Prenatal Yoga
Much like other types of childbirth-preparation classes, prenatal yoga is a multi-layered approach to exercise during pregnancy that encourages stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. Prenatal yoga has been shown to be safe and can have many benefits for pregnant women and their babies. As always, check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine while pregnant.
What will we be doing?
A typical prenatal yoga class will involve:
Breathing.
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You'll be encouraged to focus on breathing slowly and deeply through the nose. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques might help you reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and work through contractions during labor.
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Gentle stretching.
You'll be encouraged to gently move different areas of your body, such as your neck and arms, through their full range of motion.
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Postures.
While standing, sitting or lying down, you'll gently move your body into different positions aimed at developing your strength, flexibility and balance.
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Cool down and relaxation.
At the end of each prenatal yoga class, you'll relax your muscles and restore your resting heart rate and breathing rhythm. You'll be encouraged to listen to your own breathing, pay close attention to sensations, thoughts and emotions, or repeat a mantra or word to bring about a state of self-awareness and inner calm.
Classes are being planned for the coming months. Fill in the form below to be included on our email/text list and you'll be notified when the next Prenatal Yoga sessions are scheduled.
Benefits
Prenatal yoga benefits pregnant people by reducing stress and anxiety, improving physical fitness and flexibility, and helping to prepare the body for labor and childbirth through specific poses and breathing techniques. It can also help manage common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and insomnia. Maybe best of all, classes create a supportive community for expecting mothers to improve their mental and physical health.