Getting Centred Naturally As I delighted in the wondrous (and sometimes not so wondrous) changes in my body when I was first pregnant with Noah, I became very interested in doing the right thing for both of us. Whether this meant cutting out caffeine and alcohol, or concentrating on myself and listening to my body, I found I was more in tune with it during my first pregnancy than I have ever been before or since.
In this organic preparation for motherhood I tried yoga for mums-to-be as a way of getting in touch with my growing baby and what my body needed – some peace. Not only was I doing something for me, but I was also being good to our unborn baby. Before I joined the class I asked around my friends and workmates, trying to find the right type of yoga (I was truly a beginner). A friend suggested pre-natal yoga and recommended a venue so I booked in for Saturday morning classes. On the first morning I felt very apprehensive as I climbed up the stairs to the pregnant yoga class. That was until I got to the top and saw about 20 very pregnant women lining the walls of the building waiting to go in. Obviously I was in the right place! I stood next to someone who looked as lost as me and found out she was new to this as well. Some of the girls had even brought their partners along for support. I didn’t think Harvey would be too keen on the idea - and he wasn’t when I asked. No, this was something for bub and me. I liked the class. First we all filed in, grabbed our mats and blankets and settled ourselves along the edge of the wall (or in the middle if there were too many or you were late). We then introduced ourselves and talked about our week, our hopes and fears and anything else coming up in our lives. Then the yoga started. As the weeks continued, we got to know each other better and talked about due dates and what was going on in our bodies. One week as the class was ending one mum-to-be started feeling cramps and worried she may go into labour, called her husband to pick her up. The next week she came to class with her week-old son! I knew yoga was not easy but never expected to get a sweat up! I concentrated very hard to ensure I was doing everything I was supposed to (everyone else seemed to have been doing this for years). The one thing I had been worried about was whether I could switch my mind off enough to relax into the class. I found it was possible and was very impressed with myself for achieving it, as my mind is usually on constant – even while I’m asleep! I walked out of those classes feeling very relaxed, calm and exercised and decided this was definitely a good thing – time for me and my baby. Afterwards I indulged in one of my other favourite weekend rituals – coffee (decaf) at a café with Harvey. How did you get in touch with your natural mother within while pregnant? __________________________________ Johanna Baker-Dowdell is mum to two boys – Noah and Ethan – and combines looking after them with her work as a blogger, journalist, writer and public relations consultant. She owns and manages Strawberry Communications which started small in the third bedroom, but has grown into its own office space (in the converted garage). Add Comment |
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