Prenatal Yoga & Family Centered Yoga Classes
Mommy and Baby Yoga have a few simple rules
That’s it, it’s that simple 🙂
Namaste
I recently asked a group of Mamas who attended a BYOB class when they look back at their birthing journey what they found helpful from their Prenatal Yoga classes.
Each one of these Mamas had a different birthing experience. One Mama planned a home birth with a midwife, she had the baby at home, however the midwife did not arrive in time and she and her husband delivered the baby together, one Mama had a scheduled cesarean for medical reasons, one Mama went into labor natural and wanted an un-medicated birth, however to support relaxation asked for an epidural, another Mama planned to go into labor naturally prior to planned induction, however she required induction and cesarean. Each one of these women is one tough Mother!
They all agreed the breathing we practice in prenatal yoga was a huge tool they practiced during their labor. And, they have found that yoga breath continues to help them in motherhood. One Mama said because of her breathing during labor she was able to stay relaxed mentally, but felt herself getting physically tired, when she asked for an epidural her team was surprised because she appeared so calm. She now continues to use breath to help center herself when her baby is fussy so that she can release calming energy for him.
Another Mama said the breathing practiced in prenatal yoga helped her calm down and get under control when she felt herself spiraling.
One Mama said the breathing was key to working through each contraction. She also felt prenatal yoga helped her build endurance for the mountain climb of labor.
And another Mama said her mantra became I can do anything for 24 hours, I can do this for 1 minute. Mamas at Full Circle Yoga KC hear this in almost every class: “Typically, a contraction lasts about 1 minute, YOU can do anything for 1 minute. Typically, a first birth lasts about 24 hours, YOU can do anything for one day.” This particular Mama’s labor was longer than 24 hours, however she kept saying the Mantra to herself to keep her focused for the end journey of bring life into the world.
Each Mama has her own birthing journey, yet they all found the benefits to prenatal yoga. These Mamas have also created community through their pregnancy yoga and recently all got together for a play date to celebrate being tough Mama bears together!!!
Full Circle Yoga KC is a yoga studio in the heart of Kansas City that specializes in embracing the full cycle of life. Classes include Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Partner 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 chair yoga for older adults living in retirement communities who are seeking an added component to health and wellness.
Full Circle Yoga KC March News
Mommy and baby yoga is not just yoga. Dual benefits of mommy and baby yoga support both mother and baby in ways that support mental and physical health. Mommy and baby yoga an ideal postpartum exercise because yoga meets you where you allowing for a gentle recovery, and baby gets to remain close to what he/she knows best. What happens at Full Circle Yoga KC during mommy and me yoga is fun, connection, communication, bonding, relaxation, and strengthening.
During our classes we begin with breathing exercises so we can be completely present to our bodies and full engagement with your baby. As Mamas we excel at multitasking and always being ready for the next item on the agenda. Closing the eyes, letting the chatter of the external environment go and becoming centered offers restoration. Continuing with breath we warm our bodies up through gentle asanas all while baby is in Mama’s lap or close by on her mat.
Baby massage supports baby in so many ways. In the book Baby Om, by Laura Staton and Sarah Perron states that studies show improved motor pathways with diligent repetition. Massage offers ways to begin supporting muscle memory that will benefit baby’s coordination and will build self confidence. By massaging we bring awareness to babies joints, work with reflexive movement, stimulate the back and neck, stimulate sensory neurons, and so much more!
Yoga for mama while baby is close on mat bring so many benefits. As one Mama said at class the other day “this class is contagiously positive.” During practice you will find yourself feeling more awake, alert with doing physical movement that will improve your circulation and respiratory system. Through yoga poses we strengthen the pelvic floor and regain those abdominal muscles that disappeared during pregnancy! It’s an environment that reminds you to be gentle with yourself and take time to ease back into your pre-pregnancy body. Being pregnant and giving birth is HARD work!
Bringing baby into our yoga practice is great fun for baby and Mama offering time to play. It’s a community that supports the challenges of motherhood, offering guidance, pats on the back, normalization, and just plan Mamma chat. It helps reduce the blues that arise postpartum through connecting with others that are on the same journey and moving your body to your breath.
Full Circle Yoga KC is an Overland Park yoga studio that specializes in embracing the full cycle of life. Classes include Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Partner 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 chair yoga for older adults living in retirement communities who are seeking an added component to health and wellness.
Happy New Year’s From Full Circle Yoga KC!
December 2017 went out with a bang with 10 babies being born! Congratulations to each of you Mamas who delivered little bundles of joy in 2017 and welcome to Motherhood! January 2018 is starting off with an exciting number of new Mamas finding Full Circle Yoga KC.
Full Circle Yoga KC is coming up on its one year anniversary! I can’t believe it’s almost been a year since I started this journey. There are so many journeys we go through in life, some planned some unexpected. I try to embrace each one as they come. You all have been my inspiration this past year as I met you and heard your stories. I hold your stories with care and deep appreciation. You’ve inspired me to become a better yoga instructor, to be a better listener, to continue to find a balance of relaxation and challenge in our yoga classes. You even inspire me to run longer as my inner voice says “hey, you tell your Mamas they can do anything for a minute, you can run for one more minute.” Thank you.
I’m so excited to start a Mama’s Corner starting on the every third Wednesday of every month. Our first gathering will be February 21st. We will have BYOB at 9:00 am (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE FROM NORMAL TIME), followed by a time to connect with other Mama’s. It’s an opportunity to share tricks of the trade as well as the bumps in the road of motherhood and build community as we share in the most rewarding yet most challenging job ever! Snacks will be provided. Class is $5.00, please register online.
Here’s what happening in January:
Prenatal Yoga Classes– This class is appropriate for all stages of pregnancy as you experience and enjoy your changing body. Geared for all experience levels, in this class you’ll learn yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation that support a healthy pregnancy and prepare you for labor and delivery.
Mondays at 7:00 pm
Thursdays at 10:00 am and 6:00 pm
Saturdays at 9:30 am
BYOB– This class embraces your recovering body through gentle movement. You’ll appreciate the supportive community of others who are sharing in the transformative journey of parenthood.
Wednesdays at 10:00 *** Except third Wednesday of every month BYOB class will begin at 9:00am and Mama’s Corner at 10:00am.
Prenatal Partner Yoga– It’s an opportunity to connect with one another and share in the journey of pregnancy. Partners can be empowered through learning poses and visualization tools that will help support mama during labor and delivery.
Thursday January 25th at 6:00pm **this will be in place of prenatal yoga
Hatha Yoga- A class that emphasizes strengthening the physical body by focusing on body posture and breath control. This class is open to everyone. It’s a great class for postpartum moms who need some time on the mat by themselves.
Saturdays 8:00 am
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Young Living Essential Oil 101 Class- Come or stay after class to learn about the amazing benefits Young Living Essential Oils can have for you and your family.
Saturday January 27th right after prenatal yoga at 11:00 am
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Some day we may get snow! Please check our website calendar for cancellations due to inclement weather.
The Light In Me Honors The Light In You!
Be Well,
Jenny
