What should I expect from prenatal yoga?
Our Prenatal Yoga class begins with a 5 minute check in for each mom-to-be with time to share how you are feeling, and any questions or concerns you are having about yoga at this point in your pregnancy. This time provides education and builds a sense of community which is so important during pregnancy and after your baby arrives. Gentle breathing practices follow that help moms learn to regulate their breathing throughout their pregnancy and in preparation for birth. Postures are adapted for growing bellies and other physical changes and focus on gently opening the hips and pelvis as well as building the strength needed in the low body for giving birth. The shoulders, neck and chest are also addressed, helping to keep them relaxed and open. After the more active poses, restful, supported postures follow, giving you time to relax, be present and connect with your sweet baby growing inside of you. Throughout these prenatal classes you will learn how to create and maintain a meditative focus which is so important in childbirth. Each class ends with an Om, the sound that represents all creation, and Namaste, the Sanskrit word that means, “I honor the Light within you.”
I already practice yoga regularly, when should I begin prenatal classes?
If you already practice yoga, feel free to continue your regular practice as long as you are comfortable and in consultation with your doctor or midwife. We highly recommend that you understand the contraindications of certain poses for pregnancy so that you can make appropriate modification when you take regular classes. Start taking prenatal classes as soon as you feel ready, especially around the time that it begins to feel uncomfortable lying on your back or belly. Prenatal classes will benefit you at any time during your pregnancy, but the sooner you begin the more easily the practice will integrate when it comes time to give birth.
I don’t practice yoga already, when should I begin prenatal classes?
You can begin prenatal classes as early in your pregnancy as you’d like. With the approval of your doctor or midwife, prenatal yoga will benefit both you and your baby through your entire pregnancy and support you in your birth process. We know that being pregnant can sometimes feel a bit isolating and we mothers have so many questions about our changing bodies and the baby growing inside. Prenatal classes are a wonderful opportunity to meet other moms-to-be and feel a part of a community that really understands exactly what you are experiencing and be led by a skillful teacher who is an expert in pregnancy and childbirth. No prior experience is necessary to attend prenatal classes.
What happens if I cannot attend anymore due to complications with my pregnancy?
We want you to take care of you and your baby so all you need to do is inform us via e-mail or phone call that you will not be able to attend and we will extend your card or membership as needed.
What should I expect from post natal classes?
Class begins with a 5 minute check in for all moms to introduce themselves and their babies and share any questions or concerns they might have about parenting their new baby. This is a wonderful learning opportunity for everyone in the class and a chance to make new friends and build your mother/baby community. Classes include guided meditation and breathing, baby massage, gentle strengthening and stretching postures both with baby in arms and baby nearby. These postures help rebuild core strength and stabilize tendons that have been stretched in childbirth. Guided baby yoga, movement and play are also offered, giving you and baby a fun, nurturing and relaxing time together. Crying babies, nursing and diaper changes are to be expected and are welcome within the class.
When should I begin taking postnatal classes?
When you, your doctor and/or midwife decide that your body is ready, you are welcome to join our postnatal class. After giving birth it is important to give your body time to heal. Your ligaments have stretched and your core needs time to strengthen and build stability. This is a time to be extremely gentle with yourself and to listen to your body. We invite you to let your body and your inner wisdom be your guide as to when and how much physical activity is appropriate to you.
