Pregnancy Yoga

Why come to specialised Pregnancy Yoga classes?

During pregnancy women produce the hormone relaxin. The main function of this hormone is to loosen and relax the pelvic muscles and increase flexibility for easy vaginal delivery. Whilst this is a wonderful gift, the pelvis is also vulnerable to injury. Pregnancy Yoga is different to regular yoga. There are no fast moving sequences, prone or supine poses, breath retention - or any other yogic practices that are unsafe during this time.

Pregnancy can sometimes limit how the body can move. Modifications are offered to those who are experiencing any complications or discomforts. Classes are suitable to any level of experience, as even women with an established Yoga practice find they have to modify their practice.

With a regular Yoga practice you can:

• ​Build physical and mental stamina and endurance
• Strengthen and tone the entire body
• Gain confidence and courage
• ​Ease pregnancy discomforts
• Release tension 
• Reduce anxiety
• ​Strengthen and focus the mind​

Yoga strengthens and tones the entire body

Pregnancy is a sacred time and even experienced practitioners learn that they now have a new body, one that changes every day. Even though women are designed to create new life, our modern way of living can sometimes hinder correct posture and alignment. Hormonal changes can create strain around the pelvis as the bones start to move. Having a strong, fit body during pregnancy will help you support your changing body and growing weight of your baby as he or she grows.

Strengthen your mind - it will quit before your body does! 

Many Pregnancy Yoga classes focus on opening the body, but you can't forget the importance of stabilisation and focus too. Although Pregnancy Yoga is slow, gentle and nurturing, there is also an emphasis on poses that increase this stability and focus. With a regular practice, you will gain strength, focus and stability needed for the duration of your pregnancy, labour and birth.

Learn how to work hard, whilst you stay calm and in control

When the body is placed in a strenuous position such as a standing Warrior or Balance Pose, you will learn that through breathing and relaxation, the mind is able to stay calm and in control. Working with the breath in this way to improve your concentration will enhance your decision making skills for your journey into motherhood. Many professional sportsmen and women say that the physical practice will only take you so far, it is the mind that gives you that extra edge to lift your game and achieve your goals.

Stay grounded, present and open

Pregnancy can be a time of apprehension and uncertainty - but also of joy and gratitude. Fluctuating feelings and emotions are a normal part of the journey. During your pregnancy there will be a lot of information and advice coming from many different sources, some of it conflicting. If you rely too much on the external voices, it can become overwhelming. Practicing breathwork and meditation can help you move more inward, listen to your own intuition and feel grounded during this life-changing time.

Surrender to the journey

Most women are capable of pushing through a strong class or workout, but a vital piece of prenatal practice is learning to slow down and let go. At the end of each class, you will spend time in relaxation using bolsters and cushions to support your body. While resting and breathing, tension is released from deep in the body and the Parasympathetic Nervous System is stimulated. Endorphins flow, blood vessels dilate bringing more oxygen and blood flow through your body and to your baby. This tells your baby on a chemical level that he or she is safe. Experts in many fields are now starting to understand the biological, psychological and sociological impact of our time in the womb and the importance of self care during this time. These moments of communication calm and peace can affect how your baby responds to stress later in life.

Women who stay strong and supple during pregnancy are more capable of staying focused and calm throughout their labours. Giving birth requires physical stamina, determination and resilience. Yoga helps to develop these qualities both physically and mentally. It's said that giving birth requires the same amount of physical and mental strength as running 5 or 6 marathons! For a marathon, we know we need to train for the big event - and a regular Yoga practice provides a safe way for you to train for birth.

Mums & Bubs Yoga

These nurturing sessions include gentle yoga, meditation and breath work. Yoga breathing techniques can help a new mother find focus and energy amidst all the emotions that come with motherhood. Gentle yoga postures help re-awaken the postnatal body, strengthen the pelvic floor and abdominal wall and ease tension throughout the body. There will be plenty of chance to stop and play with your baby, or feed/change when required.
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Suitable for women 6-8 wks post birth - until baby is mobile (please check with your care provider first).

Joymamma's Recommended Pre & Postnatal Yoga Teachers:

These teachers have completed the Yoga Alliance 85 hr Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training with Joymamma and are qualified to teach yoga safely to pregnant women:
​
​Kristy Graham - Shine Yoga Studio
Kate Gregg - Bearth Yoga
Bec Simpson - Mama Soul
Dr Carmen Atkinston - The Health Studio
Rebecca Eadie - Birthing Energy
​Eloise Davis - Hinterland HypnoBirthing
Fleur Harber - Birthing Instincts
Elaine Francis - Birth Rites
Amalia Barbieri - ​The Yoga Studio
Carly Cullen 
Natashja Scott
Elaine Joe

​If you are interested in becoming a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher, please join my next Teacher Training course here >>