Why Prenatal Yoga? Why Can’t I Just Do Yoga?
I’ve had so many students over the years drop into my flow or power classes, and halfway through a demo on Chaturanga Dandasana, pat their belly and say, I’m pregnant! I can’t do this!
Y’all. The sheer panic I felt the first time this happened to me. I was not prepared.
Instead of running for the hills and doing my best to avoid pregnant students for the rest of my career, I’ve actually (and quite ironically) fallen in love with teaching perinatal yoga. Pregnant bodies are nothing short of miraculous, and it’s a joy, honor, and privilege to get to walk through that journey alongside my students.
That said, I’ve had several students, especially those with preexisting, strong practices prior to pregnancy, ask why they should come to prenatal yoga, when their existing practice is fun / challenging / comfortable / enough / etc. What’s so special about a prenatal class?
Obviously, yoga is yoga, and has very similar benefits, regardless of what type of class it is. Teachers can help you modify your practice to make space and safety for Baby as you continue coming to classes through pregnancy. However, prenatal yoga also offers some really incredible benefits that are very unique to this class specifically!
Community. There’s something incredibly special and validating about being in a room full of other expecting parents, knowing they’re going through the same aches, pains, joys, fears, excitements, and acid reflux that you’re going through.
Personalization. We open every class with a quick introduction from every student, including your name, how far along (or how far postpartum) you are, and what you’re dealing with or need that day. This includes the general things - requests for hip and heart openers, neck and shoulder rolls - as well as the more involved things, such as concerns about placenta previa, SI pain, breech or transverse presentations, pubic symphysis pain, and more. Each class is then designed around those needs.
Education. Prenatal classes are about more than just movement. Each class has time built in to explain the “why” behind what we’re doing - breathing techniques to relax or strengthen the pelvic floor, internal and external rotation to make space through the pelvis, postures to give a breech baby space to spin, and so much more.
Practice. Each class is an opportunity to practice breathing techniques, labor and delivery positions, vocalizations, and more. Students move through postures with intention, with an explanation for each one, and the knowledge and movement become second nature. When labor begins, students are able to call on the movements and breathwork they’ve been practicing for months. No labor is going to be easy - but having tools in your toolbox that you’re familiar with can go a long way towards feeling empowered and confident.
Pregnant bodies are not broken, weak, or incapable. They are strong, knowledgeable, capable, and incredible - and they deserve a class that is designed specifically for them.
Are you or someone you love planning to get pregnant, currently pregnant, or recently postpartum? In addition to our weekly Saturday prenatal class at Belmont Yoga, The Bump Collective has another day retreat coming up this month! Join us on Sunday, March 22nd from 10a-3p for a day designed specifically for moms. Your ticket will include:
An intentional perinatal yoga flow with yours truly
A catered lunch from Elliott Family Kitchen
Shopping and Meet + Greet with local small businesses that serve moms, including therapists, doulas, maternity and newborn photographers, bakers, meal prep services, and more
Four in-depth educational presentations, including Massage for Babies, Location, Pelvic Floor Care, and Labor / Delivery / Postpartum Support
Chances to win thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, including an 8-Class Pass to BY, a pre or postnatal massage, a photography shoot, and more!
Get your tickets before it’s too late! Click “Join Our Retreats” for more information!