Prenatal Yoga

Class Description

I have had many pregnant women come to my yoga classes wanting a gentle yet strength-building experience. My background in Kripalu yoga allows me to modify for the needs of each person, letting both experienced practitioners and novices enjoy the class. The six-week pre-registered series at Generations builds a stronger community for all participants, helping students feel more committed to their weekly practice. The series can be pro-rated and flexible for your individual needs, so don't worry if you aren't sure you'll be pregnant for 6 more weeks, or if you have a complication that prevents you from coming to class.

While I am conscious of the contraindications for various stages of pregnancy, I lead my classes in a deep, moderately challenging, vinyasa practice. Vinyasa yoga is a flowing sequence of poses that are meant to calm the mind and open the body. It is a moving meditation. Combined with Kripalu Yoga, it makes for a wholly mindful and relaxing yoga class. I focus on proper alignment for the changing pregnant body, as well as balancing poses and restorative poses to help my students explore the range of benefits that yoga offers.

I design my classes to alleviate the common problems that pregnant women experience. This ranges from back and shoulder pain to varicose veins. I also spend a lot of time addressing mental and emotional stress, and breathing techniques to prepare for labor. I encourage my students to take breaks, drink water and rest if necessary. There are no requirements in my class, except to take care of yourself. If it doesn't feel right, then don't do it! At the end of class, I allow 10 minutes for a guided relaxation. Many women claim that this class is their refuge during the week, and they sleep much better on the nights that they've practiced yoga.

Teaching this class has been a highlight of my yoga career. I am amazed by my students' strength and commitment to their yoga practice, even right up until their due date! I have students who start with me at 8-10 weeks and stay until the very last day of their pregnancy. I recommend that you start practicing Prenatal Yoga once your nausea has passed and you have permission from your doctor to exercise. It has truly been a gift to work with all of these women, and many of them continue to come to my classes long after they've given birth. Some even return to Prenatal, though I offer a Mom & Baby Postnatal Yoga workshop on the third Saturday of every month at Generations Yoga. See our workshops page for details.

I am available to work privately with you (and your partner) to develop a practice plan suited to your individual needs. If you are interested in learning yoga and meditation techniques to cope with stress and pain, please contact me to set up a session in your home or at a local studio. Individual instructions can also be useful if you don't have time to come to my class, you are looking to fit more exercise into your routine, or you aren't sure what is safe to do on your own.