Prenatal (Pregnancy) Yoga & Postnatal Yoga
As a trainee of the Kundalini Yoga program “The Mother’s Journey” I offer both prenatal (pregnancy) and postnatal Kundalini Yoga classes in Leicester. The postnatal yoga can take the form of classes for just yourself as the new mother (for which you can find the information on this page) or of Mommy & Me / Children / Family Yoga classes, as I am also a certified children’s yoga teacher.
The energy and nature of a Pregnancy Yoga class is completely different from that of a normal Kundalini Yoga class. On the whole, Prenatal Yoga classes (because of all the progesterone that circulates) are more relaxed, interactive and offer more support to the pregnant woman and the baby she carries within her. Physical exercises are done with moderation and more emphasis is placed on breathing, gentle stretching, slow and gentle movements, mantra, and meditations that improve the student’s stamina and self-confidence and prepare her for labour. Most important is that the pregnant woman enjoys herself!
You don’t need to have any previous yoga experience to start with pregnancy yoga; many women actually come into yoga during their pregnancy.
Postnatal Yoga Classes are an excellent way of gently and gradually getting back into your yoga practice. They however have many more benefits and purposes. Childbirth and parenting bring with it a whole series of challenges, for yourself and for the relationship with your partner and with your other children, your life/work balance, ... You have not only birthed a child; you have birthed yourself as a mother. It is not just your body that has changed dramatically, but probably your whole perception of yourself and the world around you. Your postnatal yoga class can become a place for you to start building a connection with this new you and find the new balance between being a woman and being a mother. Postnatal yoga classes also help reduce the risk of postnatal depression, and give you some time for yourself – something which is hard to find with a newborn in your life.
You don’t need any previous yoga experience to start with postnatal yoga.
Important information
- Always check with your midwife and/or GP before starting pregnancy classes or postnatal yoga classes.
- For postnatal classes: If you had a vaginal birth, you will need clearance from your midwife or GP before you can start classes. If you had a C-section, wait until you do not feel any pain before starting classes.
Duration of a class
Pregnancy yoga class: normally 75 mins for a private class. Group classes will last between 90 and 120 mins.
Postnatal yoga class: normally 60 mins for a private class.
We recommend to take a minimum of 3 classes first and then decide whether you want to continue.
Pregnancy Yoga and Postnatal Yoga are also offered as group classes at our studio in Leicester, but they run only when we have a minimum of 3 people at any given time. You can however always book in for private classes.
I also offer information sessions regarding fertility issues, ‘conscious conception’, pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period (specifically the 40 day '4th trimester'). These sessions can also be attended by the partner. They can be run in Leicester and vicinity, or via Skype.
Note
If you are interested in organising pregnancy yoga classes or postnatal yoga classes in or via your birth clinic, hospital, neighbourhood or community centre or anywhere else in Leicester, please Click here.
Did you know you can take time off work to attend antenatal classes, and that this includes prenatal yoga classes?
Your employer cannot ‘unreasonably refuse’ you paid time off to attend antenatal care classes during working hours when you are pregnant. This includes time traveling to and from the appointments. Parent craft, prenatal yoga and relaxation classes can be included in the term ‘antenatal care’ as ‘antenatal care’ isn't just medical appointments - it can also include antenatal or parenting classes if they have been recommended by a doctor or midwife. You may however find it helpful to show your employer proof from your GP or midwife that states that these classes are part of your care. You should request the time off rather than assume you can take it.
Employers must give pregnant employees time off for antenatal care and pay their normal rate for this time off. You are not under any obligation to make up the ‘lost’ hours to your employer at a later date. The father or pregnant woman’s partner has the right to unpaid time off work to go to 2 antenatal appointments.
Your employer does have the right to ask that you produce proof from your GP, health visitor or midwife that you have an antenatal care appointment. If they ask you for this proof and you are unable to provide it, then they have the right to refuse you the time off.
Employers cannot change a pregnant employee’s contract terms and conditions without agreement - if they do they are in breach of contract. If your employer refuses you time off, or will not pay you for the time off, and you feel that this is unreasonable, you can make a complaint to an employment tribunal. You may also be able to claim that your employer’s actions amount to sex discrimination and/or pregnancy and maternity discrimination, but you should seek advice. Likewise, if you are dismissed, disciplined or otherwise treated unfavorably for taking or trying to take time off for antenatal care, you should have a claim for compensation. In any of these situations you should seek advice from your trade union or a specialist legal adviser.
This right only applies to those who are classed as employees rather than workers. The right to paid time off for employees begins on the day the job starts and there is no minimum qualifying service.
For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights