Pre & Post Natal Yoga

Through the great physical experience of pregnancy a woman often becomes hyperaware of the many changes her body is going through. Yoga allows her to adapt more gracefully to these changes, and to feel a sense of integration and appreciation for her body.

Many women find that regular yoga practice helps to reduce swelling, back and leg pain, and insomnia.  As well as increasing flexibility, strength, circulation and balance.

Circulation increase and reduction in swelling, provides more blood flow and oxygen to the baby. Often during pregnancy, breathing becomes restricted. Yoga teaches us that we can breathe into our belly, ribs and back to maintain deep and balanced breathing, thus reducing stress and anxiety.

As the belly and breasts grow, lower back pain may occur. Yoga elongates the spine, stretches and strengthens the back to relieve back pain to prepare the woman for the physical demands of carrying a baby before and after birth.

Proper posture is important in helping to alleviate the discomforts of the changing body. Proper posture provides optimum internal space for baby, breath and all internal organs. Yoga also minimizes water retention, which causes the swelling of legs, ankles and hands; alleviates mood swings, helps control weight gain, decreases anxiety and stress, constipation and fatigue.

Yoga helps still the mind. By learning breathing exercises, one can learn to calm the mind and body and develop a greater sense of inner focus and peace. Yoga helps with physical balance and can stretch and strengthen the body, keeping muscles strong, yet flexible.

Postnatal yoga can be started about six weeks after the birth. The sessions are more vigorous, with a strong focus on strengthening abdominal muscles and your pelvic floor, and getting back to your pre-pregnancy fitness level.

Pregnant women should first discuss starting any exercise program with their primary care provider. Many healthcare advocates and yoga teachers advise not starting a yoga program until a pregnancy has reached week 12.