Teaching Prenatal Yoga
Adapting the practice for pregnant students
Date & Time
Saturday
May 20th, 2023
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (PST)
Location
The Yoga Tree in Fremont
4250 Fremont Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
Registration
$80 Early Bird (by May 5th)
$100 Full Price (after May 5th)
Course is limited to 13 students
Support Pregnant Bodies in Class
There are numerous studies that have shown practicing yoga during pregnancy can be extremely beneficial to maintain strength and peace of mind, and to help prepare for labor and delivery. Prenatal yoga has begun to be recommended by midwives, doulas, and doctors as a regular part of a pregnancy regimen.
Not all students choose to attend a prenatal class, however. Whether for convenience, familiarity, or exploration, some pregnant bodies will choose to come to a regular hatha or vinyasa class. How can a teacher best support these people?
Many poses are safe and supportive for pregnant bodies, but modifications and adaptations will be needed as the body changes and the pregnancy advances. Knowing how to help your students adapt their practice, both throughout their pregnancy and during postpartum, is key for their health and well-being during this changing time.
What you’ll learn
- How to adapt asana for pre and postnatal students using the support of props
- The contraindications of various asana and pranayama, and how to offer appropriate alternatives
- What discomforts and symptoms pregnant students may be experiencing during each trimester, including postnatal
- The anatomical and physiological changes that occur during each trimester, including postnatal
- How a prenatal class sequence differs from a regular class sequence
- Appropriate etiquette when asking questions, and how to hold space for this transformational time in a birthing person’s life
What you’ll need
Bring your yoga mat; all other props will be provided.
If you have a round meditation cushion and a scarf, bring them along for a bit of fun. (If you don’t have a cushion, don’t worry, it’s not required.)
An online handout will be provided before the class. Many people like to take notes, and choose to bring pen and paper, or their printed handout.
Lastly – bring a sense of humor, a spirit of inquiry, and all the questions about pregnancy that you’ve been gathering over time.
FAQs
- Is this class only for teachers?
This class is designed for yoga teachers or teachers-in-training, yes.
- Is this a prenatal certification?
No. A Prenatal Certification program is 85 hours long; this class is merely designed to help you better understand modifications for pregnancy in a standard class.
- I have a question not answered here…
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