The term “Belly Dance” originated with Napoleon’s soldiers who were most likely the first Europeans to see the dance ritual. They labeled it “Danse du Ventre”, which is French for “Dance of the Stomach”.  Sacred dancing featured the abdomen, the source of the Goddesses’ fertility.  It is believed that belly dance was used to help pregnant women through the birth process. The mother-to-be was surrounded by concentric circles of women who danced with repeated abdominal movements while the woman gave birth. Sometimes the mother-to-be would dance with them as the movements relaxed her muscles and increased the flexibility of her hips and eased labor pains.

Belly Dancing reduces stress, increases energy and flexibility and improves strength, posture, muscle tone and coordination. It has been said that it heals and balances the body, mind and spirit all at once. Belly dancing can also burn as many calories as power-walking or riding a bike.  It’s a great way be creative and expressive.

This video provides advice on exercise and fitness. Amon Maternity encourages you to consult your physician prior to engaging in any of the activities or exercises presented on this website.

Myryka Nunya won the 2006 Bellydancer of the Universe People’s Choice & Congeniality Awards. She began her career as a showgirl at the age of 18 at Bally’s Jubilee, and quickly went on to work in shows at The Flamingo, Stratasphere, & Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas.  Myryka teaches pre-natal belly dance classes in Scottsdale, AZ.  More information can be found on her website www.myryka.com.

The Inner Gate point can alleviate nausea during labor or also helps when you experience morning sickness during the pregnancy.

The point is located on the inside of the wrist, three finger widths below the wrist line on the hollow between the two bones of the forearm. Take your thumb and index or middle finger and press firmly on the points on both sides of the wrist when you feel nauseous.

You can also purchase or make your own wristband that applies pressure to the correct spot. They usually have a knob or flat button positioned over the acupressure point. You might feel relief as soon as you put it on, but after your body grows accustomed to the pressure, you’ll need to press down on the acupressure point for extra relief.

Greta Sprenkeling of AZ BirthConnection, LLC is a certified doula, prenatal massage therapist and pregnancy yoga instructor. Since 1995 she has supported over 300 families to have a healthy pregnancy, better birth and easy recovery. Learn more about Greta by visiting her website www.superdoula.com.

Greta Sprenkeling, a certified Doula explains in the video below how the uterus is a big muscle. The uterus will contract causing a huge wave of energy. When you ride that wave, you can experience the contraction like bliss. When you resist the energy wave it causes pain. It is important to create an environment in which you can stay relaxed, because as the contractions get stronger, you will release more endorphins to match the intensity. When you are tense or anxious you inhibit the endorphins from being released. Endorphins are your natural painkiller. The key to ease in labor is surrender to what your body knows to do.

Here are several comfort measures for labor that you may find helpful. Keep these different techniques on hand so you can use what works best for you. Keep in mind that what might work for one contraction may not work on the next. Have several options available to help you relax.

Heat: Take a warm shower or bath. Water can be both calming and relaxing. You can also use a heat pack on your back.

Cold: Use a cool cloth to place on your forehead or use an icepack on your back.

Massage: Have your birth support person massage where you need it most. You’ll know exactly where and where not to have him/her massage. A double hip squeeze can be particularly effective. A foot massage in early labor can be very relaxing. Your support person can also note where your body is tense and work that area and remind you to relax.

Aromatherapy: Use a spray bottle with a few drops of aromatherapy oil that you like.  Lavender is very popular but try different scents to see what works for you.

Get Physical: Try different positions -- walking, pelvic rocking, sitting on a birth ball and swaying or sidelying are all great options.

Acupressure and Acupuncture: These age-old techniques were developed in China for treatment of many medical conditions, including pain. Applying firm pressure (acupressure) or inserting and maneuvering fine needles (acupuncture) at certain areas of the body is an effective form of pain management for some. For more information on acupuncture, visit the website for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at http://nccam.nih.gov/.

Doulas: A doula is a professional assistant who gives emotional and tangible support to women in labor. A doula can be an excellent complement to your birth support team. Check with your local hospital or your practitioner for information regarding doulas in your area or visit the website of Doulas of North America.

Greta Sprenkeling of AZ BirthConnection, LLC is a certified doula, prenatal massage therapist and pregnancy yoga instructor. Since 1995 she has supported over 300 families to have a healthy pregnancy, better birth and easy recovery. Learn more about Greta by visiting her website -- www.superdoula.com.