In order to improve Maternal Health outcomes we need to listen to people’s stories. Storytelling weaves the richness of human experience into symbols and patterns that carry generations of wisdom. Birthing stories reveal how subtle aspects of pregnancy and birth impact the postpartum experience, subsequent pregnancies, and cultural norms.

Given the impressive historical precedence and personal accounts of the relaxation benefits of yoga nidra, we are beginning to see yoga nidra studied clinically. Physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and blood lipid levels seem to be affected by regular yoga nidra practice.

I believe there is a role of both reductionist and holistic ways of approaching human health, each paradigm opens portals to understanding different aspects of the body, mind, and spirit. My own professional pursuit is to integrate reductionism and holism in my personal practice of caring for others.