During pregnancy yoga helps build muscular strength, develop balance and coordination, increase circulation, and promote relaxation. Yoga can also increase energy and focus during delivery.
Prenatal classes progress through a series of yoga postures, visualization, deep relaxation, and breathing exercises, designed to allow a pregnant mother to become more centered and connected to her developing baby. (Students should check with a doctor before beginning this, or any new exercise program, during pregnancy.)
In a student's words: "Prenatal yoga has been the best experience during my pregnancy! Having moved from Massachusetts in January, my husband and I found out that we were going to have a baby three weeks after we had moved to San Francisco. Through prenatal yoga, I was able to establish friendships and bond with many other pregnant woman. I had never attended a yoga class before and I have been absolutely thrilled with the strengthening exercises and the breathing techniques that I have learned. The classes have also provided an invaluable source of information and discussion of the discomforts of pregnancy. I look forward to the hour and a half to relax and take the time to connect with myself and my baby. " -Kara
Homeless Prenatal Yoga Project - Created Spring 2002
This was a community yoga project I created, in collaboration with The Homeless Prenatal Program, in San Francisco. Judith Hanson Lasater was both mentor and sponsor in the project's creation. These prenatal yoga classes were offered to the women served by HPP, combining physical postures, breath awareness, deep relaxation, creative visualization, and an opportunity for sharing.
I am no longer involved with this project, but I am happy to report that it has grown in the past 6 years, and is thriving. The class size has steadily grown in number, and the classes have even outgrown their classrooms!
This is an amazing, inspiring organization, from the dedication of its Founder and Director, to its paid staff, many of whom used to be served by the agency, to its volunteers, to the motivated moms and families who utilize its services. A donation to this organization is a great baby shower gift!!
Recommended Books: Yoga for Pregnancy by Sandra Jordan, St. Martin's Press, 1987; Preparing for Birth with Yoga by Janet Balaskas, Element, 1994; The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger Knopf, 1996; New Natural Pregnancy by Janet Balaskas, Interlink Books, 1990/1999; Relax and Renew by Judith Lasater, Rodmell Press Berkeley, California 1995