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pre + post natal Prenatal yogaThe way we bring our babies into the world creates a lasting imprint upon them. If we nurture them with peacefulness, joy and balance, they will carry that energy with them from the womb and out into the world around them. In a world filled with fear, ignorance and disconnection from nature, we teach our children a valuable lesson through raising our own consciousness during pregnancy and birth. The yogis believe that the practice of yoga during pregnancy creates a positive imprint on the unborn child, preparing them for a life of higher consciousness and awareness. Any of the benefits that are received by the mother, are directly passed onto her baby. These effects can clearly be seen in yoga babies who tend to be happy and alert, yet calm. Through the practice of prenatal yoga, expectant mammas can develop strength, stamina and stability while becoming aware of how the practice needs to be modified for their changing bodies. In my classes a lot of time is devoted to cultivating awareness of the breath and to what’s going on within the body, especially the belly. With this connection we turn inwards to cultivate internal resources we will draw on during labor and birth. Through challenging postures, we explore the difference between discomfort, stretching and pain and discover ways to relax through it all. Meanwhile, we embrace and honor the beauty of pregnancy and prepare for an empowered, mindful, and often natural birth. Relaxation and meditation techniques from HypnoBirthing and mindfulness meditation are weaved into every class. Both seasoned practitioners and those new to yoga are welcome and find my classes to be both challenging and relaxing, each woman practicing at a depth and intensity that’s appropriate for where she’s presently at. Women with injuries, complications or in “high risk” situations are welcome in class (with their health care provider’s approval) and are given appropriate modifications and/or specific poses or sequences to accommodate their special concerns. Expecting mammas are encouraged to bring their doulas, friends, mothers and sisters to class. The classes are challenging, yet rejuvenating, and women are encouraged to follow their intuition, listen to their bodies and work at a level that’s appropriate for how they’re feeling that day. Throughout class I address the use of yoga postures, meditation, breathing techniques and body awareness during the birthing process. Some of the additional therapeutic benefits of yoga for pregnancy and postpartum include: increased confidence and self esteem, improved circulation, strengthening of the pelvic floor and uterus, stabilizing the SI joints, increased overall muscle strength and tone, soothing nausea, balancing hormones, turning a breech or OP fetus, soothing anxiety, fears and depression, easing or eliminating back pain, improved mental focus, reduction of swelling, aiding digestion, and much more. In addition to my weekly public classes, I teach a three-hour Prenatal Partner Yoga and Massage workshop about once every 6-8 weeks, with Jane Austin. If my workshop schedule isn’t compatible with yours, a small group or private session can easily be arranged. In this workshop we teach you and your partner yoga, massage, acupressure, breath-work and relaxation that can be used for comfort and bonding during pregnancy, labor and birth. Private postnatal yoga sessions are available in your own home, where I can show you how to integrate yoga into your daily routine with your new baby. I also teach general all-levels Hatha yoga classes that are appropriate for postpartum moms ready to get back to their own yoga practice (as well as their partners). Depending on how your birth and postpartum healing goes, women usually come back to yoga after 4-6 weeks, though for some it may be longer. |
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