Yoga for Natural Birth
Written by Colette Barry.
Yoga establishes its firm roots on four cornerstones; sensation, breathing, letting go and anticipation. As the four elements strongly correlate to the condition of a pregnant woman it is only natural to feel secure in the institution of yoga as a natural complement to healthy birth.
The Journey to Motherhood
Sometimes when you pick up your child you can feel the map of your own bones beneath your hands, or smell the scent of your skin in the nape of his neck. This is the most extraordinary thing about motherhood - finding a piece of yourself separate and apart that all the same you could not live without.
Jodi Picoult
Every woman dreads the painful experience of natural birth. To add to your horror, the frightening and dramatic stories shared by friends and family furthers exposes you to disturbing thoughts about the labour process. Of course child birth is no walk in the park! You will have to undergo physical and mental challenges but it is all worthwhile in the end. It's a spirit nurturing process that instills an internal peaceful bliss as your bundle of joy shares his first smile in your tender grip.
Yoga Guiding you through Natural Birth
When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God. When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world.
B.K.S. Iyengar
Studies suggest that the breathing exercises of yoga increases the supply of oxygen to the foetus, which makes your child healthy while also preparing your body for the agonizing journey of labour pain. Regular indulgence in pre-natal yoga will enhance your rhythmic breathing along increasing your stamina and making your bones stronger. This practice will be a miracle saviour for your child in case any form of birth complication arises.
The stress experienced by pregnant women can easily be handled in a skillful manner by introducing yoga in your daily routine. So every time you experience the upcoming burden of motherhood crushing your shoulders start deep breathing to calm yourself down. People often compare the process of giving birth to running a marathon! During the labour process you will end up feeling breathless and exhausted. Your enhanced stamina will help you to endure the entire stage with minimal discomfort.
A mother develops a strong emotional connection with the unborn child while going through the different stages of pregnancy. Yoga is about connecting your inner soul with your physical body which helps you to establish a strong bond with the feelings and movements of your child. Pregnancy brings with it immense changes and yoga helps you to gracefully adapt to such changes along with instilling a sense of self-apprehension.
Yoga teaches you persistence in the face of resistance as you fight through the imbalances of your body structure and weave a pathway for mental stability. It allows you to let go of your fears as you struggle to achieve a mind and body harmony, which is the exact motivation you need while enduring labour pain. Instead of resisting the fear of the unknown embrace it with open arms and you will learn to respond intuitively during childbirth.
Yoga is an art that is as natural as giving birth to a child. Give your body an anchor of spirituality as you step on the road of a healthy and pain-free child birth.
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