Perinatal Wellness
Are you feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated in your pregnancy or as a new mother?
Is the identity shift from your pre-parent self into this new role leaving you feeling unsettled and unhappy?
Are you finding that motherhood isn't quite what you had imagined?
Are you grieving the loss of freedom or normalcy you knew from before?
Are you feeling discomfort or disappointment with physical changes of your body?
Is it difficult to relax or feel peaceful throughout the day/night?
"Perinatal" refers to pregnancy through the first year postpartum...
... and there is a wide range of potential experiences. In addition to physical changes discomforts and challenges, around 20% of birthing parents experience a perinatal mental health disorder, through no fault of their own. Lack of sleep, financial or relationship stress, unrealistic expectations, medical complications, fertility challenges, body-feeding, shifting identity and hormonal sensitivity are just a few factors that may contribute to feeling unwell. Feelings of guilt and grief may appear as life shifts in unfamiliar ways, relationships change, and you meet new facets of yourself as a mother.
Where we focus, so you feel well again.
01.
Understanding your stress cycle and how to regulate your nervous system in the moment.
02.
Experiencing breath as medicine- how to shift your energy for difference situations.
03.
Movement and postures unique for your body, your goals, at your pace.
04.
Exploring how beliefs impact your actions, and choosing which to embrace and release.
05.
Bringing intention into each day, to open towards a deeper level of awareness.
Clinical Effects of Yoga on Pregnancy
Evidence citing yoga as an aid in mental and physical health continues to grow! Below are just a few PubMed references citing the positive impact of yoga on the pregnant person, baby and the birth process.
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In 2022 a meta-analysis of twenty-nine studies looked at the effects of yoga practiced during pregnancy. Pregnancy yoga interventions reduced anxiety, depression and perceived stress. There was also a correlation between reduced duration of labor and increased odds of normal vaginal birth and tolerance for pain.
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Another study in 2018 showed that pregnancy-related symptoms (gastrointestinal, respiratory, and mental health symptoms) were reduced in the yoga group versus the non-yoga group. The researchers concluded that "yoga can be recommended to cope with pregnancy-related symptoms and support activities of daily living."
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One study from 2021 looked at the "significant" increase in flexibility of the hip joint and the degree of the pubic arch following yoga sessions, which widens the pelvic outlet region and may shorten delivery time and facilitate easier delivery.
Reducing Stressors Supports the Health of Mother and Baby
There are different kinds of stress- acute (intense and short-lived) and chronic (demands remain unresolved and last much longer). Our body tries to maintain a balanced state (homeostasis), while things we register as stressors throw us out of balance. Sometimes that baseline "balanced" state feels anything but level. Stress is not uncommon during pregnancy and after baby arrives, and our bodies are particularly sensitive in all aspects during this time. Simply put, as stress increases, adverse pregnancy outcomes may also increase.
Additionally, stresses can occur during labor and stay with us for varying lengths of time, impacting our ability to provide care and attention towards ourself and our baby. It is never too early, or too late, to take action and transform your reactions to stress.