Prenatal Yoga: Focus and Benefits
The most common things we tend to focus on in Prenatal yoga are:
- Back pain
- Nausea and Constipation
- Varicose Veins
- Swelling and Inflammation around the feet/hands
- Sciatica
- Headaches
- Fear and Worry
- Positions woman can use during labor and childbirth
- Pelvic floor
- and much more….
There are so many emotional and physical benefits gained from prenatal yoga! We do exercises to strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles, improve circulation to both mother and baby, exercise the spine and increase overall comfort. The girls in the classes develop a deeper understanding and connection with their babies, bodies and also learn important relaxation techniques to keep them stress and worry free. The class is also a great support system for the women. The ladies really enjoy chatting with each other and bonding over pregnancy blooper stories!
In the Parent and Baby yoga class I bring my baby Jaia to class with me! He is 8 months and has been a wonderful assistant and he is probably CNY’s youngest employee!! haha. Just like Prenatal yoga, I ask the parents what they would like to work on and how they are feeling. I mention that the class is a comfortable supportive place, so if a baby gets fussy or needs some loving, parents are free to take a break to feed, change diapers, kiss, cuddle or do what ever the baby needs to feel blessed during their time at CNY. Happy baby=Happy parent!
Benefits of Postnatal Yoga for the Parent
Mom’s will regain strength, energy and stamina that was lost during the pregnancy and birth. All exercises are safe and geared toward the postnatal body, focusing on rebuilding strength within the abdominal area, pelvic muscles and back. Mom’s will learn how to release tension in the neck and shoulders as well as bring balance back to the spine after experiencing the stresses of pregnancy and labor. Infants enjoy spending quality one on one time with their Mom or Dad.
Benefits for the Baby:
Tactile, auditory and visual contact is important for child’s brain development and emotional well-being and can help assimilate trust and security. Trust and security lead to development of self confidence, the foundation of a balanced body, mind and spirit. By practicing certain postural sequences the parents can help establish routine, which builds on the babies knowledge of anticipation which can help develop language. Their baby may also sleep better and longer as a result of the physical and mental stimulation gained during postnatal yoga.
Mothers recovering from Cesarean delivery should wait at least 6-10 weeks then get the “green light” from their care provider before enrollment in yoga. Mothers that are recovering from vaginal birth should wait 4-6 weeks and also get the “green light” from their care provider. Adoptive caregiver or Partners can begin at anytime.
Don’t forget I also teach a yoga class for everyone on Thursday’s! This class is open to students of all levels. Each class is specifically designed around the individual students needs and progress, helping them stay challenged. We connect the breath with the movement of the body during the “flow” of yoga, which helps the busy mind relax.
Christa Corsaro Tyson, Certified Yoga Instructor