The Importance of Free Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga this Women’s History Month

March 8, 2024 | Honolulu, O’ahu

March is designated as Women’s History Month in the United States and today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. In recognition of Women’s History Month, we want to highlight the importance of PKY’s Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga class offerings.

Pregnancy and childbirth have a huge impact on the physical, mental, emotional, and socioeconomic health of birthing folks and their families. A birthing person’s health before, during, and after pregnancy can have a major impact on their infants’ health and well-being. Birthing people from every background can develop health challenges during pregnancy, however research shows people of color experience challenges more often. In Hawaiʻi, approximately ten to twelve people die each year as a result of pregnancy-related complications and according to the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders experience higher rates of maternal deaths despite making up a smaller portion of the birthing population.

There are many factors that may contribute to pregnancy-related health disparities. In Hawaiʻi, disparities are often characterized by race/ethnicity and geography. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes health disparities as, “inequitable” and, “directly related to the historical and current unequal distribution of social, political, economic, and environmental resources.” Health disparities are rooted in histories of racism and discrimination and affect some groups more than others, including historically disadvantaged groups such as: communities of color, people with lower socioeconomic statuses, and LGBTQ+ folks. While progress in reducing inequities in health have been made, there is still work to be done to achieve health equity.

Social determinants of health, including access to economic wealth, social support and education, create barriers to care that can also worsen disparities related to pregnancy. For example, in 2019, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services found Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders were 4.6 times more likely to receive late or no prenatal care as compared to non-Hispanic white folks.

This is significant because consistent and equitable access to prenatal and postnatal care helps maintain optimal health as well as reduces the risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. 

In addition to access to health care being important, studies have found having a strong social support system during pregnancy to have a positive impact as well. Birthing people often experience social isolation during pregnancy. Loneliness is considered a key contributor to postpartum depression, which affects about one in seven. Building a sense of community and social connection is important in pregnancy, as it can help to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, improve physical health, and reduce the risk of pregnancy and birth complications.

Studies have shown participating in yoga during and after pregnancy has many physical and mental benefits. Prenatal yoga helps prepare the body for childbirth by encouraging relaxation and focusing on safe techniques and poses for all stages of pregnancy. Postpartum yoga helps the body heal and rest after birth, aiding in physical recovery and mental wellbeing.

Project Koa Yoga partners with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaiʻi to offer free postpartum and prenatal yoga and meditation classes every Wednesday, in-person and virtually. These class offerings increase the ability to access quality prenatal and postpartum care as well as create a space to receive support from others with shared lived experience. Here is what some of our participants have said about their experience with Project Koa Yoga’s free prenatal and postpartum classes:

“I only wish I had heard of this sooner in my pregnancy! I searched high and low. Bayani was a great instructor and the class was wonderful. I'm so glad this resource exists for moms on island.” 

“Prenatal class was amazing thank you sooooooo much. Attended to zoom and they were very accommodating. Everything I was hoping to learn in this class.” 

Whether you’re expecting, already a parent, a surrogate, etc., all birthing people are welcome to come, relax, heal, and connect. Join us at our next class by registering for free below! 

Resources

• State of Hawaii DOH (2023) – Annual Report on Child Death Review and Maternal Mortality Review Activities

• Benjamin Young, MD (2016). Early Physicians of Hawaiʻi and Reflections on the Emergency of Hawaiian Doctors

• Kawanishi et al., (2015). Effects of prenatal yoga: a systemic review of randomized controlled trials

• Curtis et al., (2012). Systematic Review of Yoga for Pregnant Women: Current Status and Future Directions

• Calm - 11 benefits of yoga for women to support health and wellbeing

• WebMD - Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy

• March of Dimes - Take Care of Your Mental Health During Pregnancy

• US Department of Health and Human Services - Social Determinants of Health

• Office of Hawaiian Affairs – Wāhine Health Report

• Department of Health News Release – DOH Receives Federal Grant

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Health Disparities

• US Dept of Health and Human Services - Infant Mortality and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders

• Hawaii State Department of Health - Postpartum Depression Factsheet

• MedlinePlus - Health Problems in Pregnancy

• Blue Cross Blue Shield - Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Health