Pregnancy Yoga & Birth Preparation

 with Patricia Whitworth



Mondays 6 til 8pm at Exeter Natural Health Centre 

The experience of pregnancy and childbirth involves major physical and emotional changes. Practising yoga in pregnancy will provide you with a valuable resource that will support you whilst you are pregnant by helping you to adjust to the changing needs of your body and, by preparing you mentally and physically for the demands of childbirth and motherhood.

Attending this class will provide you with the knowledge, support and practical tools to encourage a positive and empowering pregnancy and birth experience.

Yoga promotes feelings of inner strength, equilibrium and contentment.

"I met Patricia when I was 30 weeks pregnant, she was the first person I met during my pregnancy who gave me the confidence to believe in my body's ability to give birth, which changed my whole perspective from one of fear, to one of faith and trust in my body." Jane

What does the class involve?

"Patricias classes have really helped me to feel more confident and relaxed during my pregnancy and have also helped me to prepare for the birth. I always feel energized and positive after the class. I was extremely anxious about the birth, but attending these classes has given me access to helpful information, practical suggestions and relaxation techniques. I can honestly say that I am actually exited rather than terrified about the birth now! It's been great to spend time with other expectant mums and to have the opportunity to share our experiences." Ali

Deep breathing

Deep breathing allows your body to release tension and teaches you how to relax with the breath. In pregnancy it can be used to still the mind and centre you in times of stress or anxiety.

Deep breathing is one of the most valuable tools for use in labour and childbirth. It enables you to develop a concentrated, rhythmic focus, allowing you to tune in to your deepest natural instincts and relax into the process of labour and birth.

"I really enjoyed the safe and welcoming environment each week where I could talk through my pregnancy and share experiences with others. The yoga breathing tecniques Patricia taught were invaluable to me during labour, and by far the best tool that I took into the delivery suite with me. Also hearing the labour stories of women who came back to the class after they had given birth, empowered me to be as knowledgeable as possible about my pregnancy and choices for labour. I really recommend the class" Clare 

Yoga Postures

The focus is on classical postures that are adapted for pregnancy. Practicing yoga helps to alleviate some of the common complaints of pregnancy such as backache, indigestion and insomnia. Yoga postures tone and strengthen the body, and improve flexibility. Practicing the postures will help you to feel more vital and energised whilst remaining calm and centred.

All poses are integrated with breathing and particular attention is focused on positions that encourage the baby into an optimum position for birth, thus improving your chances of a natural birth. We also practice poses that are useful in labour so that when the time comes you will instinctively adopt the positions that feel right. 

Relaxation and birth preparation

Relaxation is an integral part of yoga. It has positive benefits on both the nervous and endocrine system. Active relaxation, combined with breath work and meditation induces a state of deep inner peace and tranquillity. Practicing relaxation will help you to access your inner strength and wisdom in preparation for the birth of your baby.

Birth preparation will give you an understanding of the natural physiological process of birth, and teach you how you can promote the production of key hormones that will enhance your body's natural coping mechanisms in preparation for labour and birth, and provide advice on how best to create a birth environment that has a positive impact on the birthing mother. The yoga postures will provide you with tools to encourage optimal foetal positioning, and give you the opportunity to practice positions for labour, whilst building strength and stamina in preparation for the birth. Breath work and relaxation will help you to focus inward and enable you to access your inner recources on your journey towards becoming a mother.

 

Class times and venue:

The class is held every Monday 6 till 7.30pm at the Exeter Natural Health Centre, Queens Walk, Exeter. Classes are booked in 6 week blocks and you can attend any time from 14 weeks of your pregnancy.

Booking Information:

For more information or to book contact Patricia on 01392 438586 or e-mail her at birthwiseyoga@hotmail.co.uk

Also Available:

One-to-one consultations

Birthwise Devon for pregnancy and birth, natural childbirth, natural child birth, natural birth, prenatal yoga, pregnancy yoga, natural active birth, pregnancy massage, empowered childbirth, pregnancy classes, antenatal classes and alternative birth. We run classes in Newton Abbot, Barnstable, Exeter and Ottery St. Mary.