Yoga for less painful labor, delivery

Many expectant women find that the Lamaze and Bradley methods, which incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques, are helpful during labor and the birth process. But yoga positions and breathing methods can also help, and “Rocki’s Prenatal Yoga: Labor Prep” videos teach couples how to integrate them into those critical hours.

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“Rocki’s Prenatal Yoga: Labor Prep”: Rocki Graham may be known to Southern Californians who have taken classes at her Venice studio, Yoga Baby L.A., or at Yoga Works in Brentwood. A specialist in yoga for pregnant women (and a mom herself), Graham brings that knowledge to this two-video series. Graham explains and demonstrates basic yoga positions (such as child’s pose), gentle movements and breathing techniques that can help minimize pain during labor and delivery. Acupressure and yoga meditation techniques are also shown, with the help of a couple expecting their first child. Knowledge of basic yoga moves is helpful, but not required. Different information is presented in the videos, but there is some crossover, such as basic breathing exercises.

“Yoga is really an awareness, and I try to make women aware of every breath and every contraction,” Graham says. “If women and their partners know that it’s only so many breaths until the contraction is over, then they can get through it.”

Price: Videos 1 and 2 (VHS) are $19.95 each, available at Amazon.com.

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-- Jeannine Stein