Vicky BF Yoga

Amazing to witness birth physiology. Women are awesome!
Thankyou Sara for this wonderful post xx

"The rhombus of Michaelis (sometimes called the quadrilateral of Michaelis) is a kite-shaped area that includes the three lower lumber vertebrae, the sacrum and that long ligament which reaches down from the base of the scull to the sacrum.

This wedge-shaped area of bone moves backwards during the second stage of labour and as it moves back it pushes the wings of the ilea out, increasing the diameters of the pelvis.

We know it’s happening when the woman’s hands reach upwards (to find something to hold onto, her head goes back and her back arches.” (Wickham and Sutton 2002).

Jean Sutton and I first wrote about the rhombus of Michaelis in 2002.

We weren’t the first to notice it.

Midwives from around the world had been aware of it and discussing it for many years.

Some talked about “the opening of the back,” while others described the shape, and discussed it in the same sentence as they talked about purple lines and cold feet.

That is, the embodied wisdom of birth.

Since we wrote about it, many thousands of midwives and birth workers have learned about this physiological feature of birth from our article and the conversations that it has sparked.

The original article is available on my website.

Yes, it’s one of those named by and for a man, and that’s not OK. But if we change the article title then people won’t be able to find it.

I’m re-sharing the link to the article today in the hope of sharing the information more widely.

You can read it at https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/the-rhombus-of-michaelis/

I hope you’ll find it useful.

Yes, please feel free to share and repost this social media post, with the pic, words and credit intact.

Thanks to my friends at for letting me reshare their image

Having a baby is transformational, however birth unfolds. Join me on the mat as you learn about how your amazing body is preparing for birth, and how Yoga movement and breathing can ease your transition to motherhood.

We are back at Freckleton Village Memorial Hall from next week.
It would be lovely if you could join us. All mats cushions blankets (for mum) are provided, as is a warm welcome, tea and chat.
(Shhh! Yoga is actually optional, especially if your baby needs feeding or changing, but come along anyway and find out how to soothe and strengthen your post birth body and just absorb the atmosphere).
Booking is essential and really easy on my website www.vickybfyoga.com

PREGNANCY YOGA TEACHER TRAINING: STARTS NOV 16TH

Our yoga teacher training features learnings from so many experienced teachers. It’s inspiring for our trainees, and this enables them to develop their own practice.

Learn more about our in-depth and fascinating course on our website:
https://www.yogabirth.org/yogabirth-teacher-training-course/

Get in touch to ask us questions; we love hearing from you.
[email protected]

Excellent graphic and presentation from the wonderful Dr Sara Wickham.
We talk about this and much more when you come to my pregnancy yoga classes.
YogaBirth: more than just a yoga class, more than just birth education.

How many of these have you heard?

These induction myths are plain wrong.

Some are tactics used to scare women into accepting intervention, or to persuade women that induction interventions aren’t something they need to think too much about.

But the reality is that decisions about induction are worthy of thought.

Because starting labour artificially can be beneficial for some women/babies, in some situations.

There are times when it is absolutely the right thing for women/families.

But that’s not always the case.

Induction of labour also has risks and downsides.

It has repercussions that can last a lifetime.

None of the myths in my pic are backed up by evidence, but they are often heard.

So it’s worth spending some time finding out about the issues, learning about the evidence and then making an informed decision about whether induction and the interventions and restrictions that this involves are right for you.

If you’d like to get started on that, I have a whole hub of induction information and two books that can help you get informed.

You’ll find those at www.sarawickham.com/iol and www.sarawickham.com/time

With thanks to for letting me adapt her idea 💜

Yes, you can share/repost as long as you keep the original pic, text and credit intact.

I have years of experience of using essential oils and if you come to my pregnancy yoga classes I will share this with you in a useful handout x

Concentrated essential oils from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants have powerfully healing and helping properties. They can support you in pregnancy but especially birth, when our bodies are super-sensorily receptive.

Sprinkle a couple of drops of frankincense on a handkerchief or cotton bandana, rub it in to the cloth and when a contraction starts to build, cover your nose and mouth - and breathe. Breathe slowly, and evenly, drawing the aroma deep into your body. Almost at once you will feel more settled - safe and reassured. This is because frankincense, the resin of the Boswellia tree slows respiration and calms the mind.

Lavender oil is equally effective. As well as being analgesic, it's heady scent softens and fuzzes what's around you, and provides focus. There are so many oils that can help, and your teacher or other mothers in your class will offer other suggestions or a recommended supplier so that you can build a little comfort kit. Lavender and rose and are great for relaxation; clarysage for promoting contractions; resinous scents, like cypress or frankincense for steadying; wild orange, grapefruit or lemon for mood-lifting.

If you're pregnant, or if you've just had a baby, come along to your nearest YogaBirth class. If you prefer to practise from home, many of our teachers offer online classes. See our website for details.

https://www.yogabirth.org

Photo credit: Sarah Stirk

We are back on 11th September at 1.30-3pm.
We have a lovely class at Freckleton and we would love you to join us. You can expect a warm welcome, a relaxing gentle yoga practice with breath work to nourish your body and soothe your soul. Babies are very welcome and you are invited to feed and change your baby as and when you need to. All mats, blankets and cushions are available but you can bring your own if you prefer.

Mum and Baby Yoga classes will be back at Freckleton Village Memorial Hall from 11th September 2024 1.30-3pm
vickybfyoga.com

The early days and months with a new baby can feel like “existing in an alternate universe”

Time takes on a whole new meaning. Often mothers speak of never knowing what the next half hour will bring. As one mother said, “I can spend so much time feeding, changing, settling him, it can be 3pm before I get out of my pyjamas!”

Everything changes. Nothing is a given anymore. So often mothers discover there is even no difference between day and night as it takes time for each baby to regulate their circadian rhythm when they are first “earthside”. With no real routine or familiar rhythm to hold onto, many mums feel exhausted and overwhelmed.

New mums are amazing. Motherhood is not an easy ride. Finding a community of support, reassurance and understanding is essential.

To find a Postnatal YogaBirth teacher visit our website:
https://www.yogabirth.org/postnatal-yoga/

Photo credit: Dicson

Ina May is a huge inspiration and I often share her work during our pregnancy yoga classes x

www.rachelreed.website

What is it that new mums often say they need in those first few months after the birth of their baby?

Many mothers say they are so happy to find a yoga class where their baby is welcomed too and where it doesn’t matter if their baby cries or needs feeding or a nappy change. After all, where else can you take a 6 week old baby and be accepted and be able to start doing some recovery yoga?

During the new YogaBirth Postnatal Teaching Module you will learn Scaravelli based yoga and also incorporate some essential exercises for the postnatal year; carefully graded and adapted to suit both very new mothers, those whose babies are over 6 months old and older. It’s important to know what’s going on for postnatal mums and what kind of issues some of them may have. The training module covers what happens with our hormones after we give birth and how they affect our bodies in relation to exercise. You will learn how to make sure the classes are safe for mums to do, whatever kind of birth they have had.

For more information on how to train as a YogaBirth Post-natal teacher see: https://www.yogabirth.org/yogabirth-postnatal-teacher.../

Photo: Sarah Stirk

Why is it so hard to accept let alone ask for help in the first weeks after a baby is born? What is it that stops most of us from even putting a practical plan into place? A new mother with a new baby was once everyone's business - traditionally a responsibility the community took on as a whole. But today, and in the UK particularly, it's a habit that's been lost.

In part it's because of the way we live now. But it may also be a result of us thinking we should be coping; a sort of over-prizing of self-sufficiency.

So how about setting aside unrealistic notions of how we should be coping, and instead consider how week one, two and even three and four actually are..... for everyone. 'Hard' is the answer to that, because all new parents are tired. All new parents hit points of overwhelm. And no new parent is going to turn down a good meal they haven't had to make themselves.

Those first weeks - the fourth trimester - are a bit of a survival course to be honest. So having help to have one's basic needs met is entirely reasonable and appropriate. Some nourishing food, some help with the house. Someone holding the baby while you get some much-needed rest. Be kind to yourself. Accept help, any and every time it's offered. A hot meal for example, or a neighbour offering to walk your dog. A friend saying she'll come and do some cleaning or your sister taking your washing. And let's go a step further. How about ASKING for help... maybe setting up a meal train among some friends for example. Or having a rota of family or friends doing a stint with the baby twice a week while you catch up on some kip. It will be nothing but a pleasure for them to cook up their signature dish and be thanked as if you'd given them gold - and remember, one day you may return the favour.

Photo credit: Sarah Stirk

Book now to join our little group.
Make some time for 'you' in a friendly and welcoming group.
Classes are 90 minutes including yoga, relaxation, tea and chat.
Visit www.vickybfyoga.com to find out more
We are looking forward to meeting you X

Coercion and manipulation is real!

Joseph Griffiths Swayne's recommendations about VEs (cervical assessment). The culture and practice remain the same despite the textbooks changing.
www.rachelreed.website

Life with a new baby is full-on. It’s so easy to feel that “..everyone else has it sorted except me…”

YogaBirth postnatal classes create an accepting and non-judgemental community of support. Mothers show up as they really are. Not as they think they should be.

YogaBirth postnatal classes help new mums grow into motherhood their own way, and to find their tribe.

We are excited to be running our inspiring 60 hour Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training module, starting on November 16th 2024.

If you have a deep desire to accompany, support and empower women during this very special time, or feel curious to know more on how to train as a YogaBirth Postnatal teacher, visit https://www.yogabirth.org/yogabirth-postnatal-teacher.../

Do reach out to us. We love hearing from you.

Photo: Sarah Stirk Photography

We all have this perception of what sort of a parent we will be when we have a baby.

“I will not give my baby a dummy.”
“I won't get into the habit of co sleeping.”
“My baby will only be breastfed.”

We paint a picture in our heads of what the ‘perfect’ parent looks like. And of course, we strive to be the best parent possible for our children. But then baby arrives and with it comes the curveballs, the tiredness as a new parent is exhausting and debilitating and quite often, the very things we thought we wouldn’t do are the things that make our lives a bit easier.

If baby will take a dummy then let them if it helps them to settle and gives you a few moments respite, then it's a win.

If what you need to get a bit more sleep is some co-sleeping then that is something to consider for the sake of the bigger picture.

We often put ourselves under unnecessary pressure to parent at such a high standard, a high standard that we would never hold other people too.

We need to be kind to ourselves as we navigate parenthood. There's no one right way to parent and if a certain decision makes you a happier parent, then if you ask us, that's a better parent.

What’s the one thing you said you’d never do as a parent which actually makes your life easier?

Can I get an Amen up in here?!

If I had a dollar for each time I’ve heard somebody say that yoga isn’t for them because they’re not flexible enough!!

Here at YogaBirth our pregnancy classes are more than just a yoga class. They will empower you, bringing you strength and community and all the good stuff as you embark on your journey to motherhood. 💜

Mum and Baby Yoga classes are available to book throughout the summer.
It may be the school holidays but babies don't stop growing and mummies don't stop needing a chance focus on their own well being and post natal recovery. So Mum and baby yoga classes are going to be available to book up until the end of August.
During our classes we will bring our attention to gentle and graded exercise to bring you back to yourself: exercises especially for the female body (pelvic floor anyone?). And baby can come too! (Sorry no older siblings, this is a mum and baby space to rest and breathe).
Afterwards we can have a cup of tea, biscuits and a chat with other mums.
All in a relaxed and friendly space.
Visit vickybfyoga for more information about me, Vicky, and to book online.
Or message me to book direct.

Breathing, essential to life and birth, is at the core of YogaBirth classes.

Over the weeks, through the practice of simple breath awareness, you become familiar with the natural rhythm of your breath and so increase your ability to focus inward.

This practice helps calm the busy mind, clearing the way for you to hear your own intuitive voice. These insights help dispel much of the fear around the birthing process so that you can approach labour with peace of mind: with trust in your body’s natural wisdom and power, and confidence in your innate ability to give birth.

When your body takes over during labour you can instinctively use your breath to soothe, steady and let go to the surges bringing your baby into this world.

This is what we teach. 💜

📸 Sarah Stirk Photography

Yoga class especially for new mums. Rest, relax and release as you find some precious moments to breathe, to rest, to be.
Classes are led by experienced ex midwife, Vicky, and are focused on post birth well being and recovery.
Especially for the fourth trimester, especially for you.
No previous yoga experience needed.
Mats, cushions and blankets provided.

Something exciting is kicking off in our classes. A kind of pass-the-parcel message, spreading from one mother to the other. One of our teachers, Lulu, explains how the 'news' is so transformative, so infectiously reassuring, that there's a kind of 'magnetic pull' flowing through classes, as more and more become inspired. And here's the strange part. It's something quite simple. Even obvious.

Bring care to where you are.

Remember what you need to labour? The full, uninhibited ability to switch off and let your body take over? Well how can you do that properly when you're anticipating the transfer in? Wondering when you're going creates a kind of counter-productive watching of yourself - and can slow labour's flow. Have a midwife come to you on the other hand and you can completely let go. You can follow the feelings freely, fully, without one eye on what's ahead.

When a midwife comes round to see how you are doing, you just go by how you feel. If all is well and you're comfortable lying in bed, you might stay put. Equally, you might want to go to hospital. The point is, the equipped and qualified care comes to YOU. You and how you feel become the start-point instead of you scrambling to fall in step with the moving escalator that is care elsewhere.

What are your thoughts on bringing care to where you are?

📸 Sarah Stirk Photography