Pregnancy Yoga / Prenatal Yoga (Yogabirth)

YES WE HAVE SPACES AVAILABLE FOR YOU IN OUR PREGNANCY YOGA CLASSES! NEXT BLOCK STARTS SOON. OR IF YOU WANT AN ONE TO ONE PERSONALISED YOGABIRTH SESSION DO JUST CALL 07896 047 660 . TO GET YOUR REGISTRATION FORM email drjones@paradiseclinic.co.uk

or go to the everything else tab and download the form from there.

Melanie runs Pregnancy Yoga classes at various times in Paradise Clinic. You are welcome to have a one to one Pregnancy Yoga session if you have particular health issues or cannot make one of the class times. There are many benefits to Pregnancy Yoga here are just a few! 

• A safe form of exercise
• Meet pregnant women and share experiences and make new friends
• Some childbirth education included each week
• Improve vitality and energy levels
• Learn to relax and reduce stress
• Reduce your aches and pains

Here's what Claire said: "At 25 weeks pregnant with twins, I am thoroughly enjoying Melanie's Pregnancy yoga classes. She ensures a completely relaxing experience and every week gives us tips on how to combat the everyday strains of pregnancy. She is friendly and very easy to approach with any kind of question. Highly recommended!"

Pregnancy Yoga FAQ's~ After speaking to many women in Pregnancy Yoga Classes I have put together some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions, before you start a class. You are welcome to call 07896 047 660 when you are ready to book your space in one of the classes or chat to Melanie in person about any individual queries or concerns you may have.  Thank you for your interest in Pregnancy Yoga. ~ Melanie (Dr Jones PhD) drjones@paradiseclinic.co.uk

If you want a pdf containing all this information either text 07896 047 660 with subject send pregnancy yoga pdf! Or send an email to drjones@paradiseclinic.co.uk

As you go through the pregnancy your body makes some truly amazing changes and YogaBirth Pregnancy Yoga teachers aim to help you make the most of this precious time and give your body and mind time to adjust. Each Pregnancy Yoga class is self-contained so you can join a class at any week in your pregnancy after 13 weeks and come to class right up to the day you give birth!

Pregnancy Yoga or Prenatal Yoga as it is often called may have a range of benefits depending on the individual. Pregnancy Yoga is very gentle, so if you have specific health issues you may find that the yoga helps you cope better. You can also learn how to use Hypno~breathing breath awareness techniques to use during pregnancy, the birth and beyond.

There have been numerous assertions as to the benefits of Pregnancy Yoga such as:

• Increased openness and strength where the body needs it,
• reduced mental stress and body tension,
• more able to control stress,
• more control over water retention and swelling,
• reduced lower back, sciatica and pelvic girdle pain,
• reduced carpal tunnel symptoms
• some women even feel that yoga helps recovery after the birth.
• The list is endless...

Of course you don’t have to be suffering from anything in order to do Pregnancy Yoga, nor do you have to be super flexible (a common misconception) since the classes adapt to your own capabilities.

Every woman is unique and you are carrying a unique individual within you, therefore it will be part of your own personal journey to discover what Pregnancy Yoga can do for you! “Women who do preparation for labour during pregnancy, often birth their babies in a much more peaceful and efficient way than women who have not prepared with yoga.

They tend to be more at ease with their breathing and their bodies, creating the ideal environment for a more straight forward and easier labour and birth…”  Lola Alcaraz-Perez. One of the teachers on the YogaBirth Teacher Training Course. Lola has been helping women birth their babies for over 20 years.

You may be on your first, second or third pregnancy and you know that each pregnancy is different. Whether it be a space and time each week to acknowledge the way you feel, or quality time to connect with the growing baby within. Rest assured every pregnant women seems to find what they need from each class.

You are surrounded by likeminded women who are on the same journey as you and that in itself is very supportive. You are encouraged to be non-judgemental and open minded and the atmosphere is one of confidentiality, since what is said in the room, stays in the room. Thus you can build lasting friendships and hopefully get the answers to those burning questions.

If you want, you can let the teacher know how you are feeling the day before the class each week and Melanie will take account of that information when she is planning the class. Either way, adjustments and adaptations will be given throughout the class so that above all you have a safe and relaxing experience.

You may be given childbirth educational information along with the yoga practice so that you can make informed choices if the need arises during both the pregnancy and the birth of your baby.

• YOGA MAT ~ If you have a yoga mat then do bring that along to the class. If not don't worry just bring along a blanket or large towel to lie. You can get a yoga mat later if you want.
• SHAWL/BLANKET ~ Please bring something to cover yourself for the relaxation.
• BIRTHING BALL ~ I will have a spare one you can borrow until you decide if you want to buy one or not.
• A bottle of water is a good idea as well!
• Please have something light to eat before a class rather than a heavy meal.
• Melanie will loan you a Yoga block to sit on during the class and you can take this home to use for Optimal Foetal Positioning once you have paid the £10 registration fee

Paradise Clinic One to Ones can be arranged for a time to suit you. Or bring a friend or friends and have a Pregnancy Yoga session (up to 6 people).

Every Monday arrive 6:15 for a 6:30pm start, Kemnay Church Centre. If numbers fluctuate then the location may change to Paradise Clinic so it is always best to text and find out the location before coming along.

Many Mums seem to come to the Pregnancy Yoga class and then move into the Baby Yoga Class 6 weeks after birth.

Mum and Baby Yoga (Yoga for You, Yoga for Baby) You can attend Post Natal classes from about six weeks after your baby has been born (10 weeks if you have had a C-section). By attending each week, you will feel recharged and your core strength will be restored. Through our specialised yoga practice and breath awareness, you can learn how to release the normal tension that comes with feeding, carrying and comforting your baby. The class aims to help you replenish your energy and begin to restore your core strength. You can also learn good postural habits and easy stretches and relaxing movements so you can continue to extend the benefits of the class at home. Part of the class includes up to 45 minutes of Baby Yoga which has specific moves for your baby which aim to help with sleeping, better digestion and brain development. The class incorporates Baby Sensory, Baby Signing and Baby Reflexology where appropriate.

Contact Melanie if you want to come to the Mum and Baby Yoga Class in Kemnay on Tuesday Morning at Kemnay Church Centre from 10:30am followed by The Bumps and Bairns Lunch Club is at 12:15 in the Loaves and Fishes.

Call Melanie to discuss your individual requirements on 07896 047 660  or email drjones@paradiseclinic.co.uk  

Suspended Classes. Every Thursday, 7pm Hoodles Playbarn, Oldmeldrum this class has ceased.

Class suspended until further notice: Wednesday Class start time 4pm at Queen's Cross Church Aberdeen.  Melanie has now taken over Judy Camerons Pregnancy Yoga and Baby Yoga Classes. Melanie was trained by Judy and is also a YogaBirth Teacher.

Baby Yoga at 2pm in Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen ~ class now suspended.

Here is a little bit more detailed information on each location or you can skip to the question: When can I start Pregnancy Yoga Classes?

Every Monday 6:15pm, Kemnay Church Centre ~ more detail. There is a class in the Kemnay Church Centre on a Monday and the Yoga starts at 6:30pm. I am there from 6:15pm onwards setting up the room, so you are welcome to come then if you want to prepare yourself. There is comfortable space for 15 pregnant women. The Class finishes by 7:45pm. We have home bakes at the end of the class and some hot or cold cordial with some socialising and childbirth educational information.

A YogaBirth Class involves Pregnancy Yoga, some childbirth education as well homebakes, juice and time for socialising.

Baby Yoga and PostNatal Yoga is also available on a Tuesday at 10:30am which is a great way to meet other Mums and help do Yoga with your baby, helping to develop their sensory coordination and development, they tend to sleep better and you learn ways to calm a fractious baby. Post Natal Yoga is primarily for you to rebuild your core strength but some baby yoga is also included.

You are encouraged to buy a YogaBlock which you can take home and use during your pregnancy to aid Optimal Feotal Positioning. You are welcome to purchase one at £6.99 each (usually £10 with p&p) So far no woman in the Pregnancy Yoga class has had a breech birth whilst I have been teaching, they have also used the YogaBlock so you may draw your own conclusions!

Concessions

In YogaBirth we offer concessions. Half the price of a Drop-in class is £7. Concessions may pay weekly and are always guaranteed a space. Please do chat to Melanie if you cannot afford the £7 as some free places can be made available.

Block of 8 Classes at £10 a class (saving £32)

Anyone can purchase a block of 8 classes for £80 and you are guaranteed a space. Dates are fixed at the beginning of each block.

Drop-in Rate

The drop in class rate is £14 per class spaces are allocated to those buying the blocks of time so there is no guarantee of a space.

Over 36 weeks

Once you have purchased at least one block and are over 36 weeks you may pay weekly right up until you give birth if you wish at the special price of £13 per class.   

Every pregnancy is different and everyone has different expectations of Pregnancy Yoga. Melanie is confident that you will get what you need from every class, so please talk to her about your own needs or concerns.

Since your needs will change as you journey through your pregnancy, different parts of the class will have meaning to you week by week. It is therefore fine to join a class anytime in your pregnancy from end of 13 weeks, to nearer the end of your pregnancy.

Do call me on 07896 047660 if you want to go on the list to start Pregnancy Yoga when you are ready, that way you can be sure of a place when you need it.

If you are already doing Yoga when you become pregnant then as a general rule it is fine to begin Pregnancy Yoga early in the Pregnancy as long as you feel well. We generally offer a one to one session at Paradise Clinic and we look at your yoga practice and adapt it for pregnancy. You can join in with a regular Pregnancy Yoga class when you are ready.

A very general rule is to start Pregnancy Yoga at 14 weeks or from the 2nd trimester, usually because that when you feel less tired and have more energy and are through the sickness. The classes are very gentle and they are meant to help your energy levels and focus. However if you are reading this and you are in your 3rd Trimester you can still do Pregnancy Yoga and get the benefits. Do call Melanie 07896 047660 to chat about any questions you have!

If you are having an amazing first trimester and are having no first trimester side effects at all and want to start Pregnancy Yoga do call Melanie to discuss your situation! 

There is lots of feedback about the benefits of Pregnancy Yoga. The list below is not exhaustive but it gives you some idea of what people say about YogaBirth Pregnancy Yoga Classes!

“It is a wonderful cocoon in which, for an hour or two, you can find some deep calm within yourself and with your baby”. L.W.

“With all the wonderful things I have been taught, and all the amazing women I have met, I have not found anything as effective as yoga and breathing to help women in labour.” SS.M.

There has never been a more important time for women to practice yoga during pregnancy and postnatally- to receive all of the nurturing and positive approach that YogaBirth classes offer. CH

“The yoga helps to prevent and alleviate some of the common symptoms/side effects of pregnancy, they enjoy being in the moment, connecting with their bodies and their babies and connecting with their breath.” S.B.   

It is a common misconception that you need to be flexible to do Yoga!

In fact YogaBirth Pregnancy Yoga utilises in a very safe way, the increased levels of the Relaxin hormone that flows around your body’s joints during pregnancy. Flexibility is therefore not an issue so come along and try YogaBirth for yourself!  

Many of the women who come to YogaBirth classes have never done yoga before but want to try it as they've heard that yoga has great benefits during pregnancy and can help them to have an easier birth. Each class is self-contained so it does not matter if you join a class at any time.  

The format of the class tries to take into account your needs so each class can be tailor made if and when required.

For example before the class you may be suffering from nausea, limited flexibility or back pain or pelvic girdle pain, lack of energy or blood pressure issues. Perhaps you are not feeling very positive and a bit fed-up or emotional! 

A YogaBirth teacher is trained to adapt the class to suit many physical issues and you are encouraged to come along and use Pregnancy Yoga as a therapy to help you get through these times.

The teaching course that your teacher has followed was approved by The Royal College of Midwives.

The following information is summarised from Yogabirth.org.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time to practice yoga. Developed over 30 years, YogaBirth classes offer specialist yoga for pregnancy combined with a wealth of skills and knowledge about pregnancy, birth and parenthood. YogaBirth classes offer a safe, effective and integrated form of yoga, carefully adapted for you to practice from fourteen weeks of pregnancy up to the birth of your baby.

In each class positions and movements address posture and circulation, pelvic floor strength and awareness, and general strength and tone of muscles throughout your body to enhance your overall health and comfort. The yoga movements provide great comfort, keep the baby well-oxygenated, and potentially make birth easier, faster and less complicated. This deep but gentle bodywork helps you develop physical strength and suppleness; an essential combination for birthing and motherhood.

Breathing, essential to life and birth, is the core of YogaBirth classes. The breathing you will learn in class is specifically designed for labour and birth, which we call Hypno~breathing. Regular attendance at the classes will help you to develop confidence in your body’s innate ability to give birth.

Our YogaBirth classes include:

• Pregnancy Yoga
• Relaxation Techniques
• Breathing awareness & Hypno~breathing
• Pelvic floor education
• Information about pregnancy and birth
• Preparation for labour and birth through yoga
• Refreshments & discussion

After each class we chat over homebakes and hot or cold cordial and often mothers return to introduce their new babies and to share and celebrate their birth experiences. Many long-lasting friendships begin at YogaBirth classes.  

Melanie Jones is a Maternity Reflexologist and Korean Acupuncturist and owns Paradise Clinic in Kemnay. Melanie has been teaching weekly DRU Yoga classes for 11 years and is insured to teach Pregnancy Yoga.

Melanie began Continued Professional Development in Pregnancy Yoga in August 2013 when she began observing Judy Cameron teaching YogaBirth Pregnancy Yoga. Melanie has since observed over 100 hours of Yoga Teaching with different teachers and completed the YogaBirth Pregnancy Teacher Training course in September 2015.

One2one's or classes of combined PostNatal and Baby Yoga for optimum sleep for you, and your baby’s development. 

You can attend Post Natal classes from about six weeks after your baby has been born. By attending each week, you will feel recharged and your core strength will be restored. Through our specialised yoga practice and breath awareness, you can learn how to release the normal tension that comes with feeding, carrying and comforting your baby. The class aims to help you replenish your energy and begin to restore your core strength. You can also learn good postural habits and easy stretches and relaxing movements so you can continue to extend the benefits of the class at home.

Call Melanie on 07896 047 660, to discuss your own individual requirements.

Melanie was trained by Judy Cameron who put together a special course for the British Wheel of Yoga. This special Post Natal course trains us to show you, how to do safe and effective postnatal yoga, which is specifically for new mothers so it can be the first exercise you do in the immediate months after birth.

 Postnatal classes include:

• Yoga
• Pelvic floor education
• Abdominal & core strength
• Postural awareness
• Relaxation
• Breath awareness

Credentials: Melanie qualified as a YogaBirth Teacher after an 18 month Continuing Professional Development Programme involving intensive study on how to teach Pregnancy Yoga and associated Childbirth Education. Melanie has been teaching Pregnancy Yoga in Kemnay since July 2015. Melanie took over Judy Cameron’s class (Judy is a Midwife and was one of Melanie’s Mentors and she has taught in Aberdeen for over 15 years).

Melanie formally taught Pregnancy Yoga at:

• 7pm on a Thursday evening at Hoodles in Oldmeldrum January 2016-2017.
• 4pm in Aberdeen at Queens Cross Church.

Melanie also formally taught Judy Cameron’s Baby Yoga class at 2pm Queen’s Cross Church until 2019.

If you are interested in a One2one or online Zoom classes you can join a Pregnancy Yoga class or Mum and Baby Yoga class please call Melanie on 07896 047 660 or email drjones@paradiseclinic.co.uk

If you need a YogaBirth Pregnancy Yoga class on a Wednesday you can go to a class at 4pm in Aberdeen at Queens Cross Church Melanie has now taken over Judy Camerons class (Judy is a Midwife and was one of Melanie’s Mentors and she has taught in Aberdeen for over 15 years).