• Relief for common discomforts of pregnancy
• Breathing exercises to prepare and use for labor
• Standing postures to develop strength and support of the spine
• Hip openers to release the pelvis and soften tension in the low back
• Restorative postures to relax the body and mind

What makes the Pre-Natal Yoga class unique from other classes is that it is comprised of only expectant mothers, which creates a safety and level of comfort to learn as well as share their own wisdom. Many of the poses introduced in the Pre-Natal Yoga can aid in common ailments often associated with pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. If a Yoga program is started early enough in one's pregnancy, the new mother will already be familiar, knowledgeable and comfortable with performing the postures that may prove to be the most helpful. 

Pre-Natal Yoga will not necessarily provide an easier or faster birth, but it can help with increased body and breath awareness to help adjust to the demands of labor, birth and beyond. The Yoga Asana (postures) help to prepare the body for birth while Pranayama, (breath control exercises) help with preparing the mind. Both the Asana and Pranayama practices together have balancing qualities, both internally and externally, which help maintain strength and flexibility in the body as well as mind-full awareness and focus on the breath. 

I have been teaching Iyengar Yoga since 1988 and have taught Pre-Natal Yoga and Mommy & Me Yoga for many years at a studio I founded in Nashville, TN. I am a mother myself and had a natural birth.