BAREFOOTBLONDIE.COM
 
info@barefootblondie.com
 
   
 

 

Q&A with Luisa Mckay. She is an amazing yoga teacher who has taught Georgie and she specialises in Vinyasa and Pregnancy yoga. She runs classes and retreats in Portugal at her centre Lulushanti yoga. For more information go to www.lulushanti.com.

 

What is Pregnancy Yoga?

A group class specifically geared for pregnant woman only, focusing on the physical and emotional changes associated with pregnancy. It also prepares the woman’s body for labor; keeping the hips open and the body supple and toned. By continuing some form of exercise, the body is prepared for childbirth and will return to its pre-pregnancy shape more easily. During labor and contractions, breathe is vital. Pregnancy yoga teaches calming breath work (such as alternate nostril breathing) and ujaii breathe or rhythmic breathe when holding the stronger poses, teaching the mother strength and courage for the big day.

How is it different to other types of yoga ?

As mentioned above, pregnancy yoga is specifically for pregnant woman only. Not only does the yoga practice benefit the mother, but the social aspect is just as important. The group setting offers interactions, discussions and friendships to develop, both during labor and after. Particular sensitivity and knowledge of pregnancy is required on the teacher’s part, for example; incense is not used to avoid nausea; the yoga room needs to be well circulated to avoid overheating or fainting; and the level of difficulty and length of class needs to be considered to avoid exhaustion.
 

 

Do you have to have done any other type of yoga before you start?

Generally, mothers who come to pregnancy yoga are beginners. It is not necessary to have done any other type of yoga, as pregnancy yoga is unique in style and content.
 

What benefits would you say it imparts?

.

Prepares the woman for labor on all levels; physically, emotionally and spiritually. It also allows the mother to bond with her unborn child; by nurturing her with breath and developing inner awareness. Bonding with other pregnant mothers is also essential. Many woman like to share stories and compare changes they are experiencing.


 

Are there any health risks?

Pregnancy yoga is adapted to suite all mothers, and if the teacher is sensitive to any common complaints, then there is no risk. The baby in the womb is well protected, so if the teacher is well trained, no risks will be bought on by pregnancy yoga. However, if the mother has been experiencing complications in her pregnancy and instructed by her doctor to avoid any physical activity, yoga could pose more as a risk than a benefit.

 

How often can you do it?

In addition to other group actiiviites offered for pregnancy, yoga is recommended one to two times a week. No harm will be done should she wish to practice a little yoga everyday at home.
 

What do you wear?

Anything that does not cause restriction around the bump area. Loose clothing and layers are recommended should she start to over heat.

 

Are there any age limits to this type of yoga practice?

No matter what age you are, pregnancy yoga is open to all and beneficial to all ages.

How did you get into pregnancy yoga?

With a mother who is a midwife, pregnancy and the changes associated with pregnancy became a fascination to me. Once my regular yoga practice became established, I couldn’t help but want to learn more about pregnancy and the benefits yoga has to offer. Yoga is an onward journey for me, and having experienced pregnancy myself, I feel I have much more to give to my pregnant students.
 

Barefoot Blondie products suitable for Pregnancy yoga:

bamboo pregnancy yoga pants

bamboo pregnancy yoga shorts

bamboo pregnancy yoga top

bamboo pregnancy yoga range
 


 

 


 


 



 

 

Logo

 

 

 

 

 

 
what is yoga

bamboo pregnancy yoga range

products

ONLINE SHOP