Birth Wisdom Yoga Remedies & Journal: A Complete Prenatal Yoga Flow and Guide for the Beginner to Advanced - Softcover

This book was a seed planted by my mother in her constant belief and celebration
of women's wisdom, strength and intuition. That seed was later nurtured and
bloomed with the birth of each of my children. Thank you, Stetten, Savannah,
and Sam for guiding me into my Birth Wisdoms and sharing this Adventure of Life
with me. I am deeply humbled by the sacredness of your lives being placed in my
hands, and the gift of watching you soar into who you are.
I would like to thank my husband, Joseph, for believing in Birth Wisdom Yoga
and for the countless hours of conversation, editing, formatting and support as I
gained clarity creating this book.
I am grateful to my collegiate bookends. From Professor Lue Cobene of Solano
Community College to Professor Jack Hicks of University of California at Davis,
you saw me as a published author long before I shared the same vision.
To the hundreds of Birth Wisdom Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga students, "Dudelas,"
and Doula Clients: Thank you for inviting me into your lives as you found your
voices and pathways to your babies. It has truly been a gift to my life.
My dear sisters Laura, Debbie, Aunt Sally, Giovanna, Shiloh, Gail, Mary, and Michelle,
thank you for cheering me on when this book was only an idea and for continuing
to encourage me every step of the way. Thank you to Larry, Greg, and my friends
and family who have given me endless support and love as I journeyed through
life, and believed me when I said this book was "marinating," during years that life
events took precedent over writing.
Sisterfriend Natalie, you and Greg inspired me to live my passion in every moment
of my life. I am so grateful to know you.
To Lora Watts, Graphic Designer Extraordinaire: Your unlimited talent and vision
have captured a lifelong dream of creating Birth Wisdom Yoga and brought it to
life on these pages. I am deeply grateful.
To Erica Ramos, I am grateful for your willingness to be a part of this project. The
beauty of your spirit and your yoga practice shines through in every photo.

Midwife Foreword
I am thrilled to see Julia's words of wisdom in this gift of a book for childbearing
families. She has drawn on ancient traditions and her personal and professional
experiences to create a rich guide for health and life. The book prompts women
to nourish themselves, and therefore their families, with simple but effective
activities including writing prompts and yoga poses organized by trimester.
Self-care is too often low or last on a parent's to-do list, which prioritizes children
and leaves little time for much else after work in and outside the home.
This book is an antidote with suggestions for quick and powerful ways to focus
on presence, breath, movement, and emotional expression to connect with
your self and baby while scrap-booking pregnancy mementos, preparing for
a healthy birth, and practicing skills that will support parenting in relationship
and community.
If there is one thing I've learned as a midwife and mother, it's that families are
stronger when parents' love for their children motivates healthy habits and
robust self-care practices. The tools that Julia has provided in this gem of a
book are not only time tested but research evidence-based. Suggested activities
range from exercise with demonstrable physical and psychological benefits,
to mindfulness practices which promote wellness and cultivate empathy.
I am grateful to Julia for creating this beautiful guide to well-being, and thank
her readers for taking this step to support themselves through the most challenging
and wonderful journey of parenthood -- Our communities and future
will be healthier as a result!
Appreciatively,
Jenna Shaw-Battista
PhD, RN, NP, CNM, FACNM
viii

OB Foreword
I was delighted when asked to introduce this lovely book. Julia and I have
come to know one another through our shared passion -- helping and working
with women through the exciting and transformative time of pregnancy
and childbirth.
The experience and practice of wellness can mean different things, and I have
found that many women struggle with the changes brought by motherhood.
Pregnancy is a unique time when the body speaks very loudly -- this can be
inspiring, scary, confusing, and wonderful all at once. Yoga is a wonderful
tool to manage, relieve, or even prevent common pregnancy concerns such
as back and leg pain, pelvic discomfort, and anxiety. In addition, both scientific
studies and common sense suggest that women who stay active during
pregnancy and are mentally, emotionally and physically prepared often have
a safer, more effective labor with fewer interventions. Every labor is unique
and the more a woman can tap into her individual strength and resilience, the
more likely she is to have a positive birth experience for herself and her baby.
I feel very lucky to have Birth Wisdom Yoga as a trusted resource to which I
can refer my patients. I love hearing stories from them about how Julia's yoga
classes have helped them both physically and emotionally. They are often
equally as grateful to have found such lasting connections with other women
in their community. I am glad to know that women all over the world will now
get to benefit from Julia's wisdom through this thoughtful and thorough guide.
Filled with clear photos and detailed recommendations for modifications, this
book will serve every woman from those new to yoga looking for a safe way
to exercise in pregnancy, to the experienced yogi wondering how to keep her
practice going. Enjoy, and I wish you a safe and healthy journey to motherhood!
Hailey R. MacNear, MD
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Folsom, California