How to Create a Safe and Nurturing Environment in Postnatal Yoga Classes
Teaching yoga to new mothers comes with great responsibility. The postnatal period is a vulnerable time, both physically and emotionally, as women recover from childbirth and adjust to changing hormones, new routines, and sleep deprivation. Providing a safe and nurturing environment in postnatal yoga classes is essential to support mothers through this transition. With some planning and sensitivity to the unique needs of the postnatal student, yoga teachers can create a space where new moms can flourish.
Seek Postnatal Yoga Training
When seeking postnatal yoga training, find a specialised program to learn how to teach this population safely, as it requires specific skills. Look for postnatal yoga training for teachers courses that provide in-depth anatomy, safe postures, and handling of common postpartum issues. Choose a program that incorporates feedback from medical experts like pelvic floor physiotherapists and lactation consultants. Ensure the training equips you to provide the emotional support and encouragement new moms need, as this is just as important as the physical practice.
Prepare the Physical Space
When preparing the physical space for a postnatal yoga class, it is important to ensure the room is at a comfortable temperature, as new mums often feel hot and cold more acutely. Having props like blankets, bolsters, and blocks available helps support the body during postures. Play some soft, calming music in the background, avoiding anything too upbeat or noisy. Diffusing essential oils like lavender or chamomile promotes relaxation, but avoid strong scents. Make sure the space is clean and hygienic and provide hand sanitiser.
Modify the Yoga Practice
When modifying the yoga practice itself for postnatal students, certain precautions should be taken. Avoid strongly heating yoga styles like hot yoga or power yoga, as cooling, yin, and restorative styles are better suited to postnatal bodies. Modify poses to accommodate issues like diastasis recti, weaker pelvic floors, and C-section incisions, providing variations as needed. Emphasise gentle stretching and breathwork rather than pushing too deep into postures. Build in ample time for rest and relaxation, as savasana is extremely important.
Create a Judgement-Free Environment
It’s vital to create a judgment-free zone that doesn’t allow competitiveness or comparison between students, but rather encourages listening to one’s own body. Be inclusive of all birth experiences – vaginal, Caesarean, medicated, unmedicated, etc. Respect different feeding choices like breastfeeding, pumping, formula, etc. Make it comfortable for mum and baby together by welcoming babies who are feeding, napping, or fussing.
Adjust the Class Structure
In structuring the class itself, keep classes small with 8 students or less to allow for more individual attention. Incorporate time for socialising and sharing experiences, as the support of other mums is valuable. Design classes for different recovery stages like early postpartum, late postpartum, and postnatal athletes. Offer shorter class lengths like 60-75 mins maximum, as it’s difficult for new mums to be away for long. Allow drop-ins rather than series packages, as new mums’ schedules are unpredictable.
Provide Education
Providing education is also an important part of a nurturing postnatal yoga environment. Share information on recovering core strength and pelvic floor health. Explain how breathwork can help balance hormones and emotions. Describe how yoga alleviates common postpartum issues like back pain, fatigue, and anxiety. Caution against overexertion and remind students that recovery takes time.
Creating a nurturing, supportive environment for postnatal students requires knowledge, empathy, and care. With proper training and commitment, teachers can help new mothers transition to this special phase of life with more ease and comfort.
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