Frequently Asked Questions - Prenatal Yoga

FAQs - Prenatal Yoga
When should I begin prenatal yoga?

I recommend that you start practicing Prenatal Yoga once your nausea has passed and you have permission from your doctor to exercise. I have students who start with me at 8-10 weeks and stay until the very last day of their pregnancy. Generally, the sooner you feel well enough to start, the better. That way, you will become more accustomed to the postures from the beginning. However, you are also welcome to start later in your pregnancy. You will find the information that I give in my classes will compliment your birthing classes and help you with the discomforts of the 3rd trimester. I am amazed by my students' strength and commitment to their yoga practice, even right up until their due date!

I can't make it to Prenatal every week and I want to practice more often. Can I take other drop-in classes?

If you are new to yoga or are starting yoga further along in your pregnancy (past 20 weeks), you may just want to stick with a prenatal yoga class. I have found that students who are pregnant and haven’t tried yoga before are definitely best off in a prenatal yoga class, especially when they are further along.

If you have previous yoga experience, feel free to try a Yoga Basics, Gentle or Level 1 class.  All of our teachers have experience modifying for pregnancy.

Is this class taught as a series? Can I do it more than once?

I have 4 basic themes that I cycle through each month, which I weave into different posture sequences every time. You really can join the class at any time- I make it easy to begin at any point. You will find it useful to renew your membership as many times as you can. I say this not just for my own selfish reasons, but genuinely because it always helps to hear things again, and especially to practice things experientially more than once. You will find that the themes covered in the series (joint-freeing/dynamic movement, core/pelvic floor strengthening, relaxation, focus/absorption, jaw release/vocalizing) will settle into your mind and body more and more each time you come. By the time you are ready to give birth, you will feel more prepared and more connected to your body’s strength.

What happens if I miss classes?

I understand that life can be unpredictable and sometimes you just cannot make it. That is why we offer a monthly unlimited membership, which allows you to attend Sunday and/or Wednesday classes at your convenience. Or you can purchase 4 classes and use them on Sundays or Wednesdays within the month.

  • If you need to stop coming due to an emergency or because of doctor’s recommendation, I will credit you/refund you for those classes. I want you to feel at ease about signing up!
What should I do if classes are full? Do I really need to reserve in advance?

Prenatal Yoga with Lela is a long-established class that is very popular and can sometimes be hard to get into. This is why it is imperative that you reserve your classes online in advance. You can reserve a single class online if you want to try it before signing up for a series (if the class is full, you will be added to a wait-list and contacted when space becomes available). Once you have a membership, you can pre-register for all the classes you plan to attend- it helps to make the commitment!

  • If you can't come as often as you'd like, here are some other ideas:
  • Set up a few private yoga sessions with Lela, Yoli or Eliza while you are waiting to get into the prenatal yoga class. Share your private with a few friends and pay less! Call 847-644-3623 for rates or visit this page
  • Join one of our Yoga Basics, Gentle or Level 1 yoga classes. All of our teachers can make modifications for you. The pacing is similar to prenatal yoga. View our full schedule here.

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Additional Resources

Prenatal and Postnatal Education series Lela has put together a few courses with her yoga school to help you prepare for birth and postpartum recovery

Are you experiencing anxiety and/or depression? Contact Beyond the Baby Blues, a group therapy support group for prenatal and postpartum moms in Evanston. Lela teaches yoga for some groups.

Looking for a healthcare provider? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for doula, Certified Nurse Midwife, holistic OB/GYN, and Physical Therapy recommendations