Namaste

As one of my New Year's "Resolutions" I have decided make a more consistent effort towards my yoga practice. Prior to getting pregnant, I often took yoga and even Bikram yoga classes, but over time I have allowed myself to stop going in place of other activities. Now that baby J has arrived, I am committed once again (and will hopefully stay committed) to yoga.

You'll hear it again and again - exercise is very important during pregnancy.  Not just to for keeping your figure (what's left of it) but for strengthening and toning your body in preparation for the arduous journey ahead. Yoga as a practice is great for the mind, body and soul. As an expecting mother, yoga has many benefits pre, during and post labor. Here are a few:

• Yoga encourages us to go within and listen to our bodies, quiet our mind and develop the intuition and innate wisdom that lies within each of us. 
• Yoga teaches us to honor where we are at each given minute. Each woman's pregnancy i.e. experience, size, and timing is unique unto herself and it is important not to compare yourself with others. 
• Practicing yoga with other pregnant women can become a special time to re-connect to yourself and baby, and can also be a time to meet other women and build friendships, community and support.
• Yoga increases circulation and reduces swelling, providing more blood flow and oxygen to the baby. 
• Many times during pregnancy breathing becomes restricted. Yoga teaches us that we can breathe into our belly, ribs and back to maintain deep and even breathing, thus reducing stress and anxiety.
• As the belly and breasts grow, lower back pain may occur. Yoga elongates the spine, stretches and strengthens the back relieving back pain, thus preparing mommy for the physical demands of carrying baby before and after birth. 
• Proper posture provides optimum internal space for baby, breath and all internal organs. Yoga also minimizes water retention, which causes the swelling of legs, ankles and hands, alleviates mood swings, helps control weight gain, decreases anxiety and stress, insomnia, constipation and fatigue.
• Yoga helps still the mind. By learning breathing exercises, one can learn to calm the mind and body and develop a greater sense of inner focus and peace. 
• Yoga helps with physical balance and can stretch and strengthen the body, keeping muscles strong, yet flexible.
• If you regularly practiced yoga before you are pregnant, you may notice during pregnancy an increase in flexibility in the hips and the abs can become stronger which can help push the baby through the birth canal. Strong breathing techniques help a woman get through the most difficult parts of labor and delivery.
• Yoga also teaches the process of letting go and surrendering to the moment. Yoga teaches us to be 'open to the moment, having no expectations.' It is important to go into labor and delivery with an open mind because situations can change. Remaining calm, remembering to breath is good for mom and baby.
• The most important thing you can gift to yourself and your growing baby is the time (even if it's 5-10 minutes) to connect in feeling with yourself and your child whether sitting quiet in meditation, standing strong in Warrior 2 or relaxing in a deep, quieting savasana (relaxation pose). Take the time to honor and relish in each exquisite, sacred moment of pregnancy.    

I  have enrolled in a Prenatal Yoga class at Harmony Birth & Family Center in Campbell.  Beyond yoga, Harmony offers prenatal and birthing classes, Pilates, dance, massage, therapy and wellness services. All of which I fully intend to take advantage of, especially the prenatal massage! Today was my second class at Harmony and I can already feel myself strengthening and improving from last week.  Yoga has a way of finding your weaknesses and kicking your butt.   It is my hope that in addition to the other exercises that I do to keep baby J and myself healthy, that yoga will prepare my body and mind for birth.   With consistent and prolonged practice, your body can become toned, strong and in balance. I also really enjoy the time to breath, focus and connect with Baby J.  

 The classes at Harmony are great because they really emphasize connecting with your baby and yourself.  It is very easy for me to go about my day without much thought about the life that lives within me - especially at this stage when my body isn't painfully aware of the baby's presence yet.  I am still blissfully happy in pregnancy but it is just a matter of time before the aches and pains become a reality. I appreciate my time in class when the baby and I can bond, and as they say, be on the mat together.