Buddhabellies:yoga for pregnancy
Pose of the month - March 2009

Lunge
“ When a woman is left to labour instinctively, she will almost always be active - walking, kneeling, rolling her hips and rotating her pelvis. It is unheard of for a woman to adopt what is rather unglamorously known as the 'stranded beetle position', lying on her back, legs asplay, often constrained by stirrups, that is so commonly used in hospitals across the world. The myth is that it was Louis XIV's desire to have a better view of the birth of his illegitimate child that prompted the fashion for this way of giving birth. Whether it was this or medical convenience that was to blame, science and anecdote have shown it to be a counter-productive, even dangerous, position for birth.
   Thankfully, the knowledge that women should be active in labour is seeping into mainstream birth culture. Midwives across the country are supporting women, both emotionally and physically, to birth in whatever position they feel inclined suits their needs best. Birth classes actively promote the understanding that being upright is better for the well-being of the baby and for the course of labour. In some cases, hospital protocol is still a stumbling block. In others, it is the conditioning and crucially the physical constraints of the mother herself. The truth is, we are a sedentary society. Many of us move from bed to chair to car to desk. Whilst our Asian counterparts squat and sit cross-legged by nature, Westerners are often unaccustomed to such positions.
   Practising Yoga during pregnancy is a wonderful counter to this trend. As well as improving flexibility and opening our hips, many Yoga postures are themselves active birth positions and regular practice enables a mother to become more physically adept as well as mentally accepting of postures that might otherwise feel uncomfortable...”

Caution: With all Yoga practice during pregnancy be sure to work well within comfortable limits. If you are suffering from any ailment, consult your midwife before practising. If your problems are severe or on-going, only practise with the supervision of a qualified teacher.

This series on Yoga and Pregnancy is written by Nicole Croft, who is an Active Birth and Yoga for Pregnancy teacher who is based in Woodstock in Oxfordshire. She is also the founder of Buddhabellies, which is dedicated to empowering women to birth instinctively and with confidence. For more information please visit her website at www.buddhabellies.co.uk.