Yoga Alliance Core Subject Areas
Our courses adhere to the strict standards laid out by Yoga Alliance. The pregnancy yoga training is geared towards six main educational categories as laid out below. All classes utilise an integrated approach, whereby information and techniques are openly discussed, practiced and fully explored.
- Techniques, Training and Practice
- Teaching Methodology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- General Background in the Specialty Area
- Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers
- Practicum (Teaching Practice)
PREGNANCY PRACTICES - Techniques, Training and Practice
Learn a variety of yoga techniques specialised to the needs of the pregnant woman. Included are both the practice and teaching of yoga for trimester-specific yoga techniques. Techniques include: alignment for the expectant mother, appropriate yoga techniques for each trimester, how to practice yoga techniques safely, how to teach relevant relaxation and stress management techniques.
- Alignment and postural change during pregnancy
- Asana, including Suryanamaskara (Sun Salutations) and standing postures
- Analysis of monthly changes and integrating different trimesters
- Warm up and seated/floorwork, poses to adapt, beneficial postures and why
- Bandhas, with emphasis on Mula Bandha during pregnancy
- Meditation techniques for pregnancy and birth
- Mantra and sound work that connects mother and baby
- Mudra - subtle yoga
- Using Yoga Nidra in Savasana
- Visualisations and affirmations
- Pranayama practices and their emotional, physiological, psychological effects
- Stress management
TEACHING - Teaching Methodology
Adaptable teaching is the key ingredient for pregnancy yoga classes. Learn to create responsive lesson plans for beginner and advanced students, and how to modify classes for each trimester. Beyond this, learn the art of holding a 'safe' space for students to share concerns and fears about pregnancy and motherhood.
- Learn YogaLondon set sequences for prenatal yoga
- Creating your own thematic sequences
- Skilfully adapt your sequence to the students in your class
- Active Listening skills and asking open questions
PHYSICAL & SUBTLE BODY - Anatomy and Physiology
Learn anatomy and physiology (both physical and subtle body) related specifically to considerations during pregnancy and post partum. Topics include an overview of what is normal anatomy and physiology during pregnancy, how organs function during pregnancy, an overview of possible complications, including miscarriage, premature labour, hypertension, preeclampsia and body mechanics.
- Learn about the three trimesters
- The details of birth
- Postpartum phases
- Common challenges during pregnancy and the postnatal period
- Physiological, emotional, mental states of early motherhood
- Energetic transformation during pregnancy
- Pregnancy and the effect on the Chakra system, Koshas and Nadis
- Sharing an energetic body
- Ayurveda during pregnancy
PROFESSIONAL SKILL - General Background in the Specialty Area
Beyond poses and breath, it is essential to understand your relationship with other health care professionals. Know when to suggest that the student consult a health care professional regarding pregnancy issues. Gain a deeper understanding of the psychological considerations during pregnancy and how to differentiate between high-risk and non-high-risk pregnancy.
- Insurance and Health forms
- Understand the difference between giving advice and giving information
- Finding the right space, time and day
- Networking: Connecting to midwifes, doulas, osteopaths
- Self-reflection: Your own views, hopes, fears on pregnancy & birth
- Knowing your skills and weaknesses
- Leading by example
JOURNEY INTO MOTHERHOOD - Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle & Ethics
Pregnancy and early motherhood presents an exciting opportunity to apply traditional yoga philosophy to one's lifestyle and well-being. Solidly grounded this time-honoured tradition, you'll apply traditional yogic concepts such as karma, samskaras and rebirth to a women's journey into motherhood.
- Patanjali's Yoga Sutras on birth
- Application of Yamas and Niyamas
- Guidelines and ethics for teaching pregnancy Yoga
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT - Teaching Practice
Early and ongoing teaching practice is essential to confident teaching. From the very start, teaching practices are incorporate into each weekend and maintained through to assessments.
- Prenatal teaching practice
- Voice-work coaching
- Receiving and giving feedback
- Learning through observation
