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Antenatal yoga
This class is available for women of 12 weeks pregnancy and over. Starting early is preferred but not always practical.
The class consists of a group of pregnant women of varying degrees of pregnancy. The women are helped through gentle yoga exercises, which may include visualization and relaxation techniques as well, with great emphasis on the importance of the breath.
The yoga practise is not devoid from the birth experience, and so its intention is to bridge the gap between the concept of birth and the reality of how to practically use the instinctive ability to release and relax in preparation for the labour.
The practice allows the women to bring focus and relaxation into what many of them find a stressful situation.
Discussion may come up in class about appropriate positions for labour, as well as discomforts or issues that may arise during the pregnancy. The sharing of these experiences is encouraged, as it can help the individual as well as the whole group. Some such issues raised in the class may include:
- Coming to terms with the changes that occur during pregnancy.
- Developing an acceptance of the inevitability of labour and birth.
- Breathing
- Visualization
- Yoga positions
- Relaxation
- Sharing experiences
- Relevant topics for discussion
- Issues relating to the labour such as:
- How to use a birth ball
- How to use a birth ball in labour
- How to use a birthing pool
- Squatting
- Gravity and its place in labour
The class also gives the women an opportunity to meet other pregnant women and to be able to relax and have fun.
The class finishes with refreshments. Women are welcome to bring a drink of water into class.
Women are also invited to bring their own blankets, cushions and yoga mats, although yoga mats are provided.
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