Squatting has been used for childbirth since ancient times as it is the natural, instinctive way for women to birth their babies.

However, from Victorian times until the later part of the twentieth century, women in western countries were usually required to deliver their babies lying on their backs, a position which can make birth more difficult.

Women today however, tend to be more fortunate, with better education and a better understanding of the whole birthing process.

Aching backs are very common during pregnancy.

Hormonal changes in pregnancy can loosen the joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine.   Overstretched abdominal muscles also mean that the spine and back muscles may bear the extra burden.

Try these poses to relieve your achy back...

Prenatal Benefits

The word yoga derives from the Sanskrit yuj, which means ‘to join’, ‘yoke’ or ‘coming together’. The practice of yoga is a union of the soul, the mind, the emotions and the physical body. So taking a prenatal yoga class is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby when you are pregnant. When yoga is practiced regularly, we develop an understanding of our own nature, our physical bodies become more subtle and strong and balance can be established in all parts of our being. Taking a regular prenatal yoga class will help alleviate some common pregnancy discomforts including;

• Nausea and vomiting
• Leg cramps
• Hip pain
• Varicose veins
• Shortness of breath
• Backache
• Sciatic pain
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fatigue

The class will help to improve your sense of wellbeing and will help prepare you for the hard work of labour.

Pregnancy Yoga classes have recently commenced in Ipswich at the Sacred Cow Yoga studio. The Queensland Times wrote a story about the class and it was published on Saturday the 13th of March 2010.

Push to get mums-to-be in yoga class.

© Dr Sarah J Buckley 2005 www.sarahjbuckley.com

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering
Dr Sarah Buckley

First published in Australia’s Parents Pregnancy, Autumn 1999, as “Your Hormones are your Helpers” This version updated July 2005

Imagine this. Your cat is pregnant, due to give birth around the same time as you are. You have your bags packed for hospital, and are awaiting the first signs of labour with excitement and a little nervousness .

Meanwhile your cat has been hunting for an out-of-the way place -- your socks drawer or laundry basket -- where she in unlikely to be disturbed. When you notice, you open the wardrobe door, but she moves again. Intrigued, you notice that your observation, even your presence, seems to disturb the whole process. And, wish as you might to get a glimpse into the mysteries of birth before it is your turn, you wake up the next morning to find her washing her four newborn kittens in the linen cupboard.

Why does birth seem so easy to our animal friends when it is so difficult for us? One obvious difference is