For many women pregnancy is the first time that they practice yoga and it can open up a whole new way of living, inviting you to slow down, connect with your ever changing body, nurture your mind and build your confidence. Turning inwards as you go through this metamorphosis from maiden to mother is so important to allow you to build faith in yourself to birth and mother your baby.
When most people think of the benefits of pregnancy yoga they may well focus in on the physical benefits – and there is no doubt that practicing can improve your flexibility and strength as well as alleviate common pregnancy discomforts like back pain. However, there are also many mental benefits, taking time to slow down and connect with your baby can be really beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety and offer time for relaxation.
Furthermore, there is the benefit of practicing breathing techniques and movements for birth itself – practicing these frequently in pregnancy can allow them to sink into your subconscious so that when the time comes to birth your baby you have the tools you need to cope with whatever comes your way.
Wow, you’ve birthed your baby…you are a superstar! Now you might want to start reconnecting with how your body feels after childbirth. Postnatal yoga can aid in regaining strength and there is a big focus on reconnection with the pelvic floor. Plus, postnatal yoga is one of the only classes out there that is dedicated to you. Yes, baby comes along but all the focus is on you, nurturing your recovery from birth and easing you into motherhood in a supportive, welcoming environment. And you might just have a few aches and pains from awkward sleeping and feeding positions so it’s always satisfying to ease them out!
Building your village in pregnancy is so beneficial. Not only can you share the twists and turns of pregnancy but you are building your support system for when baby arrives. Trying to get out to groups when baby arrives can be really daunting, walking into a room full of strangers might feel overwhelming so it’s great when you have already started to make local connections in pregnancy.
Connecting with other expecting or new mothers can certainly provide a sense of belonging and understanding – when you’ve been up half the night feeding and soothing your baby it is tough. There’s nothing better than when you have the listening ear of someone who truly knows what you are going through.
Attending a yoga class is great, but it’s even better if you are able to take some of those practices into your everyday life – they become little rituals which nourish and anchor you. Whether it’s a particular breathing practice you enjoy or moving your body when you wake, it’s these little things which can really offer lasting health benefits. They help you to focus on your own self care at a time when your body and mind are consumed with caring for your baby.
So, we know that prenatal and postnatal yoga is beneficial for the body and mind, and it also helps you to connect with your baby – both when you are pregnant and when they are earthside – the babies love watching their Mummies make movements and shapes they haven’t seen before!
If you haven’t tried yoga previously it’s well worth considering whether now is a time of your life where you might find it valuable. Becoming a mother is a rite of passage and yoga can really play a part in encouraging you to feel empowered and thrive through this life changing journey.
Jenna Foster is the founder of Intuition Yoga offering pregnancy and postnatal yoga classes for mothers in Wimborne, Dorset.
