Yoga Sadhana for Mothers: Shared experiences of Ashtanga yoga, pregnancy, birth and motherhood

As a yoga student, this book is a must. I actually pre-ordered it because Sharath Jois recommended it in his 2014 NYC workshop with Eddie Stern. I had been practicing Ashtanga Mysore style for a little less than a year when I read this book. It is inspirational, informative, and nonjudgmental. In the book introduction, Desai and Wise mention that their intention was "to create something that shows that when it comes to pregnancy, childbirth, and mothering there is no right or wrong way to do things. For this reason there are no definitive answers here [in the book], only information, tips, suggestions, examples, and most importantly, the experience of others to draw from." Well, I think they did excellent. The book is helpful not only for expecting (or current) mothers. It actually has good information for women in general. For example, it has good insight on the relationship between the bandhas and menstruation, and other women's topics such as menopause, infertility, amenorrhea, etc. In a nutshell, I expect this book to be a reference for years to come as I continue my practice and (maybe) become a mother.

I’m only halfway through this gem of a book, but I like it so much that I couldn’t wait to give it the five stars it deserves. It’s very helpful to read birth and motherhood stories of mothers from different walks of life who share the same passion as me for yoga (and, more specifically, leaning towards Ashtanga and not the more modern types). The only downside (for me at least) is that the book uses Hindi words for the poses and concepts, and I’m not 100% Hindi yoga-fluent. But besides that, a highly recommended guide!

I think everyone who practices yoga routinely should read this, especially women. It is a powerful, honest and incredibly informative collection of experiences written by women about their relationships with their yoga practice throughout their lives, through all the physical and emotional changes that accompany motherhood and beyond. It reinforces the lesson that we must always practice internally, listen to our bodies and be compassionate with ourselves above all, as our physical practice can continually change around us.

amazing book with beautiful personal stories of long term practitioners of ashtanga yoga and wonderful information for woman and mothers...and men too. love the authenticity and openness of the stories offered by these women.

This book has been very helpful during my first pregnancy on how to continue with a safe practise as well as go deeper into the practise. However, I must recommend that all pregnant women get guidance with a teacher that is suited to give teachings to women in this situation. Great to read about the different birth experiences that really shows how individual the experience is for every woman...

Very helpful and smart. Loved the personal stories and options for poses that are often left of the list for pregnant practitioner.

Birthlight postpartum exercises are very helpful. Wish I read this while pregnant though especially the experiences of the Yoginis as I was all about pregnancy and birth, not postpartum.

Beautifully written and empowering information.

Many thanks to Anna and Sharmila for this wonderful book... As a pregnancy yoga teacher and ashtanga teacher and practitioner it's really beautiful to have it all brought together. It's very inspiring and consise read. Beautiful stories of not the usual "Disney" or "horror" type births we would be given as researching mothers - but real mothers ( who are strong inspiring yogis) and very real birth stories and motherhood - charged with beautiful emotion and inspiration. Many thanks for taking time to bring this together - it's a real page turner. Not only a perfect pregnancy ashtanga handbook - but I think a really good handbook for all mothers to be. Also - I'm thrilled that someone has finally addressed diastis recti! It's unfortunately rarely checked postpartum and most of my "postnatal recovery" clients have this concern. Thank you Heather

A wonderful book!!!

me ajudou bastante durante a gestação e logo após parir

Un libro que hay que tener en la biblioteca de cada profesor que trabaja con las mujeres embarazadas o las que plantean tener hijos. Sirve muy bien para la práctica personal de las futuras mamás ashtanguis, se muestran las variaciones de la primera secuencia adaptadas a diferentes etapas del embarazo. Recomendado!!

Wonderful book that I bought for a gift. I read only a few parts before to give it, very interesting and well done. It's a unique publication in its kind in the field of yoga. Recommended.