Can Inner Engineering Help During Pregnancy?

Although not all types of yogic practices are advisable for pregnant women, the practice of yoga is very important and even crucial in making an expectant mother’s experience of pregnancy, child birth and parenthood as wonderful as it can be.

Isha’s flagship program, Inner Engineering, offers Shambhavi Mahamudra, an ancient kriya that brings harmony to one’s body, mind, emotion and energy. Of special importance to a pregnant mother are the increase in vitality, and balanced moods and emotions. Today we take a look at the experiences of two Isha Yoga practitioners, and how Shambhavi has helped with their pregnancies.

You are not just giving a body to the child, in many ways who you are is imprinted on the child. So how you keep yourself during pregnancy is a very important thing.

Joanna Neale, Australia

I did the Inner Engineering Program with Sadhguru while I was pregnant. Everyone at Isha was so positive, happy and kind. Their energy was so infectious that I wanted to be as high on life as they were. I always felt as though I was in safe hands and that the people at Isha Australia really knew their stuff. They helped and guided me in doing my daily kriya even with my rapidly changing body. I did the kriya right up until the night before I delivered. The effect was profound both on me as well as my beautiful baby.

As I did my daily kriya and the energy started to rise within me, I connected to my unborn baby so deeply that I felt as though we knew each other completely even before the birth. I felt one with her almost as though our very atoms were merged. In fact, I still do.

My pregnancy, which was classified as the highest risk due to some previous health problems, was a breeze. My obstetrician, physician and other specialists were shocked at how uncomplicated the pregnancy turned out to be. Charlotte came into the world so peacefully and gently. She has been calm, satisfied and alert from the moment of her birth. She has slept through the night from day one and is fascinated with nature.

I have been different too. No longer do I feel the pressure to rush through my day and skip the details. I enjoy each moment as though there is no past or future. I used to think that this would mean I would get nothing done, but in fact I am accomplishing more than ever before.

Odessa, Malaysia

I am 7 months pregnant now and am still practicing kriya every morning. I feel energetic and when I sleep at night, it is sound and deep, which was not the case in the past. Therefore, it is very good for my baby because I can sleep peacefully at night.

Every morning after yoga, I feel weightless. The feeling is fantastic. I start to notice birds singing outside the window and appreciate life more now. My husband signed me on to Inner Engineering last year because I got carried away by my career and business; the pressure was unbearable.

Now, I am peaceful and enjoy every moment. My temper is easing, which is good for my husband and my pregnancy. In return, my husband is going to the Inner Engineering this May in Malaysia. We understand that to love people around us, is to first love and take care of ourselves.

Editor's Note: Find out more about Inner Engineering, including upcoming program dates and venues.