Doulas play a critical role in preventing HIV. An estimated 1.2 million people live with HIV in the United States. About one out of four people living with HIV in the U.S. are women. And each year nearly 200 babies are born with HIV through perinatal transmission – HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or breastfeeding. It is the most common route of HIV transmission in children but also very preventable. When HIV is diagnosed before or during pregnancy, perinatal transmission can be reduced to less than 1%.1

While we can celebrate the public health achievement that there has been a reduction in perinatal HIV transmission in the United States, there is still more work to be done; and doulas can be a part of this great work. June 27th is National HIV Testing Day. Encouraging prenatal HIV testing is one critical strategy—but a doula’s role doesn’t end there...

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Often times, new mamas feel isolated. Almost 3 ½ years ago now, I remember feeling unsure of my abilities as a new mom and unsure about what the heck was going on with my postpartum body. I certainly didn’t feel in-tune with my body; in fact, my body didn’t even feel like it was my own anymore! Finding a community was hard; finding a place where I could feel comfortable talking about how crazy it all was, was even harder.

The Postnatal Yoga class at East Side Yoga is designed to restore your body’s strength after having a baby. It’s also a time for sharing with your fellow mamas and making new friendships (and playdates!)...

To continue reading about the fantastic YogaMamas program at East Side Yoga, click here!