There are SO many benefits of incorporating Yoga into your daily routine while pregnant. Beyond the obvious physical benefits like building strength, stamina, and balance, increasing energy, and relieving the common discomforts of pregnancy, there are many mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits as well. A major component of any Yoga practice is breath work. Tuning in to your breath, noticing its flow as it moves in, through, and out of the body helps you to feel grounded and centred. This aids in calming the nervous systems of both you and your baby. Being in a more relaxed state decreases tension and stress, reduces anxiety, allows more positive hormones to be transferred to the baby, improves sleep, and can help you retain a sense of peace and calm throughout the many transitions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Attending a prenatal class with other expecting mamas is a great way to connect with others who are in the same phase of life as yourself. Community building at this time is so important! Having others to share all of the ups and downs with who understand what you are experiencing is vital for your mental and emotional wellbeing. These classes offer a safe environment to share discomforts, joys, fears, and questions, allowing for the sharing of knowledge and the passing down of a legacy of wisdom. Many of the poses and techniques taught in prenatal Yoga will benefit you during childbirth such as various labouring and birthing positions, breath practices, meditations and affirmations. Having dedicated time to devote to these practices during pregnancy will prepare you physically, mentally, and emotionally for the birthing process. Prenatal Yoga paves the way to creating a welcoming space in body and mind, a time of connection, rest, and a nurturing of self, all while deepening your bond with your baby. As with all forms of exercise, it’s important to have the go-ahead from your healthcare provider before beginning any kind of routine. There are many different approaches to prenatal exercise, so be sure to ask lots of questions of potential teachers to be sure their class will be the right fit for you. In my classes I take a gentler, more restorative approach to the asanas. I believe your body is already working so hard building this new life inside of you, and with our busy day-to-day lifestyles we often don't give ourselves adequate time to truly rest and replenish our minds and bodies. Breath work, meditations, affirmations, birth prep, and discussions around topics relating to the prenatal and immediate postpartum period help round out the classes. I personally have experienced the many benefits of a regular yoga practice throughout pregnancy and postpartum, and during the birthing process (x3!). And the benefits don't stop there. Maintaining a sense of peace and calm, and being able to take a step back from my surroundings to be in more of a witness state helps me to be less reactionary and more responsive. Which benefits not only myself, but also my partner and my children. This mindfulness is an ongoing process, that is why it is called a practice! But with continued practice the effects ripple out to our families, our communities, and ultimately, out to the world at large. For a great visual of the ripple effect our practices have, check out the video below of this cute frog singing his heart out! Much Love xox
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AuthorHi! I'm a Mama of 3, an Ayurveda Spa Specialist, Pre and Post Natal Yoga Teacher, Postpartum Facilitator, and Postpartum Doula. I am passionate about caring for birthers during the Sacred Window of postpartum, and educating others on how to care for the new families in their lives. Archives
August 2021
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