My Approach

Since 2005, 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. This weekly class builds a stronger community for all participants, helping students feel more committed to their weekly practice. The class can be flexible for your individual needs, so don't worry if you aren't sure you'll be pregnant for 4 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.

One of my guiding beliefs is that pregnancy is not an illness and shouldn't be treated like one. It is one medical condition that is indicative of health and strength, and I like to help my students feel stronger and more confident in their bodies. You might find that my classes are a little more challenging than most prenatal yoga classes, and that is because I am aiming to prepare you for the marathon of birth and new motherhood!

I design my classes to alleviate the common problems that pregnant women experience. This ranges from back and hip 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 and I am excited finally be hosting it in my own studio. 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.

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 the stress and pain of labor, 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. Also, if you are looking for a more psychotherapeutic approach to dealing with stress and anxiety through yoga, contact me for a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy session.