Until very recently, I’ve never had a lot of patience for yoga. Yoga is slow, requires you to be still, quiet and is not a big bang for the buck in terms of time spent and calories burned. So I thought anyway. In college, I was a slave to step aerobics. Hopping and jumping on and around a mini bench in what looked like a dance routine. I graduated to a few sprint triathlons and then a love affair with CrossFit. ALL OUT at Orange Theory Fitness. Give me anything grueling. No pain, no gain. Prenatal yoga didn’t even cross my mind.
The benefits of prenatal yoga
Oh how naive of me! Now in my wiser years, I’ve learned the benefits of yoga. COVID. Single parenthood. Raising teenagers. Constantly weighing the risks and wins of entrepreneurship. Life brings stress and yoga is an excellent tool to manage the squeeze. But what about the benefit for a woman preparing for childbirth?
Prenatal yoga as a coping mechanism
Deep breathing is a no-brainer. We have all used breathing to cope with pain, panic, and fear. I can think of a few instances when deep breathing brought me back to center. I was recently nailed in the face with a soccer ball. Close range. The over 40 women’s team is no joke! I was so stunned, disorientated and in a lot of pain. An opponent went right into mom mode kneeling down close to ear saying BREATHE over and over again. I was able to collect myself, dab a tad of blood with my jersey and get back in the game!
How prenatal yoga prepares you for childbirth
Here are three reasons why you should consider prenatal yoga, from instructor and owner of Body Grace, Paula McGinnis.
1. Yoga tones muscles important for birth
During pregnancy, your body goes through an awful lot of changes. Yes, of course, it needs rest and support, but a healthy dose of exercise is more than helpful. Prenatal yoga gets your blood flowing and provides your and your baby’s body with additional oxygen. Poses and stretches elongate and tone hip, core, and pelvic floor muscle groups that are crucial in both pregnancy and labor.
2. Yoga helps you experience the present moment
Pregnancy can get overwhelming. Whether you’re an expecting momma with zero symptoms or a momma that experiences loads of discomfort, this magical time only lasts for about nine months. So, instead of gritting your teeth through it, prenatal yoga helps you relax and enjoy the present moment. Breathing exercises connect you to your changing body and create a deeper bond with your little one even before birth.
3. Yoga gives you a sense of community
Prenatal yoga makes you a part of a community of like-minded moms who all go through similar obstacles in their pregnancy. Classes sometimes resemble mom groups: people share their presence and talk about their challenges. This way, they find the much-needed support in a room full of fierce moms-to-be that are just like you.
Ready to join your first class?
If you feel like prenatal yoga could be something for you, check out Paula’s Body Grace website for more information.
To connect for breastfeeding support, CLICK HERE to set up next steps so we can make a plan.