What is Yoga for Pregnancy?

Yoga for Pregnancy at the PPC is a wonderful preparation for the challenges of pregnancy, labour, birth, and becoming a mother focusing on breathing awareness, grounding, posture, relaxation and movements for pregnancy and labour.  It is a time to  lengthen, open, release and relax.  Each woman, her pregnancy and  birth is unique and so we help you to find YOUR way with yoga.

We believe that our sessions are special because our knowledge of birth and experience in supporting women is  incorporated into the sessions so that we can guide you at your own pace which helps you to tap into your own inner knowledge and intuition and enhances your connection with your baby.

The sessions always finish with discussions about pregnancy, birth, parenting and any issues brought up by the group over tea and biscuits.  This allows to you get to know  others in the group, develop your knowledge about birth, and share experiences with other women.  All our yoga facilitators are experienced birth educators with knowledge of pregnancy, birth and local maternity services.

How will it benefit me and my baby?

Each session includes YOGA POSTURES and BREATHING awareness which subtly enhance the health of all your body systems and so encourage an improved oxygen and nutrient supply to both you and your baby.   MEDITATIONS are included in the sessions which promote confidence and calmness which in turn help releasethe hormones most needed for a positive birth experience.  RELAXATION works in a similar way by helping to relieve tension both physically, mentally and emotionally.  All in all our yoga for pregnancy approach is nurturing and  helps to improve confidence, calmness, posture, comfort, sleep and some common pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, backache, cramp, swollen feet etc.

Our approach makes yoga safe for all women whether they are new to yoga or have practiced before, wherever you are in your pregnancy and whether this is your first baby or a subsequent pregnancy.

What to expect

We make sure that our groups are not overcrowded (max 10 women) so that your yoga facilitator can be aware of your particular needs and encourage you to practice at your own comfortable level recognising that this can change over the course of the pregnancy.

You will not need to bring anything with you as yoga mats, blocks, birth balls, blankets and pillows are provided.  Drinking water is on hand in the room and refreshments are provided during the discussion time towards the end of the session.  Simply arrive with time to settle in before the session begins and wear comfortable, easy to move in clothes.

More information and how to book

We run five different groups:

• Monday evening- 7.15-9.15pm
• Tuesday morning 10am-12noon
• Tuesday evening 6.30-8.30pm (2 concurrent sessions)
• Thursday evening- 7.00-9.00pm

Our sessions are very popular and many women continue coming along until their baby is born as they find the group so helpful.  Because of this we operate a waiting list system so please do get in touch if you wish to join a group.  It is usually only a few weeks  until a space becomes available and sometimes for the Tuesday morning session we can offer you a space the next week.

To join a group or to be added to the waiting list please email your estimated due date, contact number and which group/s suit you best.

We operate our Yoga for Pregnancy sessions on a donation system because the Pregnancy and Parents Centre is a not-for-profit charity.  We ask women to pay in consecutive blocks of 5 weeks and continue to do so until you wish to give up your space.  The suggested donation for 5 consecutive weeks is £45.  However, all our classes have concessionary rates and this is the same for the donation system for yoga. Please contact us about this if you need to know more.

What other women thought of the class

“the yoga classes were an important part of my pregnancy. Yoga and the discussions afterwards helped me maintain a relaxed approach throughout the pregnancy and gave so much knowledge.”

“our yoga teacher is wonderful at really listening to everyone who comes and alters the class accordingly.  I don’t have any pregnant friends so simply being in a space and place where others are sharing the same experiences as I am is wonderfully reassuring.”