Maternal Wellness: Myths, Facts, and Supportive Yoga
Maternal health advice can feel overwhelming and contradictory. I have broken down the common myths and share simple, proven ways to support your body through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery.
Let's bust some myths about C-sections. This carousel addresses common misconceptions about recovery time, whether vaginal delivery is "better," and the idea that you "should" avoid a C-section. Your body, your birth, your choice.
Myth: C-sections mean a long recovery time. Fact: Not necessarily. Your recovery depends largely on how healthy and active you were before and during pregnancy.
Myth: You "should" try for a normal delivery and avoid a C-section. Fact: There is no right or wrong. It is perfectly okay for a woman to choose a C-section, even if it's just because she wants to.
Let's change our language. Instead of "normal or abnormal delivery," let's use "vaginal or abdominal delivery." All birth is valid.
Did you know pregnancy can permanently change the size of your feet? This video gives three tips to minimize swollen ankles and feet, including wearing compression socks, water therapy, and practicing Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose).
Let's talk about pregnancy acne. It's a real thing for about 40% of women, caused by hormonal shifts. This video explains how staying active with yoga and pranayama can help improve circulation and flush toxins to alleviate it.
The most important thing you can do to support natural conception is to establish a healthy routine. This video explains how fixing your sleep schedule can help your hormones self-correct, leading to better eating, sleeping, and overall well-being.
About this collection
You will notice much of my advice starts with 'it depends.' That is because maternal health is highly individual. Whether you are navigating hormonal shifts with PCOS or recovering from a C-section, my practice focuses on using props and specific adjustments to meet you where you are, rather than asking you to fit into a standardized mold.
The world of maternal health is full of 'shoulds.' You should deliver this way, you should feel this way, or you should recover by a specific timeline. I strip away these pressures to focus on what your body actually needs to heal and thrive.
Why We Bust Myths
When we clear away misinformation, we reduce anxiety. For instance, the common myth that vaginal birth is the only 'valid' way to deliver often adds unnecessary stress to mothers who have had C-sections. My work centers on the reality that all birth is valid, and postpartum recovery is not a race to bounce back to your pre-pregnancy size.
The Role of Prop-Based Yoga
In my sessions, we use chairs, bolsters, and belts to support your body. This is not about making poses easier, but about making them accessible and safe. If you are dealing with pelvic pain or back issues during pregnancy, props allow you to hold restorative poses that relieve pressure without straining your joints or core.
Fertility and Routine
Many students come to me for fertility support, expecting advanced asanas. Often, the most profound changes come from something simpler: fixing your daily routine. By aligning your sleep and wake times, we allow your hormones to regulate naturally. This foundational work is what I teach in my therapeutic sessions, helping you manage conditions like PCOS and low AMH through consistent, gentle movement.
Moving Forward Together
My classes are a blend of Iyengar-based precision and real-life empathy. There is no pressure to perform. We focus on building a practice that serves your current energy levels, whether you are trying to conceive or caring for a newborn.
Pragya Bhatt
I found yoga at a time when doctors told me pregnancy might not be possible. I conceived naturally at 42, and I teach from that place of lived experience, not just theory. Join me to find strength and calm in a way that respects where your body is today.
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