| Dr. Christine Anderson is the featured expert in Whole Life Times of Los Angeles regarding the benefits of prenatal Yoga |
When Becky Sorenson found out she was pregnant with twins, she was thrilled—until she went into preterm labor and had
to be on bed rest for the last 10 weeks of her pregnancy. She credits her yoga practice with getting her through that tough
time. “Yoga gave me the tools to focus my attention, turn to my breathing and find some peace.”
Yoga is rapidly becoming the leading exercise of choice for pregnant women because of its many positive effects and low risk
of injury. Research indicates that yoga increases strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga may reduce stress, lower blood
pressure, relieve mild forms of depression, improve sleep and increase energy levels. In addition, certain yogic breathing
techniques can be effective in increasing oxygen flow to the baby. Yoga is found to be helpful during labor to reduce
tension, relax the hips and pelvis and instill calm and confidence, making delivery easier for the mom-to-be.
Dr. Christine Anderson, producer of Dr. Christine Anderson’s Dynamic Prenatal Yoga DVD, is an LA chiropractor and
yoga teacher. Affectionately known as “Dr. Chris,” she specializes in pregnancy and pediatrics. “Yoga during pregnancy can
help women keep their weight gain down to a minimum, give them an improved attitude, help with shorter, easier labors and
decrease medical intervention—like Cesareans and forceps—which also means less likelihood of fetal distress and a faster
recovery after birth. Yoga gives you the benefit of less pain during pregnancy, such as backaches and other discomforts, so
it keeps you healthier and happier.” She laughs, “Also, women who do yoga tend to give birth on or before their due dates!”
An ancient system of self-realization, yoga has a powerful effect on physical health and wellbeing. The physical postures
(asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation practices (dhyana) and chanting (mantra) can be of immense benefit
to the student, especially if there’s a little one growing inside of her. Becky’s prenatal yoga practice included all of these
tools. “I felt more aware of the physical changes… I felt more connected emotionally… I felt more connected to life than ever.
And spiritually, I felt a greater sense of peace and well-being.”
A major benefit of prenatal yoga is learning how to breathe for pregnancy and labor. Dr. Chris explains, “With yogic
breathing during pregnancy, you’re getting more oxygen and so is your baby, which is crucial to development. Breathing
shallowly through your mouth in a hyperventilation-type of breath sends alarm signals throughout the body. During labor,
that deep, nasal breathing—pranayama through the nose—is going to send calming signals to the body.”
New information suggests that the main reason women fail to progress in labor is because of obsessive, chaotic thinking
known as “monkey mind.” Laboring women get so distracted by their thoughts that the ability to focus on the project at
hand—giving birth—is drastically diminished. Dr. Chris emphasizes, “You’ve got to get out of your head to let the labor
process unfold. Prenatal yoga helps you do that because you’re using the tools that you’ve been working on in class, which
is why labor times are generally decreased in women who do yoga.”
It’s important to find a yoga class designed for expectant mothers, as some yoga postures may be difficult or dangerous to
do during pregnancy. Experts recommend getting consent from your doctor or midwife before starting yoga, then locating
a prenatal class with an instructor specifically trained to teach pregnant women. “Start slowly and listen to your body. It’s
the perfect time to get in tune with your body, with yourself and with your baby,” says Dr. Chris. It’s a great initial
step to becoming a parent.”
Ready to change your body back after delivery? Becky was emotionally and physically weakened by long-term bed rest, a
Cesarean section and weight gain. “My yoga practice gave me the fitness, stamina and fortitude I needed to hang in there
and later to get back into physical shape.” Dr. Chris agrees, “Because you are going to be more physically fit, you’re going
to bounce back a lot easier. Just do it!”
to be on bed rest for the last 10 weeks of her pregnancy. She credits her yoga practice with getting her through that tough
time. “Yoga gave me the tools to focus my attention, turn to my breathing and find some peace.”
Yoga is rapidly becoming the leading exercise of choice for pregnant women because of its many positive effects and low risk
of injury. Research indicates that yoga increases strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga may reduce stress, lower blood
pressure, relieve mild forms of depression, improve sleep and increase energy levels. In addition, certain yogic breathing
techniques can be effective in increasing oxygen flow to the baby. Yoga is found to be helpful during labor to reduce
tension, relax the hips and pelvis and instill calm and confidence, making delivery easier for the mom-to-be.
Dr. Christine Anderson, producer of Dr. Christine Anderson’s Dynamic Prenatal Yoga DVD, is an LA chiropractor and
yoga teacher. Affectionately known as “Dr. Chris,” she specializes in pregnancy and pediatrics. “Yoga during pregnancy can
help women keep their weight gain down to a minimum, give them an improved attitude, help with shorter, easier labors and
decrease medical intervention—like Cesareans and forceps—which also means less likelihood of fetal distress and a faster
recovery after birth. Yoga gives you the benefit of less pain during pregnancy, such as backaches and other discomforts, so
it keeps you healthier and happier.” She laughs, “Also, women who do yoga tend to give birth on or before their due dates!”
An ancient system of self-realization, yoga has a powerful effect on physical health and wellbeing. The physical postures
(asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation practices (dhyana) and chanting (mantra) can be of immense benefit
to the student, especially if there’s a little one growing inside of her. Becky’s prenatal yoga practice included all of these
tools. “I felt more aware of the physical changes… I felt more connected emotionally… I felt more connected to life than ever.
And spiritually, I felt a greater sense of peace and well-being.”
A major benefit of prenatal yoga is learning how to breathe for pregnancy and labor. Dr. Chris explains, “With yogic
breathing during pregnancy, you’re getting more oxygen and so is your baby, which is crucial to development. Breathing
shallowly through your mouth in a hyperventilation-type of breath sends alarm signals throughout the body. During labor,
that deep, nasal breathing—pranayama through the nose—is going to send calming signals to the body.”
New information suggests that the main reason women fail to progress in labor is because of obsessive, chaotic thinking
known as “monkey mind.” Laboring women get so distracted by their thoughts that the ability to focus on the project at
hand—giving birth—is drastically diminished. Dr. Chris emphasizes, “You’ve got to get out of your head to let the labor
process unfold. Prenatal yoga helps you do that because you’re using the tools that you’ve been working on in class, which
is why labor times are generally decreased in women who do yoga.”
It’s important to find a yoga class designed for expectant mothers, as some yoga postures may be difficult or dangerous to
do during pregnancy. Experts recommend getting consent from your doctor or midwife before starting yoga, then locating
a prenatal class with an instructor specifically trained to teach pregnant women. “Start slowly and listen to your body. It’s
the perfect time to get in tune with your body, with yourself and with your baby,” says Dr. Chris. It’s a great initial
step to becoming a parent.”
Ready to change your body back after delivery? Becky was emotionally and physically weakened by long-term bed rest, a
Cesarean section and weight gain. “My yoga practice gave me the fitness, stamina and fortitude I needed to hang in there
and later to get back into physical shape.” Dr. Chris agrees, “Because you are going to be more physically fit, you’re going
to bounce back a lot easier. Just do it!”
| Download a Press Release About Dr. Christine Anderson as featured expert in Whole Life Times article about Prenatal Yoga |
| For Media Interviews Contact Promotion in Motion 323-461-3921 irwinzuckerpr@aol.com brad@promotioninmotion.net |
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| Power Through Your Pregnancy Women hoping for a smooth birth find that yoga delivers by Lisa Maria, yoga teacher and journalist. |
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