A couple that practices yoga together stays together! Did you know that practicing prenatal yoga with a partner not only benefits you and your baby, but it also strengthens your bond with your partner before your baby arrives? 

The moment you become pregnant all focus shifts to you and then in postpartum to baby and it’s very easy to forget your partner and/or relationship in all of this, so instead of making them a silent partner, you can make them an active member right from the start.

1. Build Support & Connection: I don’t need to tell you this, but the many physical, emotional and mental changes you’re going through is no joke. Practicing yoga can help you navigate and adapt to those changes, but when you add your partner you’re building a sense of support and connection, strengthening your relationship, which can be useful during your birth experience and carry over to your postpartum recovery.

2. Increased Flexibility & Strength: Partner poses can help you deepen the stretches for more flexibility and strength, while providing you additional support. Literally laying the groundwork to have your back when the big day comes.

3. Reduce Stress & Anxiety: It can be a stressful time with all of the preparations and worrying about the what ifs, but you can manage these emotional discomforts. Yoga provides you a sense of calm helping you relieve tension for all three of you.

4. Improved Circulation: Partner yoga is a great way to increase blood flow and stimulate your digestive system to help you alleviate some not so fun pregnancy symptoms like constipation and swelling.

5. Prepare for Labor & Delivery: Enhance your birth experience by utilizing yoga poses to align and open your pelvic floor making labor smoother and easier, while at the same time making your partner be involved and supportive during the birth process.

Here are some important tips that you should definitely keep in mind as you and your partner start this prenatal yoga journey together. 

1. Talk to your doctor: before beginning any new exercise routine, you definitely should bring this up with your care provider. They can help you determine which poses you might need to avoid based on your unique situation.

2. Start slow: if you’re brand new to yoga, you will want to ease into it and gradually build up your practice. No yogi mastered everything at once, so go at your pace, take your time and listen to your body.

3. Use props: as your baby grows props like blankets, blocks and straps can create additional space for you and your baby, and make poses more accessible.

4. Communicate with your partner: Enhancing your communication and building this beautiful harmonious team can start right here. Breathing and moving in sync, while letting each other know what feels  good and of course what doesn’t. You can provide gentle feedback to each other on what is working, what might need improvement or even what to avoid.

5. Have fun: most importantly do this. Your partner yoga experience should be an enjoyable way for you and your partner to connect with each other and your baby.

Pregnancy can be an exhilarating time, and prenatal couple yoga can offer you a unique experience to connect and support each other during this transformative moment in your life. Bringing your practice together you’re sharing in the excitement and challenges, while keeping yourselves active. So roll out your mats together and you’ll notice the shift in your partnership.

With love & gratitude,

Diona