A new study out of the UK has proven the theory that most prenatal yoga enthusiasts already believe: that prenatal yoga is an excellent way to relax during pregnancy!  Now it has been proven to reduce the risk of developing anxiety and depression during pregnancy.  Yoga reduces stress levels, anxiety and other risk factors that can lead to depression. 

This recent study, done at the University of Manchester, had 59 pregnant mothers attend a weekly yoga class for eight weeks and then tested them for anxiety.  They compared these scores to a control group that received antenatal treatment that did not include yoga. 

The results?  Anxiety was reduced by one third and stress hormone levels by 14%. All this with only one class a week!
This is the first study to look at these exact factors and the researchers hope it will lead to more funding to study these positive results.  This could lead to more women using prenatal yoga to reduce stress and anxiety, which means overall healthier pregnant ladies; something we're always rooting for!
For more, check out this detailed article here:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/health/yoga-pregnant-women-study-shows-7055540#.U2Fpza7gf1Q.facebook

When advancing your yoga asana practice, it’s important to develop strength and balance all over the body, but it’s essential to focus on a strong core!  The centre of the body is a major source of strength for all asanas. Try doing a chaturanga using mostly your arms, then do one while holding your entire core tight – it makes a huge difference! 

Core strength is more than six-pack abs.  Actually, the strongest parts of your core are hidden deep in the body, and only specific exercises will strengthen those. 

Here are a few work-out moves to focus on those deep core and abdominal muscles:

-Planks:  all types of planks - regular plants, forearm planks, side planks.  Hold for as long as your can.

-Crunches and other abdominal exercises that engage your oblique muscles, and the entire length of your abdomen.

-Stability ball exercises:  crunches and other abdominal exercises done on a stability ball are greatly intensified. 

A strong core makes a strong yoga practice! 

**If you’re pregnant, please contact Vanda for more information about which core exercises are safe and which should be avoided in different stages of pregnancy. 

Next year, in 2015, Singapore turns 50!  In celebration of this 50th anniversary, all Singaporean babies born next year are set to receive a special gift, to commemorate the past and encourage a bright future! 

These gifts will be called Jubilee Baby Gifts.  Although it hasn’t been decided exactly what they will be, there are plenty of ideas floating around!  The organizing committee wants the gifts to be significant and meaningful to Singaporeans all over the world.   

The committee is currently taking suggestions on what the gifts should be so if you have any ideas, head over to this website to put in your suggestion from now until 15 May! 

http://www.heybaby.sg/jubilee/

Send in your suggestions for gifts to all 2015 Singaporean babies – to represent the hope and future of Singapore! 

Check out the website Mommy’s World – a website and resource for moms, dads, and parents-to-be in Singapore!  They’re running a contest this February:  all you have to do is sign up as a member and you could win a S$20 shopping voucher!  Contest closes on 15th March.  See contest rules here to sign up:  http://mommysworld.com.sg/contest-contact/contests

Recently, we’ve been hearing a lot about organic food and its huge advantages for your health.  It’s becoming more common to see a big organic section in many grocery stores, and hard not to notice the higher prices that comes with these foods.  So, the question becomes: is it worth the extra cost?

Especially for families with small children, who are more sensitive to harsh chemicals as their brains and bodies develop, we think it’s definitely better to go organic.  A few reasons why:

-No pesticides or harsh chemicals are used, especially on fruits and vegetables. 

-Organic farming is better for the environment, adding fewer chemicals to the soil and water supply and more sustainable for long term.

-Higher quality products because most organic farms are quite small, producing smaller batches of food

-Organic meat and dairy products don’t contain antibiotics or artificial hormones, two things that have shown to cause developmental delays and other adverse effects in humans. 

In general, if it’s within your means, organic is always better.  Give it a try and see if you feel more energetic and healthier after a few months of eating organic foods, especially fruits and vegetables! 

Happy 2014!  The beginning of a new year always brings a feeling of a fresh start.   It’s an ideal time to break bad habits, and start new good ones (like yoga!).  Many people set New Year’s Resolutions that include the big goals for the year.   

These resolutions can feel a bit overwhelming at times, especially once the New Year glow has worn off and you’re back in the daily grind.  The key to setting resolutions that will stick is to keep them simple, keep them small, and make sure you’re not going for huge changes immediately. 

One way to get motivated to keep your resolution is to create an Inspiration Board.  To make one, gather colourful magazine clippings, quotes, cards or anything that inspires you to reach your goals for the year.  Post them on a small board and put it in a highly visible place.  This way, every time you walk by, you’ll gain inspiration and remember why you set your goals in the first place.  And that’s how goals get accomplished – constant work and one day at a time.  Check out Pinterest for some great examples of Inspiration Boards!  www.pinterest.com/everythingetsy/inspiration-boards/

IKEA baby cot to give away. Gently used by my little bub who is outgrowing this cot very quickly!
Self collection to be arranged.
Interested, please email Vanda listing Baby cot in the subject header.

Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year
from Eugene and Vanda

The very best wishes to you and your loved ones!
May 2014 bring you peace, love and much joy!

Giving your newborn a gentle massage stimulates the physical development and improves the emotional well-being of the infant. Massage also strengthens the immune system, alleviates common digestive problems and promotes a more peaceful sleep for your newborn. It is no wonder that infant massage is becoming more popular in Singapore.

The benefits are two-way if the massage is delivered by the loving hands of the infant’s parents. Parents have intimate knowledge of their infant’s physical condition and would be able to respond to the physical cues of the infant. Vanda joined the class conducted in Singapore by Sylvie Hetu, a Canadian qualified Infant Massage Instructor with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM).

“I believe infant massage will benefit my five-month-old baby boy. Through massage, I use affectionate touches to communicate with him and strengthen our parent-child bond,” says Vanda, principal instructor at VandaYoga.