Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga can be wonderful self-care for one’s physical, mental, and emotional well being both during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Yoga is more than a fitness routine, Yoga creates positivity around your body and mind.
Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga comes with many benefits! Practicing yoga not only helps you stay fit during your pregnancy but practicing encourages stretching and strength for overall comfort as well as prepares you for birth and recovery. The flow and movement of yoga can help relieve lower back pain and other aches and pains that typically come along with pregnancy. Yoga classes are relaxing and spend a lot of time focusing on breath, which is calming and can help prepare us for stressful or anxious situations. Prenatal yoga is also a great time to bond with your baby.
Postnatal Yoga
Postnatal Yoga is practiced after birth, usually when the birthing person is ready to start increasing their physical activity. You should talk to your provider about when it is safe for you to start! Postnatal or postpartum yoga can help not only loosen up a stiff body from carrying and feeding babies, but help strengthen and heal the pelvic floor. Postnatal yoga can also renew energy levels and quiet the mind, key to happy parenting!
Part Yoga, Part Support Group
Life can be full of to-do lists and distractions which can make it challenging to schedule time for yourself. Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga is a great way to take care of yourself, calm your mind and prepare your body. Many of our students also love the time spent after a yoga practice to make friends and have conversations with other pregnant or postpartum people who are experiencing some of the same joys and challenges!
If you’re pregnant and looking for a prenatal yoga class right now, you may be struggling to find any in-person classes. You may be questioning if it would be safe to practice in a group setting, which is one of the common reasons people love group classes, the social aspect & community vibe.
At Ann Arbor Birth & Family we know our yoga classes must go on! Lisa leads practice in real-time, virtually every Sunday. You don’t need to leave your own space at home to practice with Lisa and participate in enjoy being a part of our yoga community.
Preparing your own “yoga studio” at home is easy, you don’t need to worry about having a perfect space. Here are some tips:
- Find a space in your home. It doesn’t have to be much larger than a yoga mat or beach towel.
- Get your accessories ready. Have some water nearby, and if you need a blanket or towel if these items help you in certain positions.
- Have a laptop or phone set up. Putting your screen in a position that you can see and hear the instructor well will to help you follow along to the class.
- Enjoy yourself.