What to Expect From Mom-and-Baby Yoga Classes?
Mom-and-baby yoga classes are often seen as something for moms to practice alongside their babies. However, these classes are great for all parents, not just new moms. The benefits of participating in these classes include the use of pregnancy exercise techniques during labor and soothing your baby with gentle soft movements without distraction from other adults.
Additionally, it is a good idea for pregnant women to do some exercises before delivery because it will strengthen their pelvic floor muscles which can make labor easier or less painful. Doing exercises during pregnancy will also help you avoid the physical challenges that come with becoming pregnant later in life like pelvic osteoarthritis and hip pain?
Benefits of Mom-and-Baby Yoga Classes
While many moms choose to take classes after the baby arrives, it is just as important for all parents to participate in these gentle prenatal exercises. By doing so, you can avoid a whole host of health problems, including:
- Increased muscle definition
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Reduced chance of low-back pain and osteoporosis
- Increased flexibility and balance
- Decrease in the risk of high blood pressure problems in later life
- Better posture and improved coordination in later life
Will your Baby Like Yoga Classes?
Yoga poses for babies are different than those for adults. Parents can't expect their babies to correctly perform the poses as they would do at school. While you don't need any special training to participate in yoga classes, it is recommended that you be physically fit to make the most of your time at prenatal yoga. This means stretching which is done after pregnancy and doing yoga postpartum for exercise and relaxation.
Tips for Mom-and-Baby Yoga Classes
Since you will be working out with your baby in these classes; pay attention to your baby's signals when he or she gets tired. Moms may need to take frequent breaks to feed the baby or let him rest. Ask your instructor for guidance if you are unsure of what to do.
- Put your baby down or move very slowly with your baby when you are resting.
- Practice the exercises at home before you take the class.
- As your baby gets older, you can start to do more difficult poses like "belly lifts", backbends" and "cat pose".
- When practicing breathing exercises, work on hula-hoop breathing
- You can stretch your muscles differently than usual since it's just you, your baby, and the instructor.
- You may be more comfortable talking with other moms in certain classes because you won't have to worry about disturbing your baby.
- Getting more than just one-on-one instruction is ideal if you're not familiar with prenatal yoga techniques or want even more help. If there are multiple parents in the class, ask if they give private lessons so you can continue practicing at home.
Conclusion
Be prepared to feel a little silly doing some of the poses since they may not be as graceful as those performed by yogi pros. don’t be too hard on yourself because even those with years of yoga experience can have this problem.
You'll learn all the best ways to touch your baby without startling him or her. In traditional yoga classes, you would touch your toes, but your baby may not appreciate this. Instead, try balancing on one toe or doing a headstand backward. You will learn about breathing techniques that can help you cope with insomnia and stress after delivery.