The Yoga, Bellies & Babies Podcast

Krishna Hassomal
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How can you prepare for the journey of pregnancy, birth and parenthood? You can't! It's truly the one journey which can only be learnt from experience. Welcome to the Yoga, Bellies and Babies podcast! I, Krishna Hassomal, together with my guests explore the journey of pregnancy, birth and beyond through yoga, science and personal experiences. Join me for light-hearted and honest conversations with real, everyday people. Learn from other parents, yogis, medical & health professionals on everything from your belly bump, delivery and all the unglamorous minutia of parenthood!

  1. Jul 6

    From Fear to an Aura of Calmness: Sophie's Hypnobirthing Hospital Birth Story

    Sophie came to the Calm and Confident Mama hypnobirthing course after two months of bed rest, having consumed birth horror story after horror story on her phone. She was terrified. She had a firm plan for an epidural. She is based in Japan, a country where hypnobirthing is virtually unknown and where a calm, physiological birth is not the default. In only six weeks, everything changed. In this episode, Krish tells Sophie's story — with Sophie's own voice woven throughout — from where she started to what her birth actually looked like. Including the moment she told her partner she needed the epidural. What he said back. And what the midwife wrote in her notes afterwards. In this episode: How two months of birth horror stories shaped Sophie's expectationsWhat six weeks of daily preparation actually looked like What happened when labour slowed down at the hospitalThe transition moment and how Michael knew exactly what to doWhy Sophie was loud during labourWhat the most painful part of the birth actually wasThis episode is for you if: You are pregnant and frightened about what birth will be likeYou have been consuming birth horror stories and want to hear something differentYou are wondering whether hypnobirthing is worth itYou want to know what the preparation actually looks like in practiceYour partner is unsure about their role📚 Calm and Confident Mama Hypnobirthing Course — July & August 2026 Online. Evidence-based. For every type of birth. 👉 https://www.krishyoga.com/hypnobirthing-online/ 📩 Get in touch: hello@krishyoga.com 📌 Find Krish: Website: krishyoga.com

  2. May 21

    Does Hypnobirthing Work for C-Sections? Here's What You Need to Know

    If you're planning a caesarean birth, or if there's a chance you may end up having one, you might have assumed hypnobirthing isn't for you. This episode is here to change that. Krish (prenatal yoga teacher, hypnobirthing instructor, and mum of four including twins) explains exactly how hypnobirthing applies to caesarean births planned or unplanned — and why the principles of calm, informed preparation matter just as much in theatre as anywhere else. She also shares three real stories from women in her courses: an emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic, a planned caesarean after a shoulder dystocia risk, and a twin pregnancy navigating the high-risk label — and what hypnobirthing gave each of them. In this episode: Why the language around caesarean birth mattersHow hypnobirthing tools apply in theatre — before, during, and afterWhy keeping adrenaline low and oxytocin flowing matters in every type of birthWhat "positive birth" actually means (it's not what you think)The golden hour — and how to advocate for it in a caesarean birthThree real stories from women who prepared for all types of birthThis episode is for you if: You are planning an elective caesarean birthYou have been told you may need a caesarean due to a health condition or high-risk pregnancyYou are preparing for a physiological birth but want to be ready for anythingYou have been told hypnobirthing isn't relevant to your situation🎓 Free Masterclass: May 30th 2026 From Birth Anxiety to Birth Confidence: 3 Proven Hypnobirthing Techniques Whatever type of birth you're preparing for — this masterclass is for you. 👉 https://www.krishyoga.com/free-yoga-hypnobirthing/

  3. May 13

    Is Hypnobirthing Woo-Woo? What Every Sceptic Needs to Hear

    If the word "hypnobirthing" makes you, or your partner, want to scroll straight past, this episode is for you. In this episode, Krish (prenatal yoga teacher, hypnobirthing instructor, and mum of four, including twins) shares why she was sceptical about hypnobirthing before her first pregnancy, what finally changed her mind, and what the method actually is, backed by science, not mysticism. She also shares the story of one student: an engineer, an atheist, and the most sceptical person to ever walk into one of her courses. His feedback at the end? "Why isn't everyone doing this?" and one request: please change the name. In this episode: What hypnobirthing actually is, and what it isn'tThe fear-tension-pain cycle and why it matters for birthThe science of the mind-body connection (and one study that will surprise you)Why the name "hypnobirthing" is both the biggest barrier and the most honest descriptionThe honest conversation about whether it should be renamedThis episode is for you if: You or your partner have dismissed hypnobirthing as "woo woo"You want evidence-based birth preparation that actually makes senseYou're curious but not yet convinced🎓 Free Masterclass — May 30th 2026 From Birth Anxiety to Birth Confidence: 3 Proven Hypnobirthing Techniques Release your fear of birth and learn what to practise NOW so your body and mind know exactly what to do during labour. 👉 https://www.krishyoga.com/free-yoga-hypnobirthing/

    Is Hypnobirthing Woo-Woo? What Every Sceptic Needs to Hear

  4. Apr 16

    What Is Relaxin? The Pregnancy Hormone That Affects Your Yoga Practice and Postpartum Recovery

    Have you suddenly felt more flexible during pregnancy? Can you finally touch your toes or sink deeper into stretches than ever before? That's not real flexibility. That's relaxin. Relaxin is a pregnancy hormone that softens and loosens your ligaments throughout your entire body, not just your pelvis. And while it's essential for birth, it can also put you at risk for joint injuries if you're not careful. In this episode, I explain what relaxin actually is, how it affects your body during pregnancy and postpartum, and why your goal during pregnancy yoga should be stability, not flexibility. Before we dive in: I'm a prenatal yoga teacher and hypnobirthing instructor, not a doctor. This is educational information based on my training and experience, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider. Free Prenatal Workshop: Join my free live workshop on May 1st: The Prenatal Yoga Upgrade: 5 Shifts for a Safe & Strong Practice I'll teach you 5 simple shifts so you can practice with confidence, build strength for birth, and protect your joints. 🔗 Register here: Free Prenatal Yoga Workshop & VIP Class | Strong & Safe Pregnancy Resources & Support: 🧘‍♀️ Krish Yoga Studio - LIVE online prenatal yoga classes (not recorded videos, I can see you and give real-time feedback) 🤰 Hypnobirthing courses for birth preparation 🌐 Website: www.krishyoga.com Connect With Me: 📱 Instagram: @krish_yoga Support the Podcast: If this episode was helpful, please: 💙 Subscribe so you never miss an episode ⭐ Leave a 5-star review—it helps other pregnant women find this podcast 📤 Share with a pregnant or postpartum friend

    What Is Relaxin? The Pregnancy Hormone That Affects Your Yoga Practice and Postpartum Recovery

  5. Apr 9

    How To Engage The Core During Pregnancy Workouts

    If you're active during pregnancy, whether that's CrossFit, yoga, running, or just getting out of bed in the morning, you need to know about doming. One of my students told me she was getting out of bed and her belly was making a weird shape. Like a dome or cone sticking up down the middle. She asked me: "Is this normal?" No. It's not. And here's why it matters: That dome is your body telling you the movement you're doing creates too much pressure for your core to handle right now. And if you keep doing movements that cause this throughout your pregnancy, you're making your abdominal separation wider. Which means your postpartum recovery will be harder and longer. But here's the good news: It's completely fixable. You just need to know what to look for and how to modify. In this week's podcast episode, I break down: What that weird belly shape actually is Why it matters for your postpartum recovery Which movements commonly cause it How to modify (not eliminate) your workouts What your core actually needs during pregnancy And the one thing every pregnant woman needs to do (This one change protects your core during pregnancy AND sets you up for easier recovery.)And if you want to learn exactly how to practice safely, join my free live workshop on April 13th at 6:30 PM CET.SIGN UP HERE - https://www.krishyoga.com/online-prenatal-yoga-workshop/ I'm teaching 5 simple shifts so you can practice with total confidence, build strength for birth, and feel amazing in your changing body. What's the one thing you wish you knew about moving safely during pregnancy? Keep sending me your questions to hello@krishyoga.com

    How To Engage The Core During Pregnancy Workouts

  6. Mar 25

    How to Rediscover Your Confidence After Having a Baby, with Personal Stylist Bekah Kraakman

    "I just want to feel like myself again." If you've said these words after having a baby, this episode is for you. Today's guest is Bekah Kraakman, a personal stylist and confidence coach with a psychology degree from Stanford University. Bekah started her company as a postnatal mom herself, which is why she has such a deep understanding of what new mothers go through. When my twins turned two, I visited Bekah for a colour consultation. But what started as finding my best colours turned into something much deeper, uncovering fears and insecurities I'd been carrying from postpartum that were showing up in what I wore and how I wore it. This conversation isn't about fashion. It's about confidence, identity, and feeling like yourself again. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✨ Why postpartum moms feel like they don't recognize themselves 🧠 The psychology behind "look good, feel good" 👗 Why you should buy clothes that fit your body NOW, not later 💡 How getting dressed is one thing you CAN control in motherhood 🕐 Bekah's five-minute morning routine to feel confident all day 🤱 Why living in "house clothes" keeps you stuck in postpartum mode 💪 How to overcome mom guilt about focusing on yourself 🎨 What colour analysis revealed about my postpartum insecurities 🌟 Why taking care of your appearance isn't superficial, it's essential Key Takeaway: "Style isn't superficial. It's deeply tied to identity, self-perception, and confidence." You don't need to dress up for anyone else. Dress up for YOU. Five minutes in the morning to put on something you love can change your entire day. About Bekah Kraakman: Bekah is a personal stylist and confidence coach who combines her psychology background with her passion for helping women feel confident. She specializes in working with mums to help them rediscover their style and sense of self after having children. 🌐 Website: www.clothesandconfidence.nl 📱 Instagram: @clothesandconfidence Connect With Me: 🌐 Website: www.krishyoga.com 📧 Join my email list for weekly support 📱 Instagram: @krish_yoga Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, please: 💙 Subscribe so you never miss an episode ⭐ Leave a 5-star review, it helps other mothers find this podcast 📤 Share with a friend who needs to hear this

  7. Mar 13

    What is Matrescence? Real-Time Coaching on Your Identity Shift, with Tessa Johnson-Jones

    This episode is a special, interactive coaching workshop. We recommend grabbing a pen and paper before you press play. Do you feel like you've lost your sense of self since becoming a mother? This is your opportunity to find it again. Join host Krish and special guest Tessa, a professional coach for mothers, for a real-time guided session designed to help you navigate your identity shift. In this workshop, you will be guided through four powerful journaling prompts that explore the concept of Matrescence (the adolescence of motherhood), help you reconnect with your core values, and empower you to commit to one small, gentle action to feel more like yourself again. Don't just listen, participate, and give yourself the gift of guided self-reflection. In this workshop, you will: EXPERIENCE a live-style coaching session.RECEIVE four guided journaling prompts on identity and values.LEARN about Matrescence and why "bouncing back" is a myth.ENJOY a meditation for self-compassion and acceptance.

  8. Mar 6

    Restorative Yoga for Motherhood: How to Find Calm in the Chaos, with Tess Jewell-Larsen

    As a mother, do you feel guilty for resting? Do you use every quiet moment to be productive instead of still? You're not alone. In this episode, host Krish is joined by holistic women's health specialist Tess to discuss why modern motherhood keeps us in a state of constant high alert and how we can reclaim our right to rest. Discover the difference between the "activation" and "rest and repair" modes of your nervous system and why being stuck in "go" mode can affect your hormones, immunity, and mental health. Tess introduces the powerful practice of Restorative Yoga, a form of conscious, supported rest, and guides you through three simple postures you can do at home to find calm in the chaos. This is your permission slip to slow down. In this episode, you will learn: The internal battle between productivity and the body's need for rest.A simple breakdown of the nervous system's "activation" vs. "rest and repair" modes.Why rest is crucial for your immune system, hormones, and emotional well-being.What Restorative Yoga is and how it helps the nervous system feel safe.Three simple, prop-supported poses you can do anytime to find calm.A guided progressive muscle relaxation to release full-body tension.Meet Our Guest: Tess is a holistic woman's health specialist with deep expertise in yoga therapy, somatic healing, Ayurvedic nutrition, pelvic floor health, trauma-informed practices, and Yoga Nidra. She is a beloved teacher in the Krish Yoga studio, leading monthly restorative yoga sessions. Connect with Yoga, Bellies & Babies: Website: www.krishyoga.comInstagram: @krish_yogaFacebook: krishyoga2If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more mamas like you.

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How can you prepare for the journey of pregnancy, birth and parenthood? You can't! It's truly the one journey which can only be learnt from experience. Welcome to the Yoga, Bellies and Babies podcast! I, Krishna Hassomal, together with my guests explore the journey of pregnancy, birth and beyond through yoga, science and personal experiences. Join me for light-hearted and honest conversations with real, everyday people. Learn from other parents, yogis, medical & health professionals on everything from your belly bump, delivery and all the unglamorous minutia of parenthood!

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