Bump Yoga & Pilates

01/09/2021

🤰🏻 Many people think that I must have had an easy, natural childbirth experience because I'm a prenatal yoga teacher and doctor. I would have thought the same, but things turned out differently. I had a very long 40+ hour labor that resulted in an unplanned c-section, which I do not believe was medically necessary.

I felt so traumatized from my birth experience that it threw me into postpartum depression and PTSD. I first had to spend time grieving for the loss of the birth experience that I wanted so badly to have.

Then I began to research all the different factors that can increase expectant parents' chances of having a normal vaginal birth (no forceps or vacuum), either with or without an epidural. In my role as an assistant professor of medicine graduate of the Harvard School of Public health, I've learned to study research papers and be able to explain their findings.

I've added the results of my research to what I already knew as a prenatal yoga teacher to create my own course called Yoga for Birth Preparation.

This course is not regular yoga with modifications for pregnancy. Instead, we focus specifically on these factors to empower birthing parents and their partners for a positive, confident birth experience:
-Breathing techniques
-Optimal positioning of the baby
-Pelvic floor awareness
-Labor positions

You can still drop in to the remaining 3 sessions coming up on Sundays at 9:30-10:30 AM PDT. I'm excited to partner with yoga studio to offer this series!
🔗 Link in my bio for sign up info.

I can't wait to see you on your mat ♥️
-Liya

24/06/2021

SWADDLE UP FOR BETTER SLEEP 😴⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When I was pregnant and learning about swaddling, I kept thinking, "That looks so uncomfortable! I would never want to be wrapped up tight like a burrito and not be able to move my arms." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Swaddling can seem counter-intuitive because it would be so uncomfortable for adults! But for babies, it feels comfortable and natural because during the first 9 months, from conception to birth, they are confined to a really tight space that wraps all the way around them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When trying to soothe newborn babies, you need to mimic the intrauterine environment - or basically, to simulate the womb. That includes wrapping them up tightly. Swaddle blankets like the one in this gorgeous photo by .house.of.wild can be great.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Other parents will find that a zip up or velcro swaddle is easier to use (check my comments below for my favorite ones). Whatever you choose is great as long as you can wrap your baby up tightly. Once they can break free one or both arms, they are more likely to startle and waken.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using swaddles for young babies. But they caution that once the baby is able to roll over, you should stop using swaddles because they could cause your baby to get trapped lying facedown, which increases the risk of SIDS. For most babies, this means stopping swaddling around 4 months of age.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Have more questions about infant sleep? Need help with troubleshooting your little one's sleep issues, such as short naps or difficulty falling asleep?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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You can get expert advice from Bump & Baby sleep consultant Marie-Eve Gagnon at our next Sleep Success class⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⭐️ Friday, July 11:00-11:50 AM (PT)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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💤⁠ Link in my bio to sign up. Try all our classes FREE for 1 week with the Bump & Baby trial membership. 💕

14/06/2021

🔗 Link in bio for MamaTalks to listen to our newest podcast episode with !⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There are so many myths about what you should and shouldn't do with prenatal exercise. For this episode of MamaTalks, Liya interviews Amanda, physical therapist, and Rachel, occupational therapist, on how to exercise in a way that is safe, fun, and healthy during your pregnancy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We cover:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-Is it ok to lift weights? How do you keep your back safe when you are lifting during pregnancy?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-What about core work? What's safe and what do you need to avoid?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-Should you do Kegels?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-Tips for running during pregnancy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-How do progesterone and relaxin affect our ligaments and tendons and what that means for safety during stretching.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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MamaTalks is a webinar series held with expert guest speakers on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🖊 Have a topic you would like Bump & Baby to cover? Drop a line below & let me know!

12/06/2021

Mom, you are everything. You are the ultimate comforter.l of your baby.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This is a gift. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The soothing sound of your heartbeat, the touch of your warm skin, your familiar smell. To your baby, you are home. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Own it. Receive that privilege.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Your chest is (ideally) the first place baby lands after going through the hard work of being born. It makes sense that your baby is naturally hard wired to want to be there as much as possible. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Nursing for comfort is biologically normal and beneficial for both you and baby. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It can seem extra, it can be hard, it can be exhausting. Feeling needed all the time. Losing patience. Feeling touched out. Losing your sense of self. You deserve to feel taken care of, too. So don’t forget that either. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Just always remind yourself of this:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The seasons are short. So, so short. And you are so much stronger than you realize. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We only have a few months of infancy. A few years a toddler. A few years a child. Then teenager. How old were you, 18 years ago? Seems long ago, but at the same time, the memories feel like yesterday, right? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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At least I feel that way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Never feel guilty for holding or nursing your baby as much as you want to. The limit does not exist. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This is NORMAL behavior.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But always remember. You are so much more than a milk making queen. Under the stained shirt and greasy hair, you are still YOU!! This is just a season.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💟 Post by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The only thing I want to add is a little message of self-compassion for the mommas out there who struggle with low supply or latch problems. Even if your baby is getting the majority of their food through formula or pumped milk, you are still giving your baby immense comfort & love when you nurse. This is true no matter much milk they are getting from nursing. 💌

10/06/2021

BABY MASSAGE HAS REAL BENEFITS for both the baby and the parent!⁠⠀
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The benefits of kind human touch cannot be underestimated. Infant massage can decrease stress hormone levels in both the parent and the baby. It may even promote growth among premature infants!⁠⠀
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Learn how to massage your little one at the next Bump & Baby class with certified infant massage teacher .⁠⠀
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🌟 Sunday, June 20, at 10:00-10:50 AM (PT).⁠⠀
-It's $11.99 to drop in, or you can try all of our classes for FREE for one week 👉🏽 link in bio.⁠⠀⠀
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❤ Client quote:
"Sejal is so clear and easy to follow. I can't believe how much I learned in her online class."
-Yaelle, Portland, OR, mom of 2.

08/06/2021

As an MD, one of my biggest frustrations is the way our health care system puts maternal and infant health so low on the priority list.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Medications for erectile dysfunction are covered by every major insurance company, but in-home lactation consults are not. This is something our health system needs to change. Men's sexual pleasure is NOT more important than feeding a human and keeping that tiny being alive.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What I've learned from my experience is that having the support of a lactation professional can truly make the difference in whether you reach your breastfeeding goals. To help bridge the gap in lactation & postpartum support, I started Bump & Baby.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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📅 Friday, June 11 (every second Fri of the month), 11:00-11:50 AM, we host Breast/Chest-feeding Support with Meg Stalnaker, IBCLC. This virtual class is kept intentionally small and is your chance to ask questions and get advice on breastfeeding.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🔗 Sign up link in my bio.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🌟For a limited time, try all of our classes free for 1 week with a trial membership.

06/06/2021

Our newest episode is up! Head to the link in my bio for MamaTalks to watch now 👀
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Today's webinar with , clinical researcher, mom, and lactation counselor Valene McMorrow is on Too Much Milk.
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Breast milk oversupply poses problems, such as
-feeding / latch difficulties for the baby
-engorgement & leakage
-clogged milk ducts
-mastitis
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In this webinar, we discuss what causes oversupply and how to address it.
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MamaTalks is a webinar series held with expert guest speakers on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
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🖊 Have a topic you would like Bump & Baby to cover? Drop a line below to let me know!

31/05/2021

30/05/2021

Pregnancy and becoming a new parent are challenging at any time, but it's especially tough during a pandemic.
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Are you pregnant or recently had a baby? What's been the hardest thing for you with being pregnant in a pandemic?
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I founded Bump & Baby in June 2020 because I wanted to give pregnant and new parents all the essential services and classes that were so helpful to me when I was pregnant in a virtual format.
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Our membership is affordable and designed to provide you with all the support you need, whether it's prenatal yoga, postpartum Pilates, breastfeeding advice, or an infant massage class - it's all included in your membership. And you can try everything risk-free with a 7 day trial.
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Questions about the Bump & Baby membership? Let me know in the comments!👇🏽 @ Portland, Oregon

20/05/2021

WHERE YOUR BABY WILL SLEEP is one of the first decisions you will make as a new parent.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby sleep In a bassinet or crib next to your bed. Babies who sleep near, but not in the same bed, as their parents have the lowest risk of SUID (sudden unexpected infant death).
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Along those lines, they recommend that the sleeping surface be fairly firm and to not have anything loose in the crib. This includes things such as a second sheet, a blanket, or stuffed animals, to minimize the risk of suffocation.
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These guidelines sound simple to carry out, but many families find challenges that they did not expect. For example, some babies are only able to fall asleep when held by a parent.
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Other parents feel a lot of anxiety when their baby is sleeping close by, often staying awake hour after hour, listening to every tiny sound and worrying, "Is my baby still breathing?"
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It's no wonder this becomes such a difficult and emotional decision for parents. In our upcoming webinar, Dr. Liya, MD will be discussing the science behind safe sleep with Drs. Samira Armin, MD, and Anandita Pal, DO, two pediatricians and BFFs .
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Join us for this FREE webinar to understand the stats and make an informed choice for your family.
🗓 Next Sunday, May 30, 10:00-10:30 AM (PT)
🔗 Sign up link is in my bio.

19/05/2021

PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION⁠
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Many mammalian species in nature eat their placentas. The placenta contains valuable protein and iron, but the main reason for mammals in the wild to eat it is to remove it as a lure for predators.⁠
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Studies on human consumption of placentas have been mixed, so it's hard to say with certainty what the effects are. Some of the anecdotal benefits of placenta consumption include a decrease in postpartum depression and more energy. Placental encapsulation costs from $100-400 on average.⁠
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What did you do your placenta? I'd love to hear what you chose and if you found it helpful👇🏽⁠

19/05/2021

Teaching your baby sign language can help with earlier communication. It also increases bonding and supports responsive parenting. It may even be helpful for teaching children body awareness and intuitive eating.
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🤓 What are the essentials of sign language that parents should learn? Find out from Rebecca Lee, speech-language pathologist , at our Sign Language for Babies class.
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This class is designed for beginners and is for both expecting and new parents. The ideal time to start using signs with your baby is around 4 months of age, so it's great to learn and starting practicing them early.
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⭐ Sunday, May 23, 10:00-10:45 AM (PT)⁠
👉🏽 Register at BumpandBaby.org
➡️ Link in my bio.⁠ Take class for FREE with our 7 day trial membership.⁠
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References Cited:
Symbolic gesture versus word: is there a modality advantage for onset of symbol use? S W Goodwyn 1 , L P Acredolo. Child Dev. 1993 Jun;64(3):688-701.
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Exploring infant signing to enhance responsive parenting: Findings from the INSIGHT study. Ian M Paul, et al. Matern Child Nutr. 2019 Jul;15(3):e12800.
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To sign or not to sign? The impact of encouraging infants to gesture on infant language and maternal mind-mindedness.
Elizabeth Kirk, et al. Child Dev. Mar-Apr 2013;84(2):574-90. @ Portland, Oregon

18/05/2021

PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION⁠⠀
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Many mammalian species in nature eat their placentas. The placenta contains valuable protein and iron, but the main reason for mammals in the wild to eat it is to remove it as a lure for predators.⁠⠀
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Studies on human consumption of placentas have been mixed, so it's hard to say with certainty what the effects are. Some of the anecdotal benefits of placenta consumption include a decrease in postpartum depression and more energy. Placental encapsulation costs from $100-400 on average.⁠⠀
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What did you do your placenta? I'd love to hear what you chose and if you found it helpful👇🏽⁠⠀

15/05/2021

Three years later, I still feel such strong emotions whenever this memory comes up. As a new mom, my milk was late to come in. My baby had lots of hunger cues and crying after nursing, but I didn't want to supplement. I was so trained to think "breast is best," that I felt I would be failing as a mother if I used any formula.
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Then we got to our first pediatrician appointment and learned that our baby was so dehydrated that she needed to be hospitalized. Looking back, I wish that I had known what I know now: That my worth as a mother is not defined by how my baby is fed.
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When I connected with prenatal & baby nutritionist , I learned of Jess's struggles with low milk supply as well. Right in that moment, we knew we had to talk about this topic!
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We are holding a live free webinar on LOW MILK SUPPLY, and we're so exited to be joined by lactation consultant Meg . Let's support parents in making the best choice for their family - whether that’s EBF, formula, donor milk, or a combination.⠀
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⭐️ Friday, May 21, at 10:00-10:30 AM PDT
🔗 Register for free at bumpandbaby.org -> link in bio.

14/05/2021

🔖 SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER
🙋🏻‍♀️ Hi, I'm Dr. Liya with Bump & Baby. Here's a quick guide on how to start tummy time for newborns.
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Beyond the tips covered in this video, there are many other tricks of the trade and ways to help your baby progress through tummy time to crawling and walking.
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👶🏽 Please join us for Tummy Time Method class with certified teacher Sejal Fichadia at BumpandBaby.org.
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⭐️ This Sunday, May 16, at 10:00-10:50 AM PDT.⁠⠀
⁠ 🔗 Link in bio to sign up.
Try all our classes FREE for 1 week with the Bump & Baby trial membership.⁠⠀
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👶🏽 Newborn tummy time tips:
1. Start with baby on your chest with skin to skin contact
2. Apply light pressure to baby's sacrum
3. Use a rolled up hand towel under baby's armpits
4. Make tummy time harder or easier by changing baby's position on the exercise ball.
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👩🏻‍🏫 Follow .liya.md for more pregnancy and baby tips.
💌 Share this post to your stories and with friends!

10/05/2021

Did you know that you can take full length perinatal yoga classes with me right here on IG? ⁠⠀
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Simply go to my profile and select the IG TV icon. Then you can select the Series for Yoga.⁠⠀
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I've created some short, accessible classes that are designed for all levels. Check it out and let me know what you think!⁠⠀
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To find more yoga and Pilates classes with me and all the wonderful teachers at Bump & Baby, use the link in my bio to start a 7 day free trial. You'll get unlimited access all our live and on-demand classes. ⁠⠀
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Our live classes also include non-fitness classes, such as:⁠⠀
-Breast/Chest Feeding⁠⠀
-Sign Language⁠⠀
-Sleep Success⁠⠀
-Tummy Time⁠⠀
-Baby Massage⁠⠀
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We can't wait to connect with you! 🥰

08/05/2021

How to Avoid Infant Choking
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It's recommended to start your baby on solids around 6 months of age, but how do you do that in the safest way? ⁠⠀
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Tragically, choking is the 4th most common cause of accident related death among children under 5. And food was the object that caused the choking episode in the majority of cases.⁠ Check out this video for tips on starting solids safely. ⁠⠀
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For more info, watch the webinar I created with Jessica Gomes . We talk all about baby led weaning, purees, and pacifier use!⁠⠀
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Watch our Baby Led Feeding webinar anytime for FREE -> just follow the link in my bio for MamaTalks 🤓⁠⠀
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📩 Be sure to share this post to your story and with friends if you found it helpful!⠀⠀⁠⠀⁠⠀⁠⠀⁠⠀