PRACTICING PROGRESSIVE POWER YOGA DURING PREGNANCY
The most powerful way to prepare for the most extraordinary adventure of your life is to relax and strengthen your mind, body and spirit for the unique state of pregnancy.

The phenomenal benefits of practicing yoga during pregnancy are extremely well-documented. The extraordinary physical, spiritual and mental training received by expectant mothers who practice yoga around the world prepares them holistically for the precious and demanding experience in the delivery room, as well as a quick empowered post-natal recovery. Pregnant women who practice yoga are also literally delivering all the benefits they are receiving directly to the baby, giving children the best preparation for healthy advanced development on many levels. Mark Blanchard coached his wife throughout both pregnancies and deliveries of their own two beautiful children. By practicing yoga regularly throughout every stage of pregnancy you ensure yourself and your baby true health and wealth on so many levels: physical, developmental, mental and spiritual.

Every pregnancy is different...BEFORE PRACTICING THIS PROGRAM OR ANY OTHER EXERCISE PROGRAM WHILE PREGNANT...YOU MUST CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN.

LISTEN
Yoga helps focus one of the most important faculties you will need throughout pregnancy.the ability to listen to your own growing changing body . Developing the acuity of this sense, along with all the others, is crucial to being able to respond to all the various new needs of your own body as well as that of the developing fetus. During pregnancy, practicing yoga together with yogic breathing will help you adjust throughout your routine to the unfamiliar aches, pains, unexpected lapses in energy level, unusual appetite surges and uncomfortable sleep patterns.

MEDITATION
Gentle focus of your mind, as well as your breathing helps build stamina both mentally and physically to get you through pregnancy which is one of the most demanding experiences of a lifetime. If you meditate on your breathing, concentrating on the rhythm, depth with pure sensation while emptying your mind of daily stress, you will find that this simple meditation is a remarkable therapeutic tool. Doing this automatically every day as a wonderful personal ritual, as well as in times of stress can be vital preparation for the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual mysteries of the delivery process.

BREATHE:
Oxygen. Oxygen. Oxygen. Now you are not just breathing for one, but for two- you will need your own blood to carry as much of that precious O2 to the developing baby as possible. There is no better, natural way to infuse your body with life-giving oxygen than the powerful breathing techniques in steady yoga practice. Rarely in your life will your consistent ability in proper breathing be as vital as during pregnancy. Proper yogic breathing has been proven to help the vital energy for the birth process. Progressive Power Yoga calms mental, nervous and emotional tension during all stages of pregnancy. Yoga and pregnancy as well as yogic breathing bolster strength and confidence in the post natal stage reducing the chances of debilitating depression to set in.

MOTHER AND CHILD.TAKE A BREATHER
While you are still pregnant, as well as after you have the baby, it is helpful for both mother and baby to rest & breathe together. While pregnant, do the following strengthening and calming breathing technique while lying or sitting comfortably. After you take the baby home, it is rejuvenating to lie with your baby stretched comfortably on top of your torso, breathe calmly, rhythmically and deeply. You will find that the baby will relax and begin to align to your breath which would very possibly help it to fall peacefully asleep. (As perhaps will you!) This is a simple valuable ritual that you can use to calm your child if they have been crying, or are not feeling well, or are just fussy. It will be an experience you can both practice together even through the first 2 or more years. It will remain as a memorable bonding experience for both of you while the child will learn at a very early age the importance of breathing deeply.  Sleep: Practicing yogic breathing will also prepare you for one of the most vital necessities for any expectant mother.SLEEP! During your pregnancy you may find usual energy flagging unexpectedly during the day, then at night, lying fully awake, unable to get comfortable or relaxed enough to get much-needed sleep. You need all the sleep you can get to be able to prepare for the rigorous demands of the delivery room as well as being able to respond with good energy to the baby after arrival. By practicing gentle deep breathing, you begin a powerful rejuvenating relaxing process that circulates blood flow throughout your system which can begin to help your body release tension therefore be more at ease for a deep restful sleep.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
There are a few modifications that pregnant women should make when practicing yoga. There are certain reverse twists, and there are certain postures that theoretically could be impeding the breath work of the baby because the umbilical cord could get wrapped in the wrong way. There are only a few of the reverse twists: Reverse Triangle, Reverse Half Moon, where you could theoretically do this. While many women have been able to do them, it is best to consult your doctor to inquire if you are physically fit for this practice.