Rock and Roll (instructions)

This pose is one of the most fun yoga moves you can do with your baby - from infancy until they get too big! They just love it and it is wonderful for your abdominals, for your back and for bonding with your little bundle. At first, go slow - you may find your body doesn't quite want to move that much! So stay on your back, feel your low back melt into the floor and place your infant securely on your shin bones. You can just stay here and make faces, coo, make eye-contact and move them slowly away and toward you. Even this much - will delight them - and help begin the journey of rediscovering your abdominals. Holding on securely, you can even rock from side to side. Be courageous and confident - and as your abdominals heal you will be able to rock and roll, moving through the entire range of motion. Your infant will love it! You can also move your legs further away from you and then back in toward more of a tuck position. This will also 'give them a ride', they will love the motion and you will be strengthening your abdominal core. I like to uses Rock & Roll as a transitional pose - it is always a wonderful way to move from the floor to sitting up - engaging the abdominal muscles and massaging the back. When you are really feeling strong you can play with boat pose - entending your legs with your baby in your lap. At first, extend your legs and bend your knees - engage your baby with your eyes and voice - then gently roll back. Again, they will love the movement variation and the more you engage them with sound and movement the more they will enjoy it. As you continue to get stonger - you can extend your legs straight into full Navasana - boat pose. But remember - every day is different - and listen to your body. Never force. Just because you felt strong yesterday - today is another subject. Listen not only to your body, but to your baby and find the rythm and motion they like. This is one of the most rewarding ways to do yoga with your infant.