Prenatal Yoga

• Deepen your breath control and capacity
• Gently and gradually open your pelvic floor in preparation for labor
• Relieve the natural anxiety created due to the changes related to pregnancy

Many other classes, including some Hatha classes and True Beginner classes, are suitable. Call for further recommendations or view our online schedule.

 

More about Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga: What you need to know - MayoClinic.com

Prenatal yoga can be a great way to prepare for childbirth. Find out if this type of prenatal exercise is right for you.

While these Yoga Journal articles were written for yoga teachers, they will give you a good idea of what to expect and what to look for in a prenatal class as your pregnancy progresses

Tools for Teaching Prenatal Yoga: The First Trimester - YogaJournal.com

If you teach yoga regularly, you will have a pregnant student in your class at some point. Learn what to do to encourage a healthy first trimester.

Tools for Teaching Prenatal Yoga: The Second Trimester - YogaJournal.com

In what's often considered the most enjoyable trimester, your pregnant students may feel a return of energy before the dramatic physical changes of late pregnancy. Help them get the most out of their practice during these middle three months.

Tools for Teaching Prenatal Yoga: The Third Trimester - YogaJournal.com

Help your third-trimester students use yoga to ease physical discomfort and prepare for labor.

 

Prenatal Partners

Visit our friend and neighbor, Modish Maternity.

 

Testimonials

I am due with my second son at the end of May 2012. As I’m certain most moms would agree, each pregnancy is very unique and special. No two pregnancies are alike. Though I knew this to be true, I continue to be a bit surprised at how different each of them are. Not only are the actual pregnancies different, but my lifestyle and my preparation for labor and delivery could not be more different. During my first pregnancy I lived in the heart of down town Chicago. I walked the two miles to work and back every day (My first son entered the world in December of 2010 so the weather usually was on my side), I climbed the 40 floors in my high-rise a few times a week, and I joined as many strength training classes as I could (usually 3-4x a week). I wanted my body to be strong for labor and delivery and I did everything in my power to prepare physically for it. The big day finally came. I was a week overdue and my son had still not dropped. After a 25-hour labor and no descent, I was exhausted and willing to receive a C-section.

Nine short months later, we found out we were expecting again! We had moved a month before to La Jolla so I was still unfamiliar with the exercise classes and facilities in the area. The yoga center was next to my office so I began popping into the prenatal classes here and there to get some exercise in. By the time I entered my second trimester, I had joined a few new labor and delivery classes, I had read a few books, I had done a bit of research, I had started visiting a chiropractor, and I had hired a Doula, all in hopes of accomplishing a VBAC with my second child. Everything that I was reading and learning was so similar to what my yoga practices were teaching. It seems that no matter what theory, teaching, book etc. about child birth, many similarities are found in the teachings of yoga. I now try to come to as many prenatal classes as I can, as well and practicing with a prenatal video at home — at the very least, I try to fit a few poses into my evening routine. I feel I am more prepared mentally for this labor, and I will soon find out if my body will aid my unborn child descending into a favorable position with the help of my yoga practices and other hip openers.

— Hanna

When I got pregnant, my ob-gyn recommended I do yoga. If you knew me, you'd know that this was not something I normally would do. I'm an athletic person and tend to lift weights or go running for exercise. So when the doctor mentioned it, I almost laughed. But I gave it a try. My first class was taught by Mary. She was so welcoming to me on my first visit that I instantly felt comfortable. She would focus her attention on me (or other new comers) during the session, to ensure we knew what to do. After my first trial week, I was hooked! Mary has a way of making everyone in the room feel at ease and had me feeling so balanced when I left. I noticed after class that I was at peace and would even drive home in silence. I work in sales and clearing my head is difficult for me but Mary helped. I even found myself looking forward to the next yoga class. Her work ethic was very much appreciated as well. She was always on time and even came to class when she wasn't feeling well. It was because of Mary that I continued to take prenatal yoga for three months until I delivered my baby. I wanted to let you know what a terrific yoga instructor she is and how invaluable she was during my pregnancy.

— Nancy