downward dog with your pup at the refinery

If you have not yet attended a mom-and-baby yoga class, this is an adventure you simply can't pass up.

Ten weeks to the day after my C-section, I tentatively ventured out with baby to attend Jai Mama Post-Natal Yoga at The Refinery. I could not yet do a sit up and was a little nervous about my readiness for an organized "exercise class."

That initial class, and the others that followed, are treasured memories from my first months of motherhood. Through gently led stretches and meditations, I became better acquainted with my body, spirit and baby. Over time, this yoga practice aided my physical and emotional healing after what I had considered at the time to be a hurtful birthing experience.

Pre-crawling babies are at the perfect stage to happily lie or sit on a mat and watch as mom transforms into a "tree," "dog" or "cat" through strengthening poses. The instructor will suggest ways to incorporate your baby into a few of the poses.

Some days my baby slept through the first half and cooed through the latter half. Other days he wasn't as amused. The beautiful thing about this class is that everyone is in the same boat. If you need to stop a pose to soothe or nurse your child, no one bats an eye because it may be their turn two minutes later. When all the babies seem to be worked up at the same time, a collective round of "ohms" miraculously hushes the cries.

To begin this adventure:

1. Check the dates and times on The Refinery web site. It is generally held on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (The early 2010 classes begin next Wednesday, Jan. 13. Click here to pre-register.)
2. If you would like to try it out before committing to a full 10-week class at $85, you can attend as a drop-in for $15 a session. 
3. You will need to bring water for you and a blanket and toys for your baby. Mats are provided.
4. Arrive early to set up your mat and settle your baby.
5. Let your body and your baby set the pace.
6. While the web site suggests "tea time in The Refinery's welcoming space" after class, I highly recommend gathering a group for lunch at Amigo's down the street. Click here to read SaskMom.com's parent-friendly review of Amigo's.

Namaste!