Prenatal Yoga in Kansas City

May 9, 2024 by Full Circle KC

prenatal yoga class at Full Circle Yoga KC

“I came for the practical, but returned for the mental” – Full Circle Yoga KC expectant Mama

Prenatal yoga continues to grow in popularity for all the benefits it offers and positive growing research. In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week we want to highlight the mental benefits prenatal yoga offers. From my own experience in the last 8 years as the owner of Full Circle Yoga KC I have time and time again seen the positive benefits of prenatal yoga. Students report feeling less aches and pains, learned coping strategies, increased understanding and connection with their body, decreased anxiety, and more prepared for birth mentally, physically, and physiologically.

Benefits of Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal Yoga offers comfort and relief from back pain, hip discomfort, pubic pain, and sciatic symptoms. This is primarily the first reason expectant people come to a prenatal yoga class. However, after attending they experience the added benefit of mental wellness. Research shows prenatal yoga can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and decrease depression.

Mental Health Benefits

Anxiety, depression, and stress can be common psychological factors. We know these factors can have an impact on maternal mental wellness which can affect baby. Stress can spiral into to medical complications impacting mother and baby. In one randomized control study published in the Journal of Depression and Anxiety found just one prenatal yoga reduced subjective and psychological measurements of anxiety to the group receiving the intervention.

A 2023 systemic review with meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found prenatal yoga can be more effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress compared to other interventions.

Prenatal yoga can be done at home. However, the benefits increase when practiced in a group of other expectant people. At Full Circle Yoga KC one of the number one reasons expectant Mamas come is for the community and mental support, wellness, and readiness.

“Prenatal helped me manage the anxiety, find a sense of community, and finally be able to enjoy the last few months of my pregnancy. I strongly believe that prenatal yoga classes helped change the course of my pregnancy.” -Full Circle Yoga KC Mama

supporting expectant Mama at Full Circle Yoga KC

Prenatal Yoga Classes in Kansas City

If you want to experience the mental health benefits of prenatal yoga, join us at Full Circle Yoga KC! Explore our prenatal yoga classes and reserve on our class calendar. Check out all of our workshops and special events we offer to support your growing family too!

Prenatal Yoga Prepares the Mind and Body for the Pushing Phase of Birth

October 2, 2023 by Full Circle KC

Prenatal Yoga Helps You Practice and Prepare for the Pushing Phase of Birth

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.

What I Wish I Knew….

November 3, 2020 by Full Circle KC

What I wish I knew….. could be taken in so many directions on this important day! Today is election day in the United States. And like no other in my lifetime and likely yours this election will affect generations to come.

I wish I knew who was going to be our next President right NOW!

I wish I knew when this historic pandemic would end!

I wish I knew is a common comment I hear in the studio both in prenatal and postpartum yoga classes. I just listened to the podcast Yoga|Birth|Babies authors of Why Did No One Tell Me This? speak on many of these ‘I wish I knew’ tid bits during such a vulnerable time in life. They share some key reminders: Perfection Doesn’t Exist and Pregnancy/Birth/Postpartum is an opportunity for personal growth.

Some recent surprises that have recently been shared by Moms at FCYKC during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

I wish I knew what preeclampsia was, and what that meant for me and my baby.

Preeclampsia is a disorder that can occur in pregnancy and postpartum that is characterized by high blood pressure and usually presence of protein in the urine. Most women will deliver healthy babies and recover, however complications can arise during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

I wish I knew that throwing up is a part of birth

Yep, it’s true, vomiting during the transition phase of labor is normal. This is the part of active labor right before it’s time to begin pushing. Other systems during transition include nausea, chills, shaking, and hot-flashes. Vomiting can occur with or without an epidural.

I wish I knew how hard breastfeeding could be. There is a preconception that breastfeeding is easy, baby is born, baby latches on and all is good. As many learn this is not the case.

A helpful tip is to have a lactation consultant lined up before giving birth. Set up a lactation appointment before leaving the hospital or arrange for a one when you return home.
Breastfeeding can be HARD and sometimes a decision needs to be made for the mental health wellness of mom that breastfeeding has to come to an end and THAT’S OK, giving yourself GRACE is KEY!!!

I wish I had planed for postpartum like I had planned for my pregnancy and birth

This is a big one! And especially now with Covid! So many changes are happening during this time, your body is changing, your relationships are changing, your figuring out how to parent a newborn. It’s important to remember your own health is super important. We’ve talked a lot about mental health in our Lunchtime Chat zoom meetings with some great resources being offered for mental health (https://www.centimano.com/ and https://drjillianwasson.com/)

On the flip side of this I hear comments so often from Mamas saying how thankful they are for classes at Full Circle Yoga KC because they didn’t know and now they do know! That’s what FCYKC is all about, creating community, supporting where you are and celebrating the journey with you. I’m beyond grateful for those who have continued to support the studio whether in-person or live on zoom. And even bigger than the studio is the support you offer to other women in our community at FCYKC. We are stronger together!!

Full Circle Yoga KC is family centered yoga studio in Midtown Kansas City specializing in Gentle Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Baby Yoga, and more.

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday!

January 9, 2020 by Full Circle KC

Greetings FCYKC Families!

Wow, and just like that we hit a new decade!! I hope your 2019 ended with holiday cheer and time to be with those you love. Now that kiddos are back to school, I feel like I have some moments of quite to reflect on where Full Circle Yoga KC has been and where it’s headed. Had you asked me 5 years ago if I’d be an entrepreneur and own my business I would have looked at you like you had 3 eyes. Sometimes opportunities and ideas arise out of unplanned events in our life, and sometimes it’s those times that the best opportunities present themselves. I’m so thankful for the unexpected opportunity and birth of Full Circle Yoga KC!

This month Full Circle Yoga KC celebrates it’s third year in the making! In the last three years we have served over 300 families and taught just over 1,000 classes! I am honored and humbled that we have had the opportunity to serve so many families in a short amount of time. While I often think how do we reach more expectant Mamas, or new Mamas, or families, it’s important to celebrate the accomplishments made and trust in the process (just like birth- trust in the process). I am so truly grateful I’ve had the opportunity to meet and connect with almost every one of the families we’ve served, crossed paths with the most amazing crazy strong women teachers that teach classes at the studio. It’s hearing the birth stories, supporting new Mothers and families, working with awesome women that Full Circle Yoga KC is strong and making great things happen in this new decade!!!

Here’s what ahead-

Workshops– Our website now has a tap for workshops. It’s not complete yet, but soon it will be filled with our 2020 workshop schedule!

Saturday, January 18th 2:00 pm-4:00 pm Write Your Birth Story Workshop

Sunday, January 19th 2:00 pm-4:00 pm Kids Yoga 101 Workshop with YogiCommunity

Monday February 3rd 6:00 pm-8:00 pm A Circle of Sharing and Support for NICU Mothers with author Sarah DiGregorio

Sunday February 23rd 1:30 pm-3:30 pm- Mother’s Blessing Event

Sunday, March 8th 1:00 pm-5:00 pm- Coming of Age Workshop

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and our website www.fullcircleyogakc.com to stay up to date on our classes and workshops!

_________________________

We look forward to seeing you in 2020!!!

Hugs,

Jenny

Owner/Founder

Full Circle Yoga KC is a Kansas City yoga studio that specializes in embracing the full cycle of life. Classes include Prenatal Yoga and Bring Your Own Baby (BYOB) Yoga for those entering the beautiful journey of pregnancy and the transition into motherhood. Full Circle Yoga KC also offers several other Family-Centered Classes.

Why Practice Yoga During Pregnancy

December 3, 2019 by Full Circle KC

Why Practice Yoga During Pregnancy

As one Mama said “First off I am NOT a yoga fan whatsoever, but my doctor suggested it so I took a class. I went home, was completely relaxed and slept way better than I have been.”

The number one reason women decide to attend a prenatal yoga class is because they hear it helps reduce discomfort with pregnancy. The number one reason women continue to return because they get SO MUCH more than improved comfort. There are both physical and mental preparations required to bring new life into the world and if you find a yoga class that is specifically designed for prenatal you’ll quickly find so many benefits!!

“Full Circle Yoga KC really help me during my pregnancy. I started going when I was 17 wks, and continued going till I delivered. Full Circle helped me physically and mentally. When I was feeling uncomfortable in my body as it grew, yoga would help me stretch it out and reconnect with it. I met many great mamas there, which provide a warm and understanding community. I would highly recommend this studio to any women embarking on this adventure. I personally am looking forward now to the BYOB classes with my little girl. Thank you Full Circle.” -Brittany

Prenatal yoga creates space for your mind to be open and clear. It allows your heart and mind to tap into the already courageous and powerful YOU.

“I feel supported by this strong group of women. I am confident that the mental and physical techniques I have learned in prenatal yoga will help me in my birthing experience.” -Amanda

The feels that came with pregnancy can be overwhelming. Prenatal yoga offers space to tap into those raw feelings, face them and master them. When a safe and relaxing space is created with others experiencing similar emotions it normalizes feelings and allows us to show compassion and understanding to others and ourselves.

” It has helped me control my anxiety and calm my mind” – Swatantra

“I finally became pregnant after a long journey with IVF. The beginning of my pregnancy was filled with complications, so by the time I discovered Full Circle Yoga KC my anxiety and stress was at an all-time high. Jenny’s classes helped me manage the anxiety, find a sense of community, and finally be able to enjoy the last few months of my pregnancy” -Meredith

Practicing yoga during pregnancy certainly eases the discomforts of pregnancy. But it also eases the pain during labor and delivery through training and trusting the powerful strength our bodies have to birth.

“Giving birth is a powerful life event. It no only leave us with memories of welcoming our children into the world but also often affects the way we feel about our bodies and our capabilities” – Debra Pascali-Bonard.

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