Frequently Asked Questions
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Antenatal Yogacise
When can I start Antenatal Yogacise Classes?
When should I stop Antenatal Yogacise Classes?
Do I need previous experience of yoga?
What do I need to know before I start Antenatal Yogacise?
What do I need to bring with me to Antenatal Yogacise?
I have a problem with my back/pelvis - can I do yoga?
My baby is in a breech/posterior position, can yoga help?
Why are classes booked in a block rather than run as drop-ins?
I've paid for a block of classes - what if I can't make a class?
What happens if my due date is in the middle of a block of classes?
Baby Yoga
When can I start Baby Yoga classes?
I had a caesarean birth/tear after birth - when can I start?
How long can I keep coming to Baby Yoga classes?
What do I need to know before I start Baby Yoga?
What do I need to bring with me to Baby Yoga?
What if my baby is asleep or needs feeding during the class?
Can I come to Baby Yoga with twins?
Why are classes booked in a block rather than run as drop-ins?
I've paid for a block of classes - what if I can't make a class?
Antenatal Yogacise
When can I start Antenatal Yogacise Classes?
It is recommended that you start Yogacise classes (and any other form of exercise during pregnancy) once you enter the second trimester of pregnancy, at around 16 weeks.
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When should I stop Antenatal Yogacise Classes?You can keep attending classes until your due date (or past it, if you go overdue). It is quite safe to keep exercising gently until the birth of your baby.
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Do I need previous experience of yoga?
No, you don't need to have practised yoga before or even to have any knowledge of it. Yogacise is specially designed for pregnancy so it is suitable for everyone, no matter what their level of fitness.
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What do I need to know before I start Antenatal Yogacise?
As each class will have a mix of women at different stages of pregnancy, there will be a range of exercises in each class and you may find that you enjoy some more than others. Take everything to your own pace. If you ever feel that you don't want to take part in an exercise, you can sit or stand and focus on your baby for a few minutes.
You'll be asked to complete a Health Questionnaire before your first class. If you have any health problems that you did not mention on your health questionnaire or if you find any movement uncomfortable, please advise
During pregnancy, your ligaments are softened and you should take care not to overstretch any of your joints. In Yogacise, micro movements can be as effective as larger movements. You should move into each stretch as far as feels right for you.
Breathing is crucial throughout all Yogacise exercises, as it is in life! Usually, we breathe out on a releasing type movement, as this is good preparation for labour. But if you feel more comfortable breathing differently, this is fine.
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What do I need to bring with me to Antenatal Yogacise?
Yoga mats, cushions, blocks and balls are provided and water is available. You may like to bring a blanket with you for the relaxation.
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I have a problem with my back/pelvis - can I do yoga?
Yes, you'll be asked to complete a health questionnaire at or before your first class so please make sure that you provide full details. The yoga movements in Yogacise classes can be adapted for women with back or pelvic problems and a you'll be able to join in the whole class.
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My baby is in a breech/posterior position, can yoga help?
Yoga may well help your baby to move into a better position and you will have the chance to try out a range of movements that can help with Optimal Foetal Positioning (getting your baby into the best possible position for birth).
Why are classes booked in a block rather than run as drop-ins?
Booking classes as a block means that we can keep class sizes small and can plan lessons to meet the needs of the women who are coming. This is much more difficult with drop-in sessions where numbers can be high. If you have a particular need, for example, a problem with your pelvis or a wish to know more about birthing positions, you can mention this to your teacher who will do their best to ensure that your needs are met.
Block bookings mean that classes will never be cancelled due to lack of demand and you can be certain that you won't turn up one week to find the class isn't running. It also allows you to get the know the other pregnant women in class with you over the weeks and to make new friends.
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I've paid for a block of classes - what if I can't make a class?
If you know in advance that you will be unable to attend a class, you may be able to carry forward a credit for that class to your next block. However, in general classes should all be paid for in advance as the costs of hiring the room, etc. are incurred even if no-one comes to a lesson!
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What happens if my due date is in the middle of a block of classes?
Towards the end of your pregnancy, you can pay per class rather than paying for a block of classes as we realise that you may need more flexibility and you definitely don't want to pay for classes that you know you can't attend. You are still welcome to come to classes on and even beyond your due date.
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Baby Yoga
When can I start Baby Yoga classes?
If you've had a vaginal birth, you can come to Baby Yoga classes as soon as you like after the birth of your baby. Following a caesarean birth, you may wish to wait until after your six-week check. All of the post-natal yoga is suitable for everyone and you can join in the whole session unless specifically told that a stretch isn't suitable for you, in which case you'll be told how you can adapt the movement.
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I had a caesarean birth/tear after birth - when can I start?
After a caesarean birth, you may wish to wait until after your six-week check before starting classes. Or you can start sooner but practise the baby yoga and start the post-natal yoga at a later stage.
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How long can I keep coming to Baby Yoga classes?
All babies are different and differ as to the age at which they begin rolling, sitting and crawling. Once your baby begins to crawl, you may find that the Baby Yoga class isn't as suitable for you and you may wish to join in one of the classes for Older Babies and Toddlers. Or you and your baby may continue to enjoy the Baby Yoga class, in which case you can keep on attending as long as you like!
What do I need to know before I start Baby Yoga?
You'll be asked to complete a brief Health Questionnaire for you and your baby at your first class. If you have any issues which may mean that some of the stretches aren't suitable, you can discuss these with your teacher.
You shouldn't do Baby Yoga with your baby if they are unwell and if they are behaving differently immediately after their vaccinations.
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What do I need to bring with me to Baby Yoga?
Yoga mats, cushions, and toys are provided and refreshments are available. You may like to bring a blanket to lie your baby on during the class. If your baby is bottle fed or eating food you may need to bring these with you to the class.
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What if my baby is asleep or needs feeding during the class?
You may well find that your baby is sleeping when you arrive in class or needs a feed during the class. Don't worry - every class will have plenty for you to do, ideas to take home and try out with your baby and everyone always gets to join in the relaxation and refreshments! If there is a choice of class times, you may find that an earlier or later class fits in better with your baby's routine.
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Can I come to Baby Yoga with twins?
Yes, if you have twins (or triplets!), Baby Yoga is a great way of spending time with each of them. You may like to bring a friend with you or you may find that the teacher is able to work with one of your babies for part of the class so that you can spend your time with the other baby. You'll only pay for one baby yoga place as we think you deserve a break from paying double!
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Why are classes booked in a block rather than run as drop-ins?
Booking classes as a block means that we can keep class sizes small and can plan lessons to meet the needs of the Mums and babies who are coming. This is much more difficult with drop-in sessions where numbers can be high. If you have a particular need, for example, if you have a baby with clicky hips or if you have had a caesarean birth, your teacher will know this in advance and can plan lessons around your needs. She can also make sure that each class builds on the yoga practices from the last class so that you get time to practise familiar moves and learn some new ones which are suited to your baby's age and development.
Block bookings mean that classes will never be cancelled due to lack of demand and you can be certain that you won't turn up one week to find the class isn't running. It also allows you to get the know the Mums and babies in class with you over the weeks and to make new friends.
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I've paid for a block of classes - what if I can't make a class?
If you know in advance that you will be unable to attend a class, you may be able to carry forward a credit for that class to your next block. However, in general classes should all be paid for in advance as the costs of hiring the room, etc. are incurred even if no-one comes to a lesson!
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Bumps to Babies Ltd.
www.bumpstobabies.org