Elsa Martineau
Yoga Doula in Montpellier
Postnatal Support
Elsa Martineau
Yoga Doula in Montpellier
Postnatal Support
Yoga Doula
What is a Doula ?
She is a birth caregiver who comes as an extra resource to take care of the mother during the perinatal period, childbirth and the postnatal period. She offers non-medical support and lifestyle hygiene. In this period of intense transformation, it is an additional resource that will allow the family to cross more smoothly this new chapter of their life.
What is a Yoga Doula ?
Like the Doula, it is a person who assist the mother at every moment of the path to the birth. Its specificity comes from its teaching based on ancestral knowledge from India : Kundalini Yoga and Ayurveda. She will be able to offer you a support with adapted tools, month after month, offering you massage, nutrition, yoga, meditation, relaxation and any other advice for an optimal progress during this transition of your life.
To be accompanied by a Doula, yes! But to answer which needs?
The needs when accompanying the arrival of a child are numerous and the issues related to the coming of this one, just as much.
- What childbirth I wish to live ?
- What birth do I want to give to my child ?
- Where do I want to give birth? (in medical facilities, homes for birth, home...)
- How do I want to give birth ? (standing, moving, listening to me, singing, squatting, in the water, ...)
- With whom I wish to give birth ? (What kind of relationships do I want to surround myself with to give birth? From a 100% medicalized relationship to a comprehensive person-to-person accompaniment relationship)
- What vision do I give myself of the act of giving birth and how do I develop it ?
- What is the birth project that supports a respectful birth, both in the birthing process and in the baby's welcome ?
- How to accept the metamorphoses of my body and mind and welcome them ?
- How to manage pain ?
- How to be secure in the face of the unknown ?
- What place for the father or the partner ?
- What postnatal project do i want to put in place for a smooth adaptation to our new life ?
Your needs are yours. They belong only to you and it is very important that they are heard, listened to and welcomed, with respect for who you are and what you want in this experience.
My vocation is to accompany you both in the expression of these, as in their setting up.That, at no time you feel deprived (s) alone. That your choices are enlightened by other possible alternatives. That the path you take is in line with your expectations and your convictions. The Doula comes to overcome the belief of having no choice but the systematic medicalization of birth.
In fact, it is possible, to face sometimes invasive technicality of a medical system of practices and beliefs developed for childbirth, that what was supposed to protect and secure, leads to acts with pathological consequences for the mother as well as for the child.
I SUPPORT BIRTH BY :
- Supportive support and encouragement
- Attentive listening
- Knowledge of nutrition and body care according to Ayurveda
- Presence before, during and after childbirth
- Prepare to breastfeed and support breastfeeding if desired
- A reassuring and warm approach
- Relieve small words, back pain or heavy legs, ...
- Allow the close bond between the baby and his parents
- Reinventing the layout of the living space, advice of childcare equipment
- Offers relaxation, visualization, breathing, conscious walking or meditation
- A way for parents to make informed choices and develop their birth plans
- Presence and support for the siblings if there is
- One person available
- A source of knowledge (bibliography, videography, specialized address book)
- To anticipate the return to the house: the first months with baby, how will it happen ?
- Find the help that will allow you to take full advantage of it
- To be able to approach without any problem all the subjects that raise the maternity relation, weight ...
THE IMPACT OF MY PRESENCE DURING WORK AND DELIVERYNumerous studies show how emotional and physical support at birth brings multiple benefitsThe Emotional benefits
- Greater satisfaction of the mother in her childbirth experience
- Greater involvement of the father with his partner
- An increase in self-esteem in the mother
- The mother is more sensitive to her baby's needs
- Helps reduce and prevent postpartum depression
- From the feeling of gratitude can come joy and grace
The Physical benefits
- A significant decrease in the total labor
- Mother is more alert after delivery, smiles, caresses and talks to her baby
- A decrease in the number of babies with fetal distress and/or admitted to neonatal intensive care units
- An increase in the breastfeeding rate at birth
- An increase in exclusive breastfeeding rate one month after birth
- A reduction in health care costs
The Medical benefits
- A reduction in the number of deliveries with suction cups and/or forceps
- A decrease in the cesarean section rate
- A decrease in the use of oxytocin for the purpose of artificially stimulating the work
A father involved
Having emotional support is of utmost importance for a woman in the workplace. The ideal person to take on this role with her is of course her partner. I help the father to have more confidence in him to get involved, while respecting his limits and his needs. During pre-birth meetings, we explore a whole vocabulary of postures to be found on D-Day, including the balloon tool, massage and the quality of presence in general. I can massage the woman's back, allowing the father to maintain eye contact with his partner and encourage him during contractions or vice versa. I am available to answer questions about protocols, workflow, proposed interventions so that parents can make informed choices. My experience enriches the loving support that the father wishes to offer to his wife. I reassure, comfort and inform the couple. I promote above all your autonomy and your privacy. So I know how to be transparent, while listening and available. The presence of a Doula proves to be very appreciated by the father who wishes to be involved, but who does not always know how to do it.
Getting Ready
A first rendez-vous approach allows us to meet. For this first meeting, the two future parents are, as far as possible, wished present. This is the opportunity to ask all possible questions and see if the current goes between us. The amount of this meeting of one hour is deducted from the fixed price, if commitment there is.My support begins when you make contact with me. We will do together the planning of our next meetings according to our respective availabilities. It is at your home that the sessions will take place. Through the meetings, a relationship of trust and proximity is woven. This relationship is my main tool to accompany you to the day of birth and after, in the relationship to your baby.Count seven sessions for a classic package (primiparous or experience previous difficult deliveries). You can divide these seven sessions as you see fit. My presence at delivery is included. But you can also, absolutely, decide otherwise, until the last moment. In any case, I would be able to make myself available between 10 days before and after. During all the time of your accompaniment, I am reachable by telephone. Moreover, the meetings are well filled. Here is an overview of the content discussed during pre-natal meetings:- Expectations for pregnancy and childbirth
- Transformations of pregnancy, psychological / emotional / relational support
- Physiology of childbirth, aches, fear, pain Possible interventions, hospital protocols
- Birth plan and informed choices
- Body level preparation: Yoga, breathing, stretching, pelvis, perineum, baby connection, delivery positions
- Spiritual support: meditation, visualization
- The lifestyle of the pregnant woman: diet, body care
- Preparation of post natal support: Baby's home, practical: living space, concrete realities with a newborn, shopping, laundry, cleaning, balanced meals, baby care, babywearing, co-sleeping ...
- Suggestions for reading and viewing Listening and tools for the father, partner
On call period
From 10 days before the scheduled date until 10 days later,
I am ready to join you at any time. I guarantee a fast presence by your side. Available by phone If, for a major reason, my presence could not be assured, I network with my doulas colleagues from Hérault.
Important :
None of my benefits are covered by Social Security.
Moreover, my services is non-medical and does not replace, in any case a midwife or an obstetric gynecologist during your pregnancy, during your delivery and in the postnatal period.
Yoga Maternity
The Principles of Yoga Prenatal
Live your pregnancy in consciousness and prepare yourself for the best to live the birth
Pregnancy is a magical time when you live in full consciousness. It is a moment of great physical and psychical changes that can be grasped in the welcome and openness. Kundalini Yoga allows you to reconnect with yourself and with your feelings. Simple postures adapted allow you to undo tensions, find positions that relieve you and leave room for your baby. They will inspire you during the different phases of delivery to accompany the intensity of contractions. Slow and deep guided breaths also prepare you by working on muscular and mental relaxation to cope with certain fears. These will be disarmed at the time of work and will leave the mind at peace. Relaxation allows you to disconnect from your environment and forget about any external reality, essential elements for letting go during childbirth. Meditation brings you into full awareness and allows you to establish full communication with your baby.
Pregnancy is the most wonderful creation of the universe. Live this moment in communion and wonder.
" Cross one breath at a time, one contraction at a time brings a sense of satisfaction and strength".
The Principles of Yoga Postnatal
Take care of yourself. Reconnect with her body gently and with baby.
The post-natal period is a unique moment for all parents. The mother, having already spent a lot of energy during childbirth, still gives a lot of herself after birth, especially if she is breastfeeding. His days and nights are punctuated by the needs of his baby. She is in permanent self-giving. There will come a time when she will need to reconnect with her body, with her mind, with her energy and it will be necessary for her to do it smoothly. Moving postures, guided breathing, a mind channeled through meditation allow the body to access deep relaxation during relaxation. This contributes to the development of a new vitality allowing the energy that the mother needs to circulate to continue to take care of her baby, and possibly to resume her professional activity.
Feeling supported on the path of motherhood is a unique moment of mother sharing with baby and meeting moms.
Why learn to breathe ?
The pregnant woman does not have to eat for two, but she should definitely breathe for two. Because the breathing is often short and superficial and only allows us to survive but not to live fully. Deep breathing brings more oxygen and nutrients to the baby and the mother. The so-called "long and deep" breathing calms the restless mind, facilitates patience, endurance, relaxation, the feeling of appeasement and belonging.
Why learn to Meditate ?
Because a prepared mind stays focused and focused on breathing during contractions. Meditation helps to move through the process with a sense of presence and strength...and even joy and well-being. An unprepared mind can disperse, panicking in the face of the strong new sensations that the mother experiences during childbirth. During delivery, the concentration (on a mantra, sound or breathing) and proper breathing will promote the secretion of the hormone Ocytocin, responsible for the work of dilatation, as well as the secretion of the action hormone Endorphin opposite of Adrenaline, which alleviates the sensation of pain and supports the intensity of contractions.
Some mantras :
Adi Mantra
ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO
I connect with the Unity of the Universe, I greet my inner master.
Mangala Charan Mantra
AAD GURAY NAMEH
The truth before time
JUGAAD GURAY NAMEH
The truth over time
SAT GURAY NAMEH
The omnipresent truth
SIRI GURU DAYV-AY NAMEH
I bow to the great and invisible wisdom
Adi Shakti
Aadi Shakti namo namo
Sarabe Shakti namo namo
Pritham bhagvati namo namo
Kundalini mata Shakti namo namo
I bow to the primordial power
I bow to the power and the universal energy
I bow to the divine creative power
I bow to the creative power of the Kundalini, the power of the Divine Mother
Bidj mantra
SAT NAM
The truth is my identity
SA TA NA MA
Sa : Birth,Infini, totality of the Cosmos
Ta : Life (birth of the form from infinity) mouvement
Na : death (transformation)
Ma : rebirth
GURU GURU WAHE GURU
GURU RAM DAS GURU
Wise, wise is he who serves the Infinite
Ayurvedic Massage Prenatal and Postnatal
Baby massage
Massage is part of the hygiene of life and it wants to the balance body heart spirit.
I trained with Aurélie Cros Wickrama Ayurvedic therapist and yoga doula in Paris. I received a massage transmission according to Ayurvedic tradition.I offer a ful massage.
This massage can be received at any time of life, whether you are pregnant or not; going through menopause etc ..
Allow 1:30 for the entire session.
I also propose an individual baby massage workshop to allow you to become autonomous and at ease by massaging your child.
This workshop is build in three brought closer sessions :
1. A first session where we meet. I massage baby and you look at the different steps.
2. A second session where we practice together and I support you in learning.
3. A third and last session, we review the whole massage and you ask me the questions that remain unresolved.
1h each session 3h workshop in total
Postnatal Support
The art of mothering the mother
40 DAYS after the 9 months of gestation and evolution, the child is born and the parent appears. Given birth and being born are major events whose impact on the lives of a woman and the couple is often underestimated and sometimes overwhelmed. During pregnancy, the mother is followed and accompanied at least medically. During childbirth, she is in most cases surrounded and encouraged. But as soon as she returns from maternity, she often finds herself alone and isolated. She has to face the revolution that follows the arrival of the baby. The adjustment to the new rhythm, the physical recovery, the disruption of the hormones that follow the "work" of the delivery of a child.The permanent adjustment that breastfeeding requires and all the demands of everyday life. Let us not forget that our female body-giving has an indispensable function which is birth. Following the birth, our state requires special conditions and care to maintain the health, the emotional and relationship balance with the baby, the companion and the older children. These conditions are necessary for our overall well-being, in order to be "fit" and take good care of our children.
Give and Receive
A mother who agrees to receive help has the resources to, in turn, give her baby care with greater ease, patience and calm. During the first 6 weeks postnatal, the mother needs rest in order to recover from the intense labor of childbirth. Her pelvis is recovering and she must not wear anything except her newborn to regain its strength. The uterus also needs rest to heal the wound caused by the expulsion of the placenta. All the physical and hormonal changes affect the emotional state of the new mother and make her hypersensitive and vulnerable. After giving birth, the mother needs to be in a protected, maternal and safe environment.The baby after nine months in the womb changes "planet". He is separated from the mother's womb and seeks to find unity with his mother. The baby must now get used to the new workings of his lungs and intestines. Polarized sensations of cold and heat, hunger and satiety, suckling and elimination; with the day/night poles, rhythms of sleep/awakening, touch, light, sounds and noises. A ball of sensations! The newborn is a Being extremely sensitive to sensory stimuli. For him, all senses are amplified and he has no filter or protection. To adapt well, he needs to stay calm for at least 6 weeks, coiled in the aura of his mother, reassured by his presence, in a serene environment, soft lighting and soft sounds. On demand, if we listen to his needs and respect his rhythm, little by little the newborn will learn that life is good.
Post-natal stress
Recent studies show that 35% of women suffer from symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth: fatigue, depression, indifference, hyperemotivity, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed. This stress is established when the mother is not supported morally and physically in terms of daily tasks and is not accompanied in the period of adaptation and convalescence. The early bond of attachment between a mother and her infant is fundamental to a happy and balanced life.In the absence of this presence and help, the mother may be exhausted and depressed.Breastfeeding will be less easy to implement, the mother-baby bond will be affected, and marital and family relationships will be weakened. Therefore, it is essential to organize support before delivery.
This help may be provided by a person who dedicates for 40 days (or less) to be present for the mother and the baby, to feed her and help her to keep the house. Either through a social network made up of friends and family members, who organize themselves with a coordinator to cover all the necessary tasks: cooking, shopping, cleaning, laundry supporting other children in the family, massage, emotional presence . Do you think this is realistic and achievable ? What is certain is that, it is unrealistic to continue to ignore the postnatal stress that affects so many homes and families. A paradigm shift is possible! That women and men understand the reality and accept to be open to change.
The father is often of good will, takes time off to be present and active at home, to help his wife. But after a dozen days, he must return to work, and the mother is quickly overwhelmed. Even though, he is present, the father can benefit from postnatal support, in order to be more available for his wife and their newborn.
As a result, even if we did not start together prenatal support, I can support you during this sensitive period or help you organize support with your circle.
Each visit will be approximately 3 hours and filled with what you will need: shopping, cooking, cleaning, organization of space, massage, relieving back pain, more widely of the body, supports around breastfeeding, carrying, feeding... Do not hesitate to contact me to invent together, the most suitable support for your needs in the present circumstances.
The Postnatal Support Network
The Postnatal Support Network is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the importance of a well-prepared and restful postnatal period for the first 40 days or more. It is a social and non-medical network, informing future families of this special and delicate moment after birth.As coordinator of the postnatal support network for France, I organize in Montpellier in the spring and fall a 3-day training offered by PSN. This training aims to convey concrete and practical tools to those who want to get involved in support. Three days during which a trainer will transmit you in a practical way, how to support families who are preparing to live this change in their lives. The trainers themselves are professional in the perinatal and have developed a great experience of accompanying this period throughout Europe. On the platform, you can find additional information to organize your postnatal, to put you in touch with our network and to make a request for support or to find via our directory a postnatal doula on your side...
For more information, I invite you to go to the website of the network:
Ayurvedic Nutrition
A diet adapted to your personal needs, because it is aware of the specificities of your body and your mind.
Ayurveda teaches that everything is macrocosm and microcosm, our environment is part of us as we are part of it. Nature is wise, she provides us with what we need; you just have to listen to it to eat well. Local and seasonal eating is Ayurvedic.
How to prepare some Ghee
(clarified butter)
Ghee is an excellent natural remedy to help improve overall health, longevity and well-being, it provides all the benefits of the best essential fatty acids, without having any of the problems associated with oxidized cholesterol, transacid fats, or hydrogenated fats; without causing many cardiovascular diseases (high cholesterol, clogged arteries ...). Ghee is excellent for pacifying the Vata (air) and Pitta (fire) doshas.
Some examples among many benefits:
- naturally resistant to damage caused by free radicals (premature aging of organs)
- strengthens the immune system
- increases memory, concentration, intelligence
- promotes lubrication of connective tissue (joint stiffness, arthritis ...)
- soothes the nervous and digestive system
- promotes the absorption of medicinal plants in the body
- Curative for skin problems, dryness and burns in these cases apply ghee as a balm on the affected area.
- Increases and strengthens bone marrow and nerve tissue.
- Promotes fertility.
- Prevents congestion in the blood and plasma.
Yogi tea "Fait Maison"
. 315 ml of water
. 2 slices of fresh ginger
. 3 cloves
. 4 cardamom
. 1 cinnamon stick
. 50 ml non dairy milk
. Honey or other sweetner
Bring the water to a boil and add the spices. Cover and let simmer 15 / 20min. Remove from the fire. add the black tea, let infuse for 1min. Boil the water. Filter, sweeten and serve. For a cup.
Kitchery
The kitchery is composed of rice and mung beans in an equivalent quantity, resulting in an energetic and depurative dish. Rich in protein and carbohydrates, it is easily digestible and allows a good absorption of nutrients. In Ayurveda, it is a dish called "tridoshique" (which balances the three doshas). This recipe is adaptable depending on the season and the constitution of each. Kundalini Yoga strongly advocates the Kitchery as a healing diet, because it allows a wonderful cleansing of the most effective. In India, it is common to feed on this dish when one is convalescing, indeed this dish feeds, while putting the body at rest. You will find more recipes on the internet.
Sat Nam !
Rituals
The 120 days Ceremony
What is it ?
In the yogic tradition, the celebration takes place around the mother's 120th day of pregnancy. This day corresponds, according to this system of beliefs, to the descent of the soul of the future becoming in the body of the fetus. It is at this moment that he "decides" to join in the history of the lineage of his parents, in their genealogy and at the same time, in his own. This ceremony brings together all the people who can be able to celebrate this welcoming of the Being in becoming within her and, more broadly, in her new family of heart.
This ritual revolves around the support of the mother. It is a very special moment for her during which she is surrounded by people of her choice. Each one is put to contribution to support it, to pamper it, to massage it, to pamper it. As a Yoga Doula, I am the conductor to make this ceremony a moment of connection to the mother's community. Together with his guests, we will invent the ceremony that suits him best. Yoga is an integral part of the tools I use to provide a sacred space in the harmony and grace of being.
MotherBlessing Ceremony
What is it ?
This ceremony means "Path of Blessing", it is inspired by the traditions of the Indians Navajo of North America. It was organized by women from the community to honor the one who became a mother: they offered her friendship, support and presence for the end of pregnancy, childbirth and the arrival of the baby.
This gift is a pledge of presence of the invited person at the side of the future mother.
It's a meeting where we sing songs to bring harmony and chase evil spirits, we come to surround the future mother.
The ritual that I propose to you to live in the end of pregnancy is a real gift: to share a ceremony with inspiring women who wish to honor your new role.
It can be a pearl, a flower, a thread, a square of fabric. From the set of gifts received can be born an object, made together. We can also come to paint or mold the belly as attached in the photo. This object will truly be a protective talisman to the powers of accompaniment and reconnection of the mother to the creative power of all women who have born before her.
In this way, she will feel empowered, confident and courageous for future birth and future parenting.
Rebozo Ritual
What is it ?
This care is traditionally offered by two people to a woman, it can be received throughout the passages of life. From adolescence to menopause, through bereavement and postnatal ...
All transitions in life require care and attention.
This ritual offers a return in itself, often necessary during a transitional stage, it allows us to come and deposit what needs to leave and which is often lodged in the depths of our cells.
In order to leave the place to more lightness, this ritual will allow to eliminate what is difficult to name and which thanks to body care will be able to free itself.The ritual lasts 3 hours and takes place in three stages.
This ritual is given at home during the postnatal period.
We also offer it in our office in Montpellier and at the gates of the Cevennes in Ganges, if it is a treatment that you wish to receive outside of the postnatal period.It can also be a gift idea!
