Find Your Balance with Yoga with Rita

Welcome to the Yoga with Rita blog, my personal, raw expression - Birth is Yoga in its essence!

My Home Water Birth

After doing so much preparation I wanted to birth, really I wasn’t scared. I just wanted the experience. I was already 8 days overdue and the cut-off for homebirth is exactly 14 days. This baby needed to get moving.

I was walking the stairs daily, acupuncture, yoga, sex you name it…. oh and pineapples!!

After 10 days my mum read that if you place the breast pump 5mins on each breast - it can kick start the contractions, and it did!!! As soon as I placed the breast pump on ( very odd experience for a first time mum) I felt a contraction ( 10am in the morning) .

I was so excited, I started putting all my learning into action as well as tracking my contractions on the app. This went on till the following morning!!! and it was full on , yet the contractions were still not regular. I called the midwife she told me to take a couple of panadols and go to sleep, she said make sure you have a good rest. That was the best advice. the prelabour was long and hard.

I slept for 2 hours before the next lot of contractions woke me up, they started intensifying, by 11pm the midwife and doula arrived. It was hard work. I was implementing all the active birth techniques I learnt.

My husband was amazing support , I was squatting over a freezer the whole night ( good shoes help) I did a couple of contractions on the toilet seat to speed things up, but I was dilating so slowly. I was left to birth alone, there was no interference. When the midwife checked the heart beat she was so gentle and encouraging. She kept saying to me that I am the most clever woman she has ever seen and I am doing a great job.

I desperately wanted to get in the pool, but she wouldn’t let me. She said I was dehydrated and had to wait. She wanted me to be in transition. Only when I said to her I can’t bare it anymore, she allowed me to enter the pool.

I have to say , I don’t know what I was thinking, I was cursing all the books I read at this stage describing how beautiful birth is. it wasn’t beautiful at all, it was painful. I, who fainted doing a tattoo, thought that it wasn’t going to hurt???? but I couldn’t turn back, I had to go through with it. No Pain relief at home, I knew I can do it. The power was in my head, not my body.

Once I entered the pool, I could rest a little, it was so nice to float, the temperature or the water was perfect I was so comfortable . When I entered the pool it was 5 am the following day. All my pets knew a birth is happening, the kept circling the pool in distress.

I was in the pool for 2 hours pushing, I was exhausted. I was scared. The pushing was the hardest thing for me. I thought my whole inside was going to come out. Then, I remembered how my teacher was teaching us to push. Its amazing that all these teachings came to me during this hard time.

Finally I felt my back click and the head engage! at this stage the midwives ( 2 when baby is arriving) told me to stop and wait for next contraction. I can feel the baby turning in to the correct position for another push. I caught her myself. It was amazing seeing a head pop out in between your legs, unreal.

When I laid my beautiful baby girl on my chest, I was not full of love. I was full of resentment to her, why did she put me through this - of course its not her fault, of course it wasn’t her. But that’s the truth of how I felt.

After birthing the placenta the midwives guided me to the bed. I couldn’t sit, my back was in agony. I knew some damage was done to my tailbone ( read my next blog of treatment and recovery). I had to lay down.

I had one small tear on the lip. and other than that I was fine, once the birth was done, it was done! no more pain! quite amazing! I was elevated, I was high. At that point , I knew that if me - the coward of pain - could do this, I can do anything. I knew that my mind power was strong. I was empowered.

This feeling of empowerment is still with me today. It was the hardest this that I have done in my life. Nothing will ever compare to the pain and suffering I went through till that point of my life. The experience was shifting. The new me was born. This was not the end of the suffering for me, if fact just a beginning. My breast feeding journey was very hard, the pain for the latter and the tailbone injury really triggered post natal depression. yet looking back it all made me a stronger more compassionate person I am today.

I am a true believer that this experience didn’t come to me by chance. I put all my time and efforts into preparing for this moment. The Prelabour and Active Labour phase lasted for over 2 days.

The results apart from the most beautiful healthy baby at 3.72Kg , the sense of accomplishment for me was really worth the pain and suffering.

Read my Blog about my Breastfeeding Journey….

By Rita McCabe

What Are Chakras?

The word ‘chakra’ in Sanskrit translates to ‘wheel’. However, our chakra is actually more of a vortex. Energy flows through it in two ways. It spins in a clockwise direction moving the energy out of the body and anticlockwise rotation pulls energy in into your body.

To understand what chakras are, imagine little highways of energy running through your body.

Understanding the Chakra System

According to ancient texts, there are seven main chakra channels in the human body (in reality recorded more than 114!!!!). All of these lie along the spine.Each chakra is associated with different physical & psychological characteristics.

In general, our aim is to rise up through the chakra. Moving away from acting out of survival and moving to making decisions based on intuition.

This begins at our root chakra, deep in our pelvic region, and progresses upward to our crown chakra. Energy should be able to flow freely through our system, without us stuck in any one place or moment.

The 1st chakra – Root Chakra – Muladhara

The official name of this chakra, Muladhara, comes from the words Mula, which means root and Dhara, which means support.

This chakra’s role is to connect all of your energy with the Earth - grounding.

When you think of your Root Chakra, think of your day to day survival here on earth. This energy center’s role is to give you everything you need to survive; shelter, food ,water, financial and emotional security.

Color: Red

Location: This chakra is located at the very base of your spine, near your tailbone. It goes up to just below your belly button.

When balanced : When your 1st chakra is balanced, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and peace when you think about things like money, safety, and shelter.

You will feel connected to your human experience, know your place in the earth

when it’s blocked: Blockages in the root chakra can manifest into problems can affect how you feel in the world. You might experience a lack of belonging or co-dependency on another person. Physically, you might have digestive problems, lower back issues, hip pain, and ovarian cysts in women, reproductive issues or prostate issues in men.

The second Chakra- Svadisthana- Sacral Chakra

The 2nd chakra is the sacral chakra or svadhishana which translates to “the place of the self.” This chakra is all about your identity as a human and what you do with it.

From of all 7 chakras, this chakra is responsible for bringing you creative energy to help enrich your life. Your sacral chakra is the home of the creative life force energy that helps you enjoy your life here on Earth.

Colour: Orange

Location: The sacral chakra is located right below the belly button and extends to its centre.

When balanced : When your 2nd chakra is balanced, you will relish in the pleasurable things life has to offer, without overdoing them. Sex, good food, and creative activities will be inspiring and enjoyable.

If your sacral chakra is blocked, you may become unemotional and closed off to others. A blockage might also lead to feelings of low self-worth.

The 3rd chakra – Solar Plexus – Manipura

Translates to “gem.” This chakra is where your self-confidence, identity, and personal power are born.

It that “gut feeling “ you have.

This is the seat of your personal power, your solar plexus, and you can physically feel that confidence and wisdom in its location.

Colour: Yellow

Location: The solar plexus starts in the centre of the belly button and extends up to the breastbone or where your two sets of ribs connect in the centre of your chest.

When balanced : When your 3rd chakra is balanced, you will feel a sense of wisdom, decisiveness, and personal power.

When it’s blocked: A blockage in this chakra might cause you to feel insecure and anxious. Digestive issues can also be symptoms of an unbalanced solar plexus chakra.

The 4th chakra – Heart – Anahata

The 4th chakra is the Heart or Anahata chakra, which translates to “unhurt.” This chakra is where your love, compassion, and kindness are empowered.

We all associate our hearts with love, and that’s exactly what the 4th chakra is all about. And this includes love for others and love for yourself, which is why this chakra is also associated with health and healing.

Colour: Green

Location: The heart chakra’s centre is located right over your heart and it radiates down to your breastbone and up to your throat. It is the middle one of the 7 chakras and it’s connecting the higher chakras with the lower chakras- connecting the physical with the spiritual.

When balanced : When your 4th chakra is balanced, you are able to equally feel love for yourself and others. Even when tough things happen, you can still see the compassion and kindness in others.

When it’s blocked: a blocked heart chakra might cause someone to feel closed off and distant to others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness.

The 5th chakra – Throat – Vishuddha

The 5th chakra is the Throat chakra or Vishuddha which translates to “pure.”

This chakra gives a voice to your personal truths.

Physical level, your voice comes from the throat, but on an energetic level, this energy actually comes from your 5th chakra. This chakra lets you speak your truth with clarity.

Its a chakra of communication, its not only speaking but listening.

Resting right above the heart, the throat chakra is connected to the compassion and love you have for yourself and others. It is also related to listening and expression of the self. Vishuddi governs the ears, vocal cords and thyroid gland.

Colour: Blue

Location: The throat chakra’s centre is right in between your collar bone, and it radiates down to the centre of your heart and up to the centre of your eyes.

When balanced : When your throat chakra is balanced, you will be able to clearly speak with love, kindness, and truth.

You will know exactly which words are appropriate for each situation. And speaking with a balanced throat chakra will enlighten and inspire those around you.

When it’s blocked: When your throat chakra is blocked, you have trouble speaking your truth and expressing your needs.

The 6th chakra – The Third Eye – Ajna

The 6th chakra is the Third Eye Chakra Ajna which translates to “ wisdom.” This chakra opens up your mind to information beyond the material world and the 5 senses.

Extrasensory perception, intuition or psychic energy, all come from the third eye.

This chakra resides in The pineal gland.

Long before brain imaging, ancient cultures knew this Third Eye existed, and they also realized it received information from sources outside of the five senses.

Colour: Indigo

Location: The third eye’s centre is in between your eyebrows. It radiates down to your mouth and up to the top of your head.

When balanced: When your third eye chakra is balanced, you will equally feel in tune with both the physical world and the material world. You will receive psychic information as frequently as you receive information from your 5 physical senses, but it will not overwhelm you.

When it’s blocked: When your third eye chakra is blocked, you may struggle to have faith in your broader purpose. This can lead to feelings of insignificance and the inability to make decisions. Physical manifestations of a blockage in this chakra include headaches, eye discomfort and sinus pain.

The 7th chakra – Crown – SahaswaRA

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tutorials and more!!!

The 7th chakra is the Crown or Sahaswara, which translates to “thousand petaled.” This chakra is pure consciousness energy. Its Consciousness energy is everywhere and in everything. It connects us to the entire universe. You are Everything and Nothing

Its more like universal energy than something personal or individual.

Colour: Violet – white

Location: The crown chakra’s centre is at the top of your head. It radiates down to between your eyes and then extends infinitely upward and outward, connecting you to the energy of the rest of the universe.

Wheb balanced : Achieving a balanced crown chakra is the goal of every spiritual warrior, and it’s not easy to do. Once you achieve it, you’re not really human anymore – you’ve conquered suffering and death.

It is the journey of attempting to achieve this balance that brings us happiness, good health, and wisdom. When it’s blocked: A blockage in the crown chakra keeps you disconnected from the spiritual side of life. You may feel a strong attachment to material possessions or achievements.

WAYS TO BALANCE YOUR CHAKRAS:

MEDITATION
YOGA
CHANTING
CRYSTALS AND STONES
1. The Root Chakra – Hematite, Black Onyx and Smokey Quartz
2. The Sacral Chakra – Tigers’ Eye and Sunstone
3. The Solar Plexus Chakra – Jasper and Pyrite
4. The Heart Chakra – Rose Quartz and Aventurine
5. The Throat Chakra – Aquamarine and Sodalite
6. The 3rd Eye Chakra – Amethyst, Fluorite and Lolite
7. The Crown Chakra – Clear quartz, Amethyst and Moonstone
ESSENTIAL OILS

Root Chakra. myrrh, frankincense, benzoin, patchouli and sandalwood. Also corn, clematis, rosemary, ylang-ylang.

Sacral Chakra.citrus oils, such as neroli, melissa, and orange. Also rose, hibiscus, jasmine, Indian Paintbrush, and lady’s slipper.

Solar Plexus Chakra. include yarrow, chamomile, peppermint, juniper, vetivert, petigrain and marjoram.

Heart Chakra. rose-oil, bergamot, Melissa, jasmine or rosewood. Also useful are holly, poppy, eucalyptus, and pine.

Throat Chakra. cosmos, trumpet vine, larch, and blue chamomile. Also sage, lemongrass, geranium and hyssop.

Third Eye Chakra. Essential oils and flower essences used to balance the 3rd Eye Chakra are lavender, spruce, frankincense, patchouli, or clary sage. Also useful are rosemary, wild oat, Queen Anne’s Lace, madia, elemi, and peppermint.

Crown Chakra. lotus, angelica, frankincense, sandalwood, and myrrh. Also jasmine. star tulip, benzoin, neroli, lavender, angelica or St. John’s Wort.
CONNECTING TO NATURE
USING MUDRAS AND MANTRAS

Ever felt you weren’t good enough?
Maybe you feel like something’s off ?
These could be symptoms of a blocked chakra.
Blocked chakras create a lot of imbalance in our minds, bodies, and spirit. Then all other aspects of our lives - like our finances, relationships, career, and health - also start to suffer.

We can unblock our chakras and restore the flow of celestial energy in our bodies.

Once our energies flow naturally, we can break the cycle of pain, frustration and anxiety and dissatisfaction with life. We can lead a more balanced, whole, and fulfilled life.

Explore the power of mindfulness and meditation to deepen your yoga practice and cultivate inner peace. Learn simple techniques to quiet your mind, reduce anxiety, and increase self-awareness. Yoga with Rita offers guided meditation sessions to help you integrate mindfulness into your daily life. Find us at [[website]].

Fighting for my rights to birth at home !

By that stage I was already under the community midwifery program, but we needed that signature. My midwife was extremely supportive, amazing , an angel. I was advised that if this doctor wouldn’t sign, I could approach another doctor who was more likely to sign me off. I was ready to fight for my right to birth where I wished.

The obstetrician said I had to go for another ultrasound, from being “low risk”, she changed her position and told me the baby is quite small. For any pregnant woman these words are so powerful and inject fear and doubt ( which is the worst thing during birth). I was lucky had support, from my husband, my midwife, my birthing teacher and my doula.

The ultrasound results were good and still the doctor was trying to talk me out of birthing at home, it was so hard to keep insisting on my choices, me against a doctors opinion. But I knew what I wanted for me and my family, I kept my ground and after lots of back and forth, I was approved for homebirth! I couldn’t wait , I was so ready. All the work I put in this process I could finally put it into action!

We set up our home with a pool, hired a doula, ready to go… read my next blog about the birth.…

Here’s some amazing books I recommend to read :

By Rita McCabe

Fighting for my rights AGAIN!! to birth at home ! 6 YEARS LATER !

So here I am , 6 years later, pregnant again….

This time, this is my fourth pregnancy - birthing second time.

If you read my journey about home birth and fighting for my rights to birth at home with my daughter you would think this time this would be easy! right? I birthed my daughter at home with no complications ( you can read my story here)

Usually for second birth things are easier if your first birth was good, so here I am - thinking GREAT! another lovely home birth.

My only concern during this pregnancy was the first trimester, during my second pregnancy I has Partial Molar Pregnancy - this is where there’s baby as well as cancer cells in the uterus, the fetus is not formed correctly, usually the miscarriage happens very early - first 6 weeks of pregnancy however mine lasted till week 12. At week 12 scan the baby had no heart beat and I had to have a DnC , and blood tests weekly for 6 months. After 6 months I was cleared to try fall pregnant again. The whole experience was awful and traumatic. I started having fears I’ve never had before, this was a great lesson to understand other women who go through similar experiences

My second miscarriage happened very early on, I didn’t even had the chance to go for an ultrasound.

and so comes my fourth Pregnancy right after my second miscarriage , every test and every scan scan was accompanied by fear and nerves, followed by relief when everything was fine….

After Completing the Harmony test and all the scans, passing this vulnerable stage - I could finally relax!

I was “classified” as LOW RISK, the morning sickness started easing off and I started being really happy and excited about this pregnancy !

When we found we having a boy - we were overfilled with joy and excitement.

My daughter is 6 years old by now and having a little baby brother would be so perfect for her.

I told the GP my plan of birthing in water at home- as my first birth, using Community midwifery program again. ( Free service - how wonderful ! )

I signed up to CMP - had my first meeting with the midwife - it felt so right! The midwife was lovely and positive , we discussed all my fears and concerns and when she left - I knew this was the best way to bring our baby boy into this world!

Feeling on top of the world, I was smiling and feeling pure joy inside my heart.

about 4 weeks later the midwife calls with “bad news”. She has spoken to her supervisor and because my partial molar pregnancy was less than 12 months ago ( it was 11 months ago!!!!) I am not allowed to birth at home due to national guidelines.

She also rang the birthing centre - they wouldn’t accept me either. I was devastated.

I loved having a water birth at home, I felt safe , undisturbed , I could take my time, move around, i wasn’t rushed , placed on the clock , I had lots of love and support around me. Even though my birth was really long, I managed to get through it with the right support and environment.

My husband and I spoke immediately about hiring a private midwife, however being in the middle of renovations and having so many expenses we just couldn’t afford it.

I voiced that I would like to go to Fiona Stanley - as they have a birthing pool and this is my best chance of birthing in water again . A lovely midwife I saw helped me get in.

Apparently, since last time I birthed, a woman has no choice at what hospital she gives birth at . if your post code is in Rockingham jurisdiction then you only allowed to go there.

However Rockingham does not offer water birth! I was shocked to discover that womens rights to birth how they want , where they want is even more restricted than what they used to be!!!

I my due date approached and I spoke to friends and other women, I was given a name of a lovely local private midwife who not only delivers at home but also offers pre natal and post natal massages.

I couldnt afford her midwifery service and I started her massages …. they were full of energy, they more i did the more I felt connected to baby. I started having dreams about my birth…

I kept having the same dream about birthing at home in the shower. it was so natural and beautiful and quick!!!

Through talking to other women , suddenly i started hearing about the term “free birth” - this is where a woman, a mother , gives birth unassisted, by herself. I started meeting women who have done this…. First I thought they were crazy!

A birth with no help ? no midwife? no health professional ? yet they felt so connected to their bodies and babies- they had positive stories and amazing sense of empowerment.

they also like me, had no choice, no money for a a private midwife, and hospital was no option for them.

I found their stores powerful and inspiring, yet I still don’t think I had the courage to do that.

My husband and I , went to check out Fiona Stanley Hospital Birth suite. The bath was AMAZING - like a huge pool where you can dim lights. and rooms where ok, very spacious but still had that medical feel, and far from the home atmosphere I was after.

We decided to go ahead with the hospital booking- but to spend most of the active labour at home, and then who know what will happen ?!

I will write my birth story when it happens ! stay tuned! only 6 weeks to go!

My Second Water Birth! ALMOST!

So the day has come, I was 38 weeks,

At 4 am I went to the toilet and when i returned to bed I thought I peed myself, I returned to the toilet and saw a bit of blood ( show) - I knew baby was coming soon….

My husband was sleeping next to me and I told him “not to panic” but baby probably going to come today….

I laid back in bed and and tried getting some sleep… I started having mild constructions, and very quickly I couldn’t lie down anymore….

I decided to pack My daughters bag to stay at her friends house and my hospital bag…. I was measuring my constructions and they were 5 mins apart but it was hard to do anything through them or remain quiet…

At about 7:30am my husband and daughter woke up, she was worried to see me in pain and gave me a hug every time I had a construction….

I called the hospital and let them know they said to wait… we waited… the constructions now were every 3 mins - I called again to say that we are coming from rockingham and have a 40 min drive - and I want my water birth!

They said to come in , and we’ll make a plan….

The ride in the car was agony ! i was holding the handle above the door to help ride those waves! having surges sitting like that in the car was brutal! I said to my husband “ I better be at least 5 cm dilated when I arrive because I am not driving back!”

We arrive at Fiona Stanley Hospital and ofcourse there’s no parking!!! then yes! found one! My husband asked me if he should drop me off at the entrance but I didn’t want to wait there alone “I’ll walk” I said.

The walk was hard, I had to stop in between and lean on something, I wasn’t measuring the constructions at this stage- but they were close….

We made it to the entrance where one of the elder volunteers was concerned and wanted to bring me a wheelchair. The thought of sitting again made me sick - I said I’ll walk…

We made it to the birthing ward- rang the bell , no one answering…. where the hell is everyone ????

Then a midwife saw me in the hallway - apparently we are in the wrong place- now they forced me into a wheelchair- they said it was quicker.

They asked me to jump on the bed for assessment - OMG !!!!! how do women birth on their back ? the most painful construction yet !!!! i jumped off it ! she has to do an assessment somehow differently because I am not laying on my back!!!

I had a strong urge to strip my cloths off. The miwife asked me if i need to push ….? hmmm Yes Yes I do !! but what about my bath ???? its still filling up she said , start pushing and maybe you’ll have time to jump in to deliver the baby ….

Ok… What about the shower? Yes - I was told I can use it… They placed a towel on the floor for my knees, a chair to lean on… 3 pushes- He was out!!!

WOW - so quick ! so smooth!! so intense! so much impulse ! so swift!

Remember the dream I was having ? ( read in my previous blog) - I was going to have this baby in the shower!

This baby boy - he came so beautifully into this world - I thought I would hate the hospital - but the midwives were so good - they have let me take the lead , they didn’t interfere with my needs - they were there to support and just let me know that everything is as should be.

Even though it wasn’t a home birth or a Pool water birth - it was absolutely amazing.

I could bond easily with baby boy and the feelings of LOVE just flooded my body.

With my first home birth - I didn’t have this experience, I was so tired and exhausted from my very long birth - bonding took time. I suffered from anxiety and a flood of sadness when milk came in.

This time, I only had 2 sad days , the milk came in gently and mostly happiness been surrounding us.

I had a labia tear, it was good to be at the hospital to get checked, I would of never known myself that I needed stitches. It was all done on the spot. After giving birth - stitches is nothing !

I was given the option to stay the night or head home that day.

I decided to stay, let myself rest, I couldn’t imagine walking getting in the car that very same day.

I was looked after and fed. i could be in a nice quiet space with my baby. I was given Ice (for all my sore bits) and what can I say - the experience was fabulous !

My conclusion! well… the hospital was great , I came informed with what I want, I came too late for any interventions , but i also advised them that didn’t want some of the post natal interventions that were offered. For me or my baby.

None of this was questioned.

I was happy to have help pushing , and I was very grateful for the post natal support. and now there’s just time to enjoy!