Namaste everyone and Happy Easter :)
I am seeking a few clarifications as I've come across what seem to be some slight contradictions among source materials. I'd be grateful for any feedback/advice on these:
Tadasana: Birthlight manual p.38 says feet hip width apart and feet parallel. Uma Dinsmore Tuli's book Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth suggests, "legs hip width apart, knees slightly bent and feet parallel. If this feels very peculiar, place feet as if they were the hands of a clock at about, 'five to one, or 'ten to two.' Avoid turning toes out any wider than this, since outward rotation causes a duck waddle stance that can exacerbate low back pain."
I'm curious to know other Birthlight teachers' experiences of how they present Tadasana, and how this changes, especially during 3rd trimester. Are we basically teaching classic Tadasana except feet wider and to 'listen in' to the body to make subtle adjustments to foot position?
Squats & Semi Squats: My understanding is that semi squats are good throughout pregnancy, to help strengthen the legs and open and create space (especially at the top) of the pelvis. Pages 59 and 65 of Birthlight manual show Sun Salutations with what look like full squats to me. I believe I read that full squats should be avoided after about 32 weeks (earlier for twins) as they close the pelvic outlet.
Nasal wash & Neti Pots: In my general Hatha courses I regularly demonstrate how to use a Neti Pot. It's the way I learned and easier than from a book. So I inform my general Hatha students of the benefits of this simple cleansing practice. My understanding is that women, especially in late pregnancy will have blocked sinuses due to increased blood volume. I would not teach pregnancy women to clear the nose after this practice with Bhastrika or Kapalabhati, but other than that, are there any contraindications for teaching this practice to my pregnant ladies as well? Have other teachers found this beneficial for teaching in pregnancy?
Apana or Apan Vayu Mudra: is this appropriate during pregnancy, or only during labour?
Hope this isn't being too pedantic, but I want to get these basic things right!
Yours in yoga,
Leigh