Prenatal Yogabelly
YogaBelly is unique because it offers the gifts of yoga, meditation, bellydancing, which have all been proven to be helpful during pregnancy and labour. On top of that, there is the added benefit of female empowerment that comes with this uniquely Goddess-y experience. While it is certainly common, and seemingly ‘everyday’ that women become mothers, the transition to motherhood is in truth, sacred , magical and unique. Each woman will have her own path, and each path should be treated with reverence, honor and loving kindness.
Pregnancy is more than morning sickness, backache, and swollen feet. It’s more than buying cute baby things, packing the hospital bag and making a birth plan. While all these things are real, they are such a small part of this whole-self transition. Women deserve more during this life change…resources that support not only the physical changes of pregnancy, but the emotional and spiritual threads connected to them. Women also deserve full acknowledgment of the courage and surrender it takes to bring life into this world, and continued value and support as both an individual woman and mother after the baby is born.
We are lucky that we live in more conscious times than our mothers. We have many forms of prenatal exercise, hypnobirthing, midwives and doulas, hospital and home birth choices, more information about everything (for better or for worse), and more. But still, many of us have birth experiences that are disappointing and experience a lack of support during the post-partum time, which can involve depression, guilt and other emotions we feel are out of place or unacceptable. Thankfully, post-partum doulas are becoming well known, which can help alleviate these challenges. And there is Prenatal YogaBelly, which is a truly unique and holistic form of prenatal exercise that you can do regularly until birth and continue after the baby is born. A class that attends not only to the physical, but also to the emotional, sensual and divinely feminine experience of pregnancy and motherhood!
Please visit our Shakti Mamas Community Page for resources, inspiration and birth stories from the moms of the studio- a taste of the little community we have created here!
Prenatal YogaBelly offers many benefits:
Meditation & Affirmations:
- An increased bond with your baby in utero as a whole, sentient being.
- Trust in your intuition and instincts
- Confidence using visualisation for pregnancy and birth
- Cultivation of your personal connection to the divine
- Ability to use and create your own affirmations for positive outcomes and inner empowerment
Yoga:
-Deepened breathing- increased oxygen to fetus.
-Ability to consciously relax and listen to your body which you will need in labour
- Strengthened muscles of the pelvic floor
-Relief of muscular and joint tension
- Improved posture and weight bearing of the body
- Improved circulation to uterus and fetus.
- Increased ‘happy’ brain chemicals
- Improved mood which improves baby’s mood
- Improved balance
- Increased focus and stamina for labour
Bellydancing:
Bellydance is thought to actually have originated as a ‘birth dance’ where women would gather around the woman in labour and perform undulations and shimmies for her to emulate and encourage the baby’s descent into the birth canal.
During pregnancy, the soft, circular and sensual movements of bellydance are unparalleled at relieving tension in the hips, lower back, upper back, and legs. It also inherently revives a woman’s connection to her sensual and creative self which are central to the experience of pregnancy and birth. Other amazing benefits include:
- Gentle strengthening & relaxation of the abdominals and other muscles required for a smooth labour.
- Relief from pelvic strain and discomfort
-Improved circulation to uterus
-Release of ‘happy’ brain chemicals
-Improved balance
-Helps your baby move into the optimal head-down position for birth.
-Increased self-esteem– feeling beautiful in your curves.
-Sisterhood- being part of a women’s circle makes each woman feel supported, honored, accepted and loved.
-Increased ability to follow your body’s which will help you find comfort through each contraction in labour, as well as throughout your pregnancy.
This class is completely unique. It is the only prenatal fitness class to give you all these benefits in a sacred, and intimate, feminine setting, guided by a woman who has been there before. As a mother who practiced yoga and bellydance throughout her pregnancy, and after birth, I can attest to the immense benefits this combination creates for the mother-to-be, and postpartum mother in reclaiming your self and your body again. I’ve created this class and this setting because it is what I felt I wanted most during my pregnancy, but was unable to find. I now offer this gift to you, joyously and lovingly, in hopes that you will feel you have found a spiritual ‘home’ to support you on your journey.
I have never tried yoga or bellydance before, is this for me?
Yes! All the poses and movements are suitable for complete beginners and can be modified for your needs. As with any form of exercise, any special concerns should be discussed with your doctor or midwife prior to attending.
I am in my first trimester, can I start now?
It is advisable to begin in your second trimester, as your pregnancy will be more settled, and nausea will (in most cases) have ceased. Nausea can impede your ability to participate in this class.
I am in my third trimester, can I start now?
Yes! Even if you are only a couple weeks from your due date, you can benefit immensely from this class. You will learn new ways to move during labour, and benefit from the postures, relaxation and affirmations.
What do I bring to class?
Clothes: Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Pants can be stretchy or loose, shirt can be t-shirt or tank top, wear a warm layer (such as a hoodie or long sleeve shirt) on top for meditation.
Yoga mat: The studio provides these, and other props such as bolsters, blankets, blocks and pillows. You may bring your own mat if you choose.
Hip scarf: For the bellydance portion of the class, we provide optional bellydance scarves to adorn the hips. You may bring your own as well.
What other resources do you provide?
Visit our Shakti Mamas Community Page for resources, inspiration and birth stories from moms of the studio!
-We offer a variety of books for borrow, such as ‘Birthing From Within’ and ‘Labyrinth of Birth’ by Pam England; ‘Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth’ and many, many more!
-Connections to doulas and hypnobirthing instructors in the area.
-A community of new mothers and mothers to be to support and share stories with!
-Take home goodies! Registrants of this class receive a collection of affirmations, take-home handout of select YogaBelly movements and by request, a CD of the music played in class at the end of each session.
-Soon this website will be offering a page dedicated to birth stories, inspirational quotes and pics of babies and mommies from the studio!
REGISTRATION & SCHEDULE BELOW:
Serena Oakley, 8 months pregnant