Yoga and Pregnancy - Why Do Yoga At This
Time?
by Lisa
Askem
zone3
Yoga is for everyone, any age, men, women and children but is
especially helpful at times of change in our lives. Pregnancy is a time
when extra care should be taken not only in exercise classes but in all
activities and living. Yoga will help maintain a healthy and strong body
during all stages of pregnancy and help women to deliver their babies in a
confident way.
Pregnancy is a natural time for taking care of yourself. For a first
time mother a yoga class will offer a chance to be comfortable in the
changes taking place both physically and mentally. A chance to take a
break, relax into the pregnancy and make contact with her baby. Yoga will
also help prevent all kinds of back problems. It will help to keep blood
pressure low, prevent cramps, varicose veins, it will improve circulation
and prevent swelling of the joints. Breathing will improve and tiredness
will be overcome, good sleep will be induced.
The practise of yoga will also maintain a sense of self in a time of
change. Postures will be taught with encouragement and ideas to help
deliver babies confidently and often without intervention. Yoga can help
with anxiety around the birth and possible depression.
Many mothers come to classes as beginners with no experience of yoga
but have seen articles on how beneficial it is in helping to give birth
naturally. Maternity classes use modified yoga postures with the emphasis
on breathing, strengthening and relaxation. Applicable to all stages of
pregnancy. For those who already practise yoga a maternity class will
provide many tips on how to continue yoga safely during pregnancy.
I believe we should train to have a baby. You wouldn't climb a mountain
or run a marathon without training first, and there is also the other side
to yoga - it is a mind and body practice. The postures will keep the body
strong but the meditative side of yoga is vital. The transition into
motherhood has to be addressed. We live in a culture where we have babies
and rush back to work or put a wash on and go to the supermarket. There is
an expectation that believes we will not change. Yoga can be part of the
rite of passage into motherhood helping to prepare for the changes
ahead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Askem has been teaching pre and post natal yoga in London, England
for over 10 years. She is trained with the British Wheel of Yoga and has
worked with the active birth movement. Lisa teaches at various centres in
South West London including the world renown Harbour Club in Fulham. She
is also involved in providing yoga classes for the National Health Service
Sure Start programme.
http://www.benditlikelisa.co.uk/
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