The benefits of pregnancy specific yoga
Introduction
Pregnancy is a time of great joy and yet it can also bring great fear, anxiety, conflict and doubt. Pregnancy specific Yoga helps women to adapt gracefully to the changes in their mind and body, and addresses the needs of the growing baby.
Yoga is widely recommended by both doctors and midwives and should be the first choice of exercise for a pregnant woman as it is safe and ideal for preparing for birthing. Pregnancy yoga is entirely different to yoga that is practiced at any other time. The emphasis is on nurturing and supporting the mother, and helping her to physically, mentally and spiritually prepare to birth her baby.
Physical benefits of pregnancy Yoga
- Aids strength through flexibility and supports core muscles to aid good posture
- Helps the changing body to move with physical integration and alignment
- Loosens the hips and pelvis and teaches the connection between the jaw and the pelvis
- Creates the correct combination of movement and stillness to circulate blood and oxygen to the baby, without directing blood to the muscles and therefore away from the uterus
- Eliminates waste and toxins and massages the growing baby
- Prevents niggles turning into chronic conditions
- Encourages OFP (Optimal Fetal Position) enabling a smoother labour for both mother and baby
- Builds pelvic floor awareness and tonicity
- Helps the body into shape post partum
- Teaches how to connect the breath with all parts of the body
Emotional benefits
- Empowers by safely exploring and releasing hidden fears
- Re-connects to the intuitive nature of pregnancy and labour
- Helps build the unique bond between mother and baby
- Techniques relax the mind which create a relaxed body
- Vastly improves energy levels, enter the class feeling drained and leave feeling like a goddess
- Creates a moral support network between students
- Gives the time to reflect on being pregnant
- Encourages deep relaxation
Birthing skills
- Can aid with a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarian)
- Teaches the link between fear, tension and pain
- Opens both the mind and pelvis
- Builds the inner resources, strength and confidence to birth as naturally as possible
- Teaches different active birthing positions
- Instructs on the breaths needed for the different stages of labour
Ailments that can be helped with pregnancy Yoga
- Sciatica
- Low back pain
- SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
- Split Abdominal muscles
- Insomnia
- Edema
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Back Pain
- High Blood Pressure
- Anxiety And Stress
- Breech position
Ideally classes can be taken from 14 – 42 weeks, with postures specified for different stages of pregnancy.
Class timetable
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30pm
@ Yogaviva
Wednesday
6.15 – 7.15pm
7.20 – 8.20pm
@ Yogaviva
Thursday
10.30 – 11.30am
@ Yogaviva
Friday
7.20 – 8.20
8.30 – 9.30pm
@ Yogaviva
Saturday
1.00 – 2.00pm
@ Yogaviva
One to one sessions are available on request at the Plumb Blossom Clinic.
Contacts
Alison Tel. 01245 283251, email info@plumb-blossom.com
Katherine Tel. 01245 266108, email info@yogaviva.co.uk
Positive Birthing Stories
Did you enjoy giving birth?
Did you find it an empowering experience?
Was labour a wonderful time?
Do you think you could give other pregnant women tips about how to have a smooth delivery?
Do you want to help break down the assumption that labour is a painful medical experience?
If you would like to post your positive birthing story onto our satellite web site
www.positivebirthingstories.com then email your story to Alison at info@plumb-blossom.com
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