The Program
During pregnancy and after birth we become unbalanced and Hatha yoga can help to balance us out again, mentally and physically. Hatha yoga provides an all round class of meditation pranayama and asanas. The main objective is to provide balance of masculine and feminine, right and left, day and night and positive and negative and so on. Being unbalanced can often have a negative effect on our lives and those around us. Pregnancy can affect our energy, the chakras and leave women unbalanced.
Every week breathing, stretching, mediation and relation are put in the main focus is to induce relaxation. A focus of pelvic floor exercises during each relaxation session is included. Teaching such exercises are very beneficial for the mum. After birth doing these exercises will help to tighten back the muscles giving them strength, and ultimately bladder control. These can be done at any time outside of practice, its good to practice daily in class and outside and can be done anywhere by squeezing the muscles that you hold when you need to stop the flow of urine. There may be times when you will feel the need to adapt to your students.
Our post-natal program captures the 4th trimester, one which is often over looked but vital for mother and baby. The fourth Trimester program focuses on Rest, Recuperation and Relaxation we call it the three R’s. The aim of the sessions are to allow mum to bring her baby along and bond whilst getting to grips with becoming a mum and the after effects of pregnancy, labour and the emotions. Through the use of breathing and visualisations we hope to teach effects ways of coping to new mums in the very first few weeks. Along with lots of relaxation we will also give techniques learning new holds and handling baby, techniques to settle fractious little ones all whilst increasing the overall bonding experience.
Once the student has given birth they should directed to our post natal program which is aimed at rest reassuring and recouping for mum. Mums should be advised to get GP/Health Visitor approval to start the programme.
The programme runs for 4 weeks and can be started from as soon as mum gives birth and she feels ready. We cover:
- Recognising cues: Getting to know each other-Mother and Baby Holding Reassurance technique.
- Digestion: Tummy time and affirmations include diet for mums.
- Mental well being: Soothing techniques, Tiger in tree and Craniosacral technique.
- Sleep: Relaxing through mindfulness and visuals.
The programme is a mix of yoga for the Mamas while baby is on the cushion and gentle stretches together.