During my first trimester, I could barely get out of bed, let alone practice yoga. Once I started feeling better, I desperately wanted to return to my practice, but suddenly had all of these concerns! Should I practice in the heat? How do I come into the postures with my new belly? Will I harm the baby? Are there any postures I shouldn't do? The Moksha Prenatal Series put all of these concerns to rest and gave me a confidence in my body (and baby!) that wasn't there before. Learning the simple modifications, staying hydrated, and trusting my maternal instinct brought me back into the studio where I now participate in the regular Moksha classes. I have never felt more focused or connected in my yoga practice than I do now, and I sincerely attribute this to the gentle, thoughtful design of the Moksha Prenatal Series. It gave me the tools I need to feel safe and secure, and a chance to dedicate an hour each day connecting with the growing life inside me.

 

Sam, first pregnancy

 

The experience of practicing yoga while being pregnant was amazing. There were so many benefits emotionally, physically, even psychologically. 

Emotionally I felt a deeper connection with my growing baby each time I practiced... it wasn’t just about me anymore, I was doing this practice for a higher purpose. Having two young children at home already, my practice also kept me (for the most part) level headed when things tended to get slightly overwhelming! ...

Physically, I felt strong, agile and energetic throughout the pregnancy. I felt in touch with my body and really prepared to go through the process of labour. When it came to the labour and delivery itself, I was able to go natural and REALLY drew upon specific aspects of my practice, like focus and breath, to get me through. I truly believe that keeping my body strong and prepared was a huge contributing factor to my very fast labour. I won’t say it was easy, but it definetely could have been longer and harder! Now, a week and a half post-partum, I feel ready to start a gently physical practice again. I feel as if my body is craving it already! I know that my physical practice gives me more energy to get through the day. 

Psychologically, I would say the biggest contribution of my practice to my pregnancy was being in the moment. Learning to take the time to enjoy the moment as it is, right now, has brought so much more joy to my life, especially to the precious time of carrying life into the world. During pregnancy, I felt so lucky and blessed and really deeply connected to my baby. Knowing that this is most likely my last baby, I even tried to enjoy the experience of labour.... there really is nothing like it!! This whole experience peaks now.. enjoyment of each moment is at it’s fullest right now, watching this little being just simply exist is so fascinating, and I can thank yoga for showing me how to take this all in.

 

 Maria, Mother of 3

 

Practicing Moksha yoga during my pregnancies was the best thing I have ever done.  With the fist baby, I had done some gentle yoga, and felt peaceful,  but I was not very strong when it came to time to birth.  I had planned a home birth, but had no endurance, and eventually asked to be transferred to the hospital for an epidural.  With my next two babies, I was able to give birth at home successfully, with strong legs and arms,  breath awareness and laser like focus.  My postpartum experience was completely different from the first birth.  I experienced very little Postpartum depression, had great energy and my body was able to find it’s way back to a healthy weight much more quickly.  Because of the freedom and power Moksha Yoga continues to give me,  I am able to mother all my children with vitality, patience, and joy. I feel connected to my strength, to my babies, and to an amazing community.

 

Tara, Mother of 3

 

Moksha Yoga was an integral part of my entire pre and post-natal experience.  I had a very deep desire to bring our baby into the world in the gentlest and most natural and loving way possible. Practicing Moksha prior to and during my pregnancy gave me the confidence I needed to make that happen.

With a history of depression, it was important for me to keep up with my regular Moksha practice during and especially after pregnancy.  With all the crazy changes happening physically, emotionally and mentally, Moksha yoga was and continues to be the one single thing that helps keep me sane and feeling grounded and balanced.

The Moksha sequence was perfect for my pregnant body and I felt amazing with every class. It seemed to be just the right balance of strengthening and opening in all the right ways and I loved and craved the heat.  Every class I had an opportunity to connect and bond with our baby in a subtle and profound way.  At the same time, we both got to soak up the energy and good vibes from all the other Mokshies in the room! 

 

Community, sense of belonging and feeling supported are so important when pregnant, and that’s what makes Moksha stand out for me.  My son was brought into this world with a huge extended Moksha family there to support and love him and for that I will be forever grateful.

 

I can’t wait to be pregnant again and next time around I’d do it just the same – lots of yoga & meditation and spend as much time as possible at my favourite Moksha studio.

 

Tracy,  first pregnancy

 

My moksha practice has been such a gift throughout this pregnancy for so many reasons.  It’s been wonderful to have a community for support and to have this amazing practice to help keep me centered throughout all the changes over the past 8 months!  I’m very grateful there were modifications made available that have allowed me to continue with my practice and be comfortable with what my body can do now.  I’ve been very lucky and the only physical issue I’ve had so far has been some sciatic nerve pain that greatly diminishes (and some weeks goes away altogether) with each class I take.  Being able to stay connected with my changing body and with the life growing inside of me has been the most amazing gift of all and every time I step into the studio and focus on breathing with my baby this connection gets stronger.  I can’t express how grateful I am for the practice of moksha yoga and I’m so excited about the continued benefits on the relationship between my baby and I! 

 

Lesley,  first pregnancy