by Janice Clarfield
What is YOGA? The word yoga is translated from Sanskrit to mean union, that is union of the body, mind and spirit. From a yogic point of view, life is to be enjoyed and experienced fully. With pregnancy, there is more joy.
What is PRENATAL YOGA? Prenatal Yoga is the nurturing activity undertaken when time is spent (a little or a lot) to gently relax, release and attune to the body and the rapidly growing baby within. The natural, vital and restorative energies of the body and mind are enhanced through gentle yoga postures.
When pregnant, one feels the strains of the ever changing body, particularly the new demands upon the back. Yoga work counterbalances the growing abdomen and maintains good posture. Stretching while strengthening helps to release the pelvic opening in preparation for birth. Toning the pelvic floor allows for a more controlled birthing, lessens complications and enhances post natal healing.
Breath work is practiced in preparation for responding to labor by coordinating the breath with the rhythms of contractions. Breathing awareness is essential for relaxation, comfort and confidence. The intention of the practice of breath work and mindfulness is to prepare the body and the mind to birth as normally, actively, naturally and consciously as possible. The need for medical intervention is decreased. With Prenatal Yoga, birthing women face the normal fears and claim their self empowerment, courage and confidence to face the mystery of birth.
Just being in a body that is home for two is a yoga. The pregnant body is naturally and miraculously in a state of enhanced energy and creativity. Taking time to pause from the stream of day to day activity to connect with the body enables one to experience and enjoy these augmented senses.
With hormonal changes, emotions are also heightened. Whether they be in the realm of joy or sorrow, love or anger, feelings may be experienced with surprising depth and in rapidly changing rhythms. Noticing and allowing oneself to feel emotions fully has a positive effect on the mom’s health and therefore on your baby's well being too.
All women experience some fear of labor. A simple foundation in yoga prepares you to face childbirth with courage. To be relaxed and confident during labor reduces fear, tension and fatigue. Flexibility and calm ease the birthing process, thus reducing pain and increasing the joy of giving birth.
While practicing yoga, the relationship with the baby deepens - physically, mentally and spiritually. It is a time to be mindful of the miracle of the creation of new life, and to be attentive to the impact of this major life passage. Taking time in this way allows the quickly passing nine months to be cherished.
Even if a woman has never practiced yoga, being pregnant can provide the motivation for beginning this healthful practice which will post natal recovery, and that can be carried on long after your baby is born. Yoga practice becomes a source of strength and love, during and after pregnancy.
Janice Clarfield offers Prenatal Yoga Teacher Trainings internationally. Janice sits on the Prenatal Yoga Advisory Committee for Yoga Alliance, USA. She is the author of a Prenatal Yoga study guide and has recorded a CD for pregnancy and birth preparation.
For further information: www.urbanyoga.ca
And don't miss Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training beginning on Monday, August 11th with Janice Clarfield. |
