Deep, intentional breathing. Guided stretches. Centered thoughts.
Pregnant mommas at every stage of pregnancy enjoyed a prenatal yoga class hosted at Community of Hope’s Family Health and Birth Center by our partners from the Developing Families Center (DFC). The class, organized by Hajure Rushdan of DFC, is part of their maternal wellness program. Hajure shared that yoga can be extremely beneficial for expecting moms because pregnancy can not only bring a season of emotions to women, but also major changes and discomfort to their body. “It [Pregnancy] can have a lot of moms feeling really disconnected from themselves about the process,” Hajure said. “Prenatal yoga is a grounding way to really bring yourself back into you and your baby – and that is ultimately what is important when you go into labor.” As a mother herself, Hajure took advantage of the yoga class during her pregnancy. Understanding the benefits of prenatal yoga, Hajure is now focused ensuring that other moms know about the class.
We visited last Tuesday’s class and talked with some DC moms like Jaime Baker. Jaime, who is a COH patient, heard about the prenatal yoga class and started attending when she was 20 weeks pregnant. Now, at 32 weeks and only a few months away from giving birth, Jaime says yoga has been an opportunity for her to really reflect. “I like yoga – It helps you mentally. It physically prepares and gives you something to look forward to,” Jaime said. Along with taking yoga class, Jaime participates in most of COH’s resources available for expecting moms such as prenatal care services, CenteringPregnancy® group, and a parenting skills class. Even with all of her involvement, Jaime says yoga provides a community to connect with other expecting moms – like Khalilia Faunteroy. For Khalilia, this was the second prenatal yoga class she has been able to attend. “I love it. I don’t even feel pregnant. My body feels light and free,” Khalilia said. Khalilia is in her second pregnancy with our midwives. “Yoga makes me feel more confident in my ability to have a natural birth.” Though through different lenses, yoga offers each woman something uniquely special that leaves them feeling refreshed and wanting more. And yoga is one important part of the comprehensive services accessible to the moms served at Community of Hope – all with the goal of helping healthy moms have healthy babies.
DFC_AprilYoga.pdf April Prenatal Yoga Classes
