Pregnancy Yoga and Childbirth preparation.

YOGA FOR PREGNANCY CLASSES
at Helios Clinic, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2QR
and at the Camden Centre, The Market Place,Tunbridge Wells, Kent
These classes are now full and finish at the end of December.

From January 2011 the classes will be taken over by:

Lucy McNeil: www.pantilesyoga.co.uk

The classes are ongoing and women join at various times during the year and at different stages of their pregnancy.The class usually has a good mix of woman expecting their 1st, 2nd or subsequent pregnancy. A good time to start is around 16 – 18 weeks or at 25-30 weeks. Many stay in the class right up until birth.

“I found the yoga enormously helpful during the pregnancy. It helped with backache and tiredness and allowed me to adapt easily to the changes that were going on in my body. I was amazed about how many of the different positions we had practised in the classes, I used during labour and how naturally they came to me. I did not have to think about it. My body knew what to do which gave me great confidence and strength.
Thank you for teaching me to use my breathing. It was fantastic. Did not use the tens nor gas and air. Just kept focusing on my breathing. I still find it very helpful now with all there is to get used to with a new baby.“
Simone after the birth of her 1st baby.

The practise of gentle and adapted yoga for pregnancy is highly recommended as it makes you feel stronger, increases your vitality and reduces stress levels . The class provides a space for you to be with yourself in a nurturing way, as well as bonding with your baby long before she or he is born.

In the classes you will become familiar with many different movements and positions that are supportive during pregnancy and helpful for labour and birth.

Relaxation and good breathing is an important part of a good yoga class. The breathing and movements of the body are linked together and gradually the breath will deepen and become fuller. Good breathing not only brings more oxygen to the changing body, but also helps relieve emotional and mental worry or stress.

“Your classes prepared me better than anything else I had done before. Compared to my first birth I was so much more focused and in control. I had complete faith in my babies and my abilities. I just remember saying to myself over and over ‘ open, open, open’ and each time I began to get negative I just said ‘yes’ or ‘ open’ to myself. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I enjoyed the pain, but I certainly taught myself how to use it positively.”
Jemima after the birth of her 2nd baby.

At the end of the class a pregnancy or birth related topic will be presented and talked about. It can be anything from for example what that has arisen from a visit to the midwife, the position of the baby, where to have the baby, breathing in second stage of labour …. to… what to eat during labour, what to do with other children or what if my husbands can’t be there ?

Throughout the year Partners evenings are arranged (for the partners of class participants ) with focus on support and helpful information about labour and birth.

Individual Pregnancy and Birth Consultations are available for women or couples.
During these sessions we go through where to have the baby, how to use a birth plan, positions for labour and birth, breathing and any personal concerns and worries related to labour, birth or parenthood.

“The breathing exercises were brilliant ! And because we had practiced them in class I was able to use them without too much concentration. The colour visualisation was great – I really felt as if Toby and I were sharing the whole experience “
Helen after the birth of her 3rd baby.