Labor Strength: Breathing and Movement Workshop

Led by Alexandra Vaughn

Saturday, November 23rd | 4- 6 pm 

Austin Yoga, 1201 West 6th Street, Second Floor.

When it comes to childbirth, the physical process is as much about the mind as it is about the body. Understanding how breath and movement can enhance your labor experience is key to preparing for the big day. Whether you're planning a natural birth, using interventions, or a combination of both, this class for expectant mothers will offer you practical tools to optimize your birthing experience by blending breathing techniques with movement mechanics. Read on to learn more about what you’ll discover in this two-hour workshop and how it can help you feel more prepared and confident for your upcoming birth experience.

What is the Labor Strength Workshop?

This 2-hour workshop equips expectant mothers with essential breathing and movement techniques to support each stage of labor. The first part of the class will include a gentle movement flow to encourage awareness of our breath and pelvic floor. We'll deepen this awareness in the remainder of the class as we discuss how this partnership comes alive during labor and delivery. We'll walk through evidence-based guidance on movement and positioning. We'll also cover preparing your mind and body for birth, creating your birth plan, and making informed decisions, helping you feel more confident and peaceful about your upcoming birth experience. 

Who is this workshop for? This workshop is ideal for pregnant mothers in their third trimester, but all expectant mothers are welcome. Note that we plan to offer this workshop every 2 to 3 months.

What You'll Learn: The Key Takeaways

By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with valuable tools and knowledge to support you through labor. Here are some of the key topics covered:

Setting Birth Expectations: Understand how to communicate your birth preferences with your provider, navigate potential interventions, and make informed decisions.

Preparing Your Body for Labor: Daily movement activities, like pelvic release and hip asymmetry exercises, can help relax your body and create more space for your baby to move into an ideal position.

Creating Mind/Body Synergy: Learn how breath, movement, and mental focus work together to create a powerful and centered labor experience.'

Breath and Movement for Every Stage of Labor: Learn how specific breath and movement patterns can aid your labor and delivery experience, reducing tearing and pelvic floor trauma.

Why Breathing and Movement Matter During Labor

Labor is an intense process, and both breath and movement play a critical role in how your body responds. When you learn to control your breath, you can manage the pain and stress of contractions more effectively. Breathing helps you stay focused and relaxed, which in turn conserves your energy for when you need it most—during pushing.

Movement is equally important. Changing positions frequently during labor can help shift your baby into the optimal birthing position and speed up the progression of labor. Gentle movements, such as walking, rocking, and pelvic tilts, encourage your baby to descend, while positions like squatting or using a birthing ball help open your pelvis.

Understanding the interplay between breath and movement gives you more control over the labor process, helping you stay calm, confident, and present throughout each stage.

Why Choose a Labor Strength Workshop?

This workshop offers expectant mothers a unique opportunity to prepare for labor in a holistic way, combining evidence-based practices with intuitive movement and breathing techniques. If you’re seeking to feel more connected to your body and prepared for labor, this class is an invaluable resource.

Plus, you’ll gain a supportive network of other expectant mothers, learn from real birth stories, and leave with a toolkit that enhances both your birth plan and your birthing experience.

Join us for this enriching two-hour workshop and discover how breathing and movement can empower you during labor. Prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the birth experience you desire!