Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth
Pregnancy is a time where many great changes are occurring within a woman's body and mind. This time can be a wondrous transformative experience that can bring about many different emotions, sensations and challenges. Yoga is a great way to help a woman's body adapt to the physical changes while also providing some much needed relaxation and mindspace to assist the mother's mental and emotional needs. During each class, postures are explored to ease tension and discomfort whilst also engaging in strengthening practices for pelvic floor and an active birth; breath techniques are practised as a tool for relaxing the mind and body as well as for use during labour and birth; a meditative relaxation is included to provide deep relaxation whilst exploring positive visualisations for labour and birth.
The support of a weekly antenatal yoga practice through the pregnancy and into the birth prepares both body and mind for the birth while providing regular time in community with other Mamas to be.
The following benefits can be achieved from attending a course of Yoga for Pregnancy & Birth:
• Develop stamina and strength for pregnancy, labour and birth
• Fine tune your balance both physically and emotionally
• Relieve tension from lower back, hips, chest, upper back, neck and shoulders
• Calm the nervous system, improving digestion and sleep and optimising the immune system
• Prepare for Labour & Birth and feel confident and informed for when the big day arrives
• Deepen the connection with your baby; regular practice allows you to slow down and focus attention on what is going on within your body
• Increase circulation, swelling is decreased and immunity is enhanced, creating a healthy environment for a thriving baby
• Develop a breathwork practice for labour, blood pressure and heart rate is regulated keeping Mamma in parasympathetic/relaxation mode - Calm Mama equals calm baby
• Develop a sense of community/sisterhood - It can be very comforting to be within a group of women who understand what you are going through
• Nurturing time - Carve out this time to allow you to stop and slow down from your busy day. Through the practice of yoga, you are setting an intention to take care of not only yourself, but of your baby
"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers--strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."
-Barbara Katz Rothman