Matresence: The power of Pregnancy Yoga

Angeleen Knight
Jul 7
2 min read

Updated: Jul 20

As new mothers embrace the journey of matresence, I strive to support them through asanas (postures), breath work, yogic wisdom and their own spiritual prowess, empowering them to honour their bodies and emotions.

The journey through pregnancy can be both thrilling and daunting, filled with significant physical and emotional changes. My aim is to provide accessible the tools to navigate this transformative period in a supportive environment.

The Connection Between Yoga and Pregnancy

When I first started teaching yoga, I was captivated by its ability to foster mind-body awareness. In pregnancy, this awareness becomes crucial. Pregnancy yoga teaches expectant mothers to listen to their bodies, helping them cultivate strength, flexibility, and resilience. These qualities are essential for the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth.

Prenatal yoga also includes breathing techniques, like Golden Thread Breath, that can be invaluable during labor. Learning how to connect breath with movement can ease discomfort and promote relaxation. It's very rewarding when Mum's share that after just a few classes, they gain a newfound confidence in their bodies, feeling ready to face labor.

Building a Supportive Community

The spiritual and physical benefits are clear, but it’s the connections forged within the community that truly encapsulate the essence of this practice.

It fills me with joy to witness the community that forms among expectant mothers. They share profound experiences, including joy, doubt, and everything in between, often finding comfort in connecting with others on similar journeys.

I encourage open dialogue during my sessions. This supportive atmosphere allows women to share their concerns and triumphs freely. For example, one Mum shared her struggle with anxiety, and by the end of class, she had formed a friendship with another mother-to-be who had faced similar challenges. Peer support can be life-changing, creating lasting emotional ties and practical networks during and after pregnancy.

Studies indicate that women who have strong social support during pregnancy have more positive outcomes and lower rates of postpartum depression.

Focus on Physical Well-being

Pregnancy can bring about various physical challenges, including back pain, swelling, and fatigue. Modified yoga poses address these ailments and help establish comfort within the beatiful growing body.

Modified Warrior II and Figure Four, helps alleviate tension and enhance circulation, which is crucial: about 75% of pregnant women experience swelling (Edema) in their legs. Acknowledging the body's needs during this time is central to my teachings, which emphasise adapting yoga practice to each individual's body and stage of pregnancy.

Enhancing Emotional Resilience

The emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy can be overwhelming, due to the increased hormones in the body. This is completely normal and manageable with the right tools - the first one is acceptane (santosha) and kindness (ahimsa).

Through mindful practices and techniques such as guided visualization, I help participants manage their emotions and build resilience. Each session becomes a sanctuary where stress is reduced and inner peace is cultivated. Research shows that prenatal yoga can lead to a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms, providing a notable benefit during matrescence the metamorphisis into motherhood.