Yes, would love to hear from other parents. 
Well i became for the first time mother at the young age of one day 21. Totally not inclined in spirituality, and however my daughter was very welcome it was difficult. It was a terrible delivery and ended in a C section. I saw her for the first time after 3 day’s.
It was difficult for me to be a mum, and I felt quilty about that. I thought I would never give birth to another child because I felt myself a bad mother, but then after a few years, my heart really opened I could remember the day, my daughter was happy running to me and I felt this huge love for her. That was the day I became a real mother I suppose.
With my daughter I have lately very deep conversations, she doesn’t like yoga or meditation, but
we opened up to each other, especially when she became a mother herself. She told me some years ago, because I was talking more spiritual, this helped her to give words to all that she felt already inside. She has two children of her own and that are also beautiful and very wise human beings. They leave me often speechless…
I gave birth to my son 6 years later, was in love with him from day one. My son is a very wise and spiritual human being, born that way. There are no illusions for him, he is not inclined in practices, although I know that he will one day. I see that it is sometimes not easy for him to be in the world, I see that he need practice but it has to come from himself. He know’s it could help him, sometimes he makes a joke to me, but he means it.
Like Blanche I offer information, but it is up to them. Some months ago we had a family weekend in a beach house, I offered every morning yoga to the whole family. It was touching to see how everyone did his or her best.
Thank You for sharing Charliedog. . C sections are not fun and looks like you went through a lot with your first pregnancy. Don’t you feel everything happened for you to be in the place where you are today.
That’s what I feel when I look back at my life.
So true Sunyata…
Thank you for sharing, Charliedog.
We are all children still
Yes, Dogboy, as Jesus said:
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
if done with caution, there should not be a problem. and always remember its not just you alone.
Yes surely a pregnant women can do meditation
Hi All,
It has been some time since pregnancy and AYP has been discussed in the forum. Christi has just put up an informative podcast on the subject of how an energetic overload in a mother may affect a fetus in pregnancy.
An AI/AYP overview on pregnancy and AYP is provided below, drawing on the full content of the AYP Plus lessons and all the books.
The guru is in you.
A Gentle Approach to AYP During Pregnancy
The sources advise a cautious and gentle approach to AYP practices during pregnancy, prioritizing the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
- Pregnancy is viewed as a sacred event that should be honored.
- It is generally recommended to avoid practices that could significantly increase physical strain or air pressure in the body.
- Deep meditation alone with light practice on a retreat can be helpful during pregnancy, and light daily deep meditation at home for cultivating abiding inner silence in both mother and fetus is a plus.
- Hatha yoga (asana) classes specifically designed for pregnant women are also available. These classes are generally gentle and suitable for pregnancy.
Specific Practices and Recommendations - Kumbhaka (breath retention) is strongly discouraged during pregnancy.
- Vigorous pranayama should also be avoided.
- Spinal breathing pranayama is generally considered safe as long as it is practiced lightly.
- Add-ons to spinal breathing pranayama (described in Lesson 239) can be okay if they do not involve strain or extra internal pressure.
- Ujjayi (restricted exhalation) is not advised during pregnancy.
- Even full yogic breathing should be very gentle if practiced at all.
- Tracing cool and warm currents in spinal breathing can be acceptable if done gently.
- Sambhavi mudra can be practiced lightly unless it causes an overwhelming kundalini surge.
- Any practice that stimulates strong kundalini currents should be avoided during pregnancy.
Self-Pacing is Crucial
- Self-pacing, which is the regulation of practices based on individual experiences and responses, is especially important for pregnant women.
- The sources emphasize that pregnancy is already a physical and emotional challenge, and adding to that challenge with aggressive spiritual practices is not advisable.
- Focusing on the well-being of the mother and fetus is prioritized over the spiritual rebirthing of the mother, which can be pursued after pregnancy.
Retreats During Pregnancy - If a pregnant woman is attending a retreat, it is recommended to keep the routine light and comfortable.
- Multiple sessions can be optional, as the silence generated in the group can be beneficial even if a participant is not doing a full routine.
- Skipping sessions and getting extra sleep is perfectly acceptable on a retreat.
Additional Considerations - The sources mention that some women experience elevated blood pressure during pregnancy.
- In such cases, a doctor’s advice should be followed, as with any other health irregularities occurring during pregnancy.
- It is noted that some people advocate for kundalini cultivation during pregnancy to have an “ecstatic birth,” but this is not endorsed in the sources.
- Giving birth is considered an apana (downward flowing) activity and may not be conducive to an ecstatic experience.
Overall, the sources stress the importance of a gentle, individualized approach to AYP practices during pregnancy, with a strong emphasis on self-pacing and prioritizing the well-being of both the mother and the baby.