Baby Yoga
Baby yoga is based on traditional yoga movements which have been used to help improve health and well-being. It takes much from the practice of yoga incorporating aspects of breathing, stretching and relaxation. Baby yoga sessions also include songs to relax and captivate baby’s attention and to increase the fun. There will also be gentle yoga inspired stretches for you.
Baby yoga uses various poses and positions to promote baby’s general health and support baby development. They can help to increase a baby’s flexibility, provide beneficial stretching, improve muscle tone and co ordination. Baby yoga also provides tummy time and active play in the form of rolls, swings and dips which help to develop baby’s sense of balance and body awareness.
BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR BABIES
- Relief - Baby massage can help to offer relief from the discomfort of digestive pain caused by wind or constipation. It can also be used to soothe teething pain and help relieve nasal and chest congestion if baby has a cold.
- Relaxation - When you massage your baby. your bodies produce relaxing “feel good” hormones which can help you both to relax. A more relaxed baby is likely to feed and sleep better.
- Bonding - Oxytocin “the happy hormone” is produced when you massage your baby which helps to encourage bonds between you and your baby.
- Development - Baby massage can help to mature the nervous system and strengthen bones and joints.
NOTE: Baby yoga is suitable for babies of 6-8 weeks and upwards (once mum and baby have had a 6-8 week check with their GP)
Post Natal Yoga
Postnatal yoga is a fantastic way to focus on your own physical and mental wellness after having a baby. From just 6 weeks postpartum you can start to regain your strength, repair your pelvic floor, remove those niggling aches and pains but importantly take time to connect with the new baby in your life!
The classes Susan teaches for new mothers consist of a relaxing flow of postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama) and relaxation techniques (yoga nidra) to help calm the mind and relax the body.
BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR NEW MOTHERS
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Regain control of your pelvic floor
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Reduce backache
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Regain your core strength (sit up without a struggle!)
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Loosen shoulders and remove general aches and pains
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Fit exercise/yoga into your routine with short convenient sessions
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Feel like a great parent
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Helps to reduce anxiety and stress
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Learn that you are not alone
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Helps you to gain some perspective and improve close relationships
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Bond with your baby and learn to read his/her cues
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Assists with settling baby and getting them to sleep
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Regain your fitness and strength - you may even lose some weight too!
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Learn to love your new body and appreciate all the wonderful things it does
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You won't feel pressure or that you have lost control
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It can even help you to figure out your work-life balance
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Learn to prioritise your own wellness and mental health
