Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Namaskar Shanthi,

Welcome back - we've missed you !!!

I can see why your Yoga teacher would advise against aggressive asanas and back bends. You are half-way into your recovery period, so you have only three more months to go before going back to your regular practice.

I also understand that you had a deep feeling of contentment after each session, but all is not lost. You could still practice moderate asanas and supported back bends (putting your hands behind your lower back with the fingers pointing toward your sacrum).

I dont want to second guess your teacher because your teacher is correct. If you consider Ustrasana (Camel Pose), this posture can be performed in a number of ways. One way is to put two chairs beside and behind you. Put your palms on the chairs and very gently work your back bend in moderation.

Please dont try to do a full blown Camel, or Back Bend; but you are going to feel your scar tissue start to stretch a little bit. What you want to do is very carefully find your edge without doing harm to yourself.

The same rules can be applied to moving your spine in any direction, whether it be to the side, to the front, or in a twist. If you are gentle with yourself, and forget about what you could do before your pregnancy, these postures can help your recovery.

With all this said, most pranayama techniques, that are not dynamic, will be beneficial. By dynamic, I mean Bastrika and Kapalabhati. Obviously, there are many more which are dynamic, as well. However, you could work gentle pranayama techniques and derive great benefits.

Last of all, dont forget that you can perform meditation. If you can get your baby involved, in any of your practices, it will be a reminder that it is all worth the effort.

Om Shanti,
Donna