Yoga & pregnancy

Why do Yoga when you are pregnant?

Yoga postures (asana), breathing (pranayama), meditation and deep relaxtion help during pregnancy to:

• Help you through the physical changes that occur, by improving your posture and aligning your body; keeping it supple and strong throughout your pregnancy and baby's birth;

• Create more space for you to breath and digest food, as your baby grows;

• Reduce common pregnancy aliments and discomfort, such as back ache, general aches and pains and heartburn;

• Boost circulation and help with fluid retention;

• Boost energy levels and relieve stress and anxiety;

• Strengthen the pelvic muscles (useful for birthing and of course afterwards);

• Encourages breath and body awareness, teaching you to adapt to new situations;

• Help mothers be mentally and emotionally prepared for the birth;

• Provides breathing and relaxation techniques to practise during pregnancy and afterwards to aid restful sleep;

• Provide breathing and relaxation techniques to practise to aid the birth and relieve pain;

• Bond with your unborn child by turning the focus inward, especially during breathing and relaxation;

• Practising how to breathe and relax, in turn can help you adjust to the physical demands of labour, birth, and motherhood; and

• Meet other lovely Mama's-to-be, share experiences and make some friends in an easy-going setting.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear loose, comfy clothes that you can move around in easily. If you have a Yoga mat, bring it along with you.

Is yoga for me?

Starting yoga is no different to starting any other form of exercise - the same advice applies. If you are not used to regular exercise then you should start slowly from 16 weeks. If in doubt please consult your doctor or midwife.

Try to drink lots of water before and after yoga to keep your body hydrated and help flush out toxins.

Testimonials:

"My weekly yoga classes with Clare were fantastic.  It gave me time to bond with my second baby and relax. I loved the fact Clare would tailor the class to everyone's mood and would recommend postures to alleviate discomfort you happened to be experiencing. As this was my second pregnancy I knew the importance of breathing during labour and Clare really focuses on this.  Both the midwives during my subsequent labour commented on how great my breathing was and this enabled me to have a completely natural labour and amazing birth experience for myself and my gorgeous new son Rory." Laura Hodgson, Brighton

Yoga Mamas likes:

ABC Magazine www.abcmag.co.uk

FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHY Family & Kids Photography and Prints... for gifts and keepsakes... Click here for DF Photography

Simply Organised to help you sort, organise, declutter and prepare for moving (and nesting!) Simply Organised

My Net Therapy www.mynettherapy.com

Yoga Pages www.yogapages.co.uk

Karen Knight Brightons fabulous Hypno-Birthing Courses available nowwww.hypnobabes.co.uk

Mums & Babies Oestopaths at HoveOsteopathic Clinic www.hoveosteopathicclinic.co.uk /mumsbabyosteopaths

Yoga Mamas©