Pregnancy Yoga at Karma

Pregnancy Yoga classes at Karma are specifically designed to meet the needs of mothers-to-be. All levels of yoga experience are catered for – including none! They are suitable for pregnant women from 16 weeks to birth. The classes are on Thursdays 3.30 to 5.30 pm.

As they are ante natal relaxation classes, under Manx Employment Law working women should be able to get paid time off to attend – many of our yoga-mums tell us how much they look forward to leaving work early on a Thursday!

Refreshments are included in the class and are served towards the end of the session (decaffeinated tea or coffee, herb/fruit teas and biscuits). These are fair trade and organic wherever possible.

Pregnancy Yoga encourages good posture, allows women to stay fit and flexible and helps them to relax. Yoga postures are used in the classes to help lengthen the spine, encourage good circulation and to make space for the growing baby. In the classes mums are encouraged to explore a variety of positions and techniques and work with those which are most suitable for them as individuals.

Yoga postures are combined with controlled breathing and each class sets time aside to practise yoga breathing techniques. Our yoga-mums tell us that they often use their yoga breathing outside classes, perhaps during blood tests or to help them relax when they wake in the night. The classes promote flexibility of approach, both physically and mentally, so that unexpected developments during labour can be accepted more readily.

Yoga breathing can be very powerful in helping a woman to bear the pain of contractions. Some of Karma’s yoga-mums have said that their midwives did not believe how advanced their labours were until they were examined. The midwives at the Jane are highly trained professionals, so this simply illustrates how Pregnancy Yoga can empower women to make the most of their own natural resources in labour.

The classes at Karma are run by Linda Greggor – a fully qualified teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga, who also holds the BWY Pregnancy Yoga Certificate. For an informal chat about Pregnancy Yoga contact her on 456782.

For a leaflet and Registration forms, contact Karma on 663300.