Birthlight Aqua Yoga

After giving birth, postnatal aqua yoga classes are designed to help realign and close the body, as well as strengthen and tone the muscles of the pelvis and lower back. Water is uniqely healing after giving birth and a good medium in which to tone the pelvic floor muscles. The sessions are ideal for those suffering from back aches, SPD and postnatal depression.

The class is 60 minutes long and includes a short session to introduce your newborn baby to the water in preparation for baby swimming classes.

The aims of postnatal aqua yoga

to close the body after birth
ease aches and pains
to stretch and strengthen the spinal and abdominal muscles
to repair and recover control of the pelvic floor muscles
to expand breathing capacity
to relax deeply and release worries or fears

The class includes:

Swimming: Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for women after giving birth. Our classes teach the correct adaptations of classic swimming strokes to accomodate the changes in the body and support the pelvis. Classes are suitable for all women from accomplished swimmers to non-swimmers.

Gentle introduction to water: Experience the blissful feeling of floating with your baby in the warm water and learn how to handle them in the pool in preparation for baby swimming classes.

Yoga movements in water: Simple classic yoga poses are adapted to the water making exercise enjoyable for all participants, particularly if they are suffering from backache or pelvic pain, or if they are overweight. Bodies feel virtually weightless in water enabling deep stretching.

Breathing: In the same way the breath was used to open the body for birth, in the postnatal class the reverse is engaged. Deep breathing is used to contract the abdominal and pelvic floor mucles allowing them to close and strengthen.

Relaxation: Aqua Yoga brings a sense of deep relaxation. Relaxation is often forgotten when a new baby arrives. The class offers time to float and enjoy total relaxation in a warm, safe enviroment. Those not comfortable with floating freely can use woggles or keep the feet on the floor.

Group work: To offer and receive support and get to know the other mothers in the group.

Classes can be attended from 6/8 weeks after giving birth. Spaces are limited to 6 mums and babies per group so booking is essential. Costing £49.20 inc vat for 6 weekly classes.

Please see class dates & bookings for more information.

Thanks to Francoise Freedman, Shawn Tomlinson and Birthlight for training, information and photos on aqua yoga. For more information on Birthlight please go to www.birthlight.com