YogaBellies

YogaBellies for Pregnancy and Birth

YogaBellies offer beautiful classes for women during the prenatal period. We use proven holistic therapies, practices and yogic techniques to guide you through the amazing journey that is pregnancy and birth.

Our prenatal sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures); self-hypnosis and deep relaxation; soothing comfort techniques for birthing and unique YogaBellies® touch therapies for mum and baby. These classes are open to all women and 86% of our students have never set foot in a yoga class before. We have a whole host of studio and water based therapies that have been custom made for pregnant mummies…

YogaBellies Classes for Pregnancy:

YogaBellies for Pregnancy
AquaBellies for Pregnancy

Click here to find your nearest class now

What are YogaBellies for Pregnancy classes?

YogaBellies for Pregnancy sessions are unique, revolutionary prenatal yoga classes for pregnant women. We use traditional yoga postures (asana), adapated and beneficial for pregnancy and the common ailments associated with pregnancy. YogaBellies for Pregnancy classes also include an especially created combination of self-hypnosis and yoga nidra (deep relaxation) and breathing techniques for pregnancy and birth (pranayama.)

YogaBellies pre-natal yoga classes are gentle and safe for all women, whether you are new to yoga or have years of practice. Each class lasts 1hr 15 minutes and each week focuses on a different aspect of pregnancy and birth. This is more than just a yoga class, but also training in deep relaxation and preparation for birth and motherhood.

At the end of each class we have an informal group chat about the focus of our class for the week. This class also helps you prepare for birth and is so much more than just physical stretching 🙂 Our YogaBellies for Pregnancy classes are so awesome, that even celebrity mums such as Kimberley Walsh (Girls Aloud) love them! Read what Kimberley said about YogaBellies in her OK! Magazine column.

Who is YogaBellies for Pregnancy for?

Our classes are open to all healthy pregnant women, regardless of current yoga practice or experience. If you have any Pre-existing medical conditions or have had any serious problems during pregnancy, please run this past your GP before starting the class and discuss with your YogaBellies teacher. Please don’t worry if you have never done yoga before, a lot of the mums will be trying it for the first time and our classes are suitable for all levels.

How does the course work?

This is a rolling block of eight classes and therefore classes are booked in blocks in advance. The cost of your course includes a super duper YogaBellies for Pregnancy Pack, customized for the class you are attending including a tote bag, downloads including yoga videos to practice at home, discounts, local information, and much more. You are not just booking a class, but a complete yoga journey.

To find your nearest class click here

How do I book a place?

Be sure to contact your YogaBellies teacher in advance as our classes generally book up pretty quickly.

When performed properly, yoga is safe for pregnant women and has benefits for everything from flexibility to cardiovascular health. Each of our Certified YogaBellies Teachers is a fully qualified perinatal yoga teacher trained extensively to work safely and therapeutically with pregnant and post natal women, so you know that you and your baby are in safe hands.

To find your nearest class click here.

What do I need to bring to class?

Wear comfortable non-restrictive clothing and we don’t wear shoes or socks (we don’t want to slip) during the class. Mats and props will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Make sure you bring water to sip as we want to keep nice and hydrated.

Can I take time off work to attend antenatal classes? (Yes!)

Did you know this includes classes such as YogaBellies for Pregnancy, Birth ROCKS and AquaBellies?

Your employer cannot ‘unreasonably refuse’ you paid time off to attend antenatal care classes during working hours when you are pregnant. This includes time travelling to and from the appointments. Parent craft and relaxation classes can be included in the term ‘antenatal care’, but you may 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.

Your employer has 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.

You are not under any obligation to make up the ‘lost’ hours to your employer at a later date.

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 unfavourably 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

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What are AquaBellies for Pregnancy classes?


AquaBellies classes are 45 minute sessions in the swimming pool designed specifically for pregnant women. Classes vary each week and involve a mix of cardiovascular exercises, games and activities, aqua circuits, aqua yoga and floating exercises. AquaBellies classes finish with relaxation and breathing techniques specifically for pregnancy, labour and birth ensuring you leave the pool feeling blissed out and re-energised

Why practice yoga in the water?

You may have heard of the many physical and psychological benefits that participating in yoga can bring…why not take your practice to the pool and allow your body to meet a whole new wave of health benefits.

Exercising in the water is known for its therapeutic and rehabilitation uses, well designed classes and a motivating instructor will give you a thorough workout that is just as effective as land based exercise.

Water based movement has many benefits including relaxation, releasing hydrostatic pressure, relieving swelling in joints and limbs and allowing you to bliss out.

Who is AquaBellies for Pregnancy for?

Our classes are open to all healthy pregnant women from around 14 weeks gestation regardless of current yoga practice or experience. If you have any Pre-existing medical conditions or have had any serious problems during pregnancy, please run this past your GP before starting the class and discuss with your AquaBellies teacher. Please don’t worry if you have never done yoga before, a lot of the mums will be trying it for the first time and our classes are suitable for all levels.

How does the course work?

How do AquaBellies classes work?

The classes run in 8 week blocks and are bookable from any week as the classes are “rolling”. Each class covers a different theme. You can do as many blocks as you wish up until your due date however ensure you inform your instructor that you wish to continue. When you join you will also receive your complimentary on-line AquaBellies pack and tote bag.

To find your nearest class click here

How do I book a place?

Be sure to contact your AquaBellies teacher in advance as our classes generally book up pretty quickly.

When performed properly, aqua yoga is safe for pregnant women and has benefits for everything from flexibility to cardiovascular health. Each of our Certified AquaBellies Teachers is a fully qualified aqua yoga teacher trained extensively to work safely and therapeutically with pregnant and post natal women, so you know that you and your baby are in safe hands.

To find your nearest class click here.

What do I need to bring to class?

You should comfortable non-restrictive swimwear as the class will be held in a pool. Woggles and props will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Make sure you bring water to sip as we want to keep nice and hydrated.

Can I take time off work to attend antenatal classes? (Yes!)

Did you know this includes classes such as YogaBellies for Pregnancy, Birth ROCKS and AquaBellies?

Your employer cannot ‘unreasonably refuse’ you paid time off to attend antenatal care classes during working hours when you are pregnant. This includes time travelling to and from the appointments. Parent craft and relaxation classes can be included in the term ‘antenatal care’, but you may 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.

Your employer has 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.

You are not under any obligation to make up the ‘lost’ hours to your employer at a later date.

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 unfavourably 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

The Benefits of YogaBellies during Pregnancy

Practising yoga postures promotes the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, relaxing both body and mind and promoting a sense of general well-being. And everytime you relax, baby relaxes too 🙂

Practising yoga will build muscle and tone the body, which will give you more energy and make your pregnancy easier. It will also make it easier to lose the weight you put on while you’re pregnant.

YogaBellies for Pregnancy helps to strengthen the muscles (including the abdominals and pelvic floor) used in chidlbirth, which will make the entire process easier, faster and more comfortable.

One of the loveliest parts of our classes, is our focus on breathing. Our three unique YogaBellies for Pregnancy breathing techniques will help you during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Correct use of the breath can help lower blood pressure and empower you to take control during childbirth.

You will learn our unique YogaBellies for Pregnancy deep relexation techniques which will help to prepare and guide you gently through childbirth.

Pregnancy shifts our pelvis forward in response to the increased weight, which places significant strain on the lower back. Our sessions focus on strengthening the core muscles, resulting in better posture and alleviating any back pain.

Pregnancy can shift the position of the digestive organs, impeding digestion and causing unwanted side effects. Our classes can help reverse this process and restore healthy digestion, meaning less wind and heartburn!

We combine yoga nidra (deep relaxation) with self hypnosis at the end of class, each week reinforcing another positive aspect of YogaBellies for Pregnancy, allowing you to continue your week in a positive and relaxed mindset.

 

Looking for birth preparation classes for you and your partner?

Birth ROCKS®, our sister organization promotes fun, realistic and approachable childbirth and parenting preparation and care for mother and baby.

Birth ROCKS is antenatal education with a difference – accredited by IAPP (International Alliance of perinatal Professionals) and the IPTI, and customized to suit your birthing needs and coping preferences. Parent’s everywhere love Birth ROCKS even celebrity mums such as Kimberley Walsh (Girls Aloud) and Catherine Tyldsley (Coronation Street) have used Birth ROCKS to prepare for their birth and swear by the benefits to them and their birth partners.

We don’t promise you that one ‘special technique’ will work for everyone, what we do promise is to help you and your birth partner fully understand how you deal with new experiences and create a complete individual birthing experience for you, that will allow you to look forward to and enjoy the most amazing day of your life.

How are the sessions structured?

You will meet with your own Birth ROCKS mentor before you begin your sessions to discuss your personal circumstances and what you hope to achieve from the sessions. This can be done in person or via phone or Skype. You have the option to attend small group sessions (no more than 5 couples) or to work with a Mentor on a one-to-one basis. You can attend an intensive one or two day workshop or you can space your sessions over 4 weeks. Just like your birth plan, the structure of the course can be adapted to meet the needs of you and your partner.

After the birth of your child, you will meet with your mentor again to discuss how your birth went and to conclude your ‘journey’ with your mentor.

Visit Birth ROCKS site