Investigators from Tianjin Medical University’s School of Nursing in Tianjin, China, conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of yoga on psychological health and quality of life (QoL) in women with breast cancer.

A systematic search was done using PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and the Chinese Digital Journals Full-text Database. Analysts used randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of yoga as compared to a control group (treatment as usual or TAU), on psychological functioning and QoL in women with breast cancer.

Six studies involving 382 patients were included for review. The meta-analysis revealed that yoga improves quality of life for women with breast cancer, yielding a statistically significant effect (p=0.03, standard mean difference = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [0.02, 0.52]).

I bought the Guided Meditations to Help with Fertility in January.  It got me through an intense cycle of fertility treatments!  I listened every day to help calm my nerves and so that I could relax!!

And I am happy to say that I am now seven weeks pregnant with twins!! So I have recently purchased the meditation CD for pregnancy also.  I listen daily!  Whenever I get frantic with anxiety, my husband will say "Why don't you go listen to Belleruth!"  

And when I give him a hard time, he says "Be careful or you and Belleruth will be alone in the delivery room!!"  LOL!

We both thank you for these wonderful meditations and affirmations.

Very Pregnant and Very Happy New Imagery Fan

Researchers from the Department of Family and Community Health at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing in Richmond, Virginia, and Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, conducted a feasibility study examining the impact of guided imagery on maternal stress in at risk, hospitalized pregnant women suffering from conditions such as preterm labor,  hypertension, pre-eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, incompetent cervix, multiple gestation, and so forth.

The investigators used a repeated-measures, pre-/posttest design. Mean stress and systolic blood pressure measurements were significantly lower after the intervention, as compared to before listening to the guided imagery CD.  Measures were taken on Day one and whatever the last day was – number of days varied and could be from 2 to 10 days.

Dear Belleruth,
 
I am suffering with a damaged pudental nerve from childbirth which is leading to organ prolapse.  I have no pain whatsoever.  I found your reply to the question from a PT who inquired about which CD was best for women such as me and you recommended the Core Healing CD.

I was ready to purchase this when I noted that you now offer a CD for those with pelvic floor issues.. I am now uncertain which one is best for me. As stated, I have no pelvic pain… just the opposite in fact…. reduced sensation and lax muscle tone as a result.

I am desperate for help. I truly appreciate any guidance you can give.

Thank you,
Connie

A randomized controlled trial by researchers from Oslo University Hospital examined whether a self-administered practice of relaxation techniques, positive affirmations and guided imagery in the final part of pregnancy resulted in a positive impact on giving birth; and additionally, whether using a CD with a booklet, with no previous training or practitioner assistance, could be effective.
 
Outcome measures were monitored both during and after delivery. During delivery, pain and anxiety were measured at different stages of birth.  Post-delivery measures included well-being (Edmonton Scale 0-10, where 10 is the worst), pain, anxiety, Apgar score, duration of birth, complications and anesthesia/analgesic use.

Researchers from Georgia College and State University examined the effects of listening to music and guided imagery on the quantity and quality of breast milk produced by mothers of preemies.  It has long been understood that breast milk is the nutritional gold standard, but that preterm mothers are at risk of not producing enough milk, due to multiple factors, including stress, fatigue, and the separation of the breastfeeding dyad due to hospitalization.

Question:

I am suffering from acute panic and anxiety after a miscarriage. Thoughts of something happening to me or my loved ones always prevailed.  After medications they got better but since I have stopped the medications I feel vulnerable again. Are there any guided imagery audios for this kind of condition?

Patricia

We got this happy feedback from a doula in Albuquerque, NM.  And because we all love and appreciate the work that doulas do (not to mention those terrific childbirth educators), we were all pretty eager to post this.  

A research team from Boston IVF, a private, academically affiliated infertility center, in Waltham, MA conducted a randomized controlled study with 143 women, 40 years old or less, to determine if a mind-body program, delivered in a group, would yield higher pregnancy rates than treatment as usual.