporting a good cause, with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and special guest speakers Krista Tippett, host of MPR's Speaking of Faith; and Matthew Sanford, paraplegic yogi, author, and founder of Mind Body Solutions. Donation: $50 per person; all proceeds go to Blooming in Uganda.

Thank you so, so much for your involvement and support of this hugely important project.

Love, Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

A Boring Birth (impossible!)

2009-10-26T10:44:00.000-05:00

We were touched by a mother's story posted recently on a blog for the local chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). Martha Basham's written birth story is beautiful, inspiring, and poignant. So then why does she refer to it as "boring?"

She writes, "it wasn’t was dramatic. Or scary. Or painful. It wasn’t anything that people typically envision in a birth. And it was nothing like you see on T.V. By all means, Isaiah’s entrance into this world would probably be classified by some, as boring...

"But really, I would not call it boring. Sure, it wouldn’t make for good T.V. but I wouldn’t call it boring. I would call it peaceful. Joyous. Beautiful. Calm. Relaxing. Even triumphant."

To read Martha's entire story, head over to the ICAN blog. We never get tired of empowering birth stories like these!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Coffee for Uganda

2009-10-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

We happily blogged last week that the Birchwood Cafe is selling a special brew to benefit Blooming in Uganda. If you haven't yet tasted the Peacewood Coffee called Ugandan Peaberry, hurry on over to the Birchwood and pick up a pound! Your tastebuds will thank you every morning and Uganda will, too.

The Birchwood's owner, Tracy, wrote about the fundraiser in the cafe's recent newsletter. We were so touched by the story and Tracy's words that we just had to reprint it. Thanks, Tracy! (See you soon at the Birchwood, everyone?)

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

“Blooming in Uganda” Fair Trade Fundraiser
When I learned that my dear friend and daughter’s doula, Sarah Longacre, was planning a trip to Uganda in Feb. 2010 to build a birthing center, I knew I had to help. Not only because Sarah and her yoga studio, Blooma, were such an immense support throughout my pregnancy and her presence at Lily’s birth a true gift—the sad fact that in Uganda, 435 out of every 100,000 women die of childbirth related causes also really struck home. Having a skilled attendant present at a birth and celebrating my daughter’s first birthday were things I could take for granted, but maybe not so for some Ugandan women.

Hmmm… how could we help raise the $20,000 she needs? Later the same day, while chatting with Mel at Peace Coffee about which coffee to feature for Fair Trade Month, she mentioned the limited edition Ugandan Peaberry and it hit me like a ton of coffee beans.

Fair trade is about supporting the growth of healthy communities, and what better way to help grow community in Uganda than by donating from our sales of Ugandan Peace Coffee to support the health of Ugandan mothers and babies!

Now until mid-November, we’re brewing the Ugandan Peaberry daily, so come try a fresh hot cup. You’ll love the deep chocolate and molasses notes and thick mouth feel so much that you’ll want to take home a pound. Or two. Or ten! For every pound we sell ($12) we’ll donate 50 percent to “Blooming in Uganda” to help ensure that Ugandan women and their new babies get a healthy start.

For more info on other “Blooming in Uganda” fundraising events or to donate directly check out www.blooma.com. And if you are expecting, or know someone who is, Blooma offers pre- and postnatal yoga, childbirth education, wellness services and an amazing, supportive community for moms-to-be, new moms and their families. As I celebrate Lily’s first birthday this month, I’m grateful to Sarah and honored to help support her, Blooma and their vision for “Blooming in Uganda."

Infants 101 - this Sunday!

2009-10-22T12:21:00.000-05:00

Do you have questions about medical care for your infant? Whether you're a new parent or a parent-to-be, get your questions answered during a FREE talk, Infants 101, with Dr. Tom Sealey this Sunday evening at Blooma.

Dr. Sealey, recognized as a "Top Doc" in Mpls St. Paul Magazine, has been a primary care pediatrician with Metropolitan Pediatric Specialists for 30 years and is a past board member of the Twin Cites Childbirth Education Association. He tells Blooma that he is "committed to providing patients and their parents with sound health information based on scientific data."

Dr. Sealey plans to talk all things related to newborn evaluation and testing, jaundice, feedings, signs of concern, colic, acid reflux, infection, and vaccines. He'll also address the question we all have as parents, "When to call the doctor?" Come with your questions!

Sign up now for this free event and meet Dr. Sealey this Sunday, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Blooma.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Cute clothes, wine & yoga - this Saturday!

2009-10-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

If you're not yet familiar with Kaja Foat, join us this Saturday for a real treat. (And if you've been to Kaja's classes before, you already know what an amazing class you're in for!)

A Jivamukti yoga instructor and designer, Kaja will teach a special class at Blooma beginning at 4 p.m. to benefit Blooming in Uganda. After class, stay for a Foat Designs sample sale, mingling, and wine!

Kaja and her twin sister's earth-conscious clothing line, Urban Yoga Wear, produces some of our favorite and most beautiful yoga wear. Now Foat Designs is launching a baby line of cashmere baby blankets and hand-made toys— you'll have the chance to shop before these adorable items hit stores!

Call Blooma or click here to sign up now. ALL proceeds go towards the $20,000 challenge that Blooma has taken on to help build a birth center in Uganda. The suggested donation for this event is $15-$30. We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Jace Devin

2009-10-20T21:58:00.002-05:00

September 15
2:43 am
8 lbs 2 oz
20 inches long

Congratulations, Anna!

Jaime Pellegrene's Vincent James

2009-10-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

October 10

2:36 pm
6 lbs 15 oz
19.5 inches long

Congratulations to Blooma instructor and mama, Jaime Pellegrene!

Cedar Lee Albin

2009-10-20T21:37:00.002-05:00

August 26

Congratulations, Larissa!

Eleanor Marguerite

2009-10-20T21:36:00.000-05:00

March 7

Congratulations, Karin!

Clementine Mae Pauline

2009-10-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Nicole!

Ayla Erica

2009-10-20T21:34:00.000-05:00

Ayla Erica

October 7
7 lbs 7 oz
20.5 inches long

Congratulations, Jen!

Snack time!

2009-10-20T10:47:00.000-05:00

Many of us moms work hard to choose foods and products that are both safe for our kids, ourselves, and the environment. That's why I think these reusable snack bags are so fabulous.

Instead of packing cheese cubes, carrots, or crackers for your child in a throw away plastic bag, try these "snack ditty" bags. They're made from 100 percent organic cotton that you can toss in the wash. The company, eco•ditty, also makes larger, sandwich-sized bags.

Better yet, head to our very own Twin Cities Green store on Hennepin Ave. in Uptown. They sell reusable cotton sandwich bags lined with water-resistant nylon and a handmade velcro enclosure. Peapods in St. Paul has adorable reusable snack and lunch bags, too, including a stainless steel lunch box that will withstand anything!

The brains behind these reusable snack and sandwich bags clearly had more than health in mind when they designed them in such cute patterns. Snack time has never been so pretty!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

2009-10-19T14:19:00.002-05:00

Hello you wonderful Blooma families,

Blooma had a WONDERFUL birthday party this past weekend. Thanks for the terrific turnout! The tacos were tasty, the music and story telling wildly fun, and the love abundant. Were you there? What did you enjoy most?

Tanya Villano was on-hand taking photos and we'll post them as soon as we get them in!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Naveen Raj

2009-10-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

October 1
2:50 am
7 lbs 6 oz.
21.75 inches long

Congratulations, Lila and Rishi!

News Flash: Nursing moms to the gym!

2009-10-16T09:02:00.004-05:00

It's not easy to carve out time to pump iron when you're a mom of little ones. New research, however, says it's especially important to work out if you're a nursing mother.

While breastfeeding, women transfer around 200 milligrams of calcium per day from their own stores to their breast milk. (Hurrah for healthy babies!) According to recent research published in a journal called Medicine & Science in Sports, exercise can help decrease bone loss while you're giving all those yummy nutrients to your baby. The prescription? A combination of strength training and aerobic exercise for three days a week. (Take advantage of the childcare at Blooma and come for a Yoga For You class, or show up together for BYOB—Bring Your Own Baby yoga, which I teach on Saturdays with Jamee Yung!) Read more about the study here.

Naturally, exercise will also help you feel better all the way around, from more restful sleep to creating a more clear mind.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Birchwood Cafe + Peace Coffee = Love for Uganda

2009-10-15T13:56:00.006-05:00

One of Blooma's favorite restaurants, the Birchwood Cafe, is generously holding a fundraiser to benefit Blooming in Uganda, our effort to help build a birth center in Africa.

For every pound of Peace Coffee Ugandan Peaberry sold, the Birchwood will give $4 to Blooming in Uganda. A pound sells for $12. Pick up a bag or two today! (We'll be selling some this Saturday at our 2nd birthday party, too.) What is a "peaberry," you ask? Find out here.

As for this special coffee's flavors, here's what Peace Coffee says: It begins "with mild berry notes and finishes with deep chocolate, molasses and a hint of malt with a thick buttery mouth-feel throughout." Eh-hem, start brewing my cup now, please.

(You might as well go to the Birchwood hungry, too, while you're picking up your pound of coffee. A must try: the Pumpkin & Vegetable Handpie, which I ate for lunch earlier this week. It's made with roasted local pumpkin and Wisconsin Gruyere in cream cheese pastry. Talk about decadent, fall yumminess!)

A big smooch to the Birchwood for helping Blooming in Uganda. We are so thankful to this open-hearted community for supporting healthy, safe birth for ALL women!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Birthday Bash— Saturday!

2009-10-14T14:28:00.004-05:00

Celebrate with us this Saturday from 4-7 p.m. as Blooma turns 2! Bring your babies, your kids, your partners, and your friends for a fun-filled afternoon of music, cake, tacos and celebrating. RSVP now.

Get ready to wiggle and dance to the amazingly fun Bunny Clogs as they take the stage from 4:30-5 p.m. (Adults love their music, too! Give them a listen.) Then Jack Pearson brings his zany music and storytelling to the stage from 5-6 p.m.

Alongside all this music we'll have a taco truck serving dinner, 15 percent off all class packages purchased that day, lots of discounted retail items, and other retailers selling all kinds of fun goodies.

We'll also continue raising money for Blooming in Uganda, which is helping to build a birth center there early next year. The best birthday present Blooma could ask for is a $15 donation. That covers the cost of a birth kit for a Ugandan mother, providing what she needs for a safe, clean, empowered birth.

And right now it looks like the sun will bloom just for us Saturday afternoon, with an expected high of 44 degrees! We can't wait to see each of you, to celebrate with you, and to thank you for bringing so much love and energy to Blooma.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

"Your life is your practice"

2009-10-13T14:11:00.008-05:00

My Saturday retreat with Karen Maezen Miller, Zen Buddhist priest and author of Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood, was nothing short of inspiring, relaxing, and forgiving.

Why forgiving? Because we all say or do things as parents that sometimes we wish we could take back. But with Maezen's guidance that day, those of us in attendance were reminded that we get to "start over" at any given moment, whenever we want, returning ourselves more fully to mindful parenting.

It's like meditation. When your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to your breath. So it is with parenting. When your kids are driving you batty, breathe. When you're not getting enough sleep, breathe (and maybe cry... but breathe, too). When you need to let go of worry, exhale. Being mindful of your breath keeps you planted in the present moment—and doesn't that always lead to better decision making, parenting or otherwise?

Several other Blooma teachers and moms attended Maezen's Rochester retreat, too. What a luxury it was to spend a whole day for ourselves, taking time for yoga, for talking with other women, for learning from Maezen, for meditation, and for wandering the beautiful grounds of the Assisi Heights retreat center (pictured here).

For a quick fix of wisdom, Maezen-style, check her blog, Cheerio Road. Today's posting, "The Parent's Little List of Letting Go" is, as she puts it, "a seasonal refrain sung to the tune of a deep exhalation."

What have you done to pay attention to your breath today? Since I'm no Zen master, but can attest to how good it feels to meditate—even briefly—I'll pass along a few tips that Maezen gave during our retreat:

• Find just 5 minutes (you can do it!) and set the kitchen timer.
• Sit still, spine straight, palms open. Relax.
• Keep your eyes open and let your gentle gaze fall about 3 feet in front of you. (Eyes open because Zen meditation isn't about closing out distractions but meditating through them.)
• Inhale
• Exhale

Pretty simple, eh? If your mind wanders and you need something to focus on, count to two on your inhale, then four on your exhale. With regular practice, you'll find yourself more focused, more relaxed, and ready for anything your kids throw your way when your 5-minute timer dings.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Birth & Baby Expo - Tomorrow!

2009-10-09T10:08:00.005-05:00

Whether you're pregnant with your first child or already raising your little one, tomorrow's Twin Cities Birth & Baby Expo should have something fun and educational to pique your interest. (And pssst, Blooma is a sponsor of the event!) It will be a fantastic opportunity to meet doulas and midwives, learn about various childbirth methods, natural toys, and birth centers, and maybe even get a henna tatoo.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at the Midtown Global Market. (Click here for directions.) Admission is free, and the first 350 visitors get a goodie bag, too. If you're particularly interested in meeting doulas and midwives, show up at 11 a.m. for a special meet and greet.

Blooma's Liz Abbene will be there all day representing us, so be sure to say hello if you see her. Sadly, I'll miss the expo, but for another great event: The Mother's Plunge retreat in Rochester. I'll report back next week with details of the retreat. In the meantime, enjoy the Expo, and let us know all about it if you go!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Wknd Workshops: Prenatal + Boot Camp for Dads!

2009-10-08T11:55:00.003-05:00

The chance to help raise money for a new birth center in Uganda continues this weekend! We're offering two special workshops in which all the proceeds will benefit Blooming in Uganda.

On Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., we want to see every pregnant mama in the house for a special 2-hour Prenatal Yoga and Chiropractic Workshop with Sarah Longacre and Dr. Tim Fargo. He'll talk about ways to reduce pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy by using safe and natural techniques. He will also give instruction in The Webster Technique, an effective technique that helps balance the pelvis which, in turn, can ease pregnancy pain, reduce incidence of breech births and shorten labor time. (Most doulas I know swear by the Webster Technique!) The suggested donation is $15-$30. Sign up now.

Dads, don't think we've forgotten about you! We're holding a Boot Camp for Dads this Sunday from 3-5:30 p.m. with personal trainer Anthony Arnold. The Vikings kick off at noon, and 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.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Find healthy kids toys!

2009-10-07T13:42:00.004-05:00

We all want to do right by our babies and children, and sometimes that means doing a bit of investigative work before speaking with our dollars. When it comes to finding healthy toys, car seats, and other kids stuff, the people at the Ecology Center have already done the work for us. Searching HealthyToys.org before buying a new play thing for my kiddo tells me whether the product I'm thinking of getting is high (or low) in certain chemicals like lead, chlorine, or arsenic that may be harmful to my child's health. This site used to rank only toys, but has now added HealthyStuff.org, a searchable database of test results for things like teethers, activity mats/gyms, car seats, and more. Cheers to good information and healthy choices!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Reclaim and Rejuvenate!

2009-10-06T13:33:00.006-05:00

Calling all moms searching for balance! (Um, isn't that most of us?) Sarina LaMarche, a life & wellness coach, has a new Personal Renewal Group (PRG) starting Oct. 21 at Blooma.

If you’re not familiar with her PRGs, they are AMAZING. Supportive, nurturing, empowering, and created specifically for mothers. The group meets once a month for 6 months to share in reclaiming, rebalancing, and reconnecting. With the daily business of our lives, who doesn’t need a little bit of help with reconnecting to who we are?

You’ll also learn:
* strategies for making self-care a priority so you can live, love, and parent optimally
* how to experience greater life balance. Each monthly session includes discussion, exercises, reflection time, etc.

What’s more, all this takes place within a community of other mamas you’ll get to know and create a meaningful connection with. These groups are based on the exciting new book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate, and Re-Balance Your Life by Renee Trudeau. Check out www.reneetrudeau.com for more information.

Here’s what a few women in Sarina’s previous PRGs have to say:

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Sarina in many different ways—a Personal Renewal Group and one-on-one. In every setting, I have been impressed with Sarina’s calming, understanding presence, her creativity, and her wisdom without condescension. She has a unique ability to challenge participants without making them feel uncomfortable… She doesn't use a cookie cutter approach; she encourages clients to explore different choices and options that fit within their own value system. Sarina's suggestions and insights have helped me find the path of motherhood and self-care that is right for me. I am so grateful to have found Sarina.”
—Amy, Minneapolis

“Sarina is simply amazing. After attending a mom’s group with Sarina, I knew I was ready to make some significant changes in my life. I worked with Sarina as my life coach, through her support and guidance, I was able to take significant steps toward creating the life I want as a mother and wife. I am continuing to work on positive changes through one of her Personal Renewal Groups. I highly recommend enlisting Sarina’s help as your life coach or by attending one for her groups. She will help you change your life in amazing ways.”
—Erin, Minneapolis

Sign up now for Sarina’s next Personal Renewal Group, which starts Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. You may also contact Sarina with questions, via her website: OneBalancedLife.com.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

A quote worth pondering...

2009-10-02T11:54:00.002-05:00

“When I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself.” -Nancy Friday

I came across this quote the other day and it blew me away. That’s probably because 17 months into my own journey as a mom, I’ve realized just how much I’ve come to reflect on my relationship with my own mother. Judgments have given way (most of the time) to understanding. I’ve begun to view the complicated layers of our relationship with a softer heart. I understand through a new lens that we are all simply doing our best. Once we become mothers ourselves, we inevitably open our eyes to seeing the women who birthed us in a new light, and in turn, experience ourselves differently, too.

I’m curious: what is your response to this quote? How has your relationship with your mother, or view of your mother, changed since bringing a child into the world yourself? Perhaps your relationship has become even more complicated, or perhaps it has experienced a renewed sense of affection and loyalty. Either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Wind-down Time

2009-10-01T15:19:00.006-05:00

Our own Shayla Boger, Yoga for Tots teacher, graces us with a guest posting today. Her soothing tips for bedtime prep are ones ALL of us could use, but especially those sweet (and oh-so-energetic) kiddos! Be sure to check out one of Shayla's super fun tot yoga classes, too. Kids 18 months to 4 years old LOVE her bright spirit and loving energy. Find her at Blooma on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Sign up now.

___

As we all know, putting our children to bed can be quite difficult at times. I struggle with this almost every night; especially with my 2.5 year old. She has recently graduated from potty training school and has also given up her nuk (which she's had since birth), so needless to say, we have lots of "stop and take a breath" moments. It's so funny—being a children's yoga instructor you'd think my children would be angelic and super in touch with their inner being. Well, that's not the case. But I do have to give them some credit: they're both sweet + pure, like all children. With all of this being said, I want to share some things we do around our house to settle down, whether for night time or nap.

1. We put rocks in our children tubby to help them calm down, and feel the natural sensation of the earth on their skin. Plus, they're fun to play with!

2. We spray our children’s beds with lavender water every night to help calm them. It's really easy to mix. For every cup of water add 2 drops of lavender; you can switch up the essential oil to fit your preference. You can find essential oils at Blooma. (They should be arriving in about a week!)

3. We work on exercising our bodies and minds to enter a quite space which allows us to prepare for sleep. Either lay in bed or sit up straight with eyes closed. From this position we fill our tummies with air and blow out through our mouths. Repeat as often as needed.

4. One other relaxing thing we do with our children is rub their feet with massage oil. I also do this at the end of my yoga class, you would be blown away at the response I get. It's amazing!

Here are some books and oils I love and incorporate in my classes, and with my children at home:
• Massage oil
• Lavender oil

Books:
• Moody Cow Meditates (Hardcover), by Kerry Lee MacLea
• Peaceful Piggy Yoga (Library Binding), by Kerry Lee Maclean
• I Can Be: A Child's Whimsical Introduction to Yoga (Paperback), by Christine M. Sumner
• A Tree Is Nice, by Janice May Udry and Marc Simon

You can visit my blog, LiveSavvy, to order the books directly. I hope you enjoy this information!

Om shanti,
Shayla

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

2009-09-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

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

Moments + Mindfulness

2009-09-29T10:40:00.003-05:00

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

Cindy Crawford talks birth

2009-09-25T14:24:00.000-05:00

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

Post Baby Wardrobe Blues

2009-09-24T10:22:00.000-05:00

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.