COMMUNITY WELL

A welcoming center in San Francisco's Excelsior District for individuals & growing families of all backgrounds to connect with holistic services supporting overall wellness, early parenthood & a better quality of life. Please visit our website for more information and to sign up for classes or services.

SPIRIT

Sometimes you may need more clarity, peace, balance and stamina in your life, especially when pregnant or with a new baby. Maybe you'd like to manifest more in your life. Tapping into your higher self, or spirit, is always helpful. Here are ways that I can highly recommend, simply because they have worked so well for me. If you already practice these things, more power to you! If not, give it a try. You just might find that it suits you

PRAYER

No matter the religion, make and hold a good prayer, or intention, for yourself with God, the Universe or whatever you call higher power. I grew up Catholic. Though I don't agree with all its conventions, I know that praying my whole life helps me very much and is advantageous. Connect or reconnect with the church of your choice. Praying in community is powerful.
Here is a link to a Native American Church that I pray with:  
Medicine Path

MEDITATION

Even taking 10 minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breath will make a difference. Light a candle, sit comfortably on a cushion on the floor or on a chair. Try with eyes open or eyes closed. If you need instruction, here is a link to the only meditation book that has ever called to me: "Calm and Clear."   Also, I am always forever grateful for my one and only meditation teacher who taught me to strengthen the chakra system, Stuart Perrin. Developing a strong 2nd chakra or center, among other things, enables you to have a clear mind and an open heart. 

YOGA

Be in your body. Be in your whole body. Feel everything connected. If you already practice yoga, keep going while pregnant until it no longer feels good to you. If you've never tried, consider going to a yoga studio near you and read the bios of the teachers. See who seems to resonate with you, then try their class. A good teacher will make yoga interesting and relevant to you. Your body~mind~spirit will thank you! Wonderful yoga teachers you might try:  Rachel Yellin, Jane Austin or Kari Marble.

BIRTH CLEARINGS

For anyone looking to clear their own birth before the birth of their baby, I highly recommend Birth Spirituality and Healing with Gena McCarthy or Depth hypnosis with Rachel Yellin. They are excellent guides and facilitators of healing. If you feel the call, don't hesitate. Reach out right away. You'll be relieved and happy you did.

OTHER GOOD INFORMATION

• https://sacredstream.org/product/great-mother-meditation-download/

• https://spinningbabies.com

• http://www.birthintobeing.com

• https://evidencebasedbirth.com/article-topics/

• http://childbirthconnection.org/

• http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/

• http://www.birthingfromwithin.com/

• http://www.dona.org/

Audio & VIDEOS

RACHEL YELLIN'S AUDIO RELAXATION PROGRAM FOR PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BEYOND:

https://rachelyellin.com/pregnancy-relaxation-meditation-program/ref/jenmoran09/

ON DELAYED CORD CLAMPING

ON BIRTH & WATER BIRTH:

BOOKS

• http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Hospital-Birth-Best-Worlds/dp/1558327185

• https://www.pennysimkin.com/shop/the-birth-partner-3rd-edition/

• https://www.pennysimkin.com/shop/amazing-talents-of-the-newborn-dvd/

• http://www.amazon.com/Your-Amazing-Newborn-Marshall-Klaus/dp/073820188X

• http://www.amazon.com/When-Survivors-Give-Birth-Understanding/dp/1594040222

• https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Oils-Pregnancy-Birth-Babies/dp/0985528028

• https://www.amazon.com/Naturally-Healthy-Babies-Children-Commonsense/dp/1587611929

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

Take this class at Community Well to prepare for baby:
Postpartum Preparedness & Newborn Care

Learn about infant massage:
International Association of Infant Massage

Find a postpartum or night doula:
SF Doula Group

Bay Area Night Doulas