These classes provide an opportunity for you to regain strength
and flexibility, to bond with your baby in an enjoyable activity
and to make friends with other moms.
The focus of the class is on movements and breathing specifically
for new moms. The babies benefit from the bonding time with
mom, baby massages, baby yoga and the stimulating environment
of new baby friends.
Special attention is placed on developing core strength and
stability - involving a particular interest in strengthening the
back, abdomen and pelvic floor, as well as relieving tension in
areas such as the neck, shoulders and back.
Previous yoga experience is not necessary to fully benefit from
the classes, and women who have practiced yoga before will
find these classes a great way to transition back to their
pre-pregnancy practice.
What do I do with my baby during class ?
Throughout the class, you will have the option to either
involve your baby in the movements, to hold him or her or
to have your baby close to you on your blanket. sometimes
babies sleep all class, other times they may want to feed, and
other times they are happy to see and hear the other babies
around them. Fussing and crying is totally normal, the babies
are welcomed just as they are, and truly are the bosses in this
class.
You will also have the opportunity to learn and practice short
baby massages and baby yoga routines that you can bring
home with you (- including one for ‘gas relief’!)
What is the class like ?
Each mom and baby yoga class includes both flowing yoga
movements and slow methodical exercises for strength
and awareness. The classes are designed specifically to
accomodate the effects of your recent pregnancy and
take into account reduced joint stability and core strength.
The class is very informal and lively, and there is absolutely
no pressure or expectation for your baby to “behave” in a
certain way! Part of the yoga practice is truly welcoming
the babies just the way they are, learning to cultivate
awareness and breathing instead of tension and worry.
Throughout the class, moms will stop and feed or soothe
their babies and will rejoin the movements when it is
possible and comfortable to do so.
Friends and Community
It is also important to connect with other moms - to share
the journey of motherhood. It is easy to feel alone when
you are at home, but in fact you are not - there is a whole
community of mothers in Vancouver experiencing the same
kinds of joys and challenges that you are, who are just
waiting to connect with other moms. therefore, there is
ample time provided before and after each class to linger,
to meet old friends and make new ones, and to share the
experiences and insights of raising a little one!
Time and time again women have been in touch years
later and have shared that they made lasting friendships
with other moms they met in class.
What will Mom and Baby Yoga do for me ?
Little Tree Yoga Mom and Baby classes have many
advantages and benefits, including:
increasing overall endurance, strength and well-being
reducing back tension and discomfort and improving posture
building core strength and stability (inc abdominals)
learn yoga movements that you can practice at home
reducing anxiety and stress
adopting coping techniques for when you feel overwhelmed
making new friends with other moms and babies
When can I start and how long can I continue ?
It is a good idea to wait for about 4 - 6 weeks after
delivery of your baby before attending class. If you
have had a caesarean delivery this time should be
extended to about 8 - 10 week, or until you recieve
the go - ahead from your doctor. There is absolutely
no problem joining the class after the session has
begun ( space permitting), the movemnts are simple
and easy to catch on.
Once your baby begins to activley crawl and move
about it will become much more difficult for you to
fully participate in class but as long as you are ok with
it then so are we. We do have toys at some locations.
No previous yoga experience necessary.
See the schedule for current class times and
locations.
