ENJOY PREGNANCY YOGA TOGETHER!
This 3 Hour Class is held online in a small group and is designed for partners to assist each other with a pregnancy yoga practise while preparing for birth together. You will enjoy the feeling of connection practising together brings.
In addition to the basic postures, you will learn breathing and massage in Active Birth labour positions.
Partners will feel included in the journey of pregnancy, more bonded with both mother and baby, and more confident about being at the birth.
There is no need to have any previous experience of yoga – this will be a great introduction to yoga and the benefits it can bring to your life.
- A chance for you and your partner to work together as you might in labour.
- Learn relaxation, breathing and massage for pregnancy, and for use in labour
- Discover touch techniques to calm, soothe and bring pain relief. You will find that your partner’s touch naturally deepens your breathing, helps you to release tension, and let go – great preparation for labour.
- Learn movements and positions for labour and understand more about Active Birth.
- The relaxation will help to develop an essential life skill, lower stress levels and provide a bonding meditation with your baby.
| Time | Sunday Morning: 10.00 – 11:30 Future dates for 2025 – to be announced |
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| Location | Live streaming via Zoom | |
| Cost | £30 per couple | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment will I need?
- A yoga mat
- A few cushions and a bolster if you have one
- A folded blanket to kneel on
- A yoga belt – you can use a soft belt or long scarf
- A 65cm inflated birth ball – you can use the seat of a chair or sofa, edge of a bed with cushions as an alternative.
- Yoga blocks are useful but not essential.
How should I set up my room for the class?
Find a space where you will not be disturbed, and the lighting and temperature are comfortable. Arrange your mat parallel to the screen if possible, so that you can see the teacher clearly on your device and she can see you when lying down on your left side. Have all the equipment you need close by. For standing postures, you may need an empty wall, a door or other surface you can lean forward onto.
Do I need any previous yoga experience?
No, you can join as a beginner. You will never be asked to do anything outside your comfort zone. The pace is slow, and the class is gentle so you can extend your limits gradually.
What if I do have experience of yoga and/or a regular practise?
The class is graded, so that you are free to extend more fully in any of the postures to the full position and will be shown how to breathe and relax into them. You will learn which postures to focus on for pregnancy and how they relate to labour and birth.
How will the teacher know about any special needs I may have?
Before your first class you are asked to fill in an information form, which is submitted to Janet. She will contact you if she has any concerns or special guidance for you. She will also invite you to join a few minutes early to introduce yourself and ask any questions.
What style of yoga is taught?
This is Hatha Yoga inspired by Vanda Scaravelli who was herself taught by BKS Iyengar and then went on to revolutionise her teaching by including awareness of gravity and the breath as key elements of yoga practise. This approach is ideally suited to pregnancy and preparation for birth and has been developed to a fine art by Janet Balaskas.
Will this class be safe if I have back pain, pelvic pain, rib pain or sacro-iliac pain?
Pain in these areas is common in pregnancy as your baby becomes heavier and your joints soften. After a few sessions you will find your posture improves, your body starts to loosen up, aches and pains are eased, and you feel more relaxed and energised. Janet will advise you if there is anything you should not do and suggest alternatives.
Should I eat before the class?
It’s a good idea to have a light snack and a drink about 2 hours before the class and then a bigger meal afterwards.
How can I ask a question or contact Janet?
Janet opens every class early and may also stay on for a few minutes after class. You can also email her at jb@activebirthcentre.com.
Our Cancellation and Refund policy
You can change the dates of yoga classes you have booked up to 24 hours prior to the class. To do this, just log in to your account on rapido bookings (our booking system) and select a new date. Yoga classes are non-refundable, except in extenuating circumstances such as admission to hospital or baby being born early.
