Welcome to all new Prenatal Yoga students who joined Yoga Yoga in July and a big Congratulations to all the new babies born this summer!

We'd love to see your Yoga Baby!
Please send your pictures to Lisa Taggart, Prenatal Program Coordinator at lisat@yogayoga.com

Our due date was February 1, but we were told over and over again that it is very common for first babies to stay in the womb for up to two weeks past their due date. February 1st came and went and we didn't think much of it. I guess I convinced myself that I would not give birth on my due date, even though I have two friends whose babies came exactly when they were predicted to come. Several people called on February 1st to find out if there was any news, and we told them that it could be several more days and we weren't sweating it.
Click here to read Kymberlie's full birthing story.

We invite you to share your Birth Story with us!
Email Lisa Taggart at lisat@yogayoga.com
All birthing stories are welcome, and very inspiring and empowering for all women.

Sarah's first yoga experience was in 1998 when she saw an ad for a class. Something told her she would love yoga and that she should sign up for the class. Sure enough, she was hooked! In 2004, she deepened her practice by completing the Yoga Yoga Teacher Training program with Prenatal yoga in mind. In 2006, she experienced her own pregnancy and the successful delivery of her daughter.

Sarah says: "The more I teach, the greater my passion for helping women stay centered, healthy, and vibrant during pregnancy and beyond with the practice of yoga."

Tips from Sarah:

- Practice Legs Up the Wall, for as many minutes as your body feels comfortable. Prop a bolster at an angle under your pelvis. This relieves leg and back fatigue, calms the mind, relieves swelling and varicose veins. Come out if you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or any pressure in eyes or chest. If your legs fall asleep or tingle, bend your knees and rest with the soles of the feet together. Rest on your left side for awhile before sitting up.

- Practice Savasana daily, for at least 5 minutes. This will help you relax, which your body greatly needs as it expends so much energy creating a baby. Savasana relieves fatigue, insomnia, and reduces high blood pressure. It also provides practice in surrender and deep relaxation, which becomes a powerful resource in birth.

- Whenever you want to connect with your baby, close your eyes and focus at your third eye point. This is a direct line to your womb since it corresponds to your pituitary gland, which regulates your hormones. Then bring your hands around your belly, breathe deeply and visualize your baby growing healthy with the life force moving through you. This will help put you in touch with the partnership that you share with your child.

Happy Pregnancy!

Click here to see when Sarah teaches.

All About the Uterus!

The uterus is roughly the size of a small pear or plum in the non-pregnant state. It weighs a little more than 2 ounces and has a capacity of about 2 teaspoons. In a pregnant state, the uterus can grow to the weight of 2lbs with a capacity of 1.5 to 2.5 gallons. At term, the weight of the uterus, fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid combined is approximately 13lbs. After delivery and birth, breastfeeding can trigger contractions that then help to shrink and encourage the Uterus back it original weight and size. The human body is incredible!.

Uteran Practice for Labor: Braxton Hicks contractions are also called "practice contractions" because they will prepare the uterus for the real thing and you can practice the breathing exercises you are learning in your yoga classes and childbirth classes. Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester, however they are most common in the third trimester. The muscles of the uterus tighten for approximately 30 to 60 seconds or as long as 2 minutes.

Try some Raspberry Leaf Tea! It can be safely drunk freely throughout the pregnancy to tone and strengthen the uterus and preparation for labour. Excellent for all trimesters.

Prenatal Resources

We would like to provide you with a variety of resources. Click here to view our online resource list.

We invite you to share your birthing resources with us, or if you are a Birthing Professional please contact lisat@yogayoga.com

Postnatal Yoga class is a great way to support the body's recovery after birth. Mothers may bring their babies for an experience that incorporates yoga and bonding with the baby. These classes are a wonderful way to connect with other new mothers in supportive and healthy environment.

Postnatal Class Schedule

YY North
Friday 10:30am with Shari M

YYNorthwest
Wednesday 10:30am with Sarah E

YYSouth
Wednesday 3:00pm with Alice

YY Westgate
Tuesday 10:30am with Jess G*.
Thursday 10:30am with Jess G *- for Crawlers and Toddlers!
Sunday 1:30pm with Jess G.*

*Jessica G has gone on maternity leave as she prepares to give birth to her second child. We wish her strength and love! Check the online schedule to see who will be subbing for her.

Yoga Yoga Westgate, 4477 South Lamar, 512-358-1200
Yoga Yoga North, 2167 Anderson Lane, 512-380-9800
Yoga Yoga South, 1700 South Lamar, 512-326-3900
Yoga Yoga Northwest, 12001 Burnet Rd, 512-490-1200
Yoga Yoga Teacher Training, 1700 South Lamar, 512-326-2273