How I Came Upon the Sacred Pregnancy Movement

I believe that women have the right to choose what kind of birth they want to have, and,  if they so desire, birth can be a tremendously empowering rite of passage.  This does not mean that birth does not come with intense sensations, or that there is never "pain". In fact, some of the most intense inner work that we do as women takes place during labor and childbirth. What it does mean is that, by engaging with mindfulness and trusting in your body's innate birthing wisdom, the birth you are given - however that plays out - can be one that is fulfilling, empowering, and transforming.

I didn't always know this about birth. After meeting my daughter, Ava, however, I was in awe of my own courage and strength. I was terrified, but in love, and I was strong. I wanted to serve as a guide for other women and their partners so that they, too, would have the support they need as they navigate the journey of pregnancy and birth.

It is with this intention that I embarked on the Sacred Pregnancy journey, inspired by the amazing book of the same name written by Anni Daulter. I spent years searching for a book, a class, a group - something - that brought the beauty back to pregnancy and birth. I wanted to shift the discussion from being one that is based in fear to one that is based on love and the amazing journey that all pregnant women are invited to take. I was tired of the negative birth imagery that popular media is projecting onto women. I was sad that so many women I met spoke of childbirth as something terrifying, and that they couldn't trust their bodies and minds to deal with what was required during birth.

I wasn't looking for something that ignored the science-based information regarding childbirth that most women want - and need - to know. What I seeking was a new paradigm for birth within which this important and useful information could be incorporated. Sacred Pregnancy does this, and much more. It doesn't matter what your beliefs about pregnancy and birth are when you join.  All that matters is that you are willing to start a conversation with yourself about how amazing you are, and bear witness to other pregnancy women as they do the same.

If you are pregnant and want to join a Sacred Pregnancy class in the Houston area, I invite you to learn more about my classes on my website, www.kristinmaresca.com.  If you are not located in Houston, please visit www.sacredpregnancy.com to find out if classes are currently available in your area.

~ Namaste ~

A Return to the Sanctity of Pregnancy and Childbirth

Becoming a parent is nothing short of a metamorphosis. From the moment of conception, your body, mind, and spirit undergo countless changes at a rapid rate. Nothing can prepare you for the shifts and realizations that you will experience through pregnancy, and the world that will unfold for you as a parent.

We spend an inordinate amount of our lives rushing from one thing to another, completely bypassing entire life experiences.  Pregnancy and the birthing journey are powerful opportunities to shift how you relate to life.  By slowing down, becoming more mindful, and taking the time to witness the shifts that you are continually experiencing, you will have the opportunity to awaken to a powerful, innate, and courageous life within you.  

Over time, you will understand that you are part of something greater, as the spiritual nature of pregnancy connects you deeper to the circle of life.  Indeed, you will come to realize that you as a woman have an incredible power to connect to an inner wisdom that is deeper than any intellectual feat, and harness that wisdom to grow and birth a child.  This, my sisters, is nothing short of awesome...it is - at its very essence - sacred.