Active Birth Yoga for Pregnancy Classes
As an Associate member of the Active Birth Centre I have been inspired to continue the work of Janet Balaskas who founded the Active Birth Movement in 1982. As an Active Birth teacher I am committed to help women to make informed choices by encouraging and increasing the possibility for physiological birth.
Yoga is extremely beneficial to pregnant women and a great time to start to practise. During pregnancy a women’s intuition is heightened and emotions run free and there is a need to focus these. A woman’s body changes and the practise of yoga throughout pregnancy brings great physical benefits. Furthermore at a time of perhaps some uncertainty and change yoga helps in the transition between one aspect of being a woman and another. An active Birth Yoga class is not just about adapting yoga postures for pregnant women. It is giving women confidence in their bodies and to help them understand that being pregnant and giving birth is the most natural thing in the world. Women really do have their own internal resources and natural alternatives but sometimes just need to re-learn them.
Firstly by preparing their bodies for childbirth with yoga classes, the physical benefits to women are endless:
- Improved strength and muscle tone
- Postural awareness
- Optimal baby positioning
- Suppleness and flexibility
- Union of body and mind
- Increased energy levels
- Eases common ailments of pregnancy: i.e. cramping, nausea
- Increased connection with gravity
- Relieves tension
- Aids sleeplessness
- Lowers blood pressure
- Learning to open and ‘let go’
- Awakens instinct and intuition
- Develops deeper awareness of the breath
- Teaches upright and active birth positions
Secondly, ‘Time’ is also something to be gained from these classes. Time for:
- You and your baby to connect
- Peace and quiet
- Focus and concentration
- Support and companionship
- You to meet other pregnant women
- Learning from each other
- Sharing experiences
- Relaxation
Frequently Asked Questions
When to start...
Generally it is safe to start classes after 13 weeks and to let your doctor and/or midwife know. The earlier you start weekly classes the more you will benefit and it is quite safe to continue until the birth of your baby. It is, however, never too late to start! Attending for the last couple of months of pregnancy is still very valuable. No previous yoga experience is necessary.
During the class...
The weekly class format includes breathing and baby awareness; yoga postures and counter poses, pelvic floor exercises, exploring labour/birth and optimal foetal positions and relaxation. Occasionally we have holistic practitioners visit to offer alternative therapies during pregnancy. For some mums it may take a couple of weeks to feel comfortable and part of the group.
What to bring...
For comfort please bring a yoga mat and a couple of small cushions. It is advisable to wear lose clothes and to eat only a light meal prior to class.
When and where...
Active Birth Yoga for Pregnancy Class held weekly on a Tuesday bewteen 7.30pm - 8.45pm. To find out where our classes are held check out our locations page.
For full terms and conditions please click here.