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Yoga
for pregnancy is a specialised form of yoga designed to help women enjoy
the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. The classes were established
at the Centre in 1995 by Dr Francoise Barbira Freedman, author of “Yoga
for Pregnancy” and “Postnatal Yoga”, and Founder and Director of
Birthlight, the educational charity which promotes a holistic approach to
birth.
The
class focuses on the health and well-being of the mother as she goes
through pregnancy, and on the birth itself. Traditional yoga postures and
breathing exercises are adapted to meet the needs of pregnant women. This
cultivates an openness of the body and mind. Women can then learn to relax
and “make space” for the baby growing inside them.
Breathing
techniques are taught to aid and enhance the birthing process.
“Breathing your baby out”, rather than pushing, makes for a
gentler birth.
The style of the classes is to use movement to encourage women to
find their inner rhythm, which can then be applied in birthing.
Unlike other forms of birth coaching involving breathing
techniques, yoga breathing relies on intuition rather than memory.
Different birthing positions are also explored, using gravity and
maximum opening of the pelvis.
By
both expanding breathing capacity and stretching, women gain greater
confidence and control through familiarity with the low abdominal and
perineal muscles.
They are able to recognise, isolate and activate the different
muscle groups involved in the birthing process, so that contractions are
used in the most effective way.
This minimises the damage to the perineum and can reduce the need
for pain-relieving drugs.
It
also helps reduce the anxiety felt - especially by first-time mothers -
and can be useful for those wishing to have a vaginal birth after a
caesarean section.
Traditional
yoga postures are adapted to strengthen the spinal muscles and help to
prevent backache.
Other benefits of yoga during pregnancy include getting back into
shape more quickly after the birth and reducing the risk of stretch marks,
heartburn, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, postnatal depression and
gynaecological problems later in life.
The relaxation techniques can help not only throughout pregnancy
but in the adjustment period after the baby is born.
The
pregnancy classes at the Yoga Therapy Centre are informal and small enough
to allow teachers to give individual attention to everyone at their
various stages of pregnancy.
They also offer support to those experiencing problems or
discomfort.
No previous experience of yoga is necessary.
Due
to the popularity of these classes, pre-booking is essential. Classes
are limited to women who are over 14 weeks pregnant.
Partners’ evenings are held regularly.
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