As it would turn out, I'm wayyyyyyyy "granola" when it comes to healthcare. Meaning, I don't dig conventional medicine. I don't like the concept of popping pills to fix symptoms of problems far larger and more systemic to one's lifestyle choices. When it comes to this little babe I'm toting around everywhere with me, I'm no different.
I've elected to give birth to my son at a birth center. The cesarean section rate in Texas is near 70%, and that FRIGHTENS me. There won't be an M.D. or epidural in sight; rather, I'll work with my midwife and family to utilize alternative pain management methods such as water therapy, massage, and laughing gas, if I so chose. I know, I know, that's a lofty goal! I can't tell you how many women have heard me say that and given me a huge eye roll with a "good luck with that!"
(LADIES! What is up with the 'tude about someone else's birthing choices?!) But I've been spending my time doing some "prep work" to get me in tippity-top shape for this massive venture I'll take on in early June: Yoga!
 |
Increasing flexibility yoga pose: Downward Facing Dog |
|
|
|
Most know that yoga involves stretching, balance and breathing through postures. But it also focuses on methods in stress reduction; being present; breath control and athletics. All of these things will help tremendously in my natural birth! They've also come in quite handy in just managing the difficulties of pregnancy.
And before I became pregnant, they helped in simply better handling and managing life! I can't tell you how many times my previous bosses have asked me in the midst of a work-crisis, "How are you so calm right now?!" to which I responded with a smile, "Yoga."
 |
Increasing flexibility yoga pose: Seated Cow with Eagle Arms |
Now that I'm massive and in my third trimester, I can't run (hellooooooooo round ligament pain!), I struggle to walk more than four miles at once (again, the ligaments! ahhhhh ligaments!), barre classes work but my balance is sub-par with this big ol' belly and Pilates is becoming more and more challenging as I spend half the class creating modified moves for myself.
Yoga has remained one of my constants; I can still do nearly everything I used to and have safely modified my inversions to be preggo-friendly.
Yoga will help you, pregnant or not, build strength in your core, thighs, arms and shoulders (to name just a few key areas). It will help calm your mind and sharpen your focus. It will help you concentrate on your breath, which helps you move forward in difficult situations whether they be work-related or in your personal life. It will bring world peace and cure world-violence. Juuuuuuuust kidding, but I'm pretty sure we'd all be a bit more kind and friendly to each other if we all had a regular yoga practice!
You can find my yoga mat
here, top (non-maternity)
here, and maternity yoga crops
here. In addition to the poses above, here are some of my favorites to practice:
 |
Strength building yoga pose: Chaturanga Dandasana |
 |
Increasing flexibility yoga pose: Mermaid's Pose |
 |
Strength building yoga pose: Crow |
 |
Strength building inversion: 3/4 Tripod Headstand *I list this as 3/4 because I choose to keep a knee balanced on my arm to safely invert while pregnant. If you're pregnant and didn't do this pose beforehand, DO NOT attempt while pregnant! If you are new to yoga, don't attempt this pose until you have an instructor to safely guide you through it. |
 |
Increasing flexibility yoga pose: Hero |
 |
Strength building yoga pose: Running Man |
Most of these yoga poses are advanced, but if you keep practicing throughout your pregnancy, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of yoga through the end!
Check you out girlfriend! Your yoga moves are on point!
ReplyDeleteDang, you've got skills! I have been wanting to take up a yoga class. I think it would be really beneficial for me.
ReplyDeleteI was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. prenatal massage in New Jersey
ReplyDeleteWhenever I used to feel bored or lose focus, Zoe was there to back me up as she always motivated to be stress free and helped enjoy the workouts. I was able to overcome the challenge of this phase which was to be able to link the different yoga poses together and most importantly have control on our minds while doing so click here.
ReplyDeleteThe intensity the workout increases as you move from one phase to another. With the gamma phase paralleling the Insanity program by the Beach body. Moreover, the third phase, Gamma phase, an additional work out program that is sold separately learns more about this workout.
ReplyDeleteOur yoga Vinyasa classes are heated between 21 - 32 degrees with Infra-red heaters, which are great for detoxing the body. The studio is fully equipped with beautiful shower and change-room facilities. High quality Manduka yoga mats, blocks and straps are provided.
ReplyDeleteI feel happiness to read the content that you are posting.
ReplyDeletebest deals
If you are considering whether or not to go to an urgent clinic, you will want to be sure to know what you are getting yourself into. Advantage that would likely push you to going to one of these clinics over something else is the fact that they very flexible hours. In fact, they are typically open during the day and night for both the weekdays and weekends help here.
ReplyDelete4- You never know when you will fall sick. But if you need urgent care in the night or on weekends, then finding a clinic with a 24-hour doctor on duty and open on Sunday near you is required great resource. A primary care physician (PCP), also known as the primary care provider is a medical doctor that practices general medicine. PCP is often our first contact person for medical care.
ReplyDeleteJust the practice of the yoga postures can benefit one's health. It can be started at any time and any age. Yoga Training India
ReplyDeletePregnancy is very crucial time for a woman in which she needs to care a lot. And there are many Yoga For Pregnancy that a women must follow for her health as well as her child's health.
ReplyDeleteYour good knowledge and kindness in playing with all the pieces were very useful. I don’t know what I would have done if I had not
ReplyDeleteencountered such a step like this.
syringe infusion pumps manufacturers
syringe pumps manufacturers
syringe pump suppliers
Thanks for the lessons shared here. This remind my Gymnastic Classes in Bangalore | Yoga Classes In Koramangala
ReplyDeleteVery useful article buddy keep it up
ReplyDeleteSai Baba has always believed that education is an effective tool for transformation.
ReplyDeletemadhusudan naidu
madhusudan naidu muddenahalli
Sai Baba has always believed that education is an effective tool for transformation. Many schools have been established under the enlightenment of Swami to help children understand human values along with attaining academic excellence.
ReplyDeletemadhusudan naidu
madhusudan naidu muddenahalli
Learning is an ever-evolving process. Each and every instance shapes our life in one way or the other.
ReplyDeletemadhusudan naidu muddenahalli
madhusudan naidu muddenahalli
Education is a basic necessity of life. And rural children need to have a taste of education to uplift their life and the rural sector.
ReplyDeletemadhusudan naidu muddenahalli
The blog is about inspiration, magnificence and brightness.
ReplyDeletePrenatal massage
I love the fact that you didn't stop doing yoga, while your pregnancy. I have seen many women stop exercising in the time of pregnancy. But this is really not good at all. I continued my exercise in my pregnancy too. I always used a non slip yoga mat for doing yoga. This helped me a lot to do my things comfortably. Moreover, as it was non-slipped, so there was no risk too. The quality is awesome and they have various sizes mat too.
ReplyDeleteNice Post- This reminds me of Yog GOkul- Yoga Teacher Training 200 Hours
ReplyDeleteYoga Teachers at Yog Gokul have re-defined and re-invented the modules to be included in our teachers training program. The modules have been carefully drafted as per our teachers’ rich experience of several years of teaching yoga and knowledge gained after completing their own Yoga Teachers Training Course from India’s most renowned schools.
Highlights of 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course
Our senior teachers come from various schools of yoga like Idea Yoga, Rishikesh Yogpeeth, Iyengar and Ashtanga. We have integrated their wealth of knowledge and rich experience into all our curriculum to make it more accommodating to suit different body types.
Having teachers from different lineages ensures that our graduate yoga teachers can tackle all kinds of clients rather than being restricted to a single perspective.
Thank for sharing this post is very useful infromation..Interventional Laser Surgeon Miyapur, Hyderabad - Dr. Ramesh Pitchika
ReplyDeleteNice Post.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
Nice Article
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing information
very nice post.really appreciate. thank you
ReplyDeleteNice article thanks for sharing this informative article.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the best prenatal yoga procedure
ReplyDeletebest hospitals in hyderabad
nice post..Siddha Medicine For Piles In Tamil
ReplyDeleteAyurvedic Medicine Tamil
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete