Pre- and Postnatal Care

Nutriton-

One of the first ways you begin caring for your child is through your own nutrition. It is vital to be adequately nourished during pregnancy. If you are not processing nutrients efficiently, it doesn’t matter how many calories you consume.

Pre-Natal Yoga -

Dr. Shyam has over 25 years experience as a full time Yogi. She practiced throughout all four of her pregnancies. Pre natal and post natal yoga is an excellent way to assure a healthy pregnancy , easy birth and speedy recovery.

Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy. A daily Yoga practice is essential to adapting to these changes. Yoga asana (movements and postures) will strengthen your body, help maintain balance, give adequate blood flow to your limbs and to baby, increase the space for baby, keep your digestion flowing, stretch your pelvic floor, and reduce anxiety and depression.

Pranayama (breathing exercises) can assist in keeping a peak mental state throughout pregnancy by increasing oxygenation, especially when your lung capacity grows limited in later term. Certain Pranayamas are recommended during labor itself and can be practiced regularly before the big day to familiarize both Mom and Dad.

Pre- Natal Massage -

Prenatal massage is highly beneficial to help increase circulation, relieve muscle aches, reassure the nervous system, and help the expectant mother to relax. Massage should be administrated by a qualified practitioner, as “rubbing” the wrong way can be damaging. It is great if the father can learn how to massage the mother as well for labor preparation and bonding with baby.

Birth Doula FAQ

What is a birth doula ?

Doula is a Greek word meaning “one who ministers.” A doula’s sole purpose is to tend to the emotional and physical needs of the birthing mother and her chosen support team. Regardless of whether you are giving birth in a hospital or at home, a doula is there to help you attain your dream birth. 

While your doctor or midwife’s focus is to deliver your baby into this world safely and healthily, a doula is there to support the labor itself—through massage, nourishment, and much more. 

Who should consider a doula?

If you have not been through a birth yet, hiring a doula is a great idea to ensure the best possible experience. A doula can help you to make a birth plan, walk you through the stages of labor, and help to overcome any unexpected developments. 

A doula is also a wonderful option for a multi-time mother or family that has experienced birth before but may want more support this time. If you found your partner got burnt-out during labor or that they were so busy comforting you they missed the birth itself, a doula can help cover those gaps. An extra set of hands goes a long way! 

Can a doula deliver my baby?

Although all doulas have basic delivery training, it is not the intention of the doula to deliver the baby solo. 

Birth Doula Plan - $1500 

Birth is an organic experience. It’s impossible to predict exactly when a baby is going to choose to enter the world. Dr. Shyam works with her clients to communicate the birth’s progression. Together, they assess when it is best for her to join the birth, based entirely on the family’s wishes. 

We request that you pay half the sum up front. If Dr. Shyam is unable to attend the birth, you will receive a refund less the home visit cost. 

What our Birth Doula plan includes:

• One in-home visit during which Dr. Shyam will go through all the birthing supplies with you, help you create your birth plan, and make plans for who is doing what tasks before and during the labor. This is when she will meet with anyone else who is planning to be involved in the birth as well. 

• Dr. Shyam will arrive when you both decide you are ready for support. 

• She will provide ginger compresses, and bring massage oil and any other items discussed beforehand.

• Up to 12 hours of on-sight support with a few snack breaks and bathroom breaks for the doula. 

• Daily communication in the week leading up to the birth. 

• After the initial 12 hours, we run at an hourly rate of $75. 

A doula is an incredible benefit to the postpartum experience. 

Parenting a newborn is a life-changing adjustment, one that can be confusing and overwhelming for the whole family. A doula provides crucial emotional and physical support to both parents during this time. She lightens the load and gives new parents the confidence and  education they need to help their baby thrive. 

In many cultures, the postpartum period has been considered to be the pregnancy’s fourth trimester. During the 30 to 40 days after the birth of the placenta, a woman's body goes through an immense period of repair.  

The uterus sheds its lining and comes back down to its initial size, the vaginal canal needs to be repaired from stretching for the birth, the breasts fill with milk, and the mom is now feeding a growing baby. 

With all of these physical changes, emotions can run high. It’s no surprise that women who have support around them are less likely to experience the well-known “after-baby blues.”

Dr. Sunyata Shyam brings over two decades of experience working with families during this precious and fragile time. She uses her expertise in the ancient teachings of Yoga to bring your body back into balance in every way. 

Dr. Shyam offers different approaches to help find the right fit for your family’s unique needs. She will ensure that this time will be as smooth as possible for everyone involved, and especially for Mom. Explore her offerings below. 

Postpartum Maha Shakti Plan - $1200 

Plan begins 1-5 days after birth, depending on when the baby is born and when the family is ready to begin. 

• One in-home visit before birth 

• One prenatal massage before birth 

• All herbs and supplies for the herbal sitz bath (not the tub)

• A good supply of specially-made postpartum tea 

• Postpartum Yoga plan 

• Special oil for baby’s head 

• 6 home visits ranging from 1-2 hours (see What a Postpartum Home Visit Entails)

Postpartum Shakti Ma Plan - $700

• List of supplies for the herbal sitz bath and postpartum tea (you supply)

• Postpartum Yoga plan 

• 1 home visit before the birth 

• 3 home visits ranging from 1-2 hours (see What a Postpartum Home Visit Entails)

Postpartum Shakti Plan - Hourly Rate of $75 

• Based on the needs of your family, Dr. Shyam makes a plan for how best to help with postpartum on an hourly rate basis, taking into account the distance she needs to travel. 

• Exclusively home visits (see What a Postpartum Home Visit Entails)

• List of supplies for sitz bath (you supply) 

What a Postpartum Home Visit Entails: 

Dr. Shyam will…

• Prepare the sitz bath for Mom and educate someone in the family on how to prepare it. 

• Hold the baby while you shower. 

• Help with basic house keeping. 

• Provide lower extremity massage for Mom. 

• Offer lactation support. 

• Show you how to massage baby and prepare baby’s first herbal bath. 

Pregnancy and birth begin before conception. With conscious conception, you have the opportunity to increase the vitality of each parent beforehand. Both parents can prepare their mindset and nourish the new life from the very start. This method increases fertility, as hormones are nourished by secretions fired by the brain—if the mind is happy and clear these secretions will increase. Even without conscious conception, you can still embrace healthy lifestyle changes as soon as you find out you are expecting.