The magical gift of Relaxation

Kerry Reynolds — 2009-10-20T08:00:00-04:00

I know you've heard this before "just relax". In pregnancy, labor and even life with baby, that isn't going to get you very far. What you need to know is how to relax and the sooner you learn how, the better.

The first step towards relaxation is to create an environment that supports and nurtures you. Be it dimming the lights, using fluffy pillows for even wearing comfy and cozy clothing, creating an atmosphere of calm will set the tone for relaxation. This is especially important in labor, it is up to you and your Doula if you have one, to help set up an atmosphere of comfort. Creating a warm and fuzzy space allows mom (and dad) the sense of confidence they need to keep a good flow in labor.

Getting to know yourself

This is a wonderful time to get to know your body and learn how to relax during your pregnancy. There are many stressful moments during pregnancy and when those situations arise stop, take a deep breath in and as you breathe out, let the muscles relax so that they feel loose, open and soft. Afterward take a moment to think about which parts of your body became tense and needed releasing. We all hold tension differently and stress builds up in your body, learning where you hold your stress and tension now will help you understand where and how to relax when things become more demanding. You could also do a body scan, imagining each part by itself, filling with a warm radiant light and relaxing as it does. Some call this a roving body check and it is a wonderful beginning on becoming aware of how it feels to enter a relaxed state.

Not purely a solo act

Once baby arrives you will have endless opportunities to practice relaxation, complete with distractions. Between nursing, diapering, bathing, and squeezing in sleep when possible, there will be many times that a good, nice, deep breath that starts at the tip of your head and ends leaving your toes, will be just what you need to pick up and do whatever is next on your list. Gather the tools you need for parenting now by becoming more in tune with your body and your breathing by learning how to truly relax yourself.

For more information or to learn how to help yourself breathe better and relax more efficiently you can Register for our winter session of Breathing & Relaxation for Birth today, class begins November 3rd at our new location in Alexandria!

Birth in Bloom

The magical gift of Relaxation