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Last year, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting a person who has profoundly changed my life.

Latham Thomas is not only one of the leading birth coaches in the world, but an expert on wellness and how to use yoga and other practices to transform your life.

While I could go on and on about what how wonderful Latham is, I really want to highlight the fact that she’s a role model for not only women around the world, but for us men who are striving to be better partners, fathers, sons, and human beings.

On November 6th, Latham’s new book, “Mama Glow: A Hip Lifestyle Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy” was published and till this day is still the number 1 book on Amazon!

In Mama Glow, she helps women (and men) lead a more balanced life before, during and after pregnancy.

So rather than sharing some of the tips in the book, I wanted to personally interview Latham and ask her some of the questions that were burning inside of me.

1.) In reading your book, I quickly realized that it’s more than just a book; it’s a way of life. Could you please explain what Mama Glow is to you?

Mama Glow is a certain radiance that overcomes a woman who is happy, healthy, and feeling fulfilled in her life. I associate the glow with lifestyle choices aligned with wellbeing, it can be witnessed in beaming bright eyes, vibrant skin, and shimmering hair. Most of all, Mama Glow is an attitude, a way of carrying oneself – owning your fierce power and femininity, and embracing the awesomeness of motherhood. I see it as a movement. 

2.) What motivated you to write Mama Glow? Was it a particular event or a series of moments?

I felt compelled to write Mama Glow because I didn’t have a go-to guide to work with when I was pregnant with Fulano. I was figuring it out as I went along. I want women to not only feel supported and empowered but mobilized to take healthy action in their lives and make choices aligned with a positive set of beliefs. I wanted to promote green living. And ultimately, I wanted to share a different story, one that spoke to modern women living in big cities and in suburbs to address all aspects of their self care – in the kitchen, on the mat, and in their lives.

3.) What do you hope to achieve with Mama Glow?

I am interested in reaching people across the globe with this message: Improving the health of generations by properly engaging mothers with this important work. I will launch consumer products and education products as well. I’ve been a recurring guest in a few episodes of Style Network’s hit show Tia and Tamera – where I am Tamera’s doula – which is bringing these birth concepts to entertainment television. We are excited for 2013 and our partnership with Morgan Stanley where we will launch the first annual Mama Glow Icon annual gala honoring luminary mamas who are spreading their glow in the world. Mama Glow isn’t just a book, it’s a movement. We are about creating change with women and reclaiming our health, our bodies, and our power from deep within – our glow.

4.) A little off topic, but not really…what’s the greatest piece of advice that you’ve ever been given and why?

You can’t break through a glass ceiling without getting cut – it really means that we need to break through and allow ourselves to grow and that personal growth does not come without a price. 

5.) Given that women go through some profound changes during the process of childbirth, many of us men are also going through some major changes but don’t really have a space to talk about it. What advice would you give to men who are also involved in the process of pregnancy?

Papa Glow is all about men surrendering to their inner power and to the power of their partners. Men are often expected to be able to fix everything, have all the answers etc. You can empower yourself through education – learn what you can, read and find other dads-to-be as well as veteran dads that can show you the ropes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I really suggest that couples have a doula – or labor support coach on hand because she will also help with hand holding which all new parents are grateful for. 

6.) Thank you for being such an extraordinary, extraordinary person and for blessing my and countless other peoples lives. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

The building blocks to a successful pregnancy include: 1.) Preconception detoxification – which I outline in the pre-pregnancy section of the book; 2.) A healthy plant based diet of whole foods with a focus on what I’ve termed “glow foods” for optimal wellness; 3.) Yoga or other dynamic movement supporting your joints, muscles and needs of your changing body; 4.) Mindfulness practice including journaling and meditation as well as an affirmation practice, this helps us to develop coping tools that will be helpful in our birth and motherhood, and; 5.) Glow time – take personal time to focus on you – that’s right be selfish, take baths, get a massage, get your hair blown out and your nails done, do a facial at home, relaxing and decompressing helps to reduce stress – putting yourself first is one of the most important things you can learn while pregnant.

7.) Oh and I can not not ask this question, are there any artists or music that you’d recommend for women and men who are in the process of embracing their Mama Glow?

Ah some great music – Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Amadou and Miriam, Jay-Z – Glory, Maxwell, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, music that makes you feel joyful, beautiful, and radiant! Get your GLOW on!

For more information on Latham Thomas and her new book “Mama Glow: A Hip Lifestyle Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy” visit http://www.mamaglow.com

Mike de la Rocha is an LA-based musician, writer and the founder of onestorymanyvoices.com. To find out more about Mike visit mikedelarocha.com and follow him on Twitter @mrmikedelarocha.