First Sun Salutation since baby

I just wanted to drop a quick note and share with you that today I did my first Sun Salutation since the birth of Baby Nora
Although its rainy out side, I woke with more energy then usual, so I decided to practice some yoga while Nora sat in her swing. I started with a modified Sun Salutation then ventured into a few side stretches.  Body felt great and my mind needed something new to focus on even if it was only 5 min. Gotta start somewhere

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Hello World

Drum Roll..... We would like to announce the arrival of our sweet girl ,
Eleanor Paige Dial , Nora was born November 25th 2011
8:01pm 6.10oz  19" long.

One of the main reason I began this blog was not only to document my pregnancy and to help fellow mama's, but I wanted to test Yoga.  Could continuing my yoga practice during my entire pregnancy make for a more "enjoyable" "tolerable" "not as painful" labor?
My experience would beYES!!!!!
My yoga breath and relaxation techniques helped me glide through contraction after contraction.  Don't get me wrong there was pain but it never got to my head, I stayed focused and knew that my body was strong and able. Thanks to my wonderful husband coaching me I maintained my deep inhalations/exhalation and succeed.  Once my active labor began and pushing was near I was calm and confident I could do this, "not that I had much choice".  After a few cycles of breath, I had a wonderful gift resting on my chest, Nora and I locked eyes and my heart grew to a size I never knew was possible.

My final thoughts on Yoga and Pregnancy.  Yoga helped me both mentally and physically ENJOY my entire pregnancy, sure there were some uncomfortable times but my body went with the flow and I truly believe my yoga practice kept me in shape and allowed this experience to be unlike anything I have experienced. I would encourage expectant mama's to find an activity they enjoy and continue it through their entire pregnancy, modifying as needed.  It doesnt have to be yoga, but for me Yoga gave me the experience I wanted.

Please continue to follow my blog sans the Buddah Belly as I journey back to my yoga practice with a new appreciate and gratitude for life and my new respect for women's bodies.

namaste, Ali and Nora