Have you heard of CREEP? No, not the weird guy down the street, A physiological slow overstretching of the muscles and ligaments. This phenomena was shared by the wonderful and knowledgeable @drjessica_chiroyyc You know that feeling when you fall asleep in the car/plane/train and when you try to raise your head back up to neutral there is a seriously strong sensation on one side of your neck? This is creep. Once your body has reached its natural stretch, it’s slowly starts to overstretch if the positioning is not corrected so why does this matter? In pregnancy and postpartum and the length of a breastfeeding journey, your body produces a hormone called #relaxin. This allows the smooth muscle and ligaments in your body to soften and relax… Essential for accommodating and birthing a tiny human being. you have likely notice that you are more flexible during pregnancy and postpartum? This is the effect of this powerful #hormone along with progesterone another useful pregnancy hormone The problem comes however when these hormones allow you to stretch past your normal non-pregnant limit and therefore overstretch these delicate muscles and ligaments. And I get it, the stretch feels SOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOD The problem comes however when this hormone is no longer present and your body is trying to recover. It takes longer and may not fully regain its non-pregnant form if it is continually and frequently overstretched. That’s why in our pre-and post natal classes there is a strong focus on strength and stability before flexibility. We encourage you to hold back from what feels like the limit of your stretch, as this is likely passed your natural non-pregnant stretch limit. That’s why we #flow . Flowing in and out of yoga postures helps our body to move freely and smoothly without the risk of stressing and overstretching in long holds have you ever experienced #creep? I know I have, falling asleep sitting up putting my babies to bed at night! Share your story below #yycyogacommunity #yoga #yogaflow #prenataleducation #prenatalyoga #postoartum #breastfeeding #physiology #amazingbodies (at NatalieAnu: Massage & Maternity Support) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKZUnWDgeOs/?igshid=43x6iawa1hoy