Yoga for Pregnancy and Postpartum

BA NIA has designed a prenatal yoga class that begins during the second trimester of pregnancy.  Each yoga posture is intended to strengthen and tone those areas of the body that are under stress during pregnancy and labor. The techniques of focused breathing, relaxation, and stretching are used to enhance the birthing experience while not putting too much strain on the joints. This experience offers the mother an opportunity to become in tune with self and her developing baby. It also provides the expectant co- parent with the opportunity to intentionally bond with mother and baby during this period.  Prenatal classes are conducted from the second – third trimesters and modified to fit the mother’s needs.

Postpartum yoga classes begin when the mother is twelve weeks past her delivery date. Healing is the approach and focus of these classes. The yoga movements taught during this period are those designed to strengthen, tone, and heal the body.  Postpartum classes are conducted in eight (8) week sessions.

The Benefits of Prenatal Yoga

• Reduced anxiety and stress

• Improve sleep

• Improves muscle stamina needed during labor

• Increases strength and flexibility

• Decreases headaches, nausea, lower back pain and shortness of breath

• Elevates your mood

• Reduces the likelihood of swollen feet, varicose veins, and exhaustion

• Helps to reshape the body afterbirth

• Enhances all of the systems in the body’s skeletal, muscular, skin, circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory, endocrine, elimination, and reproductive.