YogaBellies

YogaBellies classes for Mum & Baby

YogaBellies offer relaxing and rejuvenating sessions especially designed for post partum mummies and their new babies. We use our proven YogaBellies therapies, with a unique twist on authentic yogic techniques, to guide you help you adjust and grow as a mother. We offer class and water based sessions where baby is never left to one side and is an integral part of your sessions and your new life as a mother.

Our classes for Post-Natal Mum with and without baby:

Nurture by YogaBellies: Unique post natal sessions for nourishing new mums and infant massage for baby
YogaBellies for Mum & Baby: Post natal mum and baby yoga class
AquaMamas: Water based post natal yoga just for mum

Our Post natal classes last around an hour and involve learning techniques and strokes to aid growth, soothing and bonding for you and baby. They will also help you recover and heal gently, but effectively. At the end of each class, we take time to reflect on our practice, drink tea, eat biscuits and chat with other mummies (very important!!)

Nurture® by YogaBellies…

NURTURE® by YogaBellies was created to support mothers immediately post-nataly, which is traditionally a time when we were supported by ‘the village:’ a community of women around us, such as grans, aunts, friends and neighbours. In today’s society, women tend to be left home alone with baby while their partner goes out to work. Without this community and support, we are suffering: More and more women have post-natal depression and suffer feelings of guilt, self-loathing and disappointment that they cannot fulfill their role like other mothers. The myth that women are supposed to raise a baby single-handed is one we wish to dispel.

NURTURE® by YogaBellies, offers the post-partum support and care that modern women do not receive. Embracing traditional post-partum self-care practices, we have created ‘a village’ for our mothers. A unique blend of massage, care and recuperation for mother AND baby, NURTURE® is not a yoga class. You can start immediately post-partum and will enjoy all of the nourishment mum deserves at this vital time.

The classes comprise self- massage and relaxation techniques for mum as well as bonding through YogaBellies LOVING TOUCH baby massage with your child. Our YogaBellies SLEEP® sessions offer the deepest relaxation, using a combination of Ancient Tones, self-hypnosis and theta waves to induce a short but restorative rest for mum and baby. We also spend time in our group, bonding and supporting each other as new mothers and discussing self-care and practices that you can take home with you and make use of in every day life.

Why Nurture® by YogaBellies?

1. After the birth, you will have a lot recuperating to do. Your body, mind and hormones have been working hard and there is a high chance that you will be completely exhausted. NURTURE can help balance those hormonal levels and allow you to relax deeply during a period when sleep, rest and free time are low;
2. Getting to know your new baby, while trying to adapt to the demands of motherhood, can be a difficult balancing act. In Ayurveda, a strong emphasis is placed on the 42 days, or 6-8 weeks after childbirth. This is one of the most significant periods of a woman’s life, and one which will impact greatly on your health in years to come. It is vital for mum and baby that BOTH are nourished during this period and NURTURE helps you do this, using ancient practices in an applicable and modern way to help your postnatal recovery;
3. In western culture, it is very easy to jump back into workouts and working, and fall prey to the hamster-wheel of running until we burn out. A new mum should take every opportunity to rest while baby is resting. Mum should rely heavily on her partner (if possible,) as well as other family members and the support of friends. We help you create and build this ‘village’ network, even if you are parenting alone or don’t currently have support;
4. NURTURE presents you with opportunity to nourish yourself postnatally in a way that todays community doesn’t allow. Women NEED self-care and time to recover from giving birth, no matter how your pregnancy and birth progressed.

What are the benefits of YogaBellies Loving Touch baby massage?

Benefits for Baby

Smoothes transition from womb to the world;
Develops baby’s first language: touch;
Teaches positive loving touch;
Develops a feeling of being loved, respected and secure; Develops body, mind, awareness and coordination;
Can help to reduce the discomfort of colic, wind and constipation;
Helps to regulate and strengthen baby’s digestive and respiratory systems and stimulate circulatory and nervous systems;
Promotes relaxation;
Can help to reduce ‘fussiness’ and improve quality of sleep; Improves skin condition.

Benefits for Parents

Helps parent to understand baby’s non-verbal communication;
Enhances parent’s confidence and competence in dealing with baby;
Can help with postnatal depression;
Both parents and baby relax together;
Promotes lactation in breastfeeding mums (through stimulation of hormones)
Promotes nurturing instinct (through stimulation of hormone oxytocin)

*(From The Guild of Infant & Child Massage website, www.gicm.org.uk, 2005)

What does a Nurture® class look like?

NURTURE® by YogaBellies is an 8 week block of classes offering nourishment and recovery for both mum and baby : A unique blend of YogaBellies therapies that you can start immediately after birth and can continue for as long as you wish postnatally.
Each session includes self- massage, breathing and relaxation techniques for mum as well as bonding through infant massage with your child. Our YogaBellies SLEEP® sessions offer the deepest relaxation, using a combination of Ancient Tones, self-hypnosis and theta waves to induce a short but restorative rest for mum and baby. We also spend time in our group, bonding and supporting each other as new mothers and discussing self-care and practices that you can take home with you and make use of in every day life during our TranquiliTEA sessions.
You can start immediately post partum as this is not a yoga class! Come along as soon as you are ready to join our YogaBellies village, meet other mums, talk, share and feel supported through gentle movement, therapies and touch. You can bring baby along or take this time for yourself. You don’t need to be immediately post-partum, this class is open to all mothers – the highest rate of PND is at 4 years post-partum so we don’t discriminate on the age of your child. All mothers are welcome because we’re always going to need that village and that time for ourselves.

How do I book a place?

Our NURTURE by YogaBellies classes are launching in January 2020 and you can book through your local yogabellies teacher. We are so excited to welcome you into our amazing community of women NURTUREing and supporting other women.

To find your nearest YogaBellies class click here.

What do I need to bring to class?

Massage mats, pillows and cosy blankets are provided as well a lovely bottle of organic, fractionated coconut oil which you can use to massage your baby. Wear comfortable clothes and bring / wear cosy socks too! Feel free to bring anything you need to feed, change or amuse your baby and some water for yourself to stay hydrated.

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YogaBellies for Mum & Baby

YogaBellies Post Natal Yoga is all about your BAPs: Back, Abs and Pelvic floor!

The body undergoes huge change during pregnancy and childbirth. YogaBellies for Mum and Baby is a unique post natal yoga class which focuses on mum’s three main areas of concern: the back, the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. We focus on rebuilding these three key areas post nataly, at a pace that suits you. As the integrity of each of these key areas is interconnected, we work on all three at once to help bring back structural integrity to your body.

At YogaBellies for Mum and Baby, we don’t “put baby in the corner” while you practice yoga 🙂 Our exclusive post natal classes also incorporate baby yoga postures for your little one too so that they can practice with mummy! As every aspect of your life will include baby now, we help you integrate baby into your yoga practice, while feeling the benefits of yoga for you too. You will also learn breath awareness and relaxation techniques, which help to increase energy levels and allow you to relax while with baby (yes it is possible!!)

Yoga provides a wonderful resource for you and your baby that allows you to deal positively with stress, and encourage mindful relaxation in your role as a mother and to help gently guide the body and mind back to their former glory.

Who is YogaBellies for Mum & Baby for?

Our unique YogaBellies for Mum & Baby sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures) adapted for post partum mum and some for baby too. While most post natal yoga classes either focus soley on mum (with baby stuck in their buggy) or offer baby yoga alone (with no physical benefits for mum), YogaBellies for Mum & Baby combine BOTH post natal and baby yoga, to ensure both mum and baby leave the class feeling stretched, revived and relaxed. We use unique YogaBellies® baby touch therapies as well as beautiful songs, games and positive life building experiences for your baby teamed with core rebuilding and relaxation for mum. Baby yoga has also been scientifically proven to help with baby’s brain development, growth, self soothing and common ailments such as colic, reflux and disrupted sleep.

YogaBellies® classes are entirely unique and our class formula means that 86% of our class attendees have never set foot in a yoga class before. We make sure our classes are non-scary, non-threatening, welcoming and open to all levels of practitioner as YogaBellies classes are accessible to everyone. No experience necessary and no matter your birth experience, we can help you and baby safely and comfortably progress at your own pace.

What are the benefits of YogaBellies for Mum and Baby classes?

Benefits for Mum:

Focus on rebuilding the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor; Helps alleviate back and neck pain; Allows mum to regain strength and muscle tone at her own pace; Studies show decreased indcidence of post natal depression; Encourages mum and baby bonding and makes for baby’s enhanced social skills in future; Allows mum to heal and relax along with baby;

Benefits for Baby:

Nobody puts baby in the corner in our class :) Baby is fully integrated into mums yoga practice and life; Enhances baby’s immune system; Helps brain and nervous system development and growth;
Offers sensory stimulation but also enhanced relaxation leading to better sleeping patterns; Baby learns to self soothe and develops key relaxation techniques for the future

How does the YogaBellies for Mum & Baby course work?

This is a rolling block of six classes and therefore classes are booked in blocks in advance. The cost of your course includes a super duper YogaBellies Mummy Pack, customized for the class you are attending including a tote bag, and emailed downloadable pack with sequences to try at home and much more. You are not just booking a class, but a full course. We don’t have drop in’s at our classes as each of our classes is a ‘yoga journey’ and we believe that to feel the benefits, you must continue your practice for a number of weeks.

To find your nearest YogaBellies class click here.

What happens at class?

Our gorgeous YogaBellies for Mum & Baby classes last around an hour and involve yoga for mum, yoga for baby and some lovely deep relaxation together. Our Mum and Baby Yoga classes include yoga postures for mum AND for baby; this is not just ‘baby yoga.’ All of the postures can be practiced with or without your baby, depending on how you prefer to focus, and depending on how baby feels :) Sometimes our classes are quiet and sometimes there is crying. and that’s okay too. Sometimes the babies are full of fun and sometimes they just want to snuggle up to mummy and feed. The key thing to remember is that there is no pressure on you or baby and you can just take the class as your own pace. Suitable for all mamaes, our classes have a co-operative spirit of ‘give and take’, alternating yoga for babies, with yoga for mums and yoga together.

A typical session includes baby stretches to take small bodies through a full range of movement which often astonishes (and inspires) their mums including incorporating baby massage; breathing and focused yoga postures for the mums, and postures-for-two to give mums and babies new ways to relate to each other. For mummies, we focus on gently working the abdominal muscles, slowly getting mummy back to pre-baby shape and helping to build strength, stamina and fitness

How do I book a place?

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

To find your nearest YogaBellies class click here.

What do I need to bring to class?

We provide everything you need like mats and blocks etc, but feel free to bring your own. Please bring a drink for you and baby as its important for you both to keep hydrated. Socks for relaxation at the end are also a good idea as you will both cool down quickly.

When can I start?

For a ‘normal’ (we don’t like that word) birth, we recommend at least 6 weeks after the birth. If you have had a caesarean section, then we recommend 8-10 weeks. As always, the most important thing is to listen to your body, if you are in any pain or discomfort, just wait a few weeks :) During the class there is no pressure for you or baby to do anything that’s uncomfortable and there’s no need to have any yoga experience either. Our classes are suitable for all levels of yoga practice.

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AquaMamas: Just for Mum

What is AquaMamas?

AquaMamas classes are 45 minute sessions in the swimming pool designed specifically for post natal women who want to spend some quality time focusing on themselves. Classes vary each week and involve a mix of cardiovascular exercises, games and activities, aqua circuits, aqua yoga and floating exercises. AquaMamas classes finish with relaxation and breathing techniques ensuring you leave the pool feeling blissed out and re-energised

Who is AquaMamas for?

AquaMamas classes are suitable for postnatal women from 6 weeks postpartum (longer if you have had a c-section). If you have any conditions that may affect your ability to participate please ensure you seek permission to attend from your medical professional.

AquaMamas® classes are entirely unique and our class formula means that 86% of our class attendees have never set foot in a yoga class before. We make sure our classes are non-scary, non-threatening, welcoming.

What are the benefits of AquaMamas classes?

+ Relieve aches and pains
+ Help to reduce blood pressure
+ Return to exercise in a gentle and safe way in the water
+ Reduce pressure on joints
+ Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
+ Enjoy some “me time” with other new mothers from your area
+ Guidance and support to help you to adapt to lifestyle, physically and emotionally
+ Learn breathing and relaxation techniques for birth and beyond

How does the AquaMamas course work?

The classes run in 6 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 however ensure you inform your instructor that you wish to continue. When you join you will also receive your complimentary online AquaMamas pack and tote bag.

To find your nearest AquaMamas class click here.

How do I book a place?

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

To find your nearest AquaMamas class click here.

What do I need to bring to class?

We provide everything you need like woggles and props etc, but feel free to bring your own. Please bring a drink and suitable swimwear its important for you both to keep hydrated.

When can I start?

For a ‘normal’ (we don’t like that word) birth, we recommend at least 6 weeks after the birth. If you have had a caesarean section, then we recommend 8-10 weeks. As always, the most important thing is to listen to your body, if you are in any pain or discomfort, just wait a few weeks :) During the class there is no pressure for you or baby to do anything that’s uncomfortable and there’s no need to have any yoga experience either. Our classes are suitable for all levels of yoga practice.

YogaBellies for Mummy & Toddler

YogaBellies for Mummy & Toddler takes off where YogaBellies for Mum & Baby finishes up and incorporates a hatha yoga class for mums and their mobile babies (from 18-36 months.) All levels of yoga practitioner are welcome along with their little people and celebrity mums such as Fearne Cotton have tweeted about how much they love their sessions (see below.)

What happens in a YogaBellies for Mummy & Toddler class?

Mums are welcome to join the class from six months post-partum with their mobile babies.
This is a normal hatha yoga class for women (not post natal) but also allows time for mum
to practice some ‘Little Angels’ yoga with her toddler. Your baby doesn’t have to be able to
walk yet and both crawling and walking babies love the different elements of the class.

Our YogaBellies for Mum & Toddler classes allow mum to enjoy her own yoga practice around her active toddler. While mum is practising her sun salutes, baby may be playing with the other children or exploring the treasure chest… and when baby starts to become restless, we jump over to our ‘Little Angels’ yoga for mobile babies. Both mum and baby can enjoy all of the benefits of yoga in a welcoming, fun and safe environment.

A typical session includes hatha yoga for mum and toddler stretches to take their growing bodies through a full range of movement which often involves breathing and focused yoga postures for the mums, and postures-for-two to give mums and mobile babies new ways to relax and play together.

How does the YogaBellies for Mum & Toddler course work?

This is a rolling block of six classes and therefore classes are booked in blocks in advance. The cost of your course includes a super duper YogaBellies for Mummy & Toddler Yoga Pack, customized for the class you are attending including a tote bag, local information and much more. You are not just booking a class, but a full course.

To find your nearest YogaBellies 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.

To find your nearest YogaBellies class click here.

What do I need to bring to class?

We provide everything you need like mats and blocks etc, but feel free to bring your own. Please bring a drink for you and baby as its important for you both to keep hydrated. Socks for relaxation at the end are also a good idea as you will both cool down quickly.

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