I recently asked a group of Mamas who attended a BYOB class when they look back at their birthing journey what they found helpful from their Prenatal Yoga classes.

Subheading “YES, prenatal yoga supported me in my birthing journey!”

Each one of these Mamas had a different birthing experience.  One Mama planned a home birth with a midwife, she had the baby at home, however the midwife did not arrive in time and she and her husband delivered the baby together, one Mama had a scheduled cesarean for medical reasons, one Mama went into labor natural and wanted an un-medicated birth, however to support relaxation asked for an epidural, another Mama planned to go into labor naturally prior to planned induction, however she required induction and cesarean.  Each one of these women is one tough Mother!

They all agreed the breathing we practice in prenatal yoga was a huge tool they practiced during their labor.  And, they have found that yoga breath continues to help them in motherhood.  One Mama said because of her breathing during labor she was able to stay relaxed mentally, but felt herself getting physically tired, when she asked for an epidural her team was surprised because she appeared so calm.  She now continues to use breath to help center herself when her baby is fussy so that she can release calming energy for him.

Another Mama said the breathing practiced in prenatal yoga helped her calm down and get under control when she felt herself spiraling.

One Mama said the breathing was key to working through each contraction. She also felt prenatal yoga helped her build endurance for the mountain climb of labor.

And another Mama said her mantra became I can do anything for 24 hours, I can do this for 1 minute.  Mamas at Full Circle Yoga KC hear this in almost every class:  “Typically, a contraction lasts about 1 minute, YOU can do anything for 1 minute.  Typically, a first birth lasts about 24 hours, YOU can do anything for one day.”  This particular Mama’s labor was longer than 24 hours, however she kept saying the Mantra to herself to keep her focused for the end journey of bring life into the world.

Each Mama has her own birthing journey, yet they all found the benefits to prenatal yoga.  These Mamas have also created community through their pregnancy yoga and recently all got together for a play date to celebrate being tough Mama bears together!!!

Full Circle Yoga KC is a yoga studio in the heart of Kansas City that specializes in embracing the full cycle of life.   Classes include Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Partner Yoga,  and Bring Your Own Baby (BYOB) Yoga for those entering the beautiful journey of pregnancy and the transition into motherhood.  Full Circle Yoga KC also offers chair yoga for older adults living in retirement communities who are seeking an added component to health and wellness.