Tonight was probably the best of all my prenatal yoga experiences and I feel like telling you because it was so amazing.
First, I must say that the classes I am taking at Graditude in Motion Studio (located in Clifton near UC) have rocked my world. I signed up for a 10 class pass, which last me almost all the way through my second and third trimesters, since I skipped some weeks. Every class I come to is lead my Anna, the owner of the studio, a friendly and experieced yogi, but each routine is different. We always have a different genre of music playing (tonight was the instrumental Beatles) and an array of different scents. Tonight started off just like every other class, which I must pause here and say that 12 weeks ago I thought this class was a joke, because it was so easy, now I am barly making it through, as my body has become more and more round and off balance. I can say now that it is hard! But anyway tonight started off as normal, with about 3 others but as we got into deep relaxation in the child’s pose Anna came over to me rubbed lavendar message oil on my neck. I know, you’re thinking, uhhh this is getting weird. Oh, but it wasn’t. It was freakin’ awesome. She continued with some very gentle back messaging and poof, I was gone. My mind had slipped into oblivion.
I suppose the reason I am sharing this is because I have been trying different relaxation techniques in an attempt to prepare for natural labor. Everything from candlelit baths to visual imagery and these prenatal yoga experiences have by far been the most beneficial. Maybe I should wait until I deliver to actually say that, but I know for sure the breathing, stretching and focusing that I have practiced the last 12 or so weeks will totally be used when I start those contractions.
If you can’t afford to go to a class, I would still recommend practicing some prenatal yoga moves throughout pregnancy, to loosen those hips and to stretch those muscles! Here are some links with some prenatal toga information and poses:
Here are two of my favorite:
Child’s Pose
Pigeon Pose
Here is a YouTube Video of some common prenatal poses…
…and you could always check out your local library for Yoga DVDs
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November 30, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Mom
When I was 19, about 1977, I tried Transindental Meditation, only because the Beatles were doing it. It was really hard for me to get to a relaxed state. One day, sitting in a park somewhere in downtown St Pete Fla, I found it! I was just sitting with my eyes closed, legs folded like a pretzel, back straight, listening to the leaves on the trees. WOW what a relaxed feeling. I actually fell asleep in the park in downtown for about 2 hours! I felt great the next day. But you know what. I never found it again. How funny. I should try it again.
December 6, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Kami
Heather! How are you doing during this last stretch? I’m so excited to see you guys in a week.