Supporting you and your new baby ...

If you have recently given birth, joining a mums & bubs yoga class is an excellent way to bond to your new baby as well as give you the time to get back in touch with your body. You will stretch and strengthen the areas of your body that have been greatly affected by the pregnancy, and the areas that will be affected by the feeding, lifting and carrying of your baby — mainly the hips, back, stomach, waist, pelvic floor, uterus, anus, vagina and bladder.

The muscles at the side of the waist and hips are particularly important for new mothers, as they become slack from having supported the heavy uterus. The back and shoulder stretches you learin in yoga support correct posture and the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor are strengthened.

How yoga can help you after your pregnancy

Regularly practising a postnatal yoga program has many advantages and benefits, and can dramatically aid in:

• Improving posture
• Increasing over-all endurance, strength and well being
• Reducing back tension and discomfort
• Building core strength and stability (including abdominals)
• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Returning to your pre-pregnancy state
• Making new friends with other mums and babies

Throughout the class, you will have the option of involving your baby in the movements, by holding your baby, or by having your baby close to you on your blanket. The babies are also treated to a short session of gentle baby yoga and massage, allowing them to share in the benefits of the class, including the relief of common discomforts.

The class is suitable for beginners to yoga, as well as those who have practised yoga before. The class is very informal and supportive and there is absolutely no pressure or expectation for your baby to "behave" in a certain way!

Yoga with babies goes hand-in-hand with baby massage.

In India the custom is, starting from birth, to give the baby a daily massage with oil, followed by yoga, and finally a bath. Bonding between baby and parent is strongly promoted by touch. Touch is our first and most vital sensory experience. Nurturing touch (or the lack of it) can impact the way we think, feel and relate to others. Infant massage uses gentle, tactile stimulation and loving communication and deepens the bond between parents and baby.

Benefits for babies

• Helps baby learn to relax
• Helps relieve discomfort from gas, colic, congestion and teething
• Strengthens the immune system
• Promotes sounder and longer sleep
• Promotes bonding and communication
• Helps to regulate digestive, respiratory and circulatory system
• Helps premature babies gain weight
• Helps regulate breathing and relieve nasal congestion
• Helps improve skin texture
• Helps baby’s body development

Benefits for parents or caregivers

• Helps deepen the bonding process
• Helps caregiver understand and respond to baby’s nonverbal cues
• Promotes a feeling of confidence in caring for your baby
• Increases caregivers ability to relax in times of stress
• Eases the stress of caregivers who must be separated from their baby during the day
• It is fun and relaxing for caregivers and babies

When can I start?

It is a good idea to wait for about 4 - 6 weeks after the delivery of your baby before attending class. If you had a ceasarian delivery this time should be extended to about 8 - 10 weeks, or when your obstetrician gives you the go-ahead.