Aqua Yoga

Aqua Yoga offers a gentle and easily accessible way to exercise and relax whilst pregnant. The water gives support to the body and offers an environment to breathe and stretch in ways that cannot be achieved on land. In certain stages of pregnancy lying on the back and the front is something that cannot be done on land; however, in the water, both positions are easily and comfortably enjoyed.

The power of water for health, relaxation, revitalisation and healing has been known and enjoyed by many cultures for centuries. Breathing and relaxation in water are powerful tools to help deal with the emotional transformations of pregnancy and with labour itself.

The aims of antenatal aqua yoga

to enjoy a gravity free environment
to open the pelvis
to prepare for birth
to stretch and strengthen the spinal and abdominal muscles
to gain control of the pelvic floor muscles so that they can be relaxed whilst giving birth
to expand breathing capacity
to relax deeply and release worries or fears
to connect with the growing baby
to accept the changes in the changing body

Aqua yoga classes include:

Swimming: Swimming is the best form of exercise available to pregnant women. Our classes teach the correct adaptations of classic swimming strokes to accomodate the growing baby and support the pelvis and changes in the body. Classes are suitable for all women from accomplished swimmers to non-swimmers.

Yoga movements in water: Simple classic yoga poses are adapted to the water making exercise enjoyable for all pregnant women, particularly if they are suffering from backache or pelvic pain, or if they are overweight. Bodies feel virtually weightless in water enabling deep stretching. Spinal alignment and exercies to open the hips and pelvis are a welcome part of each session.

Breathing exercises: Deeper, more expansive breathing has many benefits for the mother and baby, and is of great importance through all stages of pregnancy, labour and birth. With practice, all the muscles of the pelvis become involved in full breathing which provides a powerful tool in labour.

Relaxation: Aqua Yoga brings a sense of deep relaxation. Floating in water offers a unique experience of unity, as the baby is suspended in water (amniotic fluid) inside the mother, so the mother can share this experience of hanging in water and connection with the baby.

Preparing for birth: Using the water as a medium to explore and expel fears attached to labour. Learn about the changes in body during pregnancy, opening the hips and pelvis, and preparation for delivery.

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

Classes can be attended from 16 weeks of pregnancy and continued until 40 weeks+. Spaces are limited to eight ladies per session so booking is essential. The cost of the course is £38 per session, paid in blocks of 6 weeks until week 34 when classes can be paid for on a weekly basis.

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