Benefits of a Prenatal Yoga Practice...
Increases overall strength, flexibility & well-being — When you practice yoga, you
are not only stretching and strengthening your muscles, you are stretching the connective
tissues that encase your muscles, stimulating your internal organs, and improving the circulation of blood and other bodily
fluids. This, in combination with breath awareness, and an inward focus, bring about a better state of physical and reduced
stress during pregnancy, during labor and for raising that baby!
Reduces low back & sciatica pain — There is a
strong emphasis in all yoga classes on correct posture. Learning and being aware of this can help to reduce the pelvic tilt
associated with pregnancy and significantly reduce the lower back pain which poor posture can cause. Specific yoga poses target
stretching the muscles and tissues associated with the lower back, hips, and hamstrings.
Reduces aches in the middle & upper regions of the spine —
During pregnancy, it can be difficult to find a comfortable position for yourself and the baby when trying to sleep, the result
of which can cause aches and pain in your upper back and neck. Certain yoga poses create more fluidity in the spine by stretching
the muscles in between the vertebra.
Reduces swelling & inflammation around your joints —
The improved circulation of blood and oxygen throughout your body that yoga brings can reduce swelling and inflammation around
ankles and wrists.
Improves digestion — As your baby grows, your intestinal
organs get pushed around, which may affect your regularity and cause indigestion. Safe and gentle rotations and forward folds
can help to promote regularity and aid in overall digestive flow.
Helps prepare you for giving birth — A regular practice
of squatting poses with root lock or kegel like movements can help tone the muscles of your pelvic floor for supporting the
extra weight you carry during pregnancy and to aid in delivery. This will give you an understanding of how to push if you
have had an epidural and have lost sensation in your pelvic floor. If you delivery naturally, these muscles will work efficiently
and effectively to aid you when nature calls to push your baby into the world. Many prenatal yoga poses are ideal positions
to take to remain comfortable during contractions and for relaxation between contractions.
Provides Support — Participating in a group prenatal class
provides a community of support, a connection with other pregnant women, allowing the opportunity for inward reflection, and
promotes the of sharing physical and emotional conditions and learning from others' experiences. This can be a great benefit
to a woman who has some apprehension about delivery and motherhood. Perhaps you will make some longtime friendships with other
moms.
Benefits after Bring Baby Home...
Taking Care — Yoga helps prepare you for after the baby
is born also. Parenting can be a stressful and an exhausting experience. The awareness of your physical and emotional
sensations is the first step to stepping back and taking care of yourself. In other words...don’t forget about yourself,
so that you can graciously and effectively take care of your new loved one and the rest of your family!
Yoga is Not Selfish, it is Self Empowerment!
