Mommy & Baby Yoga

PLEASE NOTE: Due to scheduling conflicts, Mom & Baby Yoga will commence in the Fall. As of this notice, we have ceased classes for the summer.

At this time, we are only offering private sessions for individual moms with pre-crawling children (or to private groups).

If you are interested in being notified when this class begins in the fall, or interested in a private session please email us.

Mommy & Baby Postpartum Yoga allows you to reconnect with Self while bonding with Baby by the practice of breath awareness and strengthening asana (posture) practice.

You will partner with your Baby to strengthen and tone your upper body, core and perineum and Baby enjoys the many benefits of yoga.

While Babies stretch with the help of Mom, he or she will be receiving Mom's soothing energy and the benefits of touch therapy. Touch therapy has been know to stimulate baby's senses, increase circulation, improve digestion and encourage continued healthy growth and development.

This class is suitable for all levels of fitness and yoga participants from beginners to advanced.

What is Postpartum Yoga like?

Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace, either more gently or more intensively. In this class you will have an opportunity for one-on-one consultation if the need arises.

The class is very informal and lively, and there is absolutely no pressure or expectation for your baby to “behave” in a certain way! Part of the yoga practice is truly welcoming the babies just as they are, learning to cultivate awareness and breathing instead of tension and worry.

Throughout the class, moms will stop to feed or soothe their babies and will then rejoin the movements when it is possible and comfortable to do so.

Why Postpartum Yoga?

Mom and baby yoga classes at Birth Presence have many advantages and benefits, including:

• increasing over-all endurance, strength and well being
• reducing back tension and discomfort and improving posture
• slowly and appropriately building core strength and stability (including abdominals)
• learning yoga movements you can practice at home
• reducing anxiety and stress
• adopting coping techniques for when you feel overwhelmed
• making new friends with other moms and babies
• joining the network and community of Marin and surrounding North bay families

Friends and Community
It is so important to connect with other moms – to share in the journey of motherhood. It is easy to feel alone when you are at home, but in fact you are not - there is a whole community of mothers in Marin County and the surrounding North Bay Area experiencing the same kinds of joys and challenges that you are, who are just waiting to connect with other moms.

Mommy & Me - Postpartum Yoga FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Mom & Baby Yoga?
  You did it! You have nurtured your baby through pregnancy and have given birth to a beautiful baby – congratulations! Mom & baby yoga classes provide an opportunity for you to regain strength and flexibility, to bond with your baby in an enjoyable activity and to make friends with other moms.
  
  The focus of the class is on movements and breath and asanas (poses) specifically tailored for new moms. The babies benefit from the bonding time with mom, baby massages and the stimulating environment of new baby friends!
  
  Special attention is placed on developing core strength and stability – involving a particular emphasis on strengthening the back, abdomen and pelvic floor, as well as relieving tension in areas such as the neck, shoulders and back.
  
  Previous yoga experience is not necessary to fully benefit from the classes, and women who have practiced yoga before will find these classes are a great way to transition back to their pre-pregnancy practice.
  
  
• What do I do with my baby during class?
  Throughout the class, you will have the option to either involve Baby in the movements, to hold him or her, or to have Baby close to you on your blanket. Sometimes Baby will sleep all throughout class while other times, he or she may want to breast feed or bottle feed, and other times Baby is happy to see and hear the other babies around them. Fussing and crying is also totally normal, the babies are welcomed just as they are. Although we have the sound of "Ohm" in the background, it is the case that the coo'ing sounds of Babes may be the sound track for Mommy & Baby Yoga - how appropriate!
  
  You will also have the opportunity to learn and practice short baby massages and baby yoga routines that you can then bring home with you (- including one for ‘gas relief’!).What is the class like? Each mom and baby yoga class includes both flowing yoga movements and slow methodical exercises for strength and awareness. The classes are designed specifically to accommodate the effects of your recent pregnancy, and take into account reduced joint stability and core strength.