Pregnancy Yoga

[ella]

Hi,

Just wondering does anyone do this and what they think - im thinking of starting a class in sept. Ive never done yoga before, but would like to give it a try.

 

[AllieW]

I haven't yet, although I intend to. A friend, who is also a doula, has recommended that I do so, so presumably it is quite good.

 

[ella]

What is a doula?? sorry if im being thick

 

[Okaasan]

A doula is a birth support partner you can hire, someone with lots of experience who can get you through it all!

I'm starting Active Birth classes on thurs. Yoga, breathing, some chanting (?!), massage... have had good recommendations! My main worry is getting the baby into a good birthing position as my sis was back to back and had a nightmare labour, and apparently they can teach you some good techniques.

 

[AllieW]

A doula is a birth support partner you can hire, someone with lots of experience who can get you through it all!

Yes, and they're supposed generally to be very good (although there are probably exceptions). Research has shown that having a supportive woman with you while you give birth can actually reduce the pain a little! They are not trained medical professionals but are there to advocate for you and help both you and your partner during the birth. We've decided to hire one who we will be meeting in September. (cf http://www.doula.org.uk/ )

Hope you find a good yoga class. Must remember to try and sort one out myself.

 

[ScottR]

Hi Ella

In case you haven't seen my other posts littered around the forum, I teach Prenatal Yoga classes, so if you've got any questions then fire away.

My main advice is to find a teacher who has done some specialist training in this area and go to a specialist class (rather than just going into a general class and modifying) as many of the specific techniques that will help you through pregnancy, birth and beyond, will never be found in a general Yoga class. The other advice is to practice what you're shown in class as often as possible, Yoga really is a thing of repetition - the more you do it, the more benefit you will get.

I've had 10 babies so far this year (not personally you understand) and all the mums swear by the Yoga practices before, during and after birth. Some of them went without any pain relief at all and found the breathing practices especially indispensable. The classes themselves are good fun, light-hearted, and there's a good sense of community develops.

Hope you find a good teacher,

Scott

 

[lisa&alex]

hey hun... ive just got a prenatal yoga dvd,, me and charlotte do it a few times a week lol.. she loves it.. im not to sure yet, type in prenatal yoga into you tube, and watch a few of the clips there so u get some idea what its about.. ive found on there that most of them are actually dvd clips.. not home movie type things.. im not suggesting that u follow any of them, but ive given a few a go..

 

[ella]

Scott,

Thanks for your advice! I am going to a special pregnancy class, really looking forward to it, even more now that I read your advice. I was advised years ago by a physio not to do yoga because I am a touch hyperflexible -Is this nonsense? I figure pregnancy yoga will be fairly gentle anyway.

Ella

 

[Okaasan]

Pregnancy yoga should be good for you because everyone softens up during pg and is therefore at risk of hyperextension - specialist class should avoid this.

I loved my first active birth class, recommend them to all if there is one in your area. SO relaxing and we did techniques that I really felt would help me carry the baby and eventually reduce birth pain.