Meet a graduate participant: Michelle. Michelle has a desk job. Prenatal yoga was the highlight of her week. Because Prenatal Yoga is specifically designed, Michelle could do all of the poses/movements and they felt good rather than being uncomfortable or worried about hurting the baby. Michelle really appreciated the breathing exercises. Lara, the instructor, spends a portion of the first song setting the tone with Ujayai breathing. Then spends a song before Savasana on labor breathing or stress breathing; either box breathing or having them focus their exhale on relaxing their abdomen and pelvic floor.
Here is what Michelle has to say about the Prenatal Yoga class:
"I have found prenatal yoga such an asset to myself and believe it is for our community. I would encourage any new mama to go and will say over and over again how much I got out of the class. It truly was a highlight of my week!
"I felt encouraged and empowered every time I went. Being able to get some relief with prenatal movement in my final weeks of pregnancy was a game changer. It has also been a great place for me to build back up my confidence and get some time for me during postpartum. It’s been great to ease back into movement I know will be beneficial, catered to where my body is at.
"It’s been a joy!"
This was Michelle's first baby and she credits prenatal yoga with helping her achieve an unmedicated birth. Michelle kept coming to prenatal yoga for 10 - 12 weeks after her birth.
Because Prenatal Yoga is free, thanks to a First 5 Shasta grant, so the class is not cost-prohibitive. Y members and Community members are welcome to attend. Call the Y at 530.246.9622 for more information.