Laboring + breathing on New Year's Eve

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

Coming up: Prenatal Bootcamp!

A repeat performance of Jennifer Colletti's fabulous, outdoor bootcamp is coming up in the form of gentle, outdoor yoga for both prenatal and postnatal moms.

The class runs Monday through Friday, Aug. 17-21, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. each morning, at Lake Harriet. Childcare is available at Blooma, too ($20 per child for the whole week!). The class is geared toward pregnant moms, those just getting back to working out after giving birth, or those who simply want a gentler yoga practice.

Imagine practicing yoga and breathing deeply in a beautiful setting, allowing the mind, body and spirit the chance to absorb your outdoor surroundings.

Here's what one mom had to say about the bootcamp Jennifer taught earlier this summer:

"By the end of the week, I was breathing easier and had more energy than I had felt in months. Jennifer varied the practice— one day had extensive breathing and meditating while we listened to the breeze ... and the birds singing, and distant people starting their morning routines. The next day we had an energetic walk to get our blood moving, and another day we spent a great deal of time in standing poses. At the end of the week, I was wishing it wouldn't end!"

Sign up now (under the Workshops tab, $100 for the week) and plan to enjoy all that the breeze, the sun, the grass, and the trees have to offer you each morning!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

H&M Mama Maternity clothes!!

We got this great tip from Blooma mama Rebecca Blythe yesterday:

So. I went shopping the other day because I am trying to do SOMETHING about my postpartum wardrobe challenges. I went to H&M at the Mall of America figuring I could find a bunch of stuff that I could buy 2 sizes too big and not feel bad about spending a lot of money. As I was browsing I came upon the most exciting discovery. H&M Mama Maternity clothes! When I was pregnant 3 years ago and still living in NYC I got a lot of cute stuff there. Apparently, the MOA store just started carrying the line last Thursday, so it is brand new. It's enough to make me wish I was still pregnant. Anyway, pass it along with regards from me. I miss my prenatal yoga!

Prenatal Yoga Class Reunion!

You stretched, sweat, and shared class with each other throughout your pregnancy. Now reunite with your former prenatal mama friends to reflect on birth, enjoy a sweet little massage, and indulge in a restorative yoga class with Sarah Longacre.

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Saturday, April 4th--this weekend! 2-4 pm

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Moms, you've told us how much you enjoyed Sarah's prenatal yoga class, and you've told us how much you'd love to take class with her again. You asked for it, and you got it!

Join Sarah for a postnatal deluxe extravaganza! In 2 hours, you'll be transported to a whole new level of rest and relaxation unlike any you've experienced since becoming a new mama!

(Ahhhh, can't you already feel your shoulders relaxing, your jaw releasing, and your breath becoming more soothing?! You deserve this, mama!)

Join Sarah and a few of Blooma's wonderful wellness women for birth reflection, restorative vinyasas, and light massage.

Reunite with friends ... find rest in restorative yoga poses ... relax with massage ... Indulge!

• Call Blooma for more info: 952.848.1111
• Taught by Blooma Founder Sarah Longacre
• April 4, 2-4pm, $25 for two hours of TLC!
  
• Register online now!

Blooma Recommends: The Birth Partner

For a little prenatal reading, Blooma recommends: The Birth Partner.

For a book that gives birth partners a clear explanation of labor and insight into a birthing woman's needs and wants, check out The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions (third edition) by Penny Simkin. After reading it, you'll have the confidence to make the labor experience the best that it can be for you and your partner. The Birth Partner is available for purchase at Blooma.

"During my labor, I pictured myself on my yoga mat."

Talk about music to our ears! If you're wondering how yoga fits into pregnancy and then again when baby arrives, check out this lovely blog from Blooma mama Melissa. We do love our Blooma cheerleaders! Thanks, M!!

Blooma OnLIVE!

Sunny, glorious Friday, October 26, was a special day for Blooma! We made a little TV appearance on the Kare 11 OnLIVE weekday show. (Check out the story on their web site!) Mama-to-be Marissa; Mandy & baby Brady; along with Jenni and just-turned-1 Anabel joined me on the show to do some prenatal yoga and to demo some BYOB* (bring your own baby!) yoga poses. The babies were so mellow -- small screen stars in the making! And of course, we got to share the good news about Blooma: the Twin Cities' first prenatal and postnatal studio dedicated to women & their families, offering all kinds of classes, wellness services, and on-site child care. Can't wait to see you here!