
Prenatal Mantras and Change

Prenatal Yoga & Family Centered Yoga Classes


I’m trying not to hold my breath while waiting to welcome Autumn! Speaking of holding breath, this month’s questions have been centered around pushing. Do I hold my breath? Can I breathe when it’s time to push? What’s open glottis pushing vs. Valsalva pushing? What can my partner do to support me while I’m in the second stage of labor/pushing phase? What position do I envision myself to be in for breathing my baby into the world?
In our prenatal yoga classes we cover AND practice (this is where prenatal yoga can play such an invaluable support in preparing for birth) pushing positions, different breathing techniques during pushing, how to advocate for yourself during this phase of birth, how your partner can play an active role as you breathe your baby earthside. Practicing birth positions and breath work during prenatal yoga class builds the muscle memory for birth! It’s an opportunity to rehearse what feels good and right for your body while you’re tuning inward on your yoga mat. When the moment comes to begin pushing your baby into the world, the techniques you’ve practiced/rehearsed at prenatal yoga will empower you for pushing your bundle of joy into the world.

Breath is the way through pushing as it’s the way through contractions and parenthood and waiting for the change in seasons. I’m looking forward to breathing in the crispness of fall in the coming days.

Full Circle Yoga KC is a family centered yoga studio in Midtown Kansas City specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Partner Yoga, Baby Yoga, postpartum yoga, and workshops.



$15 Drop-in or $50 Per Month
STARTING Monday, December 5th
December dates: 12/5, 12/12, 12/19
Register Here: www.steppingstoneskc.com/
Full Circle Yoga KC is family centered yoga studio in Midtown Kansas City specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Partner Yoga, Baby Yoga, postpartum yoga, and many family-centered workshops.

Many expectant Mamas first hearing of a peanut ball for labor and all it’s amazing benefits is at the yoga studio when they attend a prenatal yoga class.
A peanut ball is a wonderful and highly effective tool to use in labor. It’s also a lovely tool at the end stages of pregnancy when resting in shavasana at the end of a prenatal yoga class after hip opening yoga poses.

The peanut ball helps widen the pelvic outlet to support baby’s descent. Research provides evidence it can help with the progression of labor. It is a useful tool to allow for a laboring mama to rest while the peanut ball works to support the laboring body and baby’s journey to earthside. It is placed between the legs to aid in letting the body relax while helping widen the pelvis for baby’s descent and support the progression of labor. A peanut ball can be used with or without the use of an epidural. It’s especially helpful for those who have an epidural due to the limited changes in positions that can be used once an epidural is placed. A laboring person without an epidural may find it particularly helpful to use when rest is needed, while one rests the peanut ball supports the working laboring body.
Two of the most widely used positions with a peanut ball, as showed above are side lying position (photo 1) and semi-reclining position (photo 2). Side-lying position helps baby move into optimal position for birth. Bending the knee over the top of the peanut ball allows for the pelvis to open more. The semi-reclining position promotes further dilation and for baby to drop lower.
It’s always a little joyous celebration in the studio when an expectant Mama is at the final weeks of pregnancy and the peanut ball is coffered in shavasana with a gentle massage.
Peanut balls are also great fun for little ones at Mama and Mover’s Yoga Class!

Full Circle Yoga KC is family centered yoga studio in Midtown Kansas City specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Partner Yoga, Baby Yoga, postpartum yoga, and many family-centered workshops.


Postpartum Yoga classes
A postpartum yoga class for the recovering Goddess Mama. Be reassured and validated that you are not alone on an island as you gather with other Mothers in the fourth trimester and beyond. Begin to reconnect with your postpartum body through restorative yoga poses. Take pause and give yourself the gift of self-care and an opportunity for reflection. While this is a Mama focused yoga class, babies are welcome. Every Saturday at 12:00pm.