Today’s Guest Post comes to us courtesy of Bounty.com a pregnancy website that is chalk full of helpful and informative articles and tools to help you and your little ones get the most out of pregnancy and beyond!
While many new-moms-to-be closely monitor our pregnancy due date, and make sure we’re in tip top mental and physical health for the sake of their unborn baby, it can be easy to let that side of things go once the pregnancy ends and the baby has actually been born. So what’s a good way of getting into positive physical and mental shape after birth?
Mom and baby yoga classes are a popular means, and particularly so with those moms who have recently given birth. If you’ve done a regular yoga class yourself before, then you’ll probably be an avid advocate of the practice, and will know that while it does appear gentle, it’s by no means easy or ineffective. On the contrary – it’s probably fair to say that the majority of those who try it fully subscribe to the list of suggested benefits, and will see an improvement not only in their flexibility but also their strength, posture, concentration and stress levels.
What should I expect?
Mom and baby yoga classes are usually available to moms with babies aged from six weeks to crawling, and, under normal circumstances, your doctor will usually give you the go ahead to begin or resume your exercise regime from six to eight weeks after you’ve given birth.
Well, contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually practice yoga poses with your baby. You’ll usually place a little baby blanket at the top of your yoga mat, perhaps even with a couple of soft toys to keep your baby company. The idea is that while you continue your yoga class, your baby will be able to lie there happily for the duration of the class – however, this dream scenario is unlikely! But obviously, you’re in an environment geared up towards you and your baby, so it’s perfectly normal and acceptable for you to tend to your baby’s needs while the class continues around you. Conscientious and experienced teachers will even offer to tend to your baby for you while you squeeze a little yoga in!
Will my baby really enjoy yoga classes?
Well, like everything, it depends heavily on the personality of your baby. While some are content to sleep through an entire class, others will marvel at the new visual and audio stimulation they experience in the new classroom environment, others can less comfortable and cry a lot. The latter personality types will eventually become accustomed to the new surroundings, so don’t throw the towel in at the first sign that your baby’s not enjoying it.
How will I benefit from yoga?
You’ll be able to partake in some guilt-free exercise time, and you may even find that it’s a chance for you and baby to bond. And the main idea, of course, is that you’ll get a bit of a workout. While some classes can be extremely gentle or extremely baby-orientated, more specialist yoga teachers will understand that you’re there to exercise, not simply to play with your baby.
