Teaching Prenatal Yoga

Posted by Debra Geymayr on November 23rd, 2020

Pregnancy can be a life-altering experience for a new mom-to-be, with it having physical, emotional and spiritual changes over the course nine months. To enhance the well-being of moms-to-be and to facilitate natural birth, pregnant moms often tap into the benefits of prenatal yoga.

There are many yoga classes and trainings that specifically structure courses around the special needs of pregnant women. After all, it is crucial for teacher trainers to be experienced, knowledgeable and mindful of the challenges that pregnant women face depending on what trimester she is in and subsequently, adjust with the ancient yoga poses for comfort levels.

As women usually join prenatal yoga classes in all trimesters of pregnancy, we will share some of the things prenatal yoga trainers can expect and how they can help women they work with:

1. If you have attended prenatal yoga teacher training, you will know that nausea is pretty common in the first trimester. Make your students aware that the modified Child's Pose or Balasana can help to alleviate such symptoms.

2. It is possible that new students might not feel too confident about performing certain poses. Remember that they know their body best. Reassure them and help them modify the poses, if necessary. At the same time, let them know that if they aren’t comfortable with a yoga pose, they can try another one instead. prenatal yoga teacher training will clarify the safety of poses and help all attending understand during a pregnancy, throughout labor, birth and beyond.

3. Many pregnant moms may feel somewhat dizzy in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Reminding them that they need great nutrition as well as lots of rest. During prenatal yoga teacher training, you will learn how to teach yoga poses to target different issues in the expectant mothers. Never diagnosing, just guiding them through these poses along with information. Keep in mind, example; that forward bending poses and sun salutations might cause more dizziness. Learning the safe modifications and more with a certified prenatal yoga teacher training.

4. Remind your students not to overexert themselves if they practice yoga at home. The levels of Relaxin - a hormone - increases during pregnancy and it is responsible for stretching the ligaments and loosening the joints. That is why trickier, intense poses aren’t recommended to pregnant moms. At the same time, yoga poses that require one to stretch out one’s body and adopt a wider stance (such as the trikonasana) should be toned down and modified. There is no pilates for pregnancy, as core strengthening is not conducive during this time.

5. Naturally, closed-twist poses that put a lot of strain on the uterine region should not be performed without appropriate modifications. Ask your students to switch to an open- twist position instead. Variations such as the Parivrtta Utkatasana or the Revolved Chair Pose can crunch up the lower torso so it’s best to go back to the classic, original ones.

Pregnant moms often depend on their yoga teacher to help with their physical and mental well- being. That is why it is important for yoga practitioners-teachers to join reliable prenatal yoga teacher training program so that they can help expectant mothers and couples to prepare for motherhood and to become a better teacher. In such a program, they will be equipped with knowledge of how to cater to pregnant moms and ensure their safety. At the same time, they will be guided through pregnancy-specific methods and modifications that will enhance the well- being of both the mother and the baby. Trainings for pregnant mothers and anyone working with pregnant women.