BRAM EISENTHAL Well, the dog days of summer are upon us – and this summer’s really fit for dogs, isn’t it? So, I thought I’d take a pregnant pause and bring you some news of a woman helping those who are suffering most in this warm, humid, rainy weather and are about to give birth. I have no idea about this myself, of course, but I hear summertime blues and pregnancy go hand-in-hand. That’s where Elyse Tannenbaum, the West End’s “saviour of enceinte” comes in.
Tannenbaum’s NDG-based Body Works Yoga and Wellness Centre has been around for five years and in that time she has helped make hundreds of women, their babies – by extension, husbands, too – more comfortable and relaxed. “This is likely one of the most unique of places,” Tannenbaum stated. “We combine prenatal and post-natal exercise, as well as catering to babies by way of infant massage.”
Though not a mother herself, Tannenbaum practiced yoga for a decade, during which time she realized two things: there was a high percentage of pregnant women in the West End (there was actually a mini baby boom in Quebec last year, with 82,000 births compared to 76,000 in 2005… the highest jump since 1909).and yoga exercises of the time didn’t appear suited to them.
“NDG’s a baby machine,” Tannenbaum said, laughing. “I see more strollers here than anywhere else. And something seriously required were more postures where women didn’t have to lie on their stomachs or backs. We also focus on breathing and teach something called ‘vocal toning,’ where the voice is used to control contractions and labour. This takes the mind off the pain, as there is a neuromuscular link between the throat and the sacrum. Actually, anyone can benefit from this particular exercise, even men with bad backs.”
A social worker trained as a Massage and Soft Tissue Pain Therapist, Reflexologist, and Certified Naturopath, Tannenbaum has also completed courses as a Doula / Labour Support Person, to help women have easier births. “The fetus can pick up all your emotions, so learning to relax is most important, especially during delivery.”
All aches and pains during pregnancy can be avoided, such as sciatica, carpal tunnel pain and related problems such as lack of sleep. The classes, held year-round, can accommodate 10 -12 women each and many participants form lasting social bonds that include their husbands becoming friends. Ongoing after-birth support and work with babies can ease problems with things like colic and gastro-intestinal issues, giving them lifelong methods of managing their own stresses.
I wonder if 50-year old babies are included. Let’s check out Tannenbaum’s website at www.yogaplus.net, shall we? Or call 514-488-4544 for more information.
Putumayo World Music continues to astound me with its terrific lineup of CDs that feature jazz, folk, Latin, Middle Eastern, rock tunes and other fare by artists on every continent. If you’re forever searching for the perfect compilation CD to accompany you in your car or provide the ideal atmosphere at home, there’s something for everyone, with new releases coming out all the time. Latin Jazz, featuring legends like Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri and others was released June 26 and I have been listening to it in my office ever since. Next up, to be released on July 31, is the blues/folk compilation Americana, with such artists as Josh Ritter, Terri Hendrix, the Old Crow Medicine Show, The Little Willies, RobinElla and Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez… whose song Sweet Tequila Blues sounds like the perfect panacea for these weirdly lackluster summer days. In the West End, you can find Putumayo’s products at Dix Mille Villages on Monkland Avenue. Their website is at www.putumayo.com.
Second exhibit features images of sand and surfMy first public photographic exhibit featuring images of Old Montreal is history. But the good guys at Bistro Westminster asked me what else I had and I came up with nine pics for a new series I call Digital Seascapes. I know the weather’s been kinda lousy, so stop by and immerse yourself in these oceanside environments if you forget what that feels like. The food’s pretty darned good there, so even if photography isn’t your bag, Ed, Bob and their terrific serving staff will ensure you depart full and happy. Bistro Westminster is at 49 Westminster Ave. in Montreal West, right near Sherbrooke St. W. Tel: 514-484-0513. @ST`:Head to Mesquite this Friday for great scoff and sounds
While NDG’s Mesquite is known far and wide for its terrific Cajun-styled cuisine and weekly live music, its summer events are the best. On Friday, July 27, a Southern Pig Roast with all the trimmings will also feature the sounds of Jamie Wood, who will perform live on their terrasse all night long. Go to www.mesquite.ca or call 514-487-5066 for more information and to reserve a table. (left-right) Lisa Malenfant with Dalia (9 months), Stephanie Fragman with Zachary (7 1/2 months), Magali Dufour (39 weeks pregnant) with course instructor Elyse Tannenbaum, Barbara Vyncke-Wilson with Amelia (7 1/2 months) and Samantha Green with Taric Sears (9 months).
