Pregnancy Yoga

At 15 weeks pregnant I began attending a pregnancy yoga class once per week in Trim, Co. Meath. I have loved every minute of every class and will definately be going to the mother and baby yoga classes once baby arrives!

The classes I have been attending are in Trim Castle Hotel each Wednesday at 7pm, and last for about 1 hour 20minutes, and is a 6 week course. 5 weeks of yoga classes, and 1 week of a couples class where the partner will join you to discuss being a birthing partner and to be shown different massage techniques to use on mammy during the labour.

The classes are held by mother and daughter yoga team Swan Lane Yoga, Carmel and Naomi Finnegan.

Carmel is a yoga and pregnancy yoga tutor, and Naomi is a midwife and pregnancy yoga tutor also. With Carmels experience and Naomis midwifery knowledge, the classes really focus on your pregnancy needs; stretching muscles which can become tight with the added pressure of baby, creating space in the chest cavity which can become a bit cramped during pregnancy, and my favourite, relaxation.

The classes usually begin with some centring- breathing and arm stretches to regulate the breathing, relax the body and prepare the mind for the class. While we do work the full body, each week, will focus on a different part of the body; such as legs and hips, shoulders, pelvic floor, hands and arms, etc. Then for about 15 minutes at the end of class, we all lay down on our mats for some guided meditation. Which, let me tell you, is the most relaxing thing ever. I had never used guided meditation until I did it with the ladies, and its just fantastic. Each week im finding myself able to relax easier and easier. It took some getting used to at first, trying to 'switch off', but now, I fall asleep almost straight away each time. Which, I can imagine will be invaluable to me during labour. I genuinely have an 'I can do this' attitude towards labour since beginning the class.

So if you're thinking of doing a pregnancy yoga class, my only advice is DO IT. You wont regret it!

Swan Lane Yoga Facebook Page Here Swan Lane Yoga Website Here

10 Benefits of Pregnancy Yoga:

1. Increase Strength and flexibility of muscles

2. Decrease stress and anxiety

3. Decrease back pain and headaches

4. Reduce shortness of breath

5. Improve sleep

6. Learning invaluable breathing techniques for use during labour

7. Lowers blood pressure

8. Being in a positive supportive environment, meeting other pregnant mums

9. Time to connect with your baby

10. Reduced oedema/ swelling

If you've attended pregnancy yoga classes and found them beneficial let me know.

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Chat soon, Conni x