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.