Tuesday, August 11, 2009

YOGA DURING YOUR PREGNANCY

My lovely daughter in law (shown here during her first pregnancy with Aiden, now three) enjoyed prenatal yoga classes in Portland, Oregon.

We have a couple of pregnant moms interested in a prenatal yoga class, but need to have at least one more to make it affordable (and more fun!).

We'll have a four-week series and the times are flexible, depending on your schedule. Yoga has many benefits during pregnancy and it was what got me through labor.

Practicing yoga increases circulation and reduces swelling associated with water retention, providing more blood flow and oxygen to the baby.

When we breathe into our belly, ribs and back, we're able to maintain deep and even breathing, thus reducing stress and anxiety.

Yoga elongates the spine, stretches and strengthens the spine, and in prenatal yoga classes we prepare for childbirth by opening the pelvic area.

Proper posture is important in helping to alleviate the discomforts of the changing body. Yoga alleviates mood swings, helps control weight gain, decreases anxiety and stress, insomnia, constipation and fatigue.

Yoga helps still the mind. Breathing exercises help to calm the mind and body. They help you develop a greater sense of inner focus and peace.

Yoga helps with physical balance and can stretch and strengthen the body, keeping muscles strong, yet flexible.

If you are new to yoga and are looking for a meaningful, low-impact form of exercise and stress reduction, yoga may be for you.

If you are an experienced yogi, you may want to slow down a bit. This is the time when it helps to attend prenatal classes which are more suited to your changing body.

If you're interested in participating in a prenatal class, please call Karen at 931 722 5096 by August 18th. Leave a message (with your phone number - we don't have caller ID!) if I'm not home and I'll get back to you!

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