Skip to Main Content

Tough Mudder or Tough Mother?

by Elise Bowerman

Seven million people are paying to experience extreme pain.

Tough Mudder is a half-billion dollar industry – and growing rapidly!

When I heard about the documentary, Rise of the Sufferfests, about Tough Mudder - immediately my mind went to how childbirth offers women the chance for achievement, to feel powerful, confident and awesome. All the quotes just in this opening trailer highlight the gifts childbirth offers women.

“Everyone wants to have proof of existence, proof they’re somebody…”

When you birth your baby the proof of existence is staring straight into your eyes. Prove your are somebody by being present with your child(ren) – emotionally and physically engaged. That’s super tough!

“We live in a world where we don’t get scars, we get paper cuts.”

That’s why we need to birth our children with resilience, strength and trust. No escaping the discomfort – facing it head on. The power of the contractions are not stronger than any one woman, because they come from the woman.

“We are infatuated with our social identities.”

Post your sweat and tears of pregnancy and birthing. No one will work harder than a birthing woman. #sweetmommayoga 

Tough Mudder or Tough Mother? - Birth Humanity - Southeast Michigan Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal Yoga - birthing_woman“When am I an adult? We are seeking those rituals.”

Ah, how about the ritual of pregnancy and childbirth?! It’s a big deal! We’ve lost the ritual aspect of caring and honoring the pregnant and birthing woman. This is a sign we need to get back to our roots as primal humans giving respect for the birthing process.

(That quote was said by a female.)

“Everybody wants to go to sleep at night thinking I can’t believe I did that.”

That’s exactly what every birthing woman thinks once baby’s in the outside world. Childbirth is a miraculous event!

“If we’re not being tested and challenged then we just cannot grow.”

Over 60% of women are numbing this transformative experience with the use of an epidural or spinal anesthesia. There is no wonder why our culture continues to seek outside sources for stimulus and achievement.
 

As a prenatal chiropractor, I have worked closely with Elise and many of her prenatal yoga students in the past 2 years. I consistently find that the women under my care that are also attending regular prenatal yoga classes with Elise experience less discomfort in their pregnancy, report stronger emotional connections to their bodies, and they consistently state they feel better prepared for labor and delivery. If you are looking for a way to safely exercise but also want a beautiful way to connect with your body prior to delivery seek out classes with Sweet Momma Yoga. Lastly, Elise goes above and beyond to create a sense of community for her students. She has created a thriving group of moms that support one another outside of the classes and virtually. - Kelsi McClure, DC, Lone Tree CO
I’ve participated in Sweet Momma Yoga during both of my pregnancies and have benefited each time. Even on days when I feel tired and just wanted to put my feet up, I always felt better after class knowing that I am taking the best care of myself and my baby. Elise does an amazing job of making all of the moms feel welcome and comfortable no matter what previous yoga experience they’ve had. I got more out of Sweet Momma Yoga than I ever expected, benefiting both my pregnancy and birthing experiences. I would recommend to any expecting momma! - Deirdre L., Livonia MI