Pregnancy and Yoga

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

So, my husband and I want to get pregnant in 2010 and it will be our first together and my first ever. I wondered if anyone could offer recommendations on which books and dvds can best instruct me in carrying on a yoga practice before, during and after pergnancy.

Sadly, I still don’t have a yoga instructor (the only one around is at a local gym but I have gotten this overwhelming sense that the instructor tries to show off her athleticism rather than guide the class in doing correct postures, even though the classes are listed as level 1/all levels). I have also searched the forums on here and only came up with 3 listings, one of which was published in the 80s which makes me a little nervous because breakthroughs in understanding of the body occur everyday and I’d hate to read something that might suggest it is still ok for me to smoke and drink while pregnant. (I’m exaggerating a bit here, but I think you catch my drift.)

Again, if anyone could offer recommendations and WHY they’re recommending it, I may consider naming my first born after you! :smiley: Just kidding, but I would be very greatful!

#2

Hey zo_manik, congratulations on the plan! I’ll speak to my teacher, not only has she taught through 3 of her pregnancies she teaches classes specifically for pregnant ladies. I’ll let you know what I come up with.

#3

Hello Zo,

Lovely news from you.

I personally find DVD’s to be an incomplete method for Yoga however I do realize they serve a purpose and one can’t throw the baby out with the bath water:-) Hard to believe you can’t find a yoga teacher of any merit in California of all places.

I have heard good words about Collette Crawford and her pre-natal work here in Seattle. I believe that work has a national scope and that DVD’s are likely available.

The over arching principles are slightly different for conception then they are for bringing a fetus to term. Generally speaking the nature should be very calm and nurturing - quite yin. Therefore there is no running and jumping about and no jarring things that would agitate mommy’s nervous system.

A certain level of body fat is also helpful. Many women who have worked to drop their body fat for appearance sake find themselves faced with some challenges in conception not to mention regularity in the menstrual cycle.

If you have questions further along the path please feel free to check back in for validation or support.

gordon

#4

Thank you Alix and Gordon for your responses and help!

And just a little fyi on my post: I know that there are differences and nuances between each point and term of the pregnancy process, but what those are I have no clue, so I figured someone on here is bound to assist with my s.o.s.

As for an instructor, I am meeting with my Dr. on Monday and while he has been up here for many decades, I am hopeful he or his staff might know of a local instructor as I’m sure I’m not the first woman to pose this question. Where I live is far removed from a real yoga studio–the last time I researched showed a studio over an hour and a half away down the mountain. Otherwise, the only instructors I am aware of work with the local gym. It is my New Year’s resolution (a.k.a. fun checkpoints I enjoy making) to get tied into a real teacher.

Gordon, one of your past threads I searched mention Collette Crawford and I have one of her videos pending purchase in an online shopping cart once I read a bit more on her reviews.

Thank you both for your help in what is going to be hands down the most exciting and frightening experience of my life ;-D

#5

ZO,

If there is a Doula or Midwife in your area you might find support, guidance, and advocacy more aligned with a yogic path.