How is your mind space connected with the physical space and environment that you set for your birth? In today’s episode we have a powerful conversation with Kristen and Rodney about their birth journey. From the surprise of the pregnancy news to decision to have a home birth, we get both parents’ perspectives on the experience.  Kristen is a yoga instructor, and used much of her practice throughout her pregnancy and birth.  “My yoga practice afforded me this sweet opportunity to gain an understanding and cultivate an intimate relationship with my baby well before birth…" “Yoga had equipped me with the tools to choose my perspective. Yoga offered me the solace to stay present through uncomfortable times and floods of thoughts.” “Yoga in its essence is a practice of unity--with mind, body and spirit. On a logistic level, the breath techniques learned and practiced in yoga relax and slow the body which is virtuous during birth/contractions. I compare the space between each contraction as the space between each breath. It is a space of stillness, rejuvenation, symbolic of the end and beginning. Yoga strengthens the physical body to help with recovery and the 'bounce back'. Many poses open up the hips, the passageway. Prenatal yoga prepares women for a natural birth, by practicing presence and awareness. Yoga teaches us how to choose surrender over fear.” Plus we talk about the moment of birthgasm - when baby Aniya arrived! Links: Kristen’s Instagram Our website DIAH Shop Parents on Demand Network DIAH Instagram DIAH Facebook Page DIAH Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices