MOMMY AND BABY YOGA

Increasing numbers of pregnant women are turning to yoga during pregnancy because of its gentle approach. But yoga teacher J’anaki Ra of Yoga Mama says that the first four months after birth are an ideal time to take it up to help ease anxiety and tension.

WHAT DOES A CLASS LOOK LIKE?

If you have had a c-section and are not ready to exercise, you can perform yoga routines on your baby only. “Each 45-minute class is very dynamic and we go with the baby’s flow,” says J’anaki. “So if most of the babies are restless, a class may begin with standing work so the moms can ‘lala’ the babies to calm them down and give them time to get used to the environment of the class.”

THE BENEFITS

Classes include baby massage and movements to help mobilise their joints. Movements to stretch out their spine or hamstrings help them to prepare for crawling and walking. “Moms tell us that their babies sleep beautifully after a class, or are less colicky,” she says. A form of meditation you can do while feeding your baby is also practised. “The connecting meditation helps moms become more in touch with their babies needs on a heart level and they can read the baby’s signals more easily and more calmly.” And of course, that pelvic floor of yours gets a lot of attention in the classes to help you regain strength and body tone.

NEED TO KNOW

J’anaki says attending classes once a week is enough. Classes are offered at Yoga Mama Broadacres and Genesis Birthing Clinic and cost R600 a month. For more information email janaki@yogamama.co.za.