Yoga is synonymous with union. There is probably no better and more profound time for a woman to explore her potential for union than when her body, mind and soul are devoted to the union between herself and the unborn child(ren) inside her.
Prenatal yoga is a beautiful way to connect with yourself and your baby (or babies) during pregnancy whilst also feeling well and supported in your body. If thought mindfully by a specifically trained yoga teacher, it is both gentle and low impact, while offering physical and mental benefits.
Bonding with baby (or babies). In all my Prenatal yoga classes, we will put great emphasis on the connection between mother and baby, utilising many ways to bond with baby during class. One particular way is through the medium of breath. Positive affirmations and visualisations are another wonderful way to bond with baby. We use positive birth affirmations to create resonating ‘mantras’ and introduce positive messages to our subconscious mind. Specifically designed meditations are another wonderful tool we use in each class.
Yoga helps you face the physical demands of labor, birth, and new motherhood. Yoga teaches you how to breathe deeply and consciously relax. Learning to breathe fully is one of the first things you’ll learn in a yoga class. To use the breathing technique practised in yoga, known as ujjayi, you take in air slowly through your nose, fill your lungs as you expand your belly, and exhale completely through your nose until your stomach compresses. In my classes, we typically explore other breathing techniques, including Humming Bee Breath (Bhramari Pranayama) and Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana). All of those will also be of great benefit as you navigate the challenges of new motherhood.
Relief for common pregnancy aches and pains. Gain flexibility where you need it and strength where you need it. It’s true that yoga can help significantly reduce muscle tension, pelvis and hip pain, low back pain, carpal tunnel, and many other pregnancy problems.
Prenatal yoga primes you for labor and childbirth. Learning ujjayi breathing helps you stay calm when you need it most. When you’re in pain or afraid, your body produces adrenaline and may produce less oxytocin, a hormone that makes labor progress. A regular yoga practice will help you resist the urge to tighten up when you feel pain. By practising relaxation in yoga, you’ll find yourself better equipped to handle stressful situations.
You can find a healthy community. The benefits of yoga aren’t limited to your pregnancy and physical wellbeing. Taking a prenatal yoga class is a great way to meet other pregnant women and to become part of a community. Personally, I formed some great friendships during my prenatal classes that lasted well into motherhood and offered a circle of like-minded women during early motherhood.
Pregnancy or Prenatal yoga truly is a special time to connect with yourself and a bond with your baby. I am a fully trained Pre & Post Natal Yoga Teacher through IYTA Australia and have gained first-hand wisdom and insights through my own pregnancy journey with my beautiful twins Louis and Lily. Please enquire via the Contact form.
