Pregnancy Yoga at Hidden Space
Pregnancy Yoga at the Hidden Space
About Pregnancy Yoga
Yoga provides many benefits - physical, mental and emotional - that can
improve the experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting. Postures and
breathing practices are adapted to create greater ease and to support
each stage of pregnancy. Synchronising the breath with flowing movement
is enjoyable and enhances connection with the baby. Toning the muscles
that support the pregnancy, as well as increasing elasticity of the
birthing muscles are also benefits.
While yoga cannot guarantee a natural birth, it can help prepare you
for whatever lies ahead. The postures, breathing and practices we do
are excellent preparation for an active birth. Learning self-nurture
(which simultaneously nurtures the baby) and turning attention inside
attunes women to respond to their bodies, babies and intuition.
Centring the mind and aligning the body enable one to access greater
reserves of strength and replenish energies.
Practice of the postures and sequences creates gracefulness and helps
the natural rhythms of the body and breathing to flow. By focusing with
complete attention we can become conscious of the moment. So although
pregnancy is brief, yoga gives space to savour the experience and
absorb the changes. It is a precious opportunity to celebrate the
wonder of life, and experience contentment with things as they are.
Relaxation is valuable and goes beyond relieving tiredness. When deep
relaxation is practiced regularly balance and harmony are restored.
This replenishes body, mind and spirit and allows space for healing and
profound renewal.
Pregnancy yoga class also creates a forum for meeting other pregnant
women, making friends and community…. lifelines for later!
Sandi's class at the Hidden
Space is Thursdays at 6.45 pm - 8.30 pm and the cost is £10
per class. Tel: 020 8352 2370
email now
more @ Sandi Sharkey
Frequently Asked Questions
``I am only a few weeks' pregnant -
can I still attend class?"
Yes - if you are not too tired and have incentive to get to class then
it is fine. While some women are so tired in the early weeks that
attending a class is not an option, for others it provides a space to
relax and absorb the reality of the pregnancy. There is nothing we do
in class that is dangerous during pregnancy. In fact, the more
preparation you do the better. Women who give themselves plenty of time
to prepare never regret it.
" I am about to have the baby and have
never done any yoga before - is it worth coming for just a few
sessions?"
Yes - I encourage this because you may learn one or two things that
help you immediately and aid you in the birth. Sometimes women feel
restless in the final weeks of pregnancy: Learning to practice some of
the sequences and relaxation can enhance this time and make it more
enjoyable.
"I am bleeding a little - should I
still attend class?"
Get professional advice from your midwife or doctor to ensure the safe
parameters for you and your baby.
"Will pregnancy yoga enable me to
remain in control and have a natural birth?
Practicing ante natal yoga will optimise your chances of having a
natural birth and equally there is no way of knowing what lies ahead or
how a birth will unfold. Birthing is intimate and mysterious, so the
more we learn to connect with ourselves, our babies and intuition, the
better equipped we will be for whatever arises. Trying to be 'in
control' is misleading, birth requires surrender and letting go...
"What do I wear/bring to class?"
The Hidden Space has yoga mats, bolsters, pillows and blankets. Wear
comfortable clothes that allow you to stretch out. We practice in bare
feet.