I am almost fully recovered from a bad reaction to some medication and feel alert and inspired to build on the success of Yoga Baby. We are on track now to begin filming in the new studio, in high definition, with improved sound and lighting from January 2009! Please let us know if there is anything you would like to see from the show. It is my aim to look at yoga from the first stages of pregnancy, right the way through to having babies, toddlers and older children. The show will have sections for mum on her own, to help baby development, e.g to encourage crawling and relieve any stiffness, for mum and baby/child in playful or relaxing moods and a whole host of other things! Miller and Heidi will of course join me on the show and maybe we will introduce some new mums and their little ones too!
If you watch babies and toddlers you will see they have flexible bodies and a fluidity of movement. They carry their weight forwards and sit in a variety of positions, always moving from one position to another. They naturally fall into yoga asanas which is why it is wonderful to practice with them, it is ourselves who find the moves more unnatural, to them it is second nature. Yet if fluidity of movement and flexibility come naturally, why teach yoga to little people? Read more
This week’s episode delayed for a few days due to reasons in this post! It is a fact that many women suffer badly each month with their cycle whilst others barely notice it. If you fall into the first category, pregnancy and the post-natal period can be a time when you don’t have to think about it. For some, you may be free of your cycle for just a few weeks after birth, for others it may be a year or longer (nursing moms generally have a longer break). Can yoga help when your cycle returns or when you get PMS?
Pregnancy is a great time to try meditation, especially the last few weeks as you slow down. It is vital that you take time to rest and prepare for your new arrival. Whether you have had a child before or if you are about to become a mom/mummy for the first time, it can truly help to take time out to allow not just your body to relax but also to let your mind focus on what is important in your life.
Most of us try and learn some breathing techniques during pregnancy to use during labour. However if you are like me you will probably forget anything you learnt and will have to rely on people telling you how to breath during labour! Here is the one technique I remembered and which came in really handy. It is called Candle breathing and is really simple. Sit in a comfortable position and hold your fingers out infront of your face. Lightly blow on the top of each one as if each finger has a candle light at the top. Blow out all 10, take a deep breath and repeat. You can use this technique if the time arises when you have to resist the urge to push or if you need to regain control of the breath. It will also give you a little time to refocus and give your body valuable oxygen.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/labourandbirth/labour/breathingtechniques/
Learning to sit comfortably in butterfly pose is a great place to start. Butterfly is what is called an opening position and is a great strengthener for the muscles needed for birth. Sitting on a yoga mat (or carpet, a thin cushion or wooden floor if you are comfortable), bend the knees with the feet together and drop the knees gently out to the sides. Take hand of the feet and draw them in towards the body, as close as comfort allows. Feel the head lifting, straightening the back and pulling your upper body slightly forwards. You are bending from the lower back and it is only be a small movement, rolling forwards a little on the tailbone. Note that you are not bending the upper back and pulling the head down, the head is looking forwards, back tall, slightly forwards, knees gently pushing towards the floor.
Try sitting in butterfly each day, even if just for a few minutes. You can spend a little time becoming more aware of your breathing, taking nice long inhalations and exhalations, meditate a little, even sing a song to your baby (it is believed your baby begins to recognize your voice during the second trimester).
Yes, in most circumstances it is not only alright to take a regular yoga practice but yoga during pregnancy can also bring huge benefits; for example, keeping the body flexible, adjusting to your new balance without straining the back, preparing you physically and mentally for the birth, aiding breathing and allowing you to relax.
However, if you do have any concerns you must discuss these with your doctor who can advise you further on the suitability of yoga during this special time.
In this section you will find suggestions for suitable asanas to practice whilst you are waiting for your little bundle to arrive. Here you will also find tips on what not to do to keep you and your baby in the best condition possible.
