S2, Episode 9: Yoga Therapy from Preconception through Postpartum
In this episode, Kelsey and I discuss:
What is the difference between yoga and yoga therapy?
Yoga is often a very watered-down version of the traditional practice of yoga; it is more postural and begins to address discomfort at a physical level and breathing practices. Yoga therapy is much more holistic; it begins with an assessment of the mind-body system. Then, practitioners craft an individual plan that aims to increase joy and minimize suffering. The goal of yoga therapy is to increase the life force and joy or prana.
What are the benefits of prenatal yoga therapy?
During preconception, yoga therapy can support hormones and the physical body; it also helps people connect with their bodies in a loving and accepting way. During pregnancy, it can alleviate sickness like nausea, provide comfort for the body, and prepare, physically and emotionally, for birth and postpartum.
Throughout this journey, yoga therapy can help people thrive by evaluating what and where they want to put their energy.
What are the restrictions for yoga during the prenatal period?
During preconception, it’s important to build life force; it is a time to slow down and do less. This would be low-intensity, with more grounded movements.
During pregnancy, it is important not to overdo the stretching and, instead, stabilize. Postural yoga will avoid pressure on the belly with accommodations. It’s important to stay within seventy percent of your capabilities to avoid pain later on.
Why is it important that an instructor is trained in this time period?
Everything is different during this time period, and there are many changes. If someone isn’t skilled and educated about those changes, that person can cause harm or guide their clients’ bodies in the wrong direction. You might learn habits that are harmful, and it would take time and education to unlearn those habits.
How can we create strategies to deal with intrusive thoughts?
Try journaling, meditating, self-compassion practices
If those thoughts are causing people to avoid people and their child to avoid the feelings, then seek help
How does yoga prepare people for birth?
For the physical components, yoga therapy will prepare your muscles and joints, which will help your baby find the ideal position for birth.
Mentally, yoga therapy will include visualizations and guided imagery that will help people overcome fears; it will include conversations and practices to confront fears and doubts and practice boundaries.
Practically, breathing practices can relax the mind and the pelvic floor.
What are your favorite resources?
You can find Kelsey on her website or Instagram.
Enjoy the episode!
Kelsey Delane is a bookworm, an extroverted introvert & a (milk) chocolate-lover raising three daughters while running her birth-centered yoga business. As a trauma informed yoga therapist & full spectrum doula, she has over a decade of experience & over 1500 hours of formal training. Kelsey is especially passionate about pregnancy, birth & postpartum because of the power these thresholds hold to radically transform our world. Kelsey believes that healing doesn’t happen in isolation because the journey to optimal health is both an individual and communal process. She’s committed to working toward reproductive justice by mobilizing her layers of privilege to create a world where all birthing people have access to the wraparound resources for holistic wellbeing they deserve.
