Workshops and Series

Strength in Labor

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!

Managing Anxiety During Pregnancy: Join Our Comprehensive Series

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also bring about significant anxiety. Managing this anxiety is crucial for your well-being and your baby's health. At AYL, we understand the importance of supporting individuals through this period, and that's why we've designed our Anxiety Series, tailored to address perinatal anxiety with practical tools and expert guidance.

Our series includes four comprehensive classes, each focusing on different aspects of anxiety and providing practical strategies to manage it effectively.

Class Overview:

  • Understanding Perinatal Anxiety: Learn to identify and normalize perinatal anxiety, distinguish between normal anxiety and when it becomes problematic, and explore various management methods.

  • Physical and Relational Impacts of Anxiety: Discuss how anxiety affects the body and relationships, and explore beneficial physical treatments like exercise, massage, and acupuncture.

  • Nutritional and Sleep Impacts on Anxiety: Understand the relationship between diet and anxiety and how sleep patterns affect and are affected by anxiety.

  • Spiritual and Environmental Influences on Anxiety: Examine how spiritual beliefs and practices impact anxiety and discuss the benefits of connecting with nature.

Throughout the series, you'll engage in meditation and mindfulness practices, share experiences with fellow participants, and receive activities to reinforce what you've learned.
When? This four-week series meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm starting August 1st.

  • August 1 at 6:30 pm (Thursday)

  • August 8 at 6:30 pm (Thursday)

  • August 15 at 6:30 pm (Thursday)

  • August 22 at 6:30 pm (Thursday)

Where? Austin Yoga Lounge

  • 1201 W 6th Street, Austin TX, 78703. Second Floor.

Investment:

Meet Your Instructor: Lauren Hagen

Lauren Hagen brings 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, with a master’s degree in adult health nursing from UT-Austin. Her career spans various roles in the maternity and perinatal fields, including fertility, OB/GYN triage, bedside labor nursing, birth center management, doula services, and childbirth education. For the past three years, Lauren has been practicing "Nurse Coaching," a holistic wellness approach that honors the client as the expert in their health journey.

Lauren’s most valuable education comes from her experiences as a single mother of three children. She has experienced pregnancy and birth in various forms: unmedicated and medicated, vaginal, c-section, VBAC, hospital, and home birth. These diverse experiences have taught her that there is no "better" way to give birth and that surrendering to the process of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood is an inherent part of the journey.

Join us for this insightful and supportive series, under the expert guidance of Lauren Hagen, to better understand and manage perinatal anxiety. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.