Practising yoga during pregnancy is a useful preparation for the birth experience. You will learn breathing techniques, which may help facilitate greater control of the breath during labour. Gentle posture work will provide exercise, to help increase flexibility and build strength. During this time of change in your life some people suffer from tiredness and stress, relaxation practises may help to relieve this.

Yoga for Pregnancy helps you to prepare for the birth and your new life with your baby, resulting in a feeling of well-being in body, mind and spirit.

Mother and baby yoga offers gentle exercise for new mums, strengthening the abdomen, low back and pelvic floor as well as stretching the upper back and shoulders. Mums are given advice on how to lift and carry their baby comfortably, and the babies are given stretches and massage with lots of close contact and soothing sounds. As the babies get older they are encouraged to explore different positions and enjoy more movement, songs and action rhymes. There is always time for relaxation for mums and babies at the end of the class.

Sessions are informal, allowing you to relax and enjoy time with your baby. Babies don’t often follow a perfect routine, so don’t worry if your baby needs to feed or sleep during the class. Join in with whatever you can, or just watch and try the exercises at home.

New mums can join in as soon as they feel ready, but wait for your six-week check if you have had a caesarean section or any complications. The class is suitable for babies from birth until they are walking.