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Dance Through Pregnancy
photo courtesy of 4BlueEyes
You can dance through pregnancy and feel like a goddess! Bellydance is so perfectly designed for motherhood that it is difficult to distinguish which came first. Bellydance is the "Motherdance" and the "Birthdance"!
It is very likely that belly dance was born from the natural movements women make during labor and delivery. The squeezing and undulations of the belly, the rolling of the hips and shaking from exertion are part of the birth process and also an integral part of the "belly" dance.
Intuition - All You Need to Begin
Intuition = what you know without knowing why or how you know it
= logic sped up
Bellydancing feels good (even when you are 9 months pregnant).
It is safe and fun.
Bellydance for
the Childbearing Years
Belly dance keeps you fit when other forms of exercise cause discomfort or pain. The movements gently tone the abdominal and back muscles and soothe sore ligaments and bones. Bellydancing to the point of sweating, improves endurance and promotes lymphatic flow.The breath deepens, the blood pumps stronger, the skin glistens and stiffness is dissolved. Plus, you learn and practice movements that prepare you for a more comfortable and efficient labour and delivery. Creativity and joy move freely through you, and you celebrate the miracle of Life that grows inside of you!
Birthdance/Motherdance
To dance through pregnancy, choose some music. Lullabies, Taksim (slow, instrumental music of the Middle East), Chants, Meditation, Classical music are all great choices to get you in the mood.Rub, caress, and massage your baby-belly with your hands. Connect to the person who is growing inside of you. Soften your knees. Wiggle inside your skin. Move your spine and hips. Dance your hands in space as if doodling or sculpting the air. Seek beauty and grace as you move.
Once you are warm and open,
follow the impulses of your body.
Move to the floor and move around. Squatting, hands-and-knees and side-laying positions are all good. Feel the strength in your arms and legs.Travel around the room in a way that exhibits how you feel. Move quickly or slow and stately. Get more vigorous with your hips. Use quicker steps and large arms movements if you want to increase your pulse, and sweat more.
Move for pleasure, comfort and release.
MotherMysteries - Blessingways for Celebrating Motherhood
A Blessingway is a party to celebrate Motherhood. It is held by women for the Mother-to-Be. Friends, family, doulas and mid-wives are in attendance.
photo courtesy of Editor_B
There are many great ideas out there that could be included in a blessingway. Here are a few ideas:
Lavender scented footbath
Hand/Foot massage
Belly painting/henna
Story/Poetry-sharing
Meditation
Chanting and singing
Circle dancing
Flower crown
Food that nourishes and spoils
Journal writing
Symbolic gift presentation (candles, art, craft)
For some Activites to use at Blessingways, check out "Tribal Gathering" here.
Did You Know?
-Hip circles going in a counter clockwise direction ease the baby through the birth canal.-Undulations done frequently keeps muscles toned better than sit-ups. -Figure 8/Eternity is the "calming baby" dance. It's good for rocking the baby in-utero, during labour and postpartum too. -Women who belly dance through pregnancy enjoy their growing bellies, have easier births, and better postpartum recovery.
Tips and Considerations
photo courtesy of 4BlueEyes
Please do what feels good.
Listen to how you feel the next day.
Honor your body.
Make adjustments when necessary.
When your hip scarf won't stay on, your baby is low.
Try a form-fitting, slinky dress.
You'll be gorgeous!
To return from "Dance Through Pregnancy" to Bellydance-for-Life "Home Page", click here.
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