As a belly dance student at Hayaam Belly Dance School I feel passionately about the benefits of the dance, as I myself have experienced them. As well as being a belly dance student I am also a Birth and Postnatal Doula in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London, where I provide emotional, practical and physical support to women during late pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. Women often feel they need woman-to-woman support during this exciting time. My role as a doula is to care for and nurture the mother (and couple) so they feel secure, comforted and, importantly, understood in whatever type of birth they choose, in whichever location.

Pregnant and postpartum women often ask about what types of exercise might be most beneficial during this time. Belly dance will leave you energised, full of fun and laughter and excited to learn more. The beauty of belly dance is the acceptance of your body and its abilities, becoming ‘one’ with your movements.

There are a few key issues to be aware of before undertaking the dance for the first time whilst pregnant or postpartum:

• You should consult your GP or midwife to ensure you can undertake regular     exercise if you have not already

• Be aware of your individual medical history and experiences, and if unsure consult your GP or midwife

• If pregnant, do not start belly dance before 12 weeks

• Postpartum women should wait until after their 6 week check postnatally (to ensure the placental site has healed properly and avoid bleeding)

• No dancing if placenta previa (when the placenta covers all, or part of, the cervix) is suspected because the dance could stimulate dilation

Once you have decided belly dance is for you, you should be aware that:

• You need to keep hydrated, belly dance is thirsty for work for all, but especially if you are pregnant

• Keep movements soft and flowing: sharp and sudden movements (like locking or popping) should be avoided because injury can be caused due to the laxity of pregnant women’s ligaments

• Only dance within your comfort zone: all women have limits, and you should aim to still be able to talk while dancing (and so not out of breath): be sure to listen to your body

• Avoid moves that require balance: during pregnancy your centre of gravity is low and forward, and so your balance is compromised

With all this taken into account you can reap the benefits:

• Increase self-confidence which is pertinent to all women who belly dance, but especially pregnant and postpartum women whose bodies are in transitional periods

• An exercise which you can enjoy at your own pace which emphasises the beauty and fluidity of the female form

• Belly dance improves your general fitness through an interactive, fun and thoroughly enjoyable dance form

• Improves pelvic floor strength, which will help with childbirth and recovery

• Maintains good posture

• Regaining of control over your body which is often described by women as having been lost during pregnancy

• Belly dance is delicate and requires you to learn how to be in tune with your body and its abilities, and being able to let go will often aid childbirth

• For pregnant women, the baby gets oxygenated as belly dance increases circulation to abdomen and pelvis

• Soft shimmies mirror the movements women in straightforward and unmedicated births make. This means they are an ideal exercise to strengthen contractions

• Movements such as hip circles are useful for childbirth itself, and chest lifts and circles make more room for breathing

• Strengthens muscles and fascia of abdomen and pelvis (great for postpartum women after their 6 week check); strong core muscles can make childbirth easier and can safeguard your lower back

• Women with slackening ligaments or SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) can be relieved through belly dance, which strengthens the muscles that support the pelvis, and improves posture and pelvic alignment. However those with SPD should avoid moves where weight is on one leg, and if SPD is severe, should consult your midwife

• Arm movements increase circulation to lymph and blood in chest which helps relieve breast engorgement or shoulder stiffness

Although belly dance may seem intimidating to new dancers, especially women who are pregnant or postpartum, Hayaam has a considerate, watchful eye that guides you through the understandings of the dance. She teaches you how to embrace your body as a tool, use it to its full beautiful potential.

It is a skilful and sensual dance that takes time to learn, but is time very well spent. Hayaam is a wonderful belly dance teacher who motivates through her obvious adoration for the dance form, and her infectious determination.

Belly dance during pregnancy videos