Caring for maternal health through prenatal and postnatal yoga asanas

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Motherhood is a life-changing journey that brings joy, love and profound changes to a woman's life. In our culture, the well-being of the mother is considered very important as she plays a vital role in raising the new generation. To provide young mothers with the support they need, the practice of yoga serves a holistic approach. An ancient practice originating in India, its diverse asanas are aimed at enhancing prenatal and postnatal health.

Midday Online spoke to Radha Gupta, the founder of All About Birthing, to understand the impact of yoga on the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of mothers. Gupta is a fierce advocate of yoga and specialises in childbirth and lactation techniques to ease into the experience of motherhood.

The prenatal phase is a crucial period for both mother and child. Yoga during pregnancy provides a number of benefits and ensures a healthy and harmonious pregnancy. Gentle yoga asanas help relieve common discomforts such as back pain, swollen ankles and fatigue. Practiced with awareness, these asanas promote flexibility, strength and balance and prepare the mother's body for childbirth.

Breathing techniques such as pranayama are invaluable tools for managing stress, anxiety and promoting emotional well-being. Deep, conscious breathing not only oxygenates the body but also helps cultivate a calm and peaceful mind. Regular practice of pranayama strengthens the connection between mother and unborn child, promoting a sense of bond and calmness.

The postnatal period, often referred to as the "fourth trimester", is a period of recovery and adjustment for the new mother. Yoga helps in restoring vitality, toning the body and nurturing emotional resilience. Postnatal yoga gently strengthens the pelvic floor, core and back muscles, helping to align the body after birth.

Meditation and mindfulness practices play a key role in managing the emotional roller coaster that often accompanies the postpartum period. By cultivating an awareness of the present moment, mothers can embrace the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace and poise. Meditation provides a haven for self-reflection, self-care and nourishment.

Yoga includes not only physical aspects but also a spiritual dimension. It recognizes the divine nature of motherhood and recognizes the sacred bond between mother and child. Yoga promotes a deep sense of reverence, gratitude and connection with the divine feminine energy within.

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