Taught with an emphasis on mindfulness for increasing body awareness and breath, prenatal yoga enables pregnant women with skills needed for reducing pain in labor and promoting prenatal bonding and deep relaxation. Prenatal yoga, when approved by your midwife or obstetrician, is typically acceptable for all stages of the childbearing year.
Purpose
Prenatal yoga may help relieve common pregnancy discomforts such as lower-back pain, insomnia, leg cramps, sciatic pain and swelling unrelated to preeclampsia. Prenatal yoga retreats offer pregnant women an opportunity to bond with other pregnant women in a healthful and nurturing environment that promotes peace of mind, healthy prenatal choices and increased focus on their yoga practice while pregnant.
Activities
Yoga retreat activities vary greatly in both duration and offerings. However, most are geared toward enhancing preparation for labor and delivery with essential yogic techniques taught by a certified instructor. Some retreats offer daily prenatal yoga classes, partner classes, massage, herbal soaks, labor training and meditation. Meals and accommodations may or may not be included in price. Many yoga retreats are located in beautiful locations which offer a myriad of other activities in addition to the retreat for an extended "babymoon" with your significant other.
Locations
Yoga retreats can be located all over the world to ensure appeal and availability to a huge range of preferences. Depending on your financial situation, retreats range from several weeks in the Mediterranean to a weekend in New York. Many smaller cities also offer weekend workshops for prenatal yoga for those unable to get away for longer periods or whose budgets won't afford unnecessary travel.
Training
With prenatal yoga becoming so popular with a growing number of pregnant women, becoming a certified instructor may be a career choice that is desirable for those who enjoy teaching the benefits of yoga. Teaching prenatal yoga requires some additional understanding due to the unique needs and conditions a pregnant woman may experience so any instructor must be current in her understandings of the childbearing year as it relates to the practice of yoga. Most yoga teacher trainings offer classes tailored to prenatal considerations.
Safety Considerations
Due to the elevated heat conditions found in hot yoga, or Bikram yoga studios, pregnant women should avoid heated yoga, according to MayoClinic.com. Heated yoga is not safe for the developing fetus but may be resumed upon doctor approval after birth.
References
- "Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: Experience the Natural Power of Pregnancy and Birth with Kundalini Yoga and Meditation"; Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa; 2004
- "The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices"; Aviva Jill Romm and Ina May Gaskin; 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Prenatal Yoga, what you need to know; 2011
Member Comments