For a long while, I wanted to offer Mother and Baby Yoga classes. It had long seemed such a shame to me that yoga paused when pregnancy yoga came to its natural conclusion but before ‘normal’ Hatha classes were suitable again.

But post-natal yoga leaves out the babies, and baby yoga leaves out the mums, neither of which feels right. Both mum and baby are important, and it is their relationship together that is paramount for the development of both of them. So I was delighted to come across the first course to be offered in this country that fully integrates working with postnatal mothers and their babies, (and for it to be taught by such a respected teacher as Uma Dinsmore-Tuli was such a bonus!)

So what can you expect out of a Mother & Baby yoga class?

Well, it will have all the elements of a yoga class that you might expect, such as asana (posture), pranayama (breathing), relaxation, nada (sound) yoga, and meditations as well as narrative yoga sequencing and yoga games when the children are a little older.

However, it will take place in a relaxed and accepting atmosphere of ‘give and take’, in which both mums and babies can enjoy practices that are beneficial to each of them separately and together. There will be: -

• Gentle baby stretches to take small bodies through a full range of movement and help with physical ailments, such as colic, as well as their cognitive development
• Breathing with movement for mums to promote postnatal healing from the inside out, awareness of posture, help with stiff shoulders and low back pain, boost energy levels and relieve stress
• Postures-for-two to give mums and babies new ways to relate to each other (both physically and emotionally) and to promote relaxation and restful sleep for both

But do expect the pace to be a little different from any yoga you have practiced before. In yoga we aim to be fully present in each moment, and so we are guided by the children, and you will feed or change them whenever they need. You will get regular handouts of the practices to help you and other family members continue at home.

I know from my background as a primary teacher specialising in Early Years, and more recently working within Family Learning, that research is conclusive that for babies and toddlers to thrive they need four key things – attachment, communication & language, developmental movement and play. It seems to me that integrated mother & baby yoga has got all these – it just feels so very natural and so balanced.

Present timetable is as below - but this is fluid according to the needs and ages of current participants. I do have other time available, so please, do get in touch if you and your baby are interested but would prefer a different time (or a different location)

for all classes, contact Roz on 07745 997987 or email roz@rozbrownyoga.co.uk

Mother & Baby Yoga Classes:

Cote Royd Therapy HD3 3AN
Wednesday 11.05 - 12.15
Wednesday 12.30 - 1.40

Mother & Baby classes at Edgerton will always be small (max 6 - 7), so you are guaranteed plenty of individual attention! All equipment is provided, and the rooms have underfloor heating. In order to secure your place, we ask that classes are pre-booked per calendar month. The monthly fee will be the number of sessions in that month @ £8 per session. Please note: refunds will only be given if the class is cancelled.