Pregnant/post natal students

Which classes should I attend if I’m pregnant or have recently given birth?

• If you have never practiced yoga, we recommend you do not start till after the first trimester.
• All Hatha Yoga classes are suitable for pregnant women after the end of the first trimester.
• After the first trimester you can attend our Hatha Yoga classes, but not Ashtanga classes.
• If you are attending Hatha Yoga classes you need to let the teacher know you are pregnant and they will modify your practice accordingly.
• If you have had a Cesarean Section delivery, we recommend that you don’t do yoga until 10 – 12 weeks after delivery, if there are no complications. During that time you can practice Shavasana (corpse pose) and rest as often as possible. Using your breath and a proper diet, let your body naturally repair itself.
• If you have had your baby and vaginal discharge (lochia) has not stopped and/or your breasts are congested, we do not recommend you practice yoga until this has cleared up.
• If you are a regular Hatha or Ashtanga student wanting to practice in the first trimester, you need to let the teacher know you are pregnant and they will modify your practice accordingly.
• If you are a regular Ashtanga student and have a history of miscarriages, we recommend you attend our Hatha Yoga classes – we do not recommend you continue with Ashtanga until after the first trimester. If you chose to come back to Ashtanga after the first trimester (rather than pregnancy or Hatha) you need to let the teacher know and they will modify your practice accordingly.

Yoga practice is not recommended after a miscarriage until a doctor’s clearance to practice has been given.