Yoga for mothers, babies and children as a way to find physical and mental balance

If the practice of yoga is beneficial for anyone looking to release tension and achieve a good connection between their body and mind, in the case of mothers and their babies, its advantages are even more evident.

Postpartum is a time of great change in the life of any woman. Hormonal alterations, attending to the needs of a defenseless being that depends on us, physical changes after childbirth, holding our baby in our arms most of the time and sleeping for a few hours can negatively affect us.

HOW YOGA CLASSES HELP FOR MOMS AND BABIES

In yoga classes, mothers practice asanas or yoga postures adapted to the needs of this new stage of life in the company of their babies and serve to relieve back pain, a consequence of having the baby in their arms, help to recover balance, body symmetry and to tone the abdomen to regain physical shape.

The fundamental difference between yoga classes for moms and babies is that their goal is for babies to stay with their mothers, maintaining eye contact and entertaining themselves with a toy. In these sessions, older babies can imitate the postures that their mother practices . Another of the main objectives is that mothers feel free at all times to care for their babies.

This connection between mom and baby, as well as the freedom to attend to them during class, is the best way for both to feel relaxed , which helps mothers achieve balance between body and mind.

YOGA CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

Yoga classes for children are a playful way for children to have fun while they relax. In our children’s yoga classes we carry out workshops, games and activities such as storytelling or songs.

As part of these activities, a series of asanas (Yoga postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation and relaxation are usually introduced. The postures are always adapted to the age of each child and are mainly related to nature and animals .

These are some of the asanas or postures that are usually worked on in yoga classes to:

• Vrksasana or tree pose:  In addition to being fun for them, it helps them improve their balance.
• Adho mukha svanasana or downward facing dog:  It is very easy even for the little ones. Positioning yourself like an inverted V is beneficial to your body and helps you change perspective.
• Virabhadrasana II or Warrior II:  Seeking peace, knowing what you want and concentrating on what you are doing are the characteristics of a “good warrior”.

The goal is for children to enjoy body, mind and spirit by connecting with their emotions and senses and freeing themselves from their fears.