Oh Baby Baby

The other day, I counted no fewer than ten babies recently born or about to be born in my circles of friends, students, family, and colleagues. I was a little amazed and continually affirm how lucky I am to be an aunt or faunt (fake aunt) to so many children in this world!

As a yogi who loves life and love, I celebrate baby announcements from my network with two things: first, a hearty and joyful congratulations and, second, the inevitable question of whether mom-to-be is going to practice prenatal yoga.

I usually get a 'yes,' which then leads me to a third but unfortunate thing I always impart to my mom-to-be pals. Sadly, there is just not a lot of prenatal yoga to choose from in this area.

All is not lost. Here are some tips on what to do so you and your baby don't miss out on the opportunity to practice prior to birth.

1) Practice on your own or in small groups. Get a prenatal moms-to-be club together and rotate hosting. Your public library and amazon.com are your BEST friends. Pre-natal DVDs and books I have looked at and respect are listed below. Note that you should check with your doctor before undertaking prenatal yoga. Note also these DVDs and books are designed so that you CAN practice at home. The exercises are simple and intuitive, and your woman's body will know what it can or should not do.

*Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: Experience the Natural Power of Pregnancy and Birth with Kundalini Yoga and Meditation by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and Cindy Crawford. Yes, THE Cindy Crawford. A gorgeous book with great photos and illustrations so you can practice on your own. This style of pre-natal yoga is highly spirited and nurturing towards your changing body.

*Prenatal Kundalini Yoga and Meditation for Mothers to Be with Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa (DVD): A sheer delight. You and your baby will feel the love coming from this series of exercises and reflections!

*Prenatal Yoga by Shiva Rea. This DVD is Hatha Yoga and good for your entire pregnancy because Shiva shows three models, one in each trimester, throughout the program. Nice.

*Yoga for Your Pregnancy by Yoga Journal and Lamaze. Part one is strengthening and stretching. Part two is breathing exercises and relaxation. All geared toward you and your growing baby.

2) Check for prenatal yoga in unlikely places: community centers, continuing education and recreation programs, the Y, universities, hospitals, and spiritual centers (e.g., River's Edge on the west side).

3) Check out www.yogacleveland.com: Several independent yoga teachers, and far fewer studios, claim prenatal yoga as a specialty. Call the teacher and see what she has to say. Is she certified or licensed to teach prenatal? If you like prenatal books and DVDs and practicing at home, a prenatal yoga teacher might be willing to do a private session with you and help you create another regime for you during your pregnancy.

Last, enjoy!