In the Beyond Childhood Series: Bellies!

Photo via Rummey Bears, one of my favorites. Mama Bear (Anna Rummey) is a wonderful mom. She posts about Baby Bear all the time and used to feature gorgeous belly shots like this one during her pregnancy. She absolutely glows, don't you think?!

I saw a pregnant lady practicing in the cool corner last night at yoga. There was this shuffle of mats at the beginning of class, so that she could be sure she was in the right spot in the room. (Our studio owner keeps one spot a bit colder so it's easier to manage when you've got a babe on the way.)


Meanwhile, over in the most hot and humid corner of the room, I was melting. Literally. Already a puddle on my mat. It was great.


After class, I noticed that the pregnant lady was hardly pregnant -- she wasn't showing yet at all, no belly there yet. She was glowing, though. Stuart, the studio owner, checked in with her to see how she was feeling. "Better?" he asked. She nodded with a big smile.

It made me wonder: what's it like to experience a Bikram class when you're pregnant? I wonder if the heat and humidity and intensity is almost too much. I imagine it can be a very helpful meditation, though.


I've also heard about moms who experience their baby kicking during the postures.


Now that's meditation, to feel that very flutter of life within you, and still stay in the pose!


Anyway, just wanted to send some love out to all the moms who choose to practice. I know some doctors are pretty wary of hot yoga -- especially during the first trimester -- and you do want to be really careful in class if you've got a little one on the way. As long as you've been practicing consistently for a while, though, you should be all set to continue with your yoga.


The entire Bikram series is slightly altered when you're expecting, too. You do the pregnancy class, not the regular series. (You can buy a DVD of Rajashree Choudhury doing the series if you like!)


If you're practicing at a studio, be sure to check in with your teacher before class just so they know to keep an eye on you. Then follow the pregnancy series guide (not the exact dialogue) and rock your yoga!


Moms who Bikram, you are awesome. I commend you for your hard work and hope to one day join the ranks of ladies who bring their bellies to class. I imagine too that with your meditation, patience and compassion, parenting will be a piece of cake! :)

Photo via Rummey Bears. Isn't Anna a gorgeous mom? She rocks the belly if you ask me.

Are you expecting? Practicing too? I'd love to hear from you about your experience! Leave a comment below or email aliveinthefire at gmail dot com. Namaste and congrats to you and your growing family!