It feels great – to come to class, meet other pregnant women, stretch, breath and relax all in an environment that's nourishing and uplifting. Regular practice of prenatal yoga will bring about mental and emotional clarity, a greater sense of well-being and the ability to cope with the rapid pace of change that comes with being pregnant. By practicing prenatal yoga you will acquire powerful skills for coping with the ups and downs of daily life – great preparation for parenthood!
A time to consciously connect with your baby – practicing prenatal yoga gives you the time and the practical means to connect with your growing child, to fine tune the rhythms of your day and patterns of your week to accommodate your experience of pregnancy.
Lay down the foundations of motherhood – we work with simple and effective breathing and visualisation techniques to consciously create an internal dialogue between mother and child that is positive and nurturing and will last a life time.
Enhance the flow of energy – prenatal yoga assists on a physical level to improve your posture, this can free up energy that would otherwise be consumed by the task of carrying your growing body around.
Relieve back pain - with regular practice, you will appreciate a more supple and flexible body; increased muscle tone and pelvic stability; improved posture and balance, and diminished back pain.
Make space for your baby – regular practice of prenatal yoga will encourage your body to gently open to make room for your growing baby and prepare for childbirth. Techniques that involve sitting on the floor, squatting and hip opening exercises work to encourage your muscles to relax, become more flexible and gain strength, without force or strain.
Optimal fetal positioning – the asanas (stretches) that we use have been selected to encourage your baby to gently take on the optimal fetal position for childbirth – head down and anterior presentation (baby's back is directed towards your tummy).
Empowering – prenatal yoga has the capacity to empower women to see ourselves as strong and capable and can diminish fears associated with impending childbirth. By regularly practicing yoga through out your pregnancy, you will become empowered with the mental and emotional flexibility and fortitude to face the challenges that childbirth may bring.
And finally, just what constitutes daily prenatal yoga practice? - each woman's experience of pregnancy and childbirth are unique and changes happen at least on a daily basis. It's important to understand that a days' practice may be to simply take ten minutes to stop and consciously breathe and tune in to yourself and your baby.
It's all about consciously moving, breathing, standing, sitting, stretching. It's about choosing to make your experience of pregnancy more comfortable and more joyful.
Who can practice prenatal yoga? These classes are terrific for women from the start of the second term of pregnancy; all levels of fitness ; for both new comers and experienced yoga students. Classes are being held each week in Thornbury and Melbourne.
See class info for times, fees and locations, or contact us.
