Pregnancy Yoga and Active Birth – Childbirth preparation.

Pregnancy Yoga classes :

Monday evenings at the Helios Clinic, Tunbridge Wells, Kent from 6.15 pm – 7.30 pm
Cost 4 weeks £25. Classes start 1 October to 17 December 2007

Thursday morning from 9.30 am – 11.15 am Dewhurst Corner, Wadhurst, East Sussex (15 min. south of Tunbridge Wells)
Cost 4 weeks £28. Classes start 4 October to 20 December 2007

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 3rd/4th baby. A good time to start is around 16 – 18 weeks or at 25-30 weeks. Many stay in the class right up till birth.

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.

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 ?

(To read more about Yoga in pregnancy go to Pregnancy Inspirations)

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.