Pregnancy and Birth

The Alexander Technique is useful during each phase of becoming a parent. It helps women understand and compensate for the many bodily changes that happen.

As the baby grows weight increases forward, causing the mother's center of balance changes. The heart, lungs and other internal organs become compressed. This often results in excruciating back pain, digestive problems and shortness of breath. With the Alexander Technique, she can learn how to find new balance, protect her lower back and reduce compression. This literally gives her more room to breathe and makes her far more comfortable and pain-free.

As formerly easy daily activities become difficult, a pregnant woman can learn a practical, enjoyable way to handle moves as simple as standing, sitting, bending and lying down efficiently and comfortably. Studying the Technique also helps a woman ride out the profound physical and psychological changes that ripple through her during pregnancy. As hormonal shifts spark mood swings and the nature of home life changes dramatically, this effective form of self care can help in regaining emotional equilibrium.

An Alexander Technique teacher can help a woman prepare for labor by teaching her to sit and squat comfortably and release the pelvic floor. To counter the natural tendency to tense the whole body during painful contractions, she can learn how to breathe and calm her system during childbirth.

Alexander Technique gives the family — mother and father — new understanding and resources they can use throughout parenthood such as lifting a child out of a crib and holding the baby during feeding. They will have a better understanding of how to promote their child's healthy progression through the developmental stages of movement.