You may have heard the saying, "happy mama, happy family" - well, happy = healthy. Especially this mama. I am very sensitive to lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and exercise levels. It's a very conscious effort for me to accept the changes that happen to my body during pregnancy. I have had a better attitude the second time around - maybe I'm more mature? (Wait...one of my favorite things is to instruct Zoe to tell Mike "dada farted...dada stinks." Maybe it's not maturity after all...) Perhaps I am learning and improving on my newly articulated philosophy of balance, seasons, and perspective. I am never going to run like Kara Goucher or look like Mila Kunis, ever. I can, however, be the best mommy, wife, friend,.. that Phae Feaga can be. Provided, of course, that I take care of myself first, in the capacity appropriate for my stage in life.
Yoga is an awesome way to keep strength in your muscles during pregnancy, as well as a great way to stretch out trouble spots. This applies to non-pregnant life as well! Let me show you the poses I'm loving at 7 months prego.
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| Child's pose |
Child's pose is a resting pose in yoga. However, you can make it lazy, or you can use it as a freaking awesome back stretch (turns out carrying a 15-lb bowling ball in front of your body 24/7 (oh and did I mention also carrying a 30-lb toddler?) kind of reams your back)
First, I modify this a little bit by spreading my legs out a little farther than normal to accommodate the bowling ball. Then I reach as far as I can with my fingertips to lift my elbows off the ground. Finally, I take big yoga breaths in and out - at the peak of the breath, I can feel my lungs expanding so much that they are trying to push my ribs out of my skin. Awesome! Repeat.
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| Cow Pose |
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| Cat pose |
Cat/cow pose is a dynamic pose, again targeting the back. Move fluidly from one to the other, holding each one as long as you want. I'm feeling better already!
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| Pigeon pose |
Pigeon pose was my favorite before pregnancy because of running, and it remains my favorite as a pregnant person. Turns out both running and being "in my condition" are both hard on the hips. This is the best hip stretch I've ever found (and I have looked a lot.) I could hold this pose for like, 20 minutes a side and not get tired of it. In fact...I think I'll go do it right now...
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| Warrior III |
Last but not least, warrior 3. I just like this one because you would think the balance poses would be harder with your center of gravity all wonky...but! they are not! Doing a pose like this makes me feel "normal" for a few moments, and it's lovely.
Namaste.
xoxo Phae
