Since starting practice, I have become very aware of how someone’s mind can affect their body and how the state of their body can affect their mind. Within the past year, ample amounts of research has erupted surrounding “mindfulness” and being aware of your mind’s connection with your body and slowing down to enhance that connection to improve your health. Understanding this connection can be extremely beneficial in pregnancy and preparing for birth.
Yoga is designed to enhance that connection through thought and movement, and being aware of how your body is feeling at all times.
Why I recommend prenatal yoga:
Prenatal yoga helps you connect with your body, feel your baby, learn to connect to your breathe, all while helping to strengthen your body for birth.
Other benefits of prenatal yoga include:
Improved sleep
Increased strength, flexibility and endurance
Decreased lower back pain
Decreased nausea
Decreased carpal tunnel syndrome
Decreased headaches
Reduced risk of preterm labor
What to know before choosing a prenatal yoga class:
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking into prenatal classes in your area.
Do not push yourself: Remember, prenatal yoga is for you to relax and connect with your body. Do you push yourself physically. Your prenatal yoga instruction should be certified and trained to be able to let you know when you rest and when to modify a position for you.
Yoga is not safe for everyone mom: Ask your midwife, OB or prenatal care provider if yoga is safe for you. If you are in preterm labor or have had any other complications such as bleeding or early contractions, yoga is likely not for you.
Ensure the class is PRENATAL YOGA: Not all yoga is safe for pregnant women. Ensure the classes is listed as a prenatal class and your instructor is certified in prenatal yoga. If you do not have a class near you, you may be able to find some online that you can do from your home.
Another benefit of prenatal yoga is you are among women who are also pregnant and enduring similar transitions as you have been. Establishing a tribe of like-minded women can ease your transition into motherhood. The first year after baby is born can be challenging. Starting to create a network of amazing women in your community can enhance your feeling of connection and support.
Start building your tribe. They say it takes a village to raise a baby, and I cannot tell you enough how much I believe this to be true. So, I encourage you to find a prenatal yoga class that will enhance your confidence and strength for birth, as well as increase your connection among women in your community.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Caitlin Zietz, B.Sc., D.C.
Founder & Creator, BirthBody Inc.