Prenatal Yoga

Since 2005, these classes have provided many students with a supplement to their childbirth education and preparation, and many babies with happier, healthier moms!

When?

• Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30p with Cami (postnatal welcome)
• Thursdays, 5:30-6:30p with Dana (postnatal welcome)
• Sundays, 11:30a-12:30p with Kristen (postnatal welcome)

Where?

• Building community is central to this program, therefore class is only held in person at Grateful Yoga

In our prenatal classes you will learn techniques to support your changing body and prepare you for childbirth, such as:

• Yoga-based relaxation skills for cultivating present moment awareness, mindfulness and focus
• Breathing practices for calming the mind and the nervous system, as well as breath work suitable for labor
• Yoga postures for strengthening leg, hip and back muscles to help you prepare for the athletic feat of childbirth
• Tools to cultivate positive thinking and letting go of worry

Each class will be built around one of these four themes and will always include breathing, stabilizing postures, safe stretching, pelvic floor and core strengthening, relaxation and a brief meditation. Read more about our philosophy and background here.

We recommend that you start practicing Prenatal Yoga once any nausea has mostly subsided. In the case of high risk pregnancy, please get permission to exercise from your care provider.

Prenatal yoga is most effective when done frequently. We recommend two classes a week, if possible, throughout your pregnancy. Your body and your baby will thank you!

Pricing

Details

Financial limitations?	Financial need rate of $75 for 5 classes available – please inquire
How do I reserve?	Through our schedule page or the Mindbody app
Cancellations and missed classes	Partial or full refunds are honored at any time due to complications, emergencies or early baby arrival!
Feeling particularly anxious, unprepared or uncomfortable?	Contact Lela for more resources, such as somatic trauma resolution therapy, Beyond the Baby Blues Support Groups and private yoga for childbirth preparation classes.
Still unclear?	Call 847-849-1810 or send an email to info@gratefulyoga.com. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga page.

Our Approach to Prenatal Yoga

Pregnancy is not an illness and shouldn’t be treated like one. It is one medical condition that is indicative of health and strength, and we help expectant moms feel stronger and more confident in their bodies. Because we aim to prepare you for the marathon of birth and new motherhood, you might find that our classes are a little more challenging and more educational than most prenatal yoga classes.

We focus on proper alignment for the changing pregnant body, safe stretching, targeted strengthening for the core and pelvic floor muscles, as well as guided relaxation. Your teacher will address common problems that pregnant women experience ranging from back or pelvic pain to varicose veins. We also address mental and emotional stress, and breathing techniques to prepare for labor. At the end of class, we allow 10 minutes for a guided relaxation. Many women say that this class is their refuge during the week, and that they sleep much better on the nights that they’ve practiced yoga.

We accommodate for the needs of individuals, letting both experienced practitioners and novices enjoy the class. This weekly class builds a stronger community for all participants, helping students feel more committed to their weekly practice. Our students often stay committed to their yoga practice, even right up until their due date! We have people who start at eight weeks and stay until the very last day of their pregnancy. Read more student stories.