Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga has become increasingly important in today’s context due to its numerous benefits for both expectant mothers and their babies. As pregnancy can be a physically and emotionally challenging time, prenatal yoga offers a holistic approach to maintaining health and well-being.
Physically, prenatal yoga helps alleviate common discomforts such as back pain, swelling, and fatigue by promoting flexibility, strength, and better posture. The gentle stretching and breathing exercises improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, which can enhance overall comfort during pregnancy.
Emotionally, prenatal yoga provides a valuable space for relaxation and stress reduction. The focus on mindfulness and breathing techniques helps expectant mothers manage anxiety, cultivate a sense of calm, and foster a positive mental state. This can be especially beneficial given the increased stress and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy.
Additionally, prenatal yoga fosters a deeper connection between mother and baby, preparing both for labor and delivery. The exercises strengthen the pelvic floor and improve breathing, which can aid in a smoother birth experience. Overall, prenatal yoga supports a balanced and healthy pregnancy, contributing to the well-being of both mother and child.
Affirmation During pregnancy
Affirmations work well if we already, in this moment “feel” the truth of what we want to happen or achieve. When you create your own “mantra”, make sure it is phrased as a positive statement and in the present tense. Repeat often, especially upon waking and just as dropping off to sleep.
Here are some examples you could use or you can make up your own that resonate with your needs and are easy for you to remember. Try to stick with the same one and repeat often to make it stick in your subconscious mind.
I currently sell packs of beautifully illustrated Pregnancy Affirmation Cards below retail price for £15. Each pack consists of 52 cards. Please ask me in class if you’d like to purchase one.
- I trust in my ability to give birth
- My body knows exactly what to do
- All I need to do is relax and breathe – nothing else
- I surrender my birthing over to my baby and my body
- I have the energy and stamina to birth my baby
- I welcome each contraction with my breath
- Every contraction brings me closer to the birth of my baby
- My cervix is opening like a flower
- My pelvis is flexible and open
- With each breath I breathe in calm and I breathe out tension
- With each breath I breathe in confidence and I breathe out fear
- I am fearless and strong
- I greet each contraction with openness and gratitude
- My cervix ix opening with each contraction
- I trust my body
- I know how to take care of my baby
- My baby feels my love
- My pregnant body is beautiful
- Birth is safe for me and my baby
- My baby will be born at the perfect time
- My body knows when to give birth
- My body contains all the knowledge necessary to give birth to my baby
- Good strong contractions help my baby come into the world
- I embrace the concept of healthy pain
- I now feel inner peace and serenity
- I accept this labour as my labour and believe it is the right one for me and for my baby
- I love and accept my body completely
- I accept all my feelings as part of myself
- My body knows how to birth my baby
- I love my baby and I am doing all that is necessary to bring about a healthy birth
- I surrender to the contractions and relinquish control of the forces within my body
- My body has a wide open space for my baby to descend
- Birth is an easy and natural occurrence for which my body has been perfectly designed