Yoga Journal Yoga for Your Pregnancy
A regular prenatal yoga practice as taught in Yoga for Your Pregnancy can give you the energy to enjoy your pregnancy, the serenity to build a deeper intimacy with your body, and the ability to be present for the miracle of birth. Prenatal yoga can ease the discomforts of pregnancy, such as moodiness, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, nausea, indigestion and insomnia; and help you prepare for the rigors and mysteries of labor. On each video:
PART 1: ENERGIZING & STRENGTHENING (30 minutes) Gentle flowing practice to build strength and stamina for the demands of labor-and alleviate the discomforts caused by your ever-changing body.
PART 2: RELAXING & REJUVENATING (15 minutes) Learn breathing exercises to help you manage contractions-plus meditation techniques to help you relax and concentrate during delivery. Lamaze Interview-with expert Carol Penn Erskine
Exclusively on DVD:
Pranayama for Pregnancy: 3 simple breathing techniques to calm your nervous system
Meditation for Pregnancy: Guided meditation to help foster inner focus and awareness
Birthing Room Yoga: Simple yoga techniques to encourage a peaceful mind and body during delivery
Postnatal Yoga Practice: Gentle practice to help you regain strength and flexibility 6 weeks after delivery
Articles from Yoga Journal and Lamaze Parents magazine on yoga and pregnancy on a special DVD-Rom section
This video show you how to modify some poses using yoga props. Depending on your flexibility or stage of pregnancy, you may need a chair, two large pillows, a blanket, or sofa cushions. The use of a yoga mat is recommended.
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars A little helpful
I thought this video would be a walk through of different exercises and breathing techniques but instead it explains them once then moves on.
1 Star Uncomfortable
Lots of menu items and intro’s that you can’t fast forward through. And I tried to watch all the workouts first, but it made me go in order and then wouldn’t let me select anything!
I was happy that the women were more modestly dressed than a lot of workout video’s since my son’s like to do these with me. And the relaxing 15 minute workout seemed good. I wouldn’t mind doing that before bed. But the main 30 minute workout was full of poses that are uncomfortable for me now in my first trimester, and don’t feel good, and I cannot imagine doing them with an even bigger belly! Those ladies made me feel weird watching them, I just really disliked this DVD! All the weird breathing and weird tongue action and acting all serene and spiritual about it. Weird.
4 Stars It’s ok.
I started with this video in my 6th month of pregnancy, with no previous yoga experience. For me it’s ok, it has several stretching and relaxing exercises, and most of them seem to be fine for people with no experience.
5 Stars Great DVD
I purchased this video because my other yoga DVDs were too strenuous for my pregnancy. I have had terrible morning sickness lasting all day long and all night preventing me from moving too much. As soon as i was able to get out and about I started this video. The exercises were perfect for me. Not too hard or too easy. When I wake up nauseous I pop in the video which helps a lot. The only props you may need are pillows and blankets. Which is nice compared to other videos where you have to purchase special equipment. I have carpet and found no need for a mat, although harder floors you may need one. The exercises get your heart rate up really well with out too much stress on your body. I have been doing yoga for several years and consider myself at a beginner/intermediate level. I plan to continue this DVD even after my birth. A great buy!
5 Stars Wonderful video
This is an excellent DVD for prenatal yoga. I’ve done some yoga prior to pregnancy, but I wouldn’t consider myself a yogi. I do martial arts, weight training, and various cardio exercise when I’m not pregnant and I’ve found yoga to be a nice balance to all of that. This is my second pregnancy and my back pain is getting far worse (my freak show chest size – a 38J – as well as the growing belly are probably to blame) and this DVD helps relieve the pain. There are several workouts to choose from, and I find the relaxing one to be helpful before bed. I’ve been having a lot of trouble sleeping with this pregnancy, and doing the relaxing workout really helps. The energizing workout is a nice, calm, centering way to start the day before my 2 year old wakes up. If he happens to wake up early, he watches me do the routine and even tries to copy my movements. It really helps clear my mind before and after a hectic day of mothering a toddler and pregnancy. There are 3 women on the video in various trimesters, doing modifications of the poses, which makes it very easy to find the right stretch for yourself. I highly recommend this DVD to all pregnant women. The segment on birthing room yoga I wish I had during my first pregnancy. I was in labor for 30 hours with my son and the epidural didn’t work for me! I know some of the birthing room poses and movements would have helped. I almost can’t wait to go into labor with this baby so I can try them out! Three more months! Good luck to all the mommies-to-be out there!
