BLOOMA YOGA | prenatal, postnatal, and beyond

Giddy about the gala

2009-11-13T09:42:00.003-06:00

We're completely giddy about the gala this evening! Tonight's event at the Weisman Art Museum is the culmination of so much work and creativity. If you hope to come but haven't bought your ticket yet, you can buy them at the door!

Even with so much excitement surrounding tonight's wonderful events with MPR's Krista Tippett and yogi Matthew Sanford, let's remember the reason why we're coming together tonight.

In Uganda, Africa, complications related to childbirth kill 150 women every week. That's nearly 8,000 women a year. The price of your $50 ticket tonight, along with proceeds from tonight's silent auction, will directly help birthing women in Uganda.

Even after tonight, Blooma's fundraising goal continues. We have until Dec. 15 to raise $20,000 to support the work of Shanti Uganda. This small-yet-mighty organization is leading the charge to build a birth center, to offer prenatal education programs, and to provide basic, sanitary medical supplies that will save the lives of new mamas and their precious babies.

Sarah will travel to Uganda in February to work alongside local villagers to build the birthing center, along with a school and a sustainable farm. Let's make sure she gets there!

See you tonight.

With so much love & thanks,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Silent auction sneak peek!

2009-11-12T13:58:00.006-06:00

I've just laid eyes on the amazingly long and incredible list of silent auction items to be available at tomorrow night's Blooming in Uganda gala. Literally, my jaw dropped! (What are you waiting for? RSVP now!)

I can't believe how fantastic these items are. We're talking hot stone massages, one-of-a-kind art work, Aveda gift packages, private yoga parties, Timberwolves tickets, and so much more. Here's an additional sneak peek from the 150+ item list of silent auction items:

• A night at the romantic Nicollet Island Inn with breakfast the next day
• Guthrie Theater tickets
• Vickings tickets with prime location seats, plus parking passes
• A private dinner party for 8-10 of your nearest and dearest, featuring 7 courses and beverages. The menu will be crafted specifically to your party’s likings!
• Gift certificates to clothing stores such as Hot Mama, bumberShute, and Bluebird Boutique
• Gift certificates to restaurants like Tiger Sushi, The View, Heidi's, and the Birchwood Cafe
• Ballroom dancing lessons for you and your sweetie
• A Prairie Home Companion tickets
• Jewelry and interior design consultations by Blooma teacher Jennifer Colletti
• Enlightened Mama (Lamaze) childbirth prep classes by Blooma teacher Liz Abbene
• Live Savvy bags and headbands by Blooma teacher Shayla Boger

There's so much more, I can't possibly list it all here. If you already have your gala tickets, we can't wait to see you there! If you've been on the fence about it, buy your ticket now.

We know money is tight, and Blooma so appreciates your willingness to help raise money for a much-needed birth center in Uganda. If it's too late to book a babysitter, leave your partner at home with the kids and enjoy a night out with a friend. Or come solo and make new friends over a glass of wine. See you at the gala!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Sarah on WCCO!

2009-11-11T13:22:00.002-06:00

If you missed Sarah on WCCO the other day, check out the story online. She was interviewed about her goal to raise $20,000 to build a birth center in Uganda. Go, Sarah, go! For more information about her effort, Blooming in Uganda, click here.

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Hm, what are you going to wear?

2009-11-11T12:23:00.005-06:00

I keep hearing the question, "what are you going to wear to the Blooming in Uganda Gala?" Dress up or dress down? It's not every day we have the chance to put on a cute/sexy dress AND support a fabulous cause. So, here's the scoop. Get all dolled up if you want to. Short dress, long dress, it's your call. I've heard that most people plan to wear a cocktail dress, while I'm flirting with the idea of wearing a long, red dress that I rarely have the opportunity to wear. In short, if you want to be casual, be casual. If you want to dress up, own that sass and do it! Anything goes.

Meanwhile, if you haven't bought your gala ticket yet, what are you waiting for? If you haven't had the chance to hang out socially with your yoga teachers and massage therapist yet, we're a pretty fun crowd to be with. I promise. :)

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Birth Story: Angela

2009-11-09T11:14:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Blooma mama, Angela, for sharing the birth story of her son, Grayson! In her words:

___

"It all started on a Tuesday night...

I woke up Tuesday night bleeding. I called the nurses' station at St. Joe's (where I was going to birth) to see what to do. They told me to come in. I was still not dilated and they said that this was a normal occurance. At this time I was having very mild contractions that just felt like cramps. After a few hours we were discharged.

Wednesday I worked from home and continued to have contractions that felt like cramps. They picked up in intensity a bit by Wednesday afternoon. My husband Cory and I decided to head to the Fair for a distraction. We had just paid to park ($11) and were walking to the gate when my water broke. I ducked into a port-a-potty to see if it was really my water or just my bladder. I couldn't really tell. So we walked back to the car to find something else I could use to soak up some of the fluids and decide whether to turn around or go into the Fair. Just then, another gush of liquids came and we decided that with that we would head home.

It was a long night with me breathing through my contractions throughout the night. We got some sleep, but not much. Now it was Thursday. I knew I wasn't going into work so I emailed my boss to tell him I wouldn't be in that day. We spent the day breathing through contractions, working with distractions and talking to our fabulous doula, Liz! We watched the movie Yes, Man, walked around Long Lake Regional park, took multiple walks around the block and just enjoyed each others' company (all while breathing through contractions).

Around 4 p.m. the contractions picked up again in intensity. I was a bit nervous that we were not at the hospital since the doctor told me to go in immediately if my water broke. I just didn't want to be confined there, but I also didn't want to get an infection. So after talking it through with Liz we decided to wait it out. By that evening the contractions were coming stronger. I was crying for an epidural by 8 p.m. and ready to head out the door as soon as Liz got there. Cory even called the hospital to let them know we were coming in.

But lo and behold Liz came around 9 p.m. We were all stationed in the bedroom with very dim lighting and Liz' peaceful, calming voice encouraging me to work with each contraction. Cory and I would "slow dance" through them—each one lasting about a minute. I was still crying for an epidural. At this point Liz had me jump in the tub.

The contractions came less frequently and I was able to get some rest finally between them. She explained to me what would need to be done in order to get an epidural. I was wanting a quick fix, willing this child out of me right now—no matter what. And that's not what an epidural would have done.

After the tub we were back in the bedroom with me on the birth ball. Cory said that it was here I was a changed person. The contractions weren't as bad. I was much more relaxed and able to handle them by just breathing, hip circling, and imagining how powerfully they were helping to open the cervix. Around 1:30 a.m. I felt a slight urge to use the bathroom (not pee). This was a good sign. It was time to go in to the hospital.

Cory called St. Joe's to make sure they still had a room for us and to let them know we were heading in for real. I climbed in the back seat of the Honda on all fours and did my hip circles with Liz applying pressure on my lower back. In the 15 minutes I only had 2 contractions and was able to breathe through them. I was in my zone now.

When we got to the hospital Cory dropped Liz and I off at the emergency room and parked the truck. We had to wait for a nurse to come escort us up to our room. I had one little pit stop before getting into the elevator for a contraction. But we made it. I was hooked up to the fetal heart monitor and the other monitor for contractions for 20 minutes. They checked me—7 cm dilated!!! We couldn't have been happier!

After my 20 minutes on the fetal monitor were up I was able to get into the awesome tub and work through more contractions. I was getting close. I was now between an 8 and a 9. However, I didn't progress much after this. A shift change occurred and the labor and delivery nurse came into check me. She said either the kid had no hair or I still had a second bag of water in the way of the cervix. We decided to break the water bag. After she did this things progressed very quickly. Within an hour I was ready to push. The doctor had been called and here it was time to push.

They could no longer distinguish between my heartbeat and the baby's so they put a fetal heartbeat monitor in his forehead to pick up his heartbeat. It was low, so they hooked me up to an oxygen tank where I was coached to breathe deeply—once for me, once for baby, and once for my uterus.

It was now time to push. I started pushing around 9:30 a.m. and before long they were were calling the doctor NOW because the baby's head was right there. One more push and it was out. One more push and he was half out. One more push and at 10:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept 4, 2009, Grayson Jeffrey entered the world and was put right up on my chest. All perfect 6 lbs. 2 oz. of him. I couldn't have done it without my AMAZING support team of Cory and Liz and the fabulous nurses at St. Joe's. What a perfect ending to a beautiful pregnancy"

Congratulations, Angela! Thanks so much for sharing your story with all of us.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

The talent behind the design!

2009-11-06T11:13:00.000-06:00

Joanne, designer of ALL of Blooma’s stuff — our web site, logo, everything — is a bit more than half way through her pregnancy. She sent out this cute picture of her and her blooming belly that we just had to share. Like many pregnant moms can understand, Joanne wanted a beer after a long day of moving, so she found a tasty non-alcoholic version which she says she "conveniently rested on my belly as I drank it." It's handy to have your own little shelf, isn't it?

Oh, and in case you're on the hunt for a decent NA beer, Joanne says her choice is Paulaner Thomas Brau. Thanks to Joanne for dreaming up such beautiful visuals to represent Blooma with, and happy pregnancy!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Treat yourself...

2009-11-05T11:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Tot Yoga teacher Shayla Boger for another guest blog post!
_ _ _

When we were expecting our first child, the thought of having our freezer stocked with food never crossed my mind. Sure, I stocked up in the usual stuff, but that certainly didn't include full meals. I am very blessed to have several wonderful friends who, for our second child, delivered meals to our family the first month post delivery. My two experiences came back to me and made a spark go off when I met this fabulous woman, Molly, who started Tastebud Tart {a catering company}. I just had to share her information with you!

Tastebud Tart offers weekly meals and personal chef services perfect for helping out busy families and new moms! What's more, Molly's meals (think curried pumpkin soup and BBQ black bean empanadas) are healthy, organic, and make use of local ingredients whenever possible.

Specifically, Tastebud Tart offers:

Weekly Meals: "Tasty food for busy folks every week! New menus are available every Thursday for orders to be delivered the following Monday or Tuesday. We always offer a Kid’s Meal at $5, too, so it’s great for busy families! Fresh + healthy meals delivered to your door... pretty sweet!"

They also use responsible, bio-degradable packaging derived from recycled materials.

Personal Chef Services: "Tastebud will develop menus especially for you + your family, if you require a more tailored menu or nutritional and allergy considerations. Rates begin at $250/week plus the cost of groceries."

Catering: "Big or small, Tastebud can turn your party into a sassy soiree! We will meet with you to discuss menu options and create a custom look + feel for your event. We have experienced staff and event planners that we work with to ensure all of your needs are met."

As a busy parent, it's hard to ask for much more than having delicious meals delivered right to your door! YUM!

Tastebud Tart— Ask for Molly.
www.tastebudtart.com
651.470.1056

xo,
shay

Veggie chow down

2009-11-04T10:40:00.000-06:00

While it comes as no surprise that vegetables are good for you, new research shows that moms-to-be who regularly eat their veggies may reduce their unborn child's risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. The study comes from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. You can read more about it here, then cook up a big, tasty pot of vegetable soup to complement this cozy fall day. Bon Appétit!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

4:30 a.m. and it just hit me

2009-11-03T04:58:00.002-06:00

Good morning. Wow, it feels like 2 years ago when I opened Blooma and I would lay awake in bed for hours and hours with my head spinning with excitement and nervousness. It is all happening again as the "Blooming in Uganda Gala" drawers closer and closer.

There are so many things that keep me awake and full of questions about the night.....but like I say to all of my mamas, "trust and breathe and it will all be fine". Hard to take that advice when I am hosting over 200 people at the Weisman to raise the rest of the $20K for the birthing mothers of Uganda and it is less then 2 weeks and away and there is still so much work to be done. And, all of it will be done. From the ordering the flowers, to getting more people to rsvp, to making sure we have enough food and beverages, to wondering what time the volunteers are coming.....wow, it is all going to get done. One day at a time (and god knows I am a procrastinator).

What keeps me grounded at these moments when my head is spinning is thinking about the mom that is home alone while she labors and births her baby in Uganda. She has no accesses to medical care of something were to arise. We all know that Blooma and I trust in birth, but I also trust that woman have the support around them if something were to arise. What about the woman that is walking at 4am to a hospital over 10 miles away so she can be supported? That is the woman that needs the Shanti Uganda Birth Center and needs the $20k that Blooma is raising, so that she can be safe and birth her baby with dignity.

Please read more at:
http://www.shantiuganda.org/pages/birth

OK, let me see if I can try to close my eyes and get a few more moments of rest before the day begins and the things-to-do list is tackled!

Lots of love,
Sarah

Cute clothes, great cause

2009-11-02T13:25:00.007-06:00

Don't miss the Hot Mama shopping event of the season! This Wednesday night, grab your girlfriends, your mom, your sister, your neighbor and come to Hot Mama's new Edina store (3914 W. 50th Street) from 4-7 p.m. for a private event to benefit Blooming in Uganda. (RSVP here.)

Not only will you get 15% off everything you buy, but you'll feel extra good knowing that ALL of the proceeds from Wednesday night's shopping event will help build a much-needed birth center in Uganda.

Nibble on appetizers from Broders Pasta Bar, get a make-up touch up from a MAC pro, and indulge in a chair massage.

Whether you're looking for a gorgeous dress to fit your growing belly, a new mom on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans, or a fashionista who's not a mom at all, Hot Mama has something for everyone. (Think brands like Juicy Couture, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky, and lots, lots more.)

Entrance to this event is free, but since it's a private shindig, please RSVP. Hope you to see you Wed. night!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Halloween calls for cute babies!

2009-10-30T12:22:00.000-05:00

OK, parents, time to get creative!

Blooma's Jennifer Colletti is teaching a Partner BYOB class tomorrow from 2-3:30 p.m. and she welcomes costumes! If you bring your camera and capture a shot of you and your costumed little one in a yoga pose, please send me a photo to publish next week on the blog! Alisa@Blooma.com

Meanwhile, Bellies to Babies will host a 3 p.m. costume contest for preggo bellies and babies. (Use this adorable lobster-in-a-pot costume idea for inspiration!) Judges will pick their favorites at 3:30 p.m. The winner of the "best pregnant woman in a costume" will receive a $50 gift certificate for Bellies to Babies. The winner of the "best baby costume" will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Babies to Bellies
6638 Penn Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55425

Happy Halloween,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Doulas Birthing in Uganda

2009-10-30T07:04:00.002-05:00

Thank you wise doula sisters for all of the love and celebration this past Monday night.
Angela did an amazing job decorating us. Are you enjoying the henna? I love looking down at my hand and feeling you all with me. What a great image! Thanks to you all!

Let's talk about sex, baby (sing it!)

2009-10-29T13:13:00.006-05:00

Need some inspiration to put a bit of sizzle back in the sack? Then come to Blooma this Sunday for a free sexual health workshop!

"Beyond the Bedroom: Sex and a Healthier You" promises to be an empowering and enlightening event, whether you're comfortable gabbing aloud about your sex life (or lack thereof) or prefer to sit back and listen.

Led by a nurse practitioner from the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, discussions are informal and allow plenty of time for Q&A. We'll cover all kinds of topics, from spicing up your sex life and communicating with your partner, to rekindling the passion and post-birth sex drive.

The event is free, but please register online. We'll have food and refreshments, too! Read more at: www.sexandahealthieryou.org

What: Beyond the Bedroom: Free Sexual Health Workshop
Date: Sun. 11/1/2009
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

To put you in the mood, I'll leave you with this fun video about sex after baby from Momversation. (I love this site... just hang tight through the commercial.)

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooming in Uganda blog!

2009-10-27T16:33:00.000-05:00

If you just can't get enough Blooma blog action, check out Sarah's new Blooming in Uganda blog for updates on her goal of raising $20,000 to build a birth center in Uganda!

http://bloomauganda.blogspot.com/

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Blooma birth story: Rebecca

2009-10-27T13:32:00.007-05:00

We are so honored that so many of you want to share your birth stories! And we've been receiving so many lately that we're going to make this a regular feature of the blog. (If you want to share yours, e-mail it to me at alisa@blooma.com.)

Today we hear from a mama named Rebecca who wrote to me saying, "I never tire of hearing about people's amazing birth experiences and I think it is so important for women to have a chance to hear the full range of possibilities."

If you're a birth story junkie like Rebecca (and those of us at Blooma), follow this link to Rebecca's blog. She sprinkles her story with plenty of humor, including details of "groaning that morphed into loud, low MOOing" and compares herself at one point to "a most unsexy, mooing pole dancer." I was a vocal birther myself, so this description made me laugh out loud with understanding! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Global awareness for better birth

2009-10-26T12:46:00.006-05:00

I heard a story on the BBC this morning about the high mortality rate of birthing women (along with fistula, which leaves women horribly incontinent) in underdeveloped countries. In fact, health ministers from around the world are meeting in Ethiopia today to discuss how to lower those mortality rates. You can read the BBC story here.

While it's easy to think only of our birthing and health care options here in the Twin Cities, let's also extend our reach out into the greater world. Today's news shows how far we have to go. If helping to build just one birth center, in one small village, in one country, can help even a small number of women have healthier birth outcomes, let's do it. In Uganda alone, complications related to childbirth kill 150 women every week.

Let's help Sarah reach her goal of raising $20,000 for the Off the Mat, Into the World challenge. She'll travel to Uganda, Africa next year to help build a birth center. Please donate now, however small the amount, or however generously you're able to give. Please let your friends and family know about Blooming in Uganda, too, even if they do not live here in town. Better birth is global issue, not just a local issue.

One fantastic way to get involved is to r egister now for the Blooming in Uganda Gala at the Weisman Art Museum, Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Have a good time while supporting a good cause, with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and special guest speakers Krista Tippett, host of MPR's Speaking of Faith; and Matthew Sanford, paraplegic yogi, author, and founder of Mind Body Solutions. Donation: $50 per person; all proceeds go to Blooming in Uganda.

Thank you so, so much for your involvement and support of this hugely important project.

Love, Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

A Boring Birth (impossible!)

2009-10-26T10:44:00.000-05:00

We were touched by a mother's story posted recently on a blog for the local chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). Martha Basham's written birth story is beautiful, inspiring, and poignant. So then why does she refer to it as "boring?"

She writes, "it wasn’t was dramatic. Or scary. Or painful. It wasn’t anything that people typically envision in a birth. And it was nothing like you see on T.V. By all means, Isaiah’s entrance into this world would probably be classified by some, as boring...

"But really, I would not call it boring. Sure, it wouldn’t make for good T.V. but I wouldn’t call it boring. I would call it peaceful. Joyous. Beautiful. Calm. Relaxing. Even triumphant."

To read Martha's entire story, head over to the ICAN blog. We never get tired of empowering birth stories like these!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Coffee for Uganda

2009-10-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

We happily blogged last week that the Birchwood Cafe is selling a special brew to benefit Blooming in Uganda. If you haven't yet tasted the Peacewood Coffee called Ugandan Peaberry, hurry on over to the Birchwood and pick up a pound! Your tastebuds will thank you every morning and Uganda will, too.

The Birchwood's owner, Tracy, wrote about the fundraiser in the cafe's recent newsletter. We were so touched by the story and Tracy's words that we just had to reprint it. Thanks, Tracy! (See you soon at the Birchwood, everyone?)

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

“Blooming in Uganda” Fair Trade Fundraiser
When I learned that my dear friend and daughter’s doula, Sarah Longacre, was planning a trip to Uganda in Feb. 2010 to build a birthing center, I knew I had to help. Not only because Sarah and her yoga studio, Blooma, were such an immense support throughout my pregnancy and her presence at Lily’s birth a true gift—the sad fact that in Uganda, 435 out of every 100,000 women die of childbirth related causes also really struck home. Having a skilled attendant present at a birth and celebrating my daughter’s first birthday were things I could take for granted, but maybe not so for some Ugandan women.

Hmmm… how could we help raise the $20,000 she needs? Later the same day, while chatting with Mel at Peace Coffee about which coffee to feature for Fair Trade Month, she mentioned the limited edition Ugandan Peaberry and it hit me like a ton of coffee beans.

Fair trade is about supporting the growth of healthy communities, and what better way to help grow community in Uganda than by donating from our sales of Ugandan Peace Coffee to support the health of Ugandan mothers and babies!

Now until mid-November, we’re brewing the Ugandan Peaberry daily, so come try a fresh hot cup. You’ll love the deep chocolate and molasses notes and thick mouth feel so much that you’ll want to take home a pound. Or two. Or ten! For every pound we sell ($12) we’ll donate 50 percent to “Blooming in Uganda” to help ensure that Ugandan women and their new babies get a healthy start.

For more info on other “Blooming in Uganda” fundraising events or to donate directly check out www.blooma.com. And if you are expecting, or know someone who is, Blooma offers pre- and postnatal yoga, childbirth education, wellness services and an amazing, supportive community for moms-to-be, new moms and their families. As I celebrate Lily’s first birthday this month, I’m grateful to Sarah and honored to help support her, Blooma and their vision for “Blooming in Uganda."

Infants 101 - this Sunday!

2009-10-22T12:21:00.000-05:00

Do you have questions about medical care for your infant? Whether you're a new parent or a parent-to-be, get your questions answered during a FREE talk, Infants 101, with Dr. Tom Sealey this Sunday evening at Blooma.

Dr. Sealey, recognized as a "Top Doc" in Mpls St. Paul Magazine, has been a primary care pediatrician with Metropolitan Pediatric Specialists for 30 years and is a past board member of the Twin Cites Childbirth Education Association. He tells Blooma that he is "committed to providing patients and their parents with sound health information based on scientific data."

Dr. Sealey plans to talk all things related to newborn evaluation and testing, jaundice, feedings, signs of concern, colic, acid reflux, infection, and vaccines. He'll also address the question we all have as parents, "When to call the doctor?" Come with your questions!

Sign up now for this free event and meet Dr. Sealey this Sunday, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Blooma.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Cute clothes, wine & yoga - this Saturday!

2009-10-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

If you're not yet familiar with Kaja Foat, join us this Saturday for a real treat. (And if you've been to Kaja's classes before, you already know what an amazing class you're in for!)

A Jivamukti yoga instructor and designer, Kaja will teach a special class at Blooma beginning at 4 p.m. to benefit Blooming in Uganda. After class, stay for a Foat Designs sample sale, mingling, and wine!

Kaja and her twin sister's earth-conscious clothing line, Urban Yoga Wear, produces some of our favorite and most beautiful yoga wear. Now Foat Designs is launching a baby line of cashmere baby blankets and hand-made toys— you'll have the chance to shop before these adorable items hit stores!

Call Blooma or click here to sign up now. ALL proceeds go towards the $20,000 challenge that Blooma has taken on to help build a birth center in Uganda. The suggested donation for this event is $15-$30. We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Jace Devin

2009-10-20T21:58:00.002-05:00

September 15
2:43 am
8 lbs 2 oz
20 inches long

Congratulations, Anna!

Jaime Pellegrene's Vincent James

2009-10-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

October 10

2:36 pm
6 lbs 15 oz
19.5 inches long

Congratulations to Blooma instructor and mama, Jaime Pellegrene!

Cedar Lee Albin

2009-10-20T21:37:00.002-05:00

August 26

Congratulations, Larissa!

Eleanor Marguerite

2009-10-20T21:36:00.000-05:00

March 7

Congratulations, Karin!

Clementine Mae Pauline

2009-10-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Nicole!