"The Labour of Love DVD kept me supple and fit throughout my pregnancy. It gave me great confidence and kept me calm at the onset of labour and right through until I gave birth."
Isobel Kennedy
Nowadays, most women like you, live busy lives, and have to juggle between keeping a home with family life, and a demanding working world. That does not leave you much time for leisure or simply taking time to acknowledge and integrate the many changes that you are experiencing throughout this very special time of pregnancy. Yoga offers you just that.
It is time to retreat from the pressures and demands of your everyday life and discover the joy of simple breathing, gentle movements, and much, much more. Yoga has existed and evolved over thousands of years, and has proved to be of great benefit to people throughout the world at every stage of life.
This time tested practice is of particular importance to you both during and after your pregnancy, as it encompasses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and well- being.
There is a special need for exercise during your pregnancy since extra demands are made on the body from the very beginning.
During the early stages, the volume of blood pumped by your heart is increased considerably to supply the womb with the materials necessary for the creation of new life. Ligaments and joints soften and loosen to make more space within your body, and they need the protection of well-toned muscles.
Later, your body has to carry up to two stone of extra weight, putting more strain than usual on your lower back, particularly if posture and muscle tone are poor.
During labour itself your body has to withstand the intense and sometimes prolonged activity of the uterus contracting, (this is the largest muscle in the human body).
Both the lifestyle and physical changes that take place after the birth are dramatic and sudden so great resilience and strength is required. Yoga offers you the tools to understand, acknowledge and respect all that you are experiencing during your pregnancy.
Mothering starts at conception. The connection between you and your baby happens on all levels. Your baby receives through you the first experience of the maternal nurturing instinct. You pass this on, through your body, your energy and even vibration. Yoga affords you the time to slow down and deepen this connection.
However, Yoga is not a means to an end, it is a continuing life process of exploration which can transform your attitude towards yourself and the world you share with, not just your family but with all living beings. Pregnancy is a wonderful time to start this life long journey, and to extend the many benefit on to your baby.
A Labour or love DVD was designed for your own use at home. Sighle, who is a trained Remedial Yoga Teacher, has modified Yoga Asanas( movements) to create a safe, yet effective practice for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home (even if you have no previous experience of Yoga.) The DVD is unique as a one- to–one session between Instructor and mother -to–be Dee.
There is something for each mother is the 65 mins. production.
You will be inspired by Dee, who is 8 months pregnant on screen, yet incredible fit and mobile. There is also a view of modified movements to meet your needs when you feel less energetic. It is easy to build a meaningful routine out of the 5 independent sections. Helpful tips for common ailments flow effortlessly through the DVD and are relevant to every stage of your pregnancy.
Many women have found the DVD useful enough to watch it as a way of relaxing on sleepless nights, and even at the early stages of labour!
