Mother & Baby Yoga
JAN-FEB 2012: I am taking bookings for the Feb-March classes. You can get a discount if you pay by 1st Feb.
All held at Stonemonkey yoga studio 22 Binswood St CV32 5RN
- Mondays 12-1.30pm for babies 3-4 months to crawling
- Thursdays 10-11.30am for babies 3-4 months to crawling
- Thursdays 12-1.30pm for newborn babies up to 3-4 months
All About...Mother & Baby Yoga
“ How can you do yoga with babies?” is the question a lot of people ask. Very simply, is the answer. Babies are natural yogis: they know how to move their bodies instinctively to get more comfortable and to strengthen themselves ready for a life of mobility. Babies also know how to breathe in a beautifully relaxed way – have you ever watched your baby’s wonderful belly breathing when they are asleep? We can learn so much about effortless living just watching our babies.These sessions last 90 minutes which gives everyone a chance to join in at least at times. The underlying principles are the same as other yoga classes: ahimsa (non-violence) means we never force the babies into doing any movements (as well as ourselves as mothers); self-awareness means we as mothers are receptive to our baby’s responses to the yoga so that we find ourselves naturally in tune with them (or learn to be). We as mothers also become more aware of our own responses to our babies – for example do we hold our breath when our babies cry? Being aware of such patterns can be key in unlocking stress.
Let me describe a ‘typical’ session, bearing in mind that each class is unique! We sit in a circle in a group of on average eight to ten pairs. We share an update on how we are, which includes the wellbeing of the mothers rather than just a focus on baby’s health. Many of the groups become very close and supportive over the weeks so sometimes these discussions may last a while. We then do some seated stretches and upper body looseners, paying attention to our breathing and posture. Some of us may be feeding our babies whilst this happens. Depending on the mood of the babies we usually have a chance to do some postnatal yoga in different positions such as on all fours or lying on our backs, sometimes with our babies next to us or under/on top of us. Pelvic floor and core strengtheners are typical features of these practices. Having relaxed our own bodies and cleared our minds we can then massage our babies in a more relaxed way. This prepares our babies too for the hip sequences which are a series of easy movements which can help with releasing wind – such as bringing the knees into the chest. Depending on the mood and developmental stage of the babies, we give our babies a range of different movements and sensations – including regular tummy time, gentle rocking, swinging and rolling. All of this accompanied by words or songs, and the breath.
We always have a relaxation at the end of the sessions – typically some women will be feeding their babies, some women will be standing and rocking, others will be lying down. Many of the babies will have worked hard during the yoga so will be ready for a sleep!
Here are some of the things mums have recently said about the classes: testimonials for mother & baby yoga
Basic Info
- When See dates
- Please send Belinda your enquiry form if you are interested in registering for any of these courses. Please note I do not accept third party bookings so need to have direct contact with the adult wishing to attend the yoga
- Where:
- Stonemonkey yoga studio and cafe, 22 Binswood St, Leamington CV32 5RN map: How to find Stonemonkey Yoga Studio and Cafe
- Cost: Six week block payable in advance to secure your place: £55. Please note this fee is payable whether or not you attend all sessions on offer. This fee has been set to reflect the small class sizes but do let me know if you have genuine difficulty in paying this.
- How: First, read the information below as well as the more detailed information sheet. Download the enquiry form fill it in (electronically), and send it to Belinda's email address to reserve a place. There may be a waiting list.
- I will let you know when a place is available. To accept the place,
download this health
questionnaire
print
it, complete the details, and send it to my postal
address together with your fee. Cheques should
be made payable to "Yogaworks". Alternatively you can arrange a bank transfer to: Santander account no 97625003 Sort code 09-01-27 please pay to "Yogaworks" and use your surname as reference so I know it's from you, as well as telling me you have paid this way. If you are not posting anything you may prefer to mail back the completed health form and will then bring to first session for you to sign. - Contact me if you have any questions.
handouts for the sessions jan-feb 2012
Each week I will add links below to some practice sheets for the sessions. These will normally also be given out in class but if you lose them or miss a week you can print them out. They will also be posted on my Facebook page. ANY OF THE BABY YOGA MOVES SHOULD ONLY BE PRACTISED AT HOME ONCE YOU HAVE DONE THEM IN CLASS.
WEEK ONE: HIP SEQUENCE NUMBER ONE: A gentle set of moves to help your baby's digestion hip sequence for younger babies.
We often sing or use rhymes with the babies - everyone gets a copy of the song sheet at their first lesson but here is another copy if it goes missing! baby yoga songs and rhymes
WEEK TWO: Use these simple sounds to delight and soothe you and your baby chakra sounds - mother and baby
WEEK THREE: Some more hip movements for babies from 8 weeks + hip sequence no 2 and some stretches for mums postnatal yoga stretches
WEEK FOUR: Some simple practices to calm and energise busy mums practices to balance and relax
What will the sessions involve?
The sessions will provide a mix of practices for the babies – passive stretching and rhythmic movement accompanied by singing and action songs. As a mum, you will get the opportunity to improve your posture, re-energise and recover your strength and vitality. There also many practices which mums and babies can do together. The sessions will end with a period of relaxation, which you can join in whether you are lying down, sitting comfortably, walking around or feeding your baby.
What are the benefits of doing mother and baby yoga?
The postnatal period is a very special time for mothers and babies, and one which can often be very challenging. These classes are designed to provide a warmly supportive environment in which you can enjoy getting to know your baby, share beneficial practices to aid postnatal recovery, to support your baby’s development and to learn to relax together. The class sizes are small so you get a chance to meet other mums and babies too in a relaxed way.
When can we start the sessions?
You and your baby can start the sessions as soon as you are able to if there have been no complications either for you or your baby. However please wait until you both have been given the all clear by a health professional if you have had a caesarian section or if other complications have affected you or your baby. For the older class, babies can attend up to crawling. Don't worry if your baby starts to crawl during the course as they can complete the course! But please don't enrol a baby that is already crawling.
Do I need to have practiced yoga before?
No – the sessions are all very gentle and assume that you are a beginner. Your ligaments are likely to be softer than usual since your pregnancy for quite a while after the birth, particularly whilst you are breastfeeding, so we avoid strong stretches.
What do I need to bring to a yoga class?
I will be providing a range of cushions and blocks to help support both you and your baby. Please bring along a yoga mat for yourself if you prefer to use your own ( there are some in the studio too) plus a soft blanket or towel to lie your baby on. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
How much does it cost?
The six week block costs £55 ( or £50 for five weeks) which is payable in advance to secure your place. The whole fee is payable whether or not you actually attend all the sessions or not. Course fees are not refundable if you or your baby are sick during the course. If you have genuine difficulty in paying this fee then please do contact me to discuss! I may also be offering a discount for early booking so do check details.
can i do more than one block?
Absolutely! You can re-enrol at any stage of the block if you are continuing and assuming there is availability.
