by: Emily Gold, Yoga Instructor & Doula
If you are pregnant chances are EVERYONE (and their mother) has advice for your birth. What to expect, what to do, what to fear, etc. etc. While well intentioned, this information can be overwhelming, making it hard to feel grounded and confident and absorb the information and experiences you need to work towards the birth you want. If you are looking for a way to turn inwards, empower yourself with relevant evidence based information while taking time for yourself check out Yoga for Birth. Here are 5 Great reasons to attend a Yoga for Birth Workshop
Improved positions– Did you know that some body positions during labour and delivery can lead to faster labour progression as well as reduced pain? These may or may not be the position your health providers encourage you to try. At a Yoga for Birth Workshop you will learn numerous positions that can be utilized to encourage baby’s movement and reduce pressure and pain. Don’t worry we won’t be standing on our heads! These are easy to access and modifiable for all bodies, babies and birth locations.
Awareness of Body and Self– Being able to listen to your body is one of the greatest skills a woman can bring to her birth, and yoga helps us sharpen this skill. Society often asks us to ignore our body; sit when our back aches to stand and stretch, awaken when we want to turn in and sleep, keep moving when we want to be still. Yoga, on the other hand, asks you to listen to your own body, discovering your own limits and moving into a pose in a way that feels beneficial to you. At a Yoga for Birth Workshop you will develop techniques to listen more clearly to the cues your body is telling you now, so that when labour begins you can hear those cues and best respond to them.
Increase strength – Yoga is a safe and effective exercise you can do throughout your pregnancy. Prenatal yoga is adapted to meet the specific needs of pregnant women, and sequences work to strengthen the entire body, to prepare it for the physical work involved in labour. The Yoga for Birth Workshops will focus on the specific muscle groups utilized during labour to empower women with the physical strength and energy needed to safely and healthily birth baby.
Mindfulness- Mindfulness, the practice of remaining aware of the present while remaining non-judgmental, is an invaluable tool for birth. By remaining mindful during your labor you can improve your confidence, reduce stress, find space to relax during labour and develop skills to cope with pain. At a Yoga for Birth workshop you will learn about and have the opportunity to practice mindful birthing techniques.
Breath and vocalization- If you watch enough movies and TV you maybe can’t help thinking birth involves lots of held breath and women screaming. In reality being able to vocalize and focus on effective breathing can help with pain management and help you best utilize your energy. At a Yoga for Birth workshop moms and partners learn effective breathing techniques as well and practice vocalization to strengthen vocal cords for birth day!
Yoga for Birth will also include a discussion of labour stages, pain management techniques you can do on your own or with a partner and tips for how to make a birth plan, including how to incorporate yoga into your plan.
Whether you are a novice yogi or have been practicing yoga for years Yoga for Birth is a great tool for a positive birth experience. The class will be taught by RYT and Doula Emily Gold at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre. Winter Workshops are January 12 and 19 from 6-9 PM. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information and to register visit our schedule page.
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