Prenatal Yoga is inspired by the integration of body, mind and spirit during the “primal period”, which includes pregnancy, birth and the baby’s first year. The word yoga means “union” which intimately describes the connection between mother and baby. Pregnancy, birth and motherhood are extraordinary opportunities to experience physical, emotional and spiritual unity. Balancing the mother’s mind and body will directly affect the well-being of her child.
These classes are designed to offer comfortable asanas (yoga poses), praynayama (breath practices), relaxation, meditation and guided imagery to expecting mothers. Yoga keeps the body strong and flexible while quieting the mind. This gives mothers the space they need to connect with their changing bodies and form a bond with their child. Yoga helps to elongate the spine and stretch and strengthen the back to relieve back pain, and helps prepare the back for the physical demands of holding a child. Yoga also teaches us that we can direct the breath into the belly, side ribs and even back to maintain deep and even breathing, reducing stress and anxiety. The use of restorative yoga is highly beneficial in a pre-natal class. Most importantly, the nurturing environment, and support from other expecting mother’s in the class, creates a safe and warm place for a mother-to-be.
One should consult their physician before beginning a pre-natal yoga practice to find out if there are any precautions specific to the expecting mother. It is also important to be aware of any pre-existing physical limitations so the teacher can modify accordingly. There is not a generic yoga practice to suit all pregnant women. Yoga opens the mind to help women understand their bodies and work with their own limitations and pregnancy conditions. The general rule is usually that a woman can continue with movements that she is accustomed to practicing before pregnancy (some may need to be modified) and not to take on any new challenging poses during pregnancy.
