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Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need to pre-register for Yoga classes at Blossom? |
Do I need to pre-register for Yoga classes at Blossom? All yoga classes at Blossom (except for specialized one-time workshops like our Couples Workshop) are drop-in classes. There is no need to pre-register, although creating an account and pre-paying for your class through YogaReg, our secure online registration system, will help speed up the check-in process when you arrive. What should I bring to class? What should I wear? Our yoga studio is fully equipped with all of the necessary props and equipment. We have blankets, blocks, bolsters, straps, mats and more. If you have a mat, please bring it- most students prefer to use their own. You may also like to bring a water bottle- we provide filtered water, as well as light snacks and tea. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in- yoga pants, sweats, T-shirts, etc. When should I start Prenatal Yoga? Prenatal Yoga can be started at any stage of pregnancy. The sooner you begin, the more time you will have to prepare for your upcoming birth, connect with other pregnant moms, and avoid common discomforts of pregnancy. Should you be unable to begin classes until the later stages of pregnancy, even one or two classes can be of benefit. Please join us whenever you can. Will Prenatal Yoga alleviate common pregnancy discomforts? The vast majority of mothers who practice yoga in their pregnancies report a decrease in their discomfort. Back pain, insomnia, hip pain, sciatica, leg cramps, and round ligament pain are just a few of the pregnancy discomforts which are easily remedied through a regular yoga practice. Please let our instructor know during intros/ check-in if there is something that you would like to address through the yoga practice. Not only will she be able to address it in the practice, other moms may have experienced the same issue and have ideas to help. How will Prenatal Yoga prepare me for my labor? A consistent yoga practice can help put your baby in an optimal position for labor, and many of the postures and movements practiced in class can be used during labor to cope with the discomfort and help your labor to progress efficiently. In addition, many questions and concerns regarding the birth experience are addressed in class. Our instructors can answer questions or direct you to appropriate resources and other students may have experiences and information to share, as well. I have been practicing yoga for years…will Prenatal Yoga be challenging enough for me? Preparing for labor can be thought of as training for an athletic event, and while Prenatal Yoga is sensitive to the needs of pregnant women, most will find at least part of the practice physically challenging. As an example, some classes may include holding poses such as Warrior (virabhadrasana) or Powerful pose (utkatasana) for a minute while practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques to cope with the discomfort. Other classes use an active vinyasa practice. And some classes may use a gentler practice with the challenge resting in the meditation aspects. Like “regular” yoga, Prenatal Yoga comes in many styles: restorative, vinyasa, etc. Our classes are as diverse as our teachers and if one class does not meet your needs, we invite you to try another. Please use our class descriptions to help find a class that works for you. And of course, be mindful of your changing body- you may find that the practice you have been used to is not what your body needs during this transformative time. I have never practiced yoga before and I am not flexible…will Prenatal Yoga be too difficult for me? Many women come to yoga for the first time when they are pregnant. While the practice will offer a challenge for long-time yoga practitioners, it is designed to welcome newcomers, as well. All of our teachers are trained to meet you where you are and offer modifications as necessary. You are invited to communicate with our instructor throughout class, letting her know if something does not feel right and asking for assistance. Whether you are a long-time yoga practitioner, or completely new to yoga, remember to listen to your body and honor your needs in the moment. Our yoga instructors- and the practice itself- will help you to do this. And all yoga practice- whether prenatal or not- will help increase flexibility. Few yogis have come to the practice already flexible- it’s the practice that made them so! What does Prenatal Yoga have to offer that a regular yoga class does not? The focus of Prenatal Yoga is very specific to the childbearing year. The physical practice focuses on relief for common pregnancy discomforts while preparing the body for the rigors of labor. Many poses can even be used as labor coping tools. The meditation aspect of the class will help you feel connected to your pregnant self and your baby, and the community building will help you feel connected to other mothers sharing many similar emotions, questions, and experiences. This is a great opportunity to “compare notes” and make long-lasting friendships! In addition, pregnant moms taking regular yoga classes are often met with misinformed comments and instruction from well-meaning teachers and classmates, preventing them from getting the most out of their practice. Prenatal yoga class offers a safe space to totally immerse in the experience of pregnancy and let go of the distractions of the outside world. What is the advantage of taking a class as compared to just practicing at home with a book or video? Coming to class provides you with community and personalized instruction that cannot be provided from a book or video. Our instructors can tailor your practice to meet your specific needs and help you troubleshoot when a pose feels awkward or you are experiencing discomfort that requires special attention. The conversation that happens in class can help moms find a provider, learn what to expect in their chosen birthing facility, or hear about maternity care options they would not otherwise learn about. A good prenatal yoga DVD or book is a great way to practice at home between classes, but is not a good substitute for class itself! What is the age limit on Mom/ Toddler Yoga? Can I bring my older or younger child along? While our Mom/ Toddler Yoga class is designed for children that are ages one to three, we welcome younger or older children. Linda is trained and experienced in working with kids of all ages and even children with special needs. She will offer poses and activities to meet the needs of all children that show up for class. Your mobile baby may enjoy the class before his or her first birthday depending on temperament, and your child over the age of three may enjoy the class as well, so feel free to give the class a try if your child is outside the average age. Siblings of toddlers are welcome, as well. Moms who are expecting their second or subsequent child may not be able to take a prenatal yoga class due to childcare issues and once your new baby arrives, you may want to continue bringing your older child to class with baby in tow. Or perhaps your toddler is your younger child and you need to bring your older child along for the ride. We welcome siblings to meet the needs of your family. (Or try our new Family Yoga class with Linda on Sunday mornings at 11:45, targeted at preschool aged children, and welcoming siblings of other ages.) |
| Last updated: 1/10/12 JL |