Seven Benefits of Mom & Baby Yoga with Yours Truly
A quick Google search yields all kinds of results for the benefits of Mom & Baby Yoga. As a Mom & Baby Yoga teacher with 15 years experience, of course I believe in the vast benefits of the practice- I wouldn’t be a teacher if I didn’t! However, I’m a bit skeptical on some of the claims. Better infant sleep? Yoga practice certainly didn’t help in this department for my babies or me! Increased brain activity? I’d like to see the research study proving that! Happier babies? Maybe it’s a false perception since the moms with fussy babies tend to stay home? (That was me with my first, who seemed to be the only baby who put up a fuss the two or three times we regretfully took the chance of going to class. If this is you, please see #7 below.) I give you my big “expert” shrug on these particular assertions. If you come to my class, I can promise you these seven benefits:
Core Stability. As a certified Pelvic Floor Yoga teacher, the practice I lead prenatally and postpartum revolves around basic things every woman can do to promote stability in her core: coordinated breath, optimal postural alignment, and awareness of the sensations in the pelvic area. I use the word stability as opposed to strength because a healthy core has balance between strength and suppleness. Over-toned muscles can be as problematic as those that are too weak to support the organs that sit on top of them. Pregnancy and childbirth can be a huge contributing factor to an unstable core, of course, but lifestyle habits like how one sits, stands, and breathes have a bigger impact in the long term. Every single class will address this.
Community. We’ve all heard the adage, “It takes a village.” The hustle of Silicon Valley, especially with most new parents here far from their family of origin, makes it hard to create that village. Mom & Baby Yoga is a fantastic place to meet your new best friend with a child close in age to your own. Community was critical to my well-being as a new parent many years ago- it’s a high priority for me to hold space for moms to connect authentically. We also share a closed Facebook group to continue the conversation beyond class.
Connection with your baby. We spend so much time caring for our babies, but sometimes the bonding can get lost among all the mundane tasks required to keep baby healthy and safe. Staring into your Little One’s eyes as you practice helps to share your heart energy and keep you in a place of love and compassion. It’s pretty adorable watching these little people discover the world around them, especially in an environment where you can take the time to just pause and observe (and are encouraged to do so!)
Parenting Support. You are the expert on your baby, but when it’s a new experience, it doesn’t always feel like that. I have 19 years (!) of experience parenting three spirited kids under my belt, and I have plenty of tips, ideas, and resources to help you navigate the world of parenting. More than anything, however, I am here to remind you that deep down, you do know what you are doing!
Practice Mindfulness. Following the last point, here is my first and foremost parenting tip. Practicing mindfulness has been the one thing that has consistently helped me to be a better parent, or at least a calmer, more aware one. Being in the moment with my breath as an anchor keeps me sane in the midst of (constant) family chaos. Yoga practice (especially with baby in tow) is a way to cultivate inner awareness, connection with breath, and ultimately staying calm in the face of challenge. The mat is just where we practice- how we show up for the day to day rigors of parenting is what really matters.
Routine. Any new parent knows that being home with a baby is a bit of a time warp. We are busy the entire time, but seem to get “nothing” done. It can feel hectic when we don’t have a strict schedule to stick to, especially in those first few months as we are settling into life caring for a tiny human. Mom & Baby Yoga class, or any scheduled activity, helps to bring structure to the day and give a sense of “normalcy.”
Acceptance. One of the biggest downsides of living in a social media era is the constant judgment. Mothers can’t scroll through their Facebook feeds for five minutes without coming across a comment or article which basically sends the message that they are doing it all wrong. And never mind the unsolicited views and advice from “well-meaning” friends and family. When you are trying to figure out this parenting gig, the last thing you need is your uncle or sister-in-law undermining your efforts. Mom & Baby Yoga is a refuge from the onslaught of judgment. You can share any of the challenges you are having and know you will be met empathetic ears. As mothers, we are all doing the best we can (and some days the best is instant mac & cheese and hours of kids’ Netflix). We deserve space for that without being scrutinized! If you happen to be that mom with the chronically fussy baby or the toddler who seems to get into everything, you are welcome in my class! I feel you, Mama- I had that kid! My class is a place that accepts you, your struggle, and your Little One’s self-expression, no matter how loud it may be. (And I’m happy to hold your fussy baby for a little bit so you actually have a chance to move your body.)
My Mom & Baby class may not turn your baby into a genius or give you endless nights of uninterrupted sleep, but I am certain you will experience these seven benefits. If not (or just simply not enough of them), please reach out. I am here to support you as you settle into motherhood and welcome the opportunity to troubleshoot with you so that you maximize all that my class has to offer. I look forward to seeing you and your Little One on the mat!