Cherishing Pregnancy I had the fortune to find a unique group of women recently who reminded me of what a special time pregnancy can be. They're learning belly dancing as a way to enhance their pregnancies, labor and delivery.
Many moms continue dancing right into the postpartum period.
Stephanie Larson is the founder of Dancing For Birth. She's a certified doula, someone who accompanies women in labor for emotional, physical and informational support. She's also a child birth educator with a background in dance.
Most importantly, she's the mother of four children under nine, and that has given her a unique perspective on the birth process and how to use her love of dance to enhance it.
Larson started teaching belly dancing to prenatal and postpartum moms eight years ago, while living in New Jersey.
She moved to St. Louis in 2003 and started up classes in Maryland Heights.
She says women come for many different reasons. Some to ease their fears about delivery, others because they love dance, and some want to learn ways to enjoy their pregnancies more or enhance the birth process.
Larson found belly dancing really enriched her birth experience and she wanted to share that feeling with other women.
I want to remind any woman who is pregnant to check with their doctor before starting any new activity.
But what I love about the idea behind Dancing For Birth is that it puts a special value on a woman's body, and those precious nine months of pregnancy.
Too often we dwell on the extra weight or the aches and pains. But let's not forget that pregnancy can also be one of the most special times in life. I know it was for me.
Classes are $15 a session. They're held at the Maryland Heights Center at 2344 McKelvey Road.
For more on Dancing For Birth, including information on classes or becoming an instructor, call 866-643-4824. ¶ 11:30 AM