Yoga

[bronxmom]

I know prenatal yoga is good for pregnancy and want to start doing it in the 2nd trimester (I'm totally paranoid about the first 12 weeks b/c of previous m/c). But on the homebirth board I read something about yoga during labor to ease labor pain. Does anyone know anything about that or any thoughts? I'm fairly new to yoga, but do see it being one of the best things to do during pregnancy to get my body in shape.

[AmieV]

1) Yoga focuses on breath awareness and deep, centered breathing, so this is immensely helpful for some during labor.
2) yoga works on flexibility and also gets you into some very comfortable positions you may not have thought about before hand so also puts some of those ideas in your toolkit. So it physically stretches and conditions you for birth and provides coping techniques too.

I personally feel as though the one influencing factor in the succes of my two prior births is yoga. I did yoga before I became pregnant, and actually credit it for getting my head straight and centered and able to conceive again quickly after a traumatic miscarriage. As a doula I am always THRILLED to have clients who practice yoga. One of my last clients was a yoga instructor and she birthed just beautifully.

So obviously, yeah, I'm a HUGE fan of yoga, prenatal and otherwise. I'll probably continue the regular class I take until I get too big and uncomfortable!

[heatherh]

I'm thinking of trying a yoga class - I'm looking at it as a way to give myself more TLC and to help counteract the stress due to a previous m/c. Plus I really don't want to feel as yucky in the first trimester this time. I've never tried it before, but I think I'm going to check out a few prenatal classes that are near where I live. Based on the descriptions I've seen it seems like they do cover some comfort/labor prep type positions.

[JenInMpls]

I'm doing prenatal yoga already because (1) I had a back injury in February from inline skating (was training for a marathon, pushed myself too hard) and needed some core work anyway, and (2) I always feel better in my first tri if I work up a sweat.

I'm taking classes at a local independent studio that focuses on moms - prenatal, post-natal, bring your baby, etc. I'm always the "least" pregnant of any of the moms there but it still feels good and I am not worried about whether any of the poses might be inappropriate for pregnancy.

And - practicing squatting opens up the hips 28% more!! (My teacher would be so proud of me for remembering that stat!!)

[heatherh]

Whoa. 28% is a good stat to remember.

Tried my first class tonight. Pretty small with only 6 of us, but it was very mellow. In a good way. Challenging, but relaxing and invigorating at the same time. I'm going back next week.

[Munki'sMom]

I'm going to start in the next few weeks too. I'm really excited to actually be around like-minded women, other than online. lol

[Starfish11]

Pilates and yoga are my favorite :) I look forward to continuing with them and helping my labor (which, right now, terrifies me!).

[Rie]

I'm going to a yoga class this am and have only been a few times. I work out regularly, but after reading pp I was curious is there a reason why I would want to hold off on yoga until the 2nd semester?

[heatherh]

I'm going to start in the next few weeks too. I'm really excited to actually be around like-minded women, other than online. lolThat was part of my thinking - good to get some support IRL. And since my family and friends aren't very good in that dept - I'm branching out!

I'm going to a yoga class this am and have only been a few times. I work out regularly, but after reading pp I was curious is there a reason why I would want to hold off on yoga until the 2nd semester?I think the biggest thing is that a lot of women feel better once they get over m/s and stuff in the first tri. Nobody in my class seemed to mind that I am so early. This increases my chances of being able to do the poses once my tummy's in the way.