| What should be included within a prenatal and | | | | pursue this path, should consider the following subjects |
| postnatal Yoga teacher training? It is agreed that | | | | when teaching students who are pregnant. |
| anyone, who decides to become a prenatal Yoga | | | | I. Dietary information that will benefit the mother-to-be |
| specialist, should be a competent and certified teacher | | | | and the baby. Much dietary information is common |
| to start with. If the specialist has a medical background, | | | | sense. Information about healthy eating is readily |
| this is a "big plus," as well. | | | | available, but we see the results of poor eating habits |
| When deciding to take the journey of education | | | | quite frequently. |
| toward prenatal Yoga certification, one should consider | | | | II. Asana practices, that can be modified for each |
| the amount of continuing education involved. Much like | | | | trimester. Within each trimester, postures will have to |
| all the specialist branches of Yoga, there is more | | | | be modified. There is a misconception that the first |
| knowledge than most of us can absorb within one life | | | | trimester requires no safety measures. In a nutshell, |
| time. | | | | during each trimester, there are specific safety |
| At the same time, it should be recognized that prenatal | | | | precautions. |
| and postnatal knowledge is constantly changing and | | | | III. Meditation practices, which may be adjusted for |
| improving. Since the Internet is readily accessible to a | | | | each trimester. To focus on good thoughts is a |
| large population, knowledge is being shared in an | | | | wonderful practice for mother and child. Good mental |
| instant. | | | | and emotional health of the mother is critical to the |
| This instant access can make it confusing at times, | | | | baby's overall health. |
| because we can also be sorting through erroneous | | | | IV. Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), which |
| information, which is wasting our time. Therefore, we | | | | may change during the course of pregnancy. |
| have to filter information from reliable sources. | | | | Pranayama techniques have specific roles during |
| Unfortunately, all of the answers to prenatal or | | | | pregnancy and labor. Some of the relaxing Pranayama |
| postnatal health, cannot be found in one document, | | | | techniques can be practiced anywhere and at any |
| DVD, CD, certification, or a prenatal Yoga teacher | | | | time. |
| course. | | | | V. Relaxation techniques, which can help an expectant |
| As a result, Yoga teachers, who teach pregnant | | | | mother throughout pregnancy. As mentioned above, |
| students, must continue their educations for life. There | | | | controlled breathing is a major part of relaxation, but |
| are a number of factors to consider, within any | | | | stage-by-stage, or body scan relaxation sessions, are |
| prenatal course; but Yoga teachers who decide to | | | | healthy practices for mother and child. |