Yoga for Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth provide enough shape - shifting for most of us, and if you're expecting, the idea of contorting your body probably isn't a priority. However, Yoga presents us with a collection of breathing and gentle exercises that strengthen the entire body during pregnancy and assists in the preparation and recovery of childbirth.

Prenatal Yoga classes are held every Monday evening at 5.30pm at Yoga Circle in John Street, Whangarei. Email or call Tonya on 433 8499 today to book your place. Don’t miss out!

Body Knowledge

Yoga is a wonderful tool for becoming better acquainted with your body. A regular practice trains you to focus on different areas of your body, which is particularly helpful during childbirth.

Breathing

Yoga's emphasis on breathing and moving simultaneously helps you breath more deeply increasing oxygen supply for you and your baby. Increased oxygen promotes feelings of deep relaxation and well being.

The calmer and more relaxed parents are, the calmer their babies are.

Relaxation and Meditation

A great therapeutic tool assisting with hormonal imbalances, mood sways and fears which can be associated with pregnancy.

Additional meditation also brings an incredible sense of awareness which helps you connect deeply with your unborn child.

Posture

Pregnancy can cause even the straightest arrow to slouch. When you start nursing, pushing a stroller and lifting a baby, your posture may really suffer. Yoga improves posture by increasing back and shoulder strength and by opening our chests it s easier to stand up tall.

Moral Support

Yoga Circle is your yoga space to meet other women in this wonderful life stage. A space where you can enjoy the physical benefits and are able to build valuable support networks as you go forward in your new role as a mother.

I was a little hesitant to give yoga a go as I'd never done it before .. and in terms of exercise, I have always been more into very intense sweaty activities like aerobics, squash and netball. But during pregnancy I found yoga the perfect thing to feel strong and confident in my body, preparing it for what it was going to do during childbirth. It was a fabulous way to connect with my body and with the baby (I got some of the best kicks and turns from the little one while relaxing at yoga!) Some of the positions and breathing techniques were really great in helping me through my attempt at natural childbirth without pain relief - and even after an emergency caeserean the breathing helped me get through the pain of recovery! My midwife was amazed that I was so relaxed through the whole process..

Ange (2009)

I thoroughly recommend yoga during pregnancy, I loved my weekly class! I got to meet other pregnant women. It helped my back and flexibly during pregnancy, I used the breathing we learnt during labour, and the relaxation techniques were amazing - I bonded with the baby in a way I didn't know was possible. I still use the relaxation and breathing techniques to help me relax.

Sarah (2006)