Baby Yoga
You did it! You have nurtured your baby through pregnancy and have given birth to a beautiful baby – congratulations! Mum & baby yoga classes provide an opportunity for you to regain strength and flexibility, to bond with your baby in an enjoyable activity and to make friends with other mums.
The focus of the class is on movements and breathing specifically tailored for new mums. The babies benefit from the bonding time with mum, baby massages and the stimulating environment of new baby friends!
Special attention is placed on developing core strength and stability – involving a particular emphasis on strengthening the back, abdomen and pelvic floor, as well as relieving tension in areas such as the neck, shoulders and back.
Previous yoga experience is not necessary to fully benefit from the classes, and women who have practiced yoga before will find these classes are a great way to transition back to their pre-pregnancy practice.
What do I do with my baby during class?Throughout the class, you will have the option to either involve your baby in the movements, to hold him or her, or to have your baby close to you on your blanket. Sometimes babies sleep all class, other times they may want to breastfeed or bottle feed, and other times they are happy to see and hear the other babies around them. Fussing and crying is also totally normal, the babies are welcomed just as they are, and truly are the bosses in this class!
You will also have the opportunity to learn and practice short baby massages and baby yoga routines that you can then bring home with you
Each mum and baby yoga class includes both flowing yoga movements and slow methodical exercises for strength and awareness. The classes are designed specifically to accommodate the effects of your recent pregnancy, and take into account reduced joint stability and core strength.
Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace, either more gently or more intensively. In this class you will have an opportunity for one-on-one consultation if the need arises.
The class is very informal and lively, and there is absolutely no pressure or expectation for your baby to “behave” in a certain way! Part of the yoga practice is truly welcoming the babies just as they are, learning to cultivate awareness and breathing instead of tension and worry.
Throughout the class, mums will stop to feed or soothe their babies and will then rejoin the movements when it is possible and comfortable to do so. Sometimes during class mums will chat, as remi moves around the room offering individual attention to each mum and baby.
Friends and CommunityIt is so important to connect with other mums – to share in the journey of motherhood. It is easy to feel alone when you are at home, but in fact you are not - there is a whole community of mothers in Kent experiencing the same kinds of joys and challenges that you are, who are just waiting to meet other mums. Therefore, there is ample time provided before and after each class to linger, to meet old friends and make new ones, and to share the experiences and insights of raising a little one!
What will Mum & Baby Yoga do for me?Mum and baby yoga classes have many advantages and benefits, including:
- increasing over-all endurance, strength and well being
- reducing back tension and discomfort and improving posture
- building core strength and stability (including abdominals)
- learning yoga movements you can practice at home
- reducing anxiety and stress
- adopting coping techniques for when you feel overwhelmed
- making new friends with other mums and babies
- The course runs for 6 weeks (it is possible to continue after your course ends) at venues in Ashford and Maidstone
The 6 week course costs £42.00