When you become pregnant your body goes through a drastic transformation to prepare itself for the delivery of your baby. The ancient practice of yoga eases some of the discomfort that comes along with this transformation, but it also increases your overall well-being and self-awareness of these wonderful changes. There are many studios in Hawaii that offer classes with certified instructors who have years of experience to assist you with getting the most out of your pregnancy.
Benefits
A 2008 study, "Yoga during pregnancy: Effects on maternal comfort, labor pain and birth outcomes," suggested that prenatal yoga made labor less painful and shorter. Other benefits range from the relief of morning sickness and even back pain. Prenatal yoga also improves posture and balance, as well as decreases stress. The benefits of organized classes include guided instruction from professionals, as well as connection with other mothers-to-be. Hawaiian classes offer this beneficial instruction to women at all stages of pregnancy, as well as all skill levels.
Types
Alignment-based yoga and yoga that concentrates on the benefits of breathing help prepare the body for childbirth. This includes any pelvic floor exercises and Ashtanga's mula bandha, or "root lock," which closely resembles Kegal exercises. This also assists the body in recovery. When interviewed about her experience with Ashtanga yoga while pregnant, instructor Wendy Spies stated the best advice given to her while pregnant was to "keep doing whatever I was comfortable doing before the pregnancy, but also listening and modifying as needed as my body changed as the baby grew."
Expertise
Prenatal yoga instructors in Hawaii not only offer many years of experience but also certified training in other areas. Some are certified Lamaze childbirth instructors as well as certified Doulas. In 2010 OM Yoga Studio on the Big Island of Hawaii even offered instructors certified as lactation counselors. This level of training benefits mothers-to-be both before and after the baby is born.
Locations
Many options are available for mothers-to-be on the island of Oahu. The Balancing Monkey Yoga Center in Honolulu offers Doula services and Lamaze instruction. Purple Yoga was chosen as the Editor's Pic for the Best of Honolulu Magazine in 2009. Open Space Yoga is in Honolulu's Chinatown. OM Yoga Studio offers instruction on the Big Island, and Yoga Awareness offers services on the island of Maui.
Precautions
Always consult with your health-care provider before beginning any exercise routine. Many prenatal classes are offered to beginners, but advanced students should err on the side of caution with the more strenuous moves. San Francisco yoga instructor Wendy Spiers was advised to take yoga photos or videos to her doctor and specifically ask which exercises she could do, rather than a general yoga question. Start slowly, be patient with yourself and enjoy the experience as you connect deeply with your changing body and your baby.
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