It reinforces the yoga session as a shared activity, either being able to be completely quiet and still if that is how the baby chooses to be, or alternatively, a time to rejoice in energy and life if she decides to be active. Standard yoga breathing techniques support relaxation and, as referred to earlier, are often valuable friends during the actual birth, reinforcing an atmosphere of positive control. Each inhalation restores energy and vitality. It is enjoyable to be able to move and stretch without the additional weight of the pregnancy. If the woman has practised yoga during her pregnancy, to be able to continue with familiar postures having her baby now beside her is very reassuring.
Gentle practice supports the process of recovery, repair and adjustment.
Sharing the yoga with her baby establishes the life that they have together and also the life that they have as individuals. Many of the familiar postures from pregnancy still apply and there are some which can be aimed specifically at this time. The cat posture previously referred to is helpful for toning up all the muscles and structures that have been working so hard during the previous months. When it is appropriate to increase the movements, usually after approximately six weeks, a further stretch can be added. See illustration 9.