Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Recap

Last week, I was lucky enough to learn from Sheri Colosimo, founder of Miracles on the Mat, in her pre & postnatal workshop. While I am not currently pregnant, I saw the workshop as an opportunity to learn how to teach mommas-to-be, and understand how the physical transformation of motherhood impacts a traditional yoga practice. The experience was way more than I could have anticipated, and I learned a tremendous amount about yoga, mindfulness, women’s bodies, and empowerment. I will admit, I was the only woman in the room without children or pregnant with their first. But I quickly learned that every woman is a mother in her own right, no matter where she currently is on that journey. I felt at ease right away.Over the course of two days I connected with these women on a much deeper level. Yes, we practiced yoga and learned more about the body’s transformation through pregnancy. But we also talked about the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, hormones, and learning to adjust to your new shape.Staying FitWhen pregnant women walk into your yoga class, what is your first thought?

• “Wow, good for her.”
• “Should she be doing this?”
• If you’re the instructor: “Omg, how do I modify my class for her?”

Remember, pregnant women were at one point not pregnant. If they’ve been practicing yoga or exercising previously they (assuming a doctor has given the ok) are coming to class hoping for the same experience as you! Yes, a few modifications are necessary :) But, mommas want to stay fit too. Giving the “omg there’s a pregnant lady!” look of horror on your face as they walk through the door is not setting them or you up for success.MindfulnessMindfulness in class is so crucial to a pregnant woman’s experience. Move with intention and sensitivity as you guide them through a flow, and always receive the okay for adjustments (if you feel comfortable providing them). Mindfulness extends far beyond the physical aspects of the practice. With bodies in a constant state of change, pregnant yogis experience a rush of emotions on and off the mat. It’s beautiful. Be positive, encouraging, and present yourself as someone there to support them on this amazing journey.EmpowermentWomen can do amazing things when we come together. I left Sheri’s workshop feeling empowered to guide future mommas, and empowered as a women myself. The positivity in that room was palpable. I felt supported, encouraged, and as if I could do anything as a teacher, future mom, and wife. The Yoga PracticeAs I moved through poses with a beach ball tucked under my shirt I was pretty shocked to find out how challenging it is to bend, twist (deep twisting is off limits for pregnant ladies), and stand with a belly. If you’ve never been pregnant yourself (the case for most instructors), I highly recommend grabbing a balloon and giving it a try. That extra bump on your frontside makes it tough to flow! Pregnancy is not the time to push yourself on the mat, or experiment with a new workout. The goal of yoga during pregnancy is to maintain flexibility, reduce stress and anxiety, and give you some bonding time with your baby. Being pregnant is a lot of work! Embrace the belly and the things you can do rather than focusing on what you can’t.As you advance in pregnancy give a prenatal class a try. Prenatal yoga address some of the physical challenges you’re experiencing, such as a shift in the center of gravity and lower back pain. Poses will help build strength in your legs, back, and abdominals, and introduce moves to relax the hip muscles and prepare you for labor. Physical benefits are accompanied by breathing and relaxation techniques, also designed to get you through that final push. There is also something extra special about being surrounded by other preggo women in the same boat as you.I look forward to guiding future mommas on the mat, and being a supportive and friendly face for you as you begin your 40 week journey.Below is a great list of fabulous studios in San Diego offering prenatal classes. Explore, connect, and embrace the belly :)Nature’s Whisper YogaHapa YogaPilgrimage of the HeartYoga Jai Ma Buddhi Yoga Xoxo,Erica