Pre & post natal

Quick links to the pre & post natal courses & workshops:

• Pregnancy yoga for 3rd trimester, labour & birth
• Pregnancy yoga Saturday class
• Breath & Space birth rehearsal workshops
• Post natal recovery yoga for Mums & babies
• Family yoga
• Baby yoga, massage & more
• Baby massage & Mummies massage home visits

Closing dates for courses

If the closing date for booking a course has passed or the course has already started, please contact Bernadette as you may be able to join a course that is currently running:

Tel 020 8853 5944 | Email info@peacefulpractice.co.uk

Yoga for 3rd timester, labour & birth

Course details & booking forms

Some words from Bernadette about this course:

"Are you becoming anxious about labour and the birth of your baby? You may be concerned about how you will cope with this singular and important rite in your life, especially if you have been bombarded with negative stories from family and friends.

You may be thinking you that you are not ready to be a mum and although you are pregnant, it is impossible to visualise what life will be like once your baby is born.

Perhaps your previous experience of labour was harsh or you feel that you had prepared for your previous labour?

If so please come along to my classes for late pregnancy, labour & birth - they can really help!

Although no-one can say for certain what kind of labour you and your baby will have, I can guarantee that you will learn key practices which will empower you both physically and mentally. These will give you confidence in your ability to birth your baby, whether this is your first labour experience or not. Over the years I have been privileged to have taught thousands of women abd their babies and thrilled to be in the position of supporting women in their second, and even third pregnancies.

We continue to practice yoga relevant and suitable for the third trimester, although you are very welcome to come prior to this stage of pregnancy. Please see below for full course content."

If you have any questions please call Bernadette on 020 8853 5944 or email info@peacefulpractice.co.uk

The course includes:

• Practicing yoga asanas and energy-block releasing exercises, which complement this stage of pregnancy
• Practicing a range of breathing techniques to promote emotional balance and good energy levels during pregnancy as well as also looking in detail how to use these techniques during labour & birth
• Experiencing deep relaxation and visualisation techniques to promote calm and ease physical, mental and emotional tension and anxiety and to enhance connection with the unborn child
• Optimal fetal positioning
• How to manage fear in labour and the impact on the body
• Visualisations and relaxation
• Feeding your baby and the importance of relaxation for this.
• Using water for labour
• Using 'birth ball' in pregnancy, labour & beyond
• Practice of labour positions, movement & sound
• A supportive, friendly environment where the opportunity is given to raise any issues relating to this significant time of life
• A place to connect with other local women.

These courses are an ideal complement to NCT or parentcraft classes - they do not have the same content, particularly the labour techniques.

Please note: Women can book for part of the course if their baby is due before the end of the course and pay accordingly. And if you want to ensure your labour supporter has some idea of how very useful they could be to you both come to Space & Breath birth rehearsal workshop.

Bernadette is a member of FEDANT (Federation of Ante Natal Teachers).

Bernadette has also produced a Pregnancy Yoga CD so the practice can be followed more frequently.

Pregnancy yoga class

This Saturday morning yoga class is a drop-in class:

The drop-in classes are most suitable for women between 12-28/30 weeks pregnant. The classes include:

• Yoga postures which are suitable & relevant for this stage of pregnancy
• Exercises to Improve your strength, flexibility & muscle tone
• Integral breathing exercises to use throughout pregnancy & labour
• Pelvic floor exercises and energy block releasing exercises
• Deep relaxation & visualisation
• An opportunity to discuss issues associated with pregnancy & labour
• Learning practices to help either avoid, minimise or manage certain ailments associated with pregnancy, for example sciatica, SPD, heartburn, varicose veins, carpal tunnel syndrome, cramp etc
  

Mats are provided but it is advisable to bring a cushion to aid the relaxation at the end of the class.

If you are over 28 weeks pregnant, Bernadette recommends you attend her other course where the focus is on labour preparation, mapping your pelvis and using yoga techniques for deep relaxation. For more details, see Yoga for 3rd trimester, labour & birth

Contact Bernadette with any queries:
Tel. 0208 853 5944 or email info@peacefulpractice.co.uk

 

 

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Breath & Space birth rehearsal workshops

Workshop details & booking forms

Some words from Bernadette about these workshops:

• Would you like to learn some really useful techniques to feel that you have prepared yourself for labour as far as possible?
• Are you panicking that you have "left it until the last minute" to prepare?
• Do you think your partner would also like to have some tools to feel that they can be a useful help to you?
• Is money quite tight at the moment and you cannot afford to spend several hundred £££'s on courses for this singular event?

If you answered YES to any of those questions then this workshop can provide exactly what you need.

This intensive half day workshop is suitable for women at least 32 weeks pregnant & their labour supporter(s). Women are also extremely welcome to come alone.

It makes sense for both a woman & her supporter(s) to prepare for labour in the last few weeks of the pregnancy. You will learn a range of accessible, effective & very helpful techniques and strategies, which can enable you both to play active, positive roles in labour. These will increase your confidence and reduce fear and doubt.

A variety of handouts will support the workshop however you are encouraged to continue some of the practices regularly for them to be easily accessble to you both in labour!

You will learn:

• How preparation for labour is useful in the last weeks of pregnancy
• the various signs & symptoms of labour
• The integral role that good breathing techniques can have throughout this process - the most important tool!
• Strategies to cope with early first stage of labour
• Strategies to cope with super - fast labours
• Management skills for established labour
• Positions, movements, sound for labour to help you stay "open" in the body
• Ways to use a "birthing ball"
• Use of water in labour
• The impact of fear and coping skills
• Use of massage, acupressure, reflexology in labour
• Positive visualisation techniques
• The third stage of labour
• Early days with a newborn emotions and hormones.
• Initial breastfeeding advice

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Things to bring with you:

Please bring a couple of pillows and a birthing ball, if you have one. Bring water & a snack if you wish. All participants need to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Please also come with any questions or issues you may want to raise.

It is possible to purchase a birthing ball with a pump for £18 by prior arrangement - please email Bernadette: info@peacefulpractice.co.uk

Any queries?

Email or ring Bernadette if you would like to discuss anything prior to booking:
Tel. 0208 853 5944 or email info@peacefulpractice.co.uk

Bernadette also runs a drop-in pregnancy class on Saturdays and a course for 3rd Trimester, Labour & Birth.

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Post natal recovery yoga for Mums & babies

Course details & booking forms

Some words from Bernadette about this course:

"Us mums recognise that our jobs really are full time!  Especially in the early months after our little ones are born.  Demands are made on many levels-physical, mental & emotional. These demands can come as a shock to many women and you can feel quite at sea with it all! You are not alone. Motherhood is as much learnt as it is instinctive.

These classes also offer practical tips on teething, colic, nappy rash and so on. They will help you uncover the knowledge that is within you to enable you to understand the various needs of your baby in a supportive & non judgemental way.

I have been teaching mum & baby post natal recovery yoga for several years and, as a mum, also recognise that it is easy to "burn out" with meeting the demands of a baby and, thereby, often neglect the need to nurture oneself, especially if there is little family support around or if the labour was harsh.
My professional and personal experience has honed a variety of skills and alot of knowledge to not only offer you some gentle yoga for you and your baby but also to support you through this special time in you and your baby's life.

The classes are a great way of linking up with other local mums & babies in a friendly environment and the classes are small so that you receive personal support. Babies who need to feed, be changed or cry are all very welcome!

Babies who come along love their passive stretches and the classes are beautiful ways of sharing the joy of yoga with your baby, from a very early age. We always end the classes with relaxation and as your baby recogises these vibrations in you it helps them also to relax."

Classes are suitable for mums with babies up to 6-7 months.

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Family yoga

Family yoga is natural progression from post natal recovery yoga, these courses are suitable for babies at crawling stage and toddlers up to 4 years old.

They include sequences with rhymes and songs, along with movements, which can be shared with mum or adult carer. Stimulating digestion, respiration, circulation, dexterity as well as their listening skills, the classes are also great for developing social interaction.

See Yoga page for further details, course dates and booking forms.

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Baby yoga, massage & more!

Course details & booking forms

Some words from Bernadette about this course:

"As a new mum, there are many activities on offer. My 'Baby yoga, Massage & More' classes bring you interactive and effective ways of having fun with your baby.

Many of the practices you will learn will equip you with the techniques to help with a variety of common digestive discomforts & teething pains.

Not only that but you will be strengthening all of your baby's systems, including the respiratory, circulatory, nervous & immune systems as well as the musculo-skeletal system. 

You will grow more confident in the relaxed physical handling of your baby, which, in turn, helps baby to feel relaxed & safe. Lots of yoga babies develop lovely, strong backs, too! Many mums report that the massage improves babies' sleep quality!

Once you are familiar with the simple practices and routines, they can also be practiced with your baby at home, or any other suitable place. You will also learn some adaptations if your baby prefers /requires more upright positions.

There will also be a visit from another local complementary health practitioner such as a cranial osteopath or homeopath who can offer you advice within their field of expertise.

Not only all of the above but each session includes short, relaxation practice for mums - let's face it mums deserve it!"

This course is suitable for mums or adult carers with babies between about 6 weeks old to pre crawling stage, although the techniques can be used way beyond these months. It is just easier to learn witha baby who is unable to crawl away!

Classes are small so that you have individual support. Massage is especially advantageous for csection babies, prems and Downs babies.

Babies who could cry, need feeding or changing are all perfectly acceptable! Dads, Grandparents and older siblings are also welcome, at no extra charge!

Please bring a towel or blanket for your baby to lie on. And a spare nappy!

Please note: Massage to be avoided 24-48 hours after any immunisation.

If you want to email or call before booking please do: info@peacefulpractice.co.uk.

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Baby massage home visits

Baby massage home visits are short courses for adult carers & babies up to the pre-crawling stage, although baby massage can continue well into early childhood, once the techniques have been learnt. It is a unique way of communicating with your baby using the sense of touch-to which babies are extremely receptive. It is especially suitable for prems, C section & low birth weight babies & offers the mutual benefits of relaxation and enjoyment to both baby & carer.

Adults find it is another way of getting to know the baby & become more confident in their handling & ability to nurture their child & to feel more relaxed whilst doing it. For the baby all major body systems are stimulated, including circulatory, respiratory, nervous and digestive. Indeed massage tends to improve the appetite.

A massage manual & oil are provided.

Bernadette offers these short courses to either individuals or groups in their own home. Please contact her for full details if you want to arrange a course for yourself & your baby or your group:
email info@peacefulpractice.co.uk.

Mummies massages

Please contact Bernadette if your group would like to enjoy a mummy massage morning or afternoon. It is often difficult for mums to have daytime massage treatments, especially if breastfeeding.

Bernadette can come to a group at home and offer full body massage, indian head massage & Reiki in a room nearby whilst other mums in group take turns to care for each baby. This is a great solution to the often complex arrangements that need to be set in place before and even, if, you get the chance to treat yourself and your aching body to some TLC just for you!

Please see Massage page for full details.

Bernadette's Cancellation Policy

A gentle reminder!  So that there is no confusion regarding the cancellation policy, here are the details: 

• A full 7 days notice is required for all workshop cancellations and 48 hours notice for yoga classes.  
• Regrettably, apart from exceptional circumstances such as early birth etc; no refunds can be given for non-attendance or cancellations with less notice than the times stated. 
• However, I do like to be as fair as possible so I am happy for you to transfer the fees from any unattended event, over to another workshop or class of the same value, providing it is taken within a 90 day period from the date of cancellation. 
• Please note that all bookings are subject to these conditions. 

Thanks so much for your co-operation.

Warm regards, Bernadette

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