Prenatal Yoga: Peace Love Lisa

Prenatal yoga classes are special. It’s not a typical yoga class with modifications. In prenatal yoga, asanas (postures) and/or pranayama (breathing techniques) are intentionally chosen to support the evident physical changes + the more subtle internal changes of an expectant mama.

pregnant mother sitting on a mustard couch smiling at the camera and holding her belly

Asana is important…

but attending prenatal yoga classes is more than that. It’s an opportunity for you to …

Calm your mind. There can be a lot of fears and anxiety surrounding pregnancy and labor.
Create a mindful connection to the breath. This is helpful during labor, allowing mom to keep the nervous system more relaxed.
Relax – a practice you’ll need in labor and right through motherhood.
Meditate. When we quiet the mind either through visualization, focused breathing or movement, you gift yourself the opportunity to be more present within your changing body.
Tune in to the growing miracle of life inside of you.
Open your heart – for yourself, for your baby.
Connect with other mamas who are traveling through a similar journey as you.

You’ll receive benefits to your mind, body + soul.

mother and father with daughter in between them smiling and looking at camera while mother holds her pregnant belly

Benefits of Meditation

Reduce stress. Stress = bad for mama, which is bad for baby. Extra high stress can cause problems for both – high blood pressure, etc.
Increased body awareness – Connecting breath to body. You are bound to notice how your body feels, energy levels + deepen your connection to your baby.
Better sleep. It isn’t always easy to get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy (up to pee, heartburn, comfort level.
Stronger immune system. Is it likely that you won’t get a small cold? Likely not, germs are around. But if there’s a chance that 10 minutes a day can boost your immune system, it’s worth it!

mom and dad laying down with daughter and kissing her on the cheek as she looks at the camera and smiles

Reduced pain during labor. A study published by the JNS states that those participating in a mindfulness training “significantly reduced pain unpleasantness by 57% and pain intensity ratings by 40% when compared to rest.” WOW!
Reduce risk of postpartum depression. Being a new mom is hard – exhausting, overwhelming, still lovely. Did you know that 1 in 7 women are affected? A study done shows that mindfulness training could considerably reduce depression symptoms in women with newborn babies.
Can calm pregnancy anxieties. There are many, many things about your pregnancy you can’t control. Meditation gives you those several moments to set your worries/anxieties aside and focus on the moment in front of you.

pregnant mom and dad smiling at each other

Benefits of Prenatal Yoga:

Strengthen, endurance + flexibility. (All important during labor!)
Decrease/alleviate common aches + pains.
Improve sleep.
Reduce stress
Promote circulation in body.
Decreased risk of gestational diabetes, edema, c-section.
Exercise (yoga included) can help lower risk of PPD.
Breathing prep for labor.
Better body awareness + connection to baby.
Improves self confidence + can be empowering.
Connection/community to other moms.
Increased mental focus (Hell-OH labor! Your mindset plays a big role in your labor experience.)
Harmonizes the body – less mood swings, better pain management/coping techniques.

If you’re ready for Prenatal Yoga in Cleveland, Ohio, visit Peace Love Lisa.

Are you ready for more Cleveland motherhood content? Then click on the blog links below, then reach out to me to chat about capturing this new journey!

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Do you love coffee? Do you feel like you’re always searching for new mom friends? Join Caffeinated Moms of Northeast Ohio Group on Facebook!