Dear All, I have read everyone's comments so far and would like to give another view. This is my first reply to ozmidwifery. I am a midwife and a yoga teacher. I agree with Deborah, the breath is an excellent way to release tension, express emotion, focus etc. Through the breath we draw most of our prana, (chi, life force energy etc) into the body and through the breath and yoga breathing techniques we can use this energy to effect release of physical and emotional tension during pregnancy and inward focusing and release during labour. This can have physiological effects on hormonal responses and the process and progress of labour. This is what we learn through the practice of yoga and many women who practice this through pregnancy also find that the breath and other practices are helping them to feel safe in their bodies, are helping them to develop faith in their body's processes and grounds them not just to the earth but to their instinctual selves. Carolyn I would love to talk to you about this sometime. Pru Davey Midwife and Yoga Teacher South Australia Home: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Work: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
