Pregnancy Yoga Class
Next birthing session with partners on Sunday 5th Feb- book now! I am also taking bookings for the Feb-March classes.
When:
Mondays 10-11.30 CLASS FULL FOR JAN-FEB
Mondays 6.30-8pm CLASS FULL FOR JAN-FEB
Wednesdays 7.30pm - 9pm CLASS FULL FOR JAN-FEB
all in term times. dates
What are the benefits of doing Yoga during pregnancy?
Physical benefits:
* developing more effective breathing to calm and energise
* help alleviate back ache and sciatica
* better posture
* strengthening of pelvic floor and other core muscles
* learning how to manage pelvic girdle pain
* preparing body for birthing by rehearsing key movements
Mental/emotional benefits:
* reduce stress levels ( also helpful for baby)
* promote deeper sleep
* greater confidence approaching labour
* bonding with baby
* meeting other pregnant women
Many of the women who have done these sessions say after the labour that the Yoga was very valuable during labour - here are just some of the things that the women have told me: testimonials
Why choose Belinda as your yoga teacher for pregnancy yoga?
* I am experienced in teaching pregnant women in a safe and enjoyable way. Since starting to teach pregnant women in 2003 I have helped hundreds of women to manage a better pregnancy and a better birth
* Many women come back to me for more yoga in subsequent pregnancies
* I also teach postnatal and baby yoga so can provide continuity of teaching for you and your baby. Many of the women who return after birth really value that fact that we all know each other already ( baby too!)
* Many women first come to yoga when they are pregnant so am adept in making yoga simple, gentle and accessible. It is gratifying that so many women who start the pregnancy yoga wtih me then wish to continue their own yoga practice
* My background is hatha yoga which is the gentlest form of yoga and therefore most suitable for pregnancy when the body is already softened by hormones and when it's important simply to make time and space for adjusting to this journey towards motherhood
* I also offer regular sessions with partners to help prepare you both for labour and birthing
* Many health professionals trust my services so much that they are happy to refer people to me and to recommend me
* Because I run three weekly sessions including one daytime you can easily switch from evening to day once you are on maternity leave
Basic Info:
where: The evening classes take place at The Space Upstairs, Spencer Yard, Leamington CV31 3SY; the Monday daytime class takes place at Stonemonkey yoga studio, 22 Binswood St, Leamington CV32 5RN. Please see the information sheet, for detailed information on location and parking. For a map on how to get to Spencer Yard go to http://www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk/contactFor more information about the venue for the Monday daytime class go to www.stonemonkey-yoga.co.uk
Cost: £35-£55 depending on length of block (see dates) or £10 casual if you are due during the block. The blocks consist of a specified number of sessions. The fee per block covers the dates specified in each block only and are not transferrable from one block to the next. Refunds or discounts are not given for missed sessions so please do not ask for this! You are welcome to enrol for the evening class then transfer to the daytime class, for example if you go on maternity leave. Please let me know if you have genuine difficulty (such as sole parent, low income) in paying the fees as discounts are available in this case.
how: First, send Belinda your enquiry form before you attend a session. Belinda will e-mail back to confirm availability then invite you to enrol if there is space. If not your name will go on the waiting list. Spaces do come up all the time as women move on to have their babies.
Please note: I do not accept bookings for third parties so need to have direct contact with the person wishing to attend the yoga
Read the information below about Pregnancy Yoga. Before you come to your first session, please print out the information sheet
Download this health questionnaire 
,
print it and complete the details and bring to your first session
labour and birthing workshops with partners:The labour and birthing sessions are on Sundays 10.30-1.30 also at Spencer Yard.They are suitable from around 32-34 weeks of pregnancy onwards. You don't need to have attended the yoga sessions to benefit from these sessions but it does help.Please check dates of forthcoming sessions.
handouts for the sessions jan-feb 2012
Each week I will be posting handouts for the sessions in the form of PDF and word files which you can access by clicking on the links below.
There are a few handouts with a permanent link so you can download them whenever you want as they relate to frequently asked questions, about:
How Yoga can help if you have Pelvic Girdle Pain managing pelvic girdle pain
What to do if your baby is breech breech babies
How to help ease those common pregnancy symptoms such as indigestion but you are fed up with Gaviscon! Here are some natural alternatives:
natural remedies for pregnancy. This wonderful handout has been prepared by Sara Southgate local naturopath and herbalist - go to http://www.sarasouthgate.com to find out more
In addition each week below you will find a new practice sheet to encourage you to practice yoga at home. Please always listen to your body! If you have pelvic girdle pain avoid all opening and assymetrical movements of the lower body
WEEK ONE: pregnancy yoga practice sheet no. 1
WEEK TWO: Over this week and next week we are doing some detailed pelvic floor practices which will help you to relax them as well as to strengthen them: pelvic floor practices Birthlight
Here is another practice sheet to keep you moving at home as well:pregnancy yoga practice sheet no. 2
WEEK THREE: Another practice sheet pregnancy yoga practice sheet no. 3
WEEK FOUR:pregnancy yoga practice sheet no. 4
When can I start the Yoga sessions?
From about 14/15 weeks of pregnancy, the symptoms of early pregnancy such as excessive tiredness and nausea often start to ease. Until then, you should focus on getting as much rest and relaxation as possible. Wait until you feel well enough to start your physical Yoga practice - for some women this is later than 14 weeks.
Is there anything I can do whilst waiting to join the classes?
The answer is yes! Read about some simple yoga practices: early pregnancy tips
Also, Birth and Baby Reality run free early pregnancy classes in the local area from 10 weeks gestation - as well as providing continuing antenatal classes, support and coffee mornings through pregnancy and into motherhood - go to their website www.birthandbabyreality.co.uk or call 01926 731621
Do I need to have practised Yoga before?
No – the sessions are all very gentle and assume that you are a beginner. If you have practiced Yoga in the past then this will be an added benefit although if you are used to stronger or more dynamic Yoga then come with an expectation of gentleness!
Is Yoga safe for me and my baby?
Absolutely, providing that you avoid certain practices that are unsuitable for pregnancy, such as strong backbends or twists. All the exercises in the pregnancy sessions have been specifically designed to be safe for pregnancy. If you do decide to join or carry on attending a general Yoga class, then always make sure your teacher knows that you are pregnant.
What will the sessions involve?
We usually start the Yoga with a breathing practice to help you calm and centre yourself, progressing to a range of gentle movements in a variety of positions, from sitting to kneeling, on all fours to standing. These movements focus on helping the body to gently stretch and tone as the pregnancy progresses, allowing you time to focus on your pregnancy and to prepare for labour. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are usually included in the session, as well as a deep relaxation. You will never be expected to do anything that you do not wish to do or which does not feel right for you. Many women experience pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy ( formerly known as SPD) and I welcome you to my class as many of the pratices focus on pelvic stability. Just please let me know on your health form when you join if you do have pelvic discomfort. Please also download the information sheet on pelvic girdle pain: managing pelvic girdle pain
am i entitled to a refund if i cannot continue the yoga?
I do not offer refunds for missed sessions but do offer you the chance to make up for your missed session by attending another class that same week or attending two in another week - as long as these sessions are all within the same block.
Please let me know as soon as possible if for a health reason you are unable to continue the yoga. If this is the case at the beginning of a block I may be able to fill your space if there is a waiting list and will in that instance be able to offer you a full or partial refund. However if you change your mind about the yoga or only inform me mid block onwards I will be unable to offer you a refund.
how many blocks of sessions can i do?
You can do as many blocks as you wish, topping up at the end with some casual sessions if you are due mid-block. Many women carry on right up to or even past their due date - yoga is a great preparation for labour!
when can i enrol or re-enrol ?
You can book your space at any time before the next block by letting me have your payment. A discount usually applies if you book in time - just check with me for details or look at dates
What do I need to bring to a Yoga class?
You will need a mat, preferably a non-slip Yoga mat which you can buy either direct from me (£17) depending on stock or from a number of retail outlets such as sports shops. Wear something you feel comfortable moving in, a little stretchy but not too baggy. Layers of clothing is a good idea helping you to be comfortable whether you are moving around or lying down. Please also bring 2-3 cushions to help make you more comfortable during some of the positions as well as during the relaxation. I can also sell you a burst resistant yoga ball which many women find very useful during pregnancy and labour - cost £13 to £20 depending on size and colour.
