Lynn Felder states in "Yoga Journal" that prenatal pregnancy can ease the moodiness, shortness of breath and swollen ankles associated with pregnancy. In addition, Felder states, it can help the mother bond with her unborn child, build a sense of community with other pregnant women and prepare for labor. Prenatal yoga classes can provide an opportunity for expecting mothers to bond with other pregnant women and enhance the pregnancy experience.
Features
Prenatal yoga classes often incorporate meditation, physical poses and breathing techniques. According to Felder, the meditations in prenatal yoga can aid in relaxation, the physical poses build strength and stamina and help increase blood circulation, while the breathing exercises help ease the pain of contractions. At the Whole Birth Yoga Studio in Atlanta, prenatal classes focus on mindful strengthening, stretching and balancing to bring grace and ease to the body during a time of rapid physical changes for pregnant women.
Considerations
When searching for prenatal yoga classes, Felder says, it is important to find a qualified teacher with specialized training in prenatal yoga. Ideally, the teacher has been through the experience of childbirth, as the prenatal classes often serve as a place for expectant mothers to ask questions and gain information. Felder also mentions that modifications to your yoga practice are necessary as you move through different trimesters, and it is necessary to keep the teacher up to date as your pregnancy advances.
Finding a Class
Many studios in Atlanta, Georgia, offer prenatal yoga classes, with one to suit every personality. Sandi Angott is a Whole Birth Yoga teacher and offers prenatal yoga classes at the Jai Shanti Yoga Center in Atlanta. Angott's classes focus on the structure of different postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation, and meditation to relax the mind and the body.
Peachtree Yoga Center
Peachtree Yoga Center in Atlanta also specializes in prenatal classes and offers different postures and breath work for every trimester. The prenatal class at the Peachtree Yoga Center is a gentle class that focuses on the adjustment of the body to accommodate the growing baby, as well as techniques to ease the labor process.
Pierce Yoga Program
The Pierce Yoga Program offers a pregnancy series specifically designed for women at any stage of pregnancy. The pregnancy series at the Pierce Yoga Program emphasizes the need to increase strength, flexibility, balance and endurance during pregnancy. The pregnancy series also offers discussions on topics related to pregnancy, such as emotional changes in fears, labor, delivery and postpartum issues.
Benefits
Felder states that prenatal yoga classes offer a nurturing environment for mothers as they provide a life-sustaining environment for their baby. Felder emphasizes that a regular prenatal yoga class can give you energy to enjoy your pregnancy and build a deeper intimacy with your own body and the spirit of your growing baby. Prenatal yoga helps bring the mindfulness to your body to be fully present for the miracle of birth.
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