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Explore how we can better care for new mothers with Ayurvedic Doula & Prenatal Yoga Instructor, Megan Cassamas. In this episode, we dive into the role of the doula, the prevalence of postpartum depression and the ways the ancient science of Ayurveda can nurture the mind, body and soul.
Megan is owner and founder of Moja Yoga; and, is a loving wife and mother of two. She specializes in prenatal and postpartum yoga and cares for mothers as a certified Postpartum Ayuredic Doula and Birth Coach. She believes that taking proper care of mothers is essential for all people everywhere.
2:00 - Diane gives a brief description of what an Ayurvedic practice is: an ancient healing system from India that’s over 5,000 years old focused on giving people tools and practices to foster health using food, touch, the practice of yoga and more.
3:00 - Diane & Natalie share the podcast focus around how an Ayurvedic doula can enhance the pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. They ask listeners to come with an open mind.
4:00 - Meagan shares her journey including her life altering experience in Africa as a teenager.
5:30 - Meagan defines the word “moja” in her business’ name - Moja Yoga - as a Swahili word meaning ‘one.’She describes her business as a practice of one mind, one heart, one yoga.
8:00 - The discussion transitions from one of yoga to Megan’s approach to pregnancy, motherhood and postpartum.
9:50 - Meagan describes her role as a birthing doula stating, “You can’t give birth if you’re not in a good space... You need to feel fully held and supportive, and trust that your body can do it—and not let the fear come in.”
14:20 - Diane admits to hiring a postpartum doula to support her after she gave birth to Natalie because she was feeling overwhelmed and was scared of simple things such as bathing her.
15:30 - Megan shares about the reality of postpartum depression that many women face.
16.20 - Meagan describes the four pillars of Ayurveda saying, “There are four pillars of Ayurveda. The first one is nourishment, food and herbs. Number two is the breath work, meditation, mindfulness practices and gentle yoga. The third is rest and making sure that all the mom has to focus on is physical touch and healing her body. There is bonding with her baby and keeping the baby close.”
17:20 - Megan explains the significance of the first 42 days after someone gives birth.
20:00 - The women acknowledge the need for the humanization of becoming a new mother.
22:00 - Natalie asks about what women are most surprised about after having a child.
24:00 - The group discusses how crowded the “mothering” space is with books, articles and more and posits how to move through the noise.
26:00 - Megan shares how to approach yoga during and after pregnancy.
31:00 - The women discuss the importance of preparing and advocating on behalf of new mothers.
32:50 - Megan closes with words of wisdom: “Trust your body, your inner wisdom and inner knowing.”
Visit Megan’s Website for Moja Yoga & Her Ayurvedic Doula Practice
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Read more about Postpartum Depression:
https://time.com/5806230/postpartum-anxiety-epidemic/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/parenting/coronavirus-postpartum-depression-anxiety.html
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