Yoga and Pilates for Pregnancy
- Please contact me for class info.
Couples Birth Preparation – face to face and online
This class is about both the mum to be and birth partner to work together using blend of Pilates and Yoga principles. You will learn a variety of practical skills to help you both enjoy this wonderful time
With maximum of 3 couples we hold the class at my home in Eccles so you can relax and learn how to have a natural and active labour using natural movement and breath techniques through guided meditation and Yoga, how to work with midwives and medics, natural pain management and best positions for natural labour, massage techniques for both mum to be and birth partner all over a cup of tea and biscuits.
We will look at a variety of effective birth positions/breath and relaxation techniques/how to keep the back and pelvic girdle strong and supported, how your partner can work with you making it a fun way for you both to be able to enjoy this magical experience.
Benefits
- Helps you to find the confidence and courage to work with your own body using breath and guided meditation
- It keeps the body toned and supple without straining
- Importance of pelvic floor and core strength
- Learn how to use your breath and support each other for natural pain relief in labour and contractions
- Yogic breathing helps you to connect with the birthing muscles, giving you control & confidence especially if you are a first-time mother
- Your posture is improved to encourage optimal foetal positioning for birth and rapid recovery of muscle tone after birth
- Helps you to discover and know your birthing body
- Gives you the space and time to connect with your unborn child
Testimonials
Charlotte, Midwive
As a midwife, I would recommend all expectant mums and dads to attend a BirthPrep class with Sadhana – whether you are preparing for your first baby or fifth!
Women often worry about how they will cope with giving birth, and dads can feel like a spare part, not knowing how best to help their loved one. Sadhana teaches easy, practical breathing techniques that will not only help you to manage your pain, but will help you to feel in control whilst you give birth. The class places a strong focus on dads too. You will be taught safe birthing positions that birth partners can give support with, and dads will leave with a stronger sense of how to assist and ecourage their partners during birth.
BirthPrep classes with Sadhana are ideal for anybody that wants to experience how powerful effective breathing and movement during birth can be, both as an individual and as partners.
Charlotte Stevenson, Midwife
Shama Khan with Baby Alia
Dear Sadhana,
As promised an e-mail about our little adventure to delivering Alia Joy Udall. Alia was born on the 28th of March, 2016. I broke my waters rather early on Saturday evening and progressed to early labour into the night. I was in labour for more than 36 hours, and as my progression was slow, unfortunately I could not follow through with exactly the active labour I wanted – as Alia became at risk of infection from prolonged rupture of membranes, therefore I had to be induced.
Prior to that, for the 36 hours of labour I managed to breath my way through the contractions. In the first 24 hours, I stayed at home and adopted the different positions you taught me in practice for delivery but also to encourage Alia to descend and keep herself in the best position, they also helped with breathing and comfort; I squatted, sat on my birthing ball, kneeled down and leaned forward, breathed and meditated. In between I finished knitting her mittens to go with her booties! As time progressed, the contractions became intense and Gavin helped me through them – with all the advice and techniques you taught us during the birth preparation class; Gavin was calm and brought my focus back on my breathing, as well as massaging me and generally being an awesome husband who got as much sleep as me through the night.
All the midwifes were very impressed with my breathing and how I could breath through my contractions. As I had to be monitored, one midwife commented that my heart rate actually decreased when a contraction started – showing the state of calm I was in during the more intense phase of my labour.
As someone who does not regularly meditate, and I have not been back to a yoga class for a few years, the birth preparation and the pregnancy yoga classes certainly helped to maintain a level of fitness but also prepared me for a journey that was completely unknown to me. I did not know what would happen, but I was certainly prepared for each step. I desperately wanted to get into the birthing suite and go for an active labour, however sometimes things do not go to plan. In the end, we delivered a healthy baby Alia. I look forward to the postnatal classes and getting her out into the big wide world.
Thanks for all your help.
Claire
I’ve been going to Sadhana’s pilates classes for over 3 years. I found the class really helped me become stronger and more toned.
When I was pregnant I went to her pregnancy yoga classes at her home which I really enjoyed. Meeting other mums-to-be was fantastic and the classes really helped to relax me during pregnancy.
Myself and my husband Lee also attended Sadhana’s birth prep class which was brilliant for getting us prepared for the birth. During labour we used all the techniques that Sadhana had taught us and it really helped speed the birth up and make everything run smoothly.
Now Dorothy is born I’m attending the baby yoga classes which are great for meeting other mums. Dorothy really loves it!
I would definitely recommend Sadhana’s classes to anyone.
Catherine
I have practiced Pilates for 9 years and wanted to stay fit and strong In pregnancy. I have learnt about pelvic floor work have enjoyed learning more about my body during pregnancy. The breathing and meditation side has helped me relax ans enjoy my pregnancy and bonding. I have really enjoyed the intimacy of the class and meeting other mums at different stages of pregnancy.
Couples birth-prep – We both loved this session it helped us bond together and with the pregnancy. The techniques and poses we learnt will be really useful for the active labour that we want and the breathing/meditation to help us through the contractions. I would definitely recommend this it was relaxing and learnt a lot however it was not too complex.
I also attend Sadhana’s Meditation sessions with my mum and husband we have all got different things from this. I think the most useful part is about being in the moment and also not worrying about having a ‘bad’ session. It has personally helped me get over a difficult period of my life and I use the techniques on a daily basis. My husband uses this for work stress and my mum as part of handling her fybromalgia.
Catherine x
Rachael
I found yoga about 2 years ago on a surf holiday. I wouldn’t really brand myself a ‘yogi’ and it’s not really about the physical for me, but about the stillness and mindset it provides. When I found out I was pregnant last year, I knew I wanted to provide this calm for my baby and me throughout my pregnancy, so looked for a local prenatal yoga class and found Sadhana.
The classes were the perfect way to breathe away a week at work and focus on me and my unborn baby. It wasn’t always about bending and flexing your body but also the support and solidarity of the girls you practice with.
Even in my third trimester when everything ached and the last thing I felt like doing was rolling around on my mat, the pull of chatting about chips and cheese, laughing about how little pelvic floor we had done that week, chatting through our worries with positivity and eating biscuits with the girls got me in the car.
As a first time mum, I found the support and advice from Sadhana and the girls was enough to keep me positive about birth and to empower me to make decisions during my pregnancy. I was told that I had a large gestational age baby and was encouraged to have an induction, but I was determined to have a natural birth.
To help me prepare for the birth of my baby, I attended the additional birth prep class and convinced my other half to come with me. I am sure he would have rather spent an evening in the pub with his friends, but it was really important to me that he was involved and understood my preferences for birth as my birth partner. I think he actually got more from it than I did! I was so confident and calm about labour that I didn’t feel the need to attend any other antenatal classes. We used the techniques we learned to write our birth preferences in preparation for the big day
I went into spontaneous labour at 40w and 3d. From the moment my waters broke, to the moment I welcomed our baby girl into the world I used techniques Sadhana taught me to stay calm and relaxed. Despite being sceptical, my mum and boyfriend were in awe of how calm I was throughout and are fully convinced that it was down to the hypnobirthing techniques learnt at sadhanas birth classes.
Whilst I couldn’t control the circumstances, yoga allowed me to control my mindset.I kept reminding myself of the mantra Sadhana taught me; when I am ok, my baby is ok. I used humming bee breath for the majority of my labour as I found it took me to a real place of focus and calm. I naturally found myself in the birth positions Sadhana recommended; it was like a primal instinct that you cannot explain. Mike and my mum instinctively knew when to remind me of my breathing and when to use massage to help my labour progress, which meant I only used gas and air during delivery. Even through a post-partum haemorrhage, I trusted my body and stayed calm. The female body is an incredible vessel and I am incredibly proud of my birth story and my post partum body. I found the whole experience completely empowering.
I cannot thank Sadhana enough for her help and support throughout my pregnancy and I am now attending mum and baby yoga; a whole different experience but the principals are still the same! I love starting my week with something positive.
Sadhana brings her energy, inspiration, positivity, realness and wicked sense of humour to every class she teaches. Whether you are a beginner or experienced yoga student, her unique ability to nurture, motivate and relate to her students makes her classes both a rewarding environment and experience. She has a gift of making everyone feel at ease and knows when to challenge her students, as well as knowing when to allow them to find peace in the practice. I look forward to my yoga classes each week and I always leave feeling her practice feeling grateful and still.
Sadhana is a special teacher and I feel lucky to spend time on the mat with her.
I would definitely recommend her classes to anyone, particularly everyone that is having a baby . xx
Sandy and Sam
I started Sadhana’s pre-natal yoga /pilates classes to stay fit i wanted to remain as fit throughout my pregnancy, and I did het classes helped both physically and mentally .
In every session we cover internal breathing with gentle yet effective stretching and strengthening exercises, lots of discussion and work on pelvic floor work, ways to bond with baby to be and an overall appreciation for your body and the wonders it can naturally do.
I leave each session more refreshed than when i arrive and Sadhana has a beautiful calming aura, always welcoming and spoiling us with hot and cold drinks too and biscuits too
I Highly recommended to any pregnant lady who wants to make the most out of their pregnancy journey and to aid a more healthy labour.
Couples Birth Prep
My name is Sandy, aged 29 and pregnant with my first baby.
Me and my partner decided to attend Sadhana’s birth prep class because i have thoroughly enjoyed her other classes and I wanted to be prepared for labour as much as possible and I knew this one would be highly beneficial for the both of us.
We covered several birth positions, my partner was taught how to keep me relaxed by using breathing massage techniques. We did a ‘pain’ experiment which taught us how to keep composed and calm during contractions. It was really fun and helped us improve our communication skills and overall we felt alot closer as a couple as well as with baby. Its definitely prepared us more for the big day and its given us a boost of confidence.
Here is Sam’s:
Sadhana welcomed us to a nice calming atmosphere and made sure we were comfortable throughout.
We learnt techniques to help us through the labour which has made me feel more equipped to be able to help my wifey.
After the session we felt more prepared and positive about the final push.
And here he is
welcome my Kayden born 18 July 2018 11.59pm
My labour was 4.5 hours. I did it all naturally as i was fully dilated by the time i got to hospital! The yoga and breathing techniques definitely helped, it was the only way i could cope with the pain. And my partner was a star too helping me through it.
When my contractions hit peak Sam said “just remember what Sadhana was saying…1 2 3 4 breaaathe!!!”
Will be seeing you at baby yoga in a few weeks! Xx
Xxx
Bekki
I started with Sadhana when I became pregnant, I wanted to have a relaxing pregnancy that will hopefully lead to a calm and peaceful birth. I have tried yoga previously but never found a class that suited me. With Sadhana and her Pregnancy yoga class it was an instant feeling of knowing this was the right starting point for me and felt relaxed and comfortable as soon as I met her, and with the session being in her home made it more personal and a nice place to chat with other mums about any worries or concerns that were on your mind.
After a couple of weeks of attending the classes I felt that I could sleep better and used positions while I was at home to relax in the evenings and prepare my body to wind down to go to sleep. I felt that the classes helped me with becoming less tense and helps me clear my mind.
Myself and my husband attended the Birth prep class as we wanted to be fully prepared (as we can be) for our little ones arrival, so the breathing techniques and labour positions really helped us to understand what will be hopefully the best ones for us to use when I finally go into labour!
The breathing techniques has been the most beneficial to me as I feel that when I use them I am more control over my body and the fact ‘I am only having a baby’ – that it will be possible for me to go through labour with hopefully only gas and air – if needed.
I do feel that with Sadhana’s guidance over the last few months I feel more connected to the fact I am having a baby and that I am able to deal with the labour mentally and physically than I would have been had I not attended her classes.
Looking forward to taking my little one to Baby Yoga once S/he is with us.
Maeve and baby Poppy
Just wanted to let you know we had our beautiful baby girl on Sunday 15th and to say a big thanks for your help through pregnancy. The Labour wasn’t nice as she was back to back but I was able to control my breathing and stay mobile in effective positions until the end. Most of all, Jonny was a really good birth partner which was definitely with help from what he learnt at the birth prep class. Hope to see you soon at the baby classes. Here is a pic of our Poppy.
Kirsty and Baby Louis
“I started Sadhana’s pregnancy yoga when it became obvious my usual exercise classes didn’t cater for pregnancy.
My main goal was to stay fit and strong. I wanted to make sure I was ready for the birth. I had gestational diabetes so keeping active was important. Sadhana’s class was so relaxed and calm, it was lovely being surrounded by women in the same position (physically and metaphorically).
I was lucky and had a relatively easy pregnancy, even the diabetes didn’t cause any problems. Because of this I didn’t really think too much about what was coming and how things would change.
One of the surprising benefits I loved about the class was spending time thinking about my baby. I’d really not felt too emotional about it until that point. I’d been cautiously excited, given it was my first pregnancy, but the classes really helped me emotionally connect and mentally prepare for the birth and becoming a mother.
The birth was so fast (6 hours from realising I was in labour) I barely had time to think about what we practiced during class but it definitely helped me recover. I was back doing my pelvic floor exercises the same day.
I’ve since started the family yoga which Louis loves. It’s a great chance for me to get back into exercise while still being able to feed and cuddle him if he needs it.”
Anna and Martyn
though I’m sure they’re really helpful to many people, I knew NCT classes weren’t for me
I knew that NCT classes weren’t for me because I wanted to feel more empowered to make my own informed choices rather than feeling pressured that any way to do things is ‘the right way.’ Though the classes are not quite the same thing, Sadhana is a superb teacher and her classes are extremely welcoming, light hearted, down to earth and focussed. I started the regular pregnancy classes as wanted to meet other local mums to be as well as use yoga principles to keep my mind, body and breathing as in tune as possible during the upheaval of pregnancy.
Sadhana’s pre natal and birth prep classes have allowed me to accept myself and my pregnancy in an easy going, non prescriptive but focussed way that works so well for me. They have helped me to make my own personal choices. And I feel my breathing and physical strength are being prepped perfectly in readiness for birth. And they have really cemented how I want my birth plan to be. People have been using yoga to help them through life for millennia and that’s because it works. Yoga rocks!
Couples class – any feedback from Martyn from birth partner point of view
Martyn’s view:
I want to be as involved in the birth as much as I possibly can. I know lots of Dads to be find them self feeling a bit like a spare part during labour and delivery. Sadhana’s birth prep class gave us both so many tools to be able to experience it together. I feel much more prepared for the birth now. And we’re both actually looking forward to it!
Anna 35
Martyn 39
Caroline and Baby Olivia
“I had attended Sadhana’s yoga and Pilates classes before I was pregnant so was keen to try her pregnancy classes.
I began the pre natal classes at 17 weeks pregnant. I had multiple reasons for joining the pre natal classes, 6 months prior to my pregnancy I’d had surgery to reconstruct the cartilage in my hip joint. It was important I remained as strong as possible throughout my pregnancy to maintain the strength and mobility in my hips, pelvis and spine.
Juggling full time work and a part time degree I found the classes a perfect way to escape and de stress and take some quality time for myself. I enjoyed meeting other mums to be and felt very comfortable and welcomed in each class.
I suffered with morning sickness and pelvic girdle pain but strongly believe the classes helped with these symptoms and enabled me to work in a very physical job until I was 38 weeks pregnant and also complete all my exams. I also found that I slept wonderfully after class.
My labour was 38 hours long but I was able to use the breathing techniques and the advice on movement and positioning Sadhana had taught me to remain focused.
Once my baby girl Olivia was born I was keen to return to yoga and joined the baby yoga class. I was apprehensive initially as Olivia was feeding very frequently, however I was welcomed into the class and made to feel so comfortable it didn’t matter if she needed feeding or had a little cry.
Olivia enjoys the classes as much as I do. They’re a lovely time to bond whilst improving my posture and strength. An added bonus is that Olivia sleeps wonderfully after class too.
I strongly recommend Sadhana to every pregnant lady!
Looking forward to being back in class with you soon
Many thanks ”
Caroline and Olivia xx
Lindsay Duley – Lake and Harper-Jean
I begun prenatal yoga about 12 week so into my pregnancy. I was keen to continue with my yoga practice throughout my pregnancy but also wanted to use this to support in maintaining my strength and ensure improved strength in areas of my body put under strain in pregnancy. From the onset Sadhana made me feel welcome and the classes were a joy to attend.
The opportunity to talk to other mums as well as the good advice given was vital in my well being during pregnancy. As a person I am used to working at one hundred miles per hour and I wanted to ensure that I took time to be relaxed and chilled whilst pregnant – these classes gave me the ability to do this but also techniques to use at home. I believe that this has had a massive influence on the temperament of my daughter Harper- Jean who since birth has been the most chilled and content. My personal experience with my midwife was not great and the advice and encouragement by Sadhana to complete pelvic floor exercises and her instruction in how to complete them properly helped massively.
Myself and my husband Ben then chose to complete the couples prep class. Again, we felt the other antenatal classes offered did not give us the information we were after. I was keen to give birth as naturally as possible without pain medication and this was brushed over in the antenatal classes. However, the couples prep class gave us the information we were after offering the best positions for birth and mechanisms of using breathing to help through the pain. Ben really enjoyed the session and felt more empowered to support me with my birth choices as a result.
Although my birth did not go to plan as I needed an emergency C section due to complications with Harper-Jean, the breathing techniques that we learnt during this session helped me keep calm and relaxed even as emergency buttons were being pushed and I was rushed through the hospital. Using the mantra ‘I am just having a baby’ along with the steady breathing I surprised both me and Ben with how little I reacted to the stress on what was a very difficult scenario.
Both classes that I took prior to birth were a vital part of the self care that as an expectant mother I felt I needed. They supported both me and Ben through the unknown. We are thankful for the honesty and support that Sadhana offered throughout the sessions and would highly recommend them to anyone through their pregnancy journey and beyond.
Hoping to make baby yoga on Monday so see you then
Lindsay xxxx
Sarah
I began attending Sadhana’s pregnancy classes during my first pregancy on the recommendation of my sister. I hadn’t really done any pilates or yoga before but wanted to keep moving and find some inner strength and calm to help.
I would come out of the classes feeling like I could breath again, lighter, refreshed and stronger each time. I had tried other pregancy sessions elsewhere but found Sadhana’s sessions both relaxing and empowering, they would challenge but be focused on both the mind and body.
Towards the end of my first pregnancy I developed back problems (sciatica and pelvic girdle issues) but was able to keep attending the classes with Sadhana adapting and supporting me. This meant I could keep mobile and prepare for labour. However it was in my second pregnancy that Sadhana’s support and expertise were so essential and in some ways felt life saving.
At around 20 weeks or so my back problems returned, i was struggling walking, sitting, driving, working and being a mum to my lively 2 year old. It gave me such a jolt the back problems returning so early. I felt very bleak about it and was thinking the worst case scenarios about the rest of the pregnancy – being off work, on crutches, not being able to do much and worrying about how I would cope postnatally.
With weekly one to ones, and initially with some physio also, Sadhana had me fitter and stronger than I have ever been – even pre pregnancy! The classes were empowering and worked on my mind and body. I enjoyed the remainder of my pregnancy fit and active, and strong for labour. I felt calm and that I had control over my body and how I was feeling. It was and has been hugely liberating and so so different to how I expected the remainder of the pregnancy to end up. The photo I have attached is me at 41 weeks the day before I went into labour- on the trampoline!!
I was able to have a normal and good labour and a good postnatal recovery. Non of which I felt I would have had had I not returned to Sadhana’s.
I feel very very blessed to have had the time I did with Sadhana and the strength she has helped me to find.
I have such gratitude and respect for Sadhana and her practice. I look forward to continuing the journey postnatally with more sessions soon.
Dani, Andy and Baby Enzo
Hi Sadhana,
I would like to introduce you to Enzo Moore! He arrived 9 days past his due date on Monday 24th August weighing 8lb13oz.
We had a water birth and I’m happy to say that thanks to your advice and the couples birth prep class, I didn’t have any pain relief drugs or gas&air and safely delivered by focusing just on your breathing technique. Unfortunately I had a tear and had to have a few stitches after, but the birth was a calm experience and I felt in control.
My partner Andy and I signed up for the class to understand more about how to use breathing techniques I had learnt in Pilates classes, and to find out more about tips to help during labour.
We both found the class interesting and insightful at the time, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to ask questions. Sadhana’s knowledge and passion was infectious, we left feeling very educated over the delivery process in general and with a lot of helpful tips to use.
However, since the birth we’ve both looked back and realised just how beneficial the class really was.
Not only did we feel connected as a team, my partner knowing how to support me during the early stages and established labour, the breathing techniques and understanding of positions meant I felt in control and able to deal with pain. This meant I spent much of the labour in the comfort of our own home before feeling the need to go to hospital. When there we could also work together in a calm and collected way and without any real midwife intervention. The head midwife actually came in at one stage and questioned whether we were actually having a baby it was that calm in the room.
An additional benefit was the tennis ball tip which proved to be really handy during early labour!
We have both said that the class was invaluable in giving us the confidence to influence the birth and be in control regarding decisions about pain relief and staying active. Without the focus on breathing techniques I know I would have felt the need for pain relief and would have done whatever I was told, instead I felt able to breathe through the contractions knowing the positions I used were helping the process. I think the techniques helped both me and the baby in having a calm and stress free delivery.
In summary we think Sadhana is a fountain of knowledge and advice, and given the information provided and birthing experience as a result we can’t recommend this class enough to prospective parents.
Dani, Andy and Baby Enzo
Kay and Colin Duncan – Couples Birth Prep Class
“A great way to involve your partner and grow in confidence in supporting your loved one, as you both transition to parenthood.”We went along to the Couples Birth prep class when I was 38 weeks. We covered a whole range of things, including massage, birth positions and most importantly, breathing. The ice-cube exercise was great for teaching both of us about managing the reality of the pain of contractions and how to breathe through it. I was surprised how easily I was able to work through it, simply by breathing and staying in the moment. Colin said ‘I was impressed that Sadhana didn’t gloss over the reality of giving birth – it’s a tough thing to go through, but I now feel I know how I can support Kay when our time comes.’ We would both recommend Sadhana’s Couples Birth prep Class to all expectant Mum’s & partners.
Prenatal Yoga Kay Duncan
I was looking for an accessible prenatal yoga class and found Sadhana’s website.
The blend of Pilates and yoga was just what I was looking for – I felt I needed some core strength-building and flexibility, but was a bit self-conscious (being an ‘older’ first pregnancy) and worried about going along to a ‘normal’ Pilates class. I was also more interested in the Yoga and relaxation side of things – you can read all sorts of things about pregnancy on the Internet – this class helped dispel some myths and taught me how to manage the anxieties I had about birth.
It was totally geared towards pregnancy, and had a lovely relaxed feel – herbal tea & biscuits on tap! It felt good to be with other women at different stages of their pregnancy and to hear them share their experiences. The classes were small, personal and friendly, with all equipment supplied.
Sadhana is a lovely teacher, guiding us through each class and expertly managing our individual needs. Her teaching has a good grounding in anatomy & physiology, as well as the more spiritual aspects of yoga and this helped me connect.
If you are pregnant and thinking about taking a class, then do this one – it’s a worthwhile investment in the bank of your own well-being.
Prenatal Yoga Kay Duncan
Colin Duncan Couples Birth Prep
Hi Sadhana
Here is a testimonial I thought it better to come off Colin… we loved the class and would highly recommend it and have already to a few of our friends.
Colin
We attended the couples birth class in January and found it really beneficial.
The class allowed us to understand how we can control what happens when our baby decides to make an appearance instead of being dictated to by the hospital.
The breathing exercises and massage techniques are things that we have been able to carry on with at home….. Try the tennis ball back massage cheap and effective.
I work in a very stressed environment and before attending the class I was very sceptical as to whether it would be of any benefit in supporting Nic however the experience allowed me to unwind and realise how I could be an active part of the whole experience. I would recommend other couples to try the class.
Cheers
Colin Carter
Natalie and Baby Ronnie
I started with Sadhana’s pregnancy yoga and pilates classes to stay active and help with aches during pregnancy. Especially to help with my sciatica and learn about pelvic floor.I attend Sadhana’s Baby yoga with my little girl Ronnie, its a great class to meet new mums, and the bond between myself and Ronnie gained through prenatal, I felt it important to continue with baby yoga to continue to further my bond with baby and be supported by new mums.
I learnt how important pelvic floor exercises are not just during pregnancy but also post natal recovery and her exercises with yoga and pilates has helped with my sciatica too.
The most exciting thing has been to meet new mums and babies and it’s great to see some old faces from prenatal. Getting together on a Monday has been great mental post recovery, talking to others and knowing you’re not the only one!
Sadhana is careful at ensure post natal checks are completed and I felt safer in her care than at my 6-8 week GP check!
The mental benefit of attending both pregnancy and post natal classes has been immense for myself. I feel better after attending the classes and was prepared to attempt a natural birth and apply breathing techniques and felt connected to my baby before birth.
Attending the baby yoga has only intensified this for me and can’t thank Sadhana enough for having these classes!
I always and definitely recommend Sadhana’s classes to everyone and was mentioning the classes to my midwife and antenatal classes whilst pregnant. Everyone at classes is lovely and look forward to seeing you soon.
Natalie Walters 26
Rachel London
“I attended Sadhana’s prenatal yoga classes from 14 weeks onwards. The small class size and the fact the classes are held in Sadhana’s home means that you get great 1-1 support in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Sadhana is very knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth and offers helpful advice about how yoga can relieve a range of pregnancy related conditions. The classes were the right balance between movement, relaxation and pelvic floor work and left you feeling both physically and mentally better prepared for birth. It was also a great opportunity to chat to other mums to be.
I would thoroughly recommend the classes and intend to start her postnatal classes once my baby has arrived”.
Rachel London
Gemma
Hi Sadhana,
Just to let you know I gave birth to baby Rosa on the 13th at 13.30hrs and she is beautiful if I do say so myself! The labour was long as expected as Rosa remained in a posterior position. I did stay at home quite a long time and I stayed mobile and used the breathing techniques we went through. They did really help but I did need an epidural towards the end of the labour, as it was so long and the back pain was unbearable, but I am happy to say I did have a normal delivery with a smallish tear to my perineum, which appears to be healing well.
I am trying to do some pelvic floor exercises but I promise I will get better!
Rosa loves to breast feed but is definitely a night owl which is very tiring but I have to say she is worth it and hopefully when im feeling a little more normal I will bring her to see you!!
Thanks again for your help and I will be back to Pilates as soon as I’m fit and well.
Love Gemma xx
Lydia and Neil
I started Sadhana’s pregnancy yoga/pilates classes as a way of keeping active during my pregnancy and found it a great way to do this. I started when I was 12 weeks and continued up until 39 weeks. Sadhana keeps you motivated and tailors the session to meet your needs. I’d only ever tried yoga once before, but Sadhana did not make me feel like a novice. She guided me through the techniques and my flexility and positioning improved significantly as my time progressed.
This is my first pregnancy and I was particularly anxious throughout. I found the weekly sessions were a great way to de stress and meet with like minded people who were also experiencing the same things! This helped keep me focused and the meditation and breathing techniques were really calming. With a busy work schedule the weekend classes became a time just for me to connect with my bump.
As the weeks passed and my due date loomed I decided to attend the couples birth prep class with my partner. I had attended birth prep classes at my hospital but felt they didn’t fully prepare me for the actual birthing process. Sadhana’s course was designed to allow best positions for safe and natural labour and breathing exercises and felt that Sadhana’s course would really help me get my head in the game.
My partner was a little reluctant about going but wanted to know how he could support me throughout the process. Sadhana uses fun techniques to show you the most effective ways to deliver and gets you thinking about getting through the stages of labour.
We both felt that the session was informative and really helpful and I would definitely recommend this to others!
I am now really excited about the birth and can’t wait to start attending the baby yoga classes – I’ve already been down to meet the mums and babies at the post baby yoga coffee meet ups and everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming!
Thanks for all your support 🙂
From Lydia, Neil and Bump
Jenny, Jordan and bump
“I attended the pregnancy yoga and pilates sessions and wanted my partner to join me in the couples birth prep To gain insight, knowledge and confidence with the birth of our first baby.
We found the whole evening enjoyable, informal, fun and relaxing. We both came away with a whole new perception of giving birth; I’m no longer terrified or apprehensive! In fact, I’m actually looking forward to it…and I never thought I’d think that.
My husband found it informative, relaxing and, at times, humorous! The light-hearted atmosphere made him relax The class gave us the confidence to do it ‘our way’.
I would definitely Recommend the class to others Especially to anyone who is having their first baby and/or doesn’t know what to expect.
We enjoyed the interaction and spiritual side of the evening. I liked the fact that it allows you to connect to one another and understand the experience together as opposed to jut the mother. The atmosphere was informal enough to ask any question too.
Thank you for allowing us into your home and preparing us for the birth of our first child. ”
Jenny, Jordan and bump x
Lisa and Nathaniel
I have been attending Sadhana’s Pilates classes for years and have always enjoyed them very much. I always feel comfortable in her classes, they are friendly and she creates a happy and safe environment where size, shape and level of fitness doesn’t matter.
Even if I’m tired on arrival she is able to motivate me and I always leave the class feeling revived, stretched and toned. When I became pregnant, I decided to join her pre-natal classes and attended from being four months pregnant up until four days before my little bub was born!
I loved these classes, they were intimate and all the other pregnant mums to be were lovely and supportive (as is Sadhana). I felt that the preparation the classes gave me for the birth was invaluable and I managed to control my breathing throughout.
I had a long labour and I think my core and body were strong from all the work I’d done.
Myself and my partner also attended the couples birth class, it gave my partner an insight of what to expect at the birth, how to calm and breath with me and help me with different labour positions. It was a great benefit, he encouraged me greatly during my marathon labour with what we’d learned together.
Lisa Whitby (34)
Julie and Howard
Hi Sadhana,
I was recommended by a physio friend to try Pilates to get my body and mind prepared for the later stages of pregnancy and the actual labor. After a search on the Internet I found Sadhana who offered both pre natal and also couple classes in the comfort of her own home which sounded ideal.
The prenatal Yoga and Pilates classes on a Saturday morning was a great way to strengthen my whole body whilst helping me to relax and focus on my breathing. I enjoyed meeting other expecting mums too and it was fun to share the highs and lows of pregnancy in an informal setting. After a while I felt relaxed about giving birth and knew that I would be able to calmly cope with whatever might occur.
The Couples Pregnancy and Birth Preparation session class gave my husband the chance to prepare for the birth and for us to discuss how I’d like him to help me during labor. The session was fun and we went away feeling like we had a plan for the big day!
When I went into labor I managed to stay at home for most of the contractions using the breathing techniques learnt in class. I arrived at the hospital calm but fully dilated, ready to push my baby out.
I’d definitely recommend Sadhana’s classes to other mums to be and I look forward to hopefully attending them again in future pregnancies.
Julie & Howard Kielyx
Kimme
I had a lovely baby girl on the 13/10/10. She was born by emergency cesarean section late Wednesday night following a few events. A very stressful time for me and my husband and I never actually went into labour. However, the end result is worth it. We have named her Elsa.
I know the Pilates and yoga classes have kept me focused during the pregnancy and look forward to joining Pilates classes again (and regular yoga) but not for a while.
Do share my news with the yoga girls and the Wednesday Pilates class.
Thank you
Love Kimme x
Caroline
I attended the regular Pilates class every Wednesday whilst pregnant (starting at the early stages of pregnancy) And I also attended the prenatal classes on a regular basis from being about 20 weeks pregnant, and the couples birth prep class.
I started Pilates on the recommendation of a friend who found it most helpful during her pregnancy. The main reasons being for relaxation and general birth preparation. I had no specific issues prior to starting the classes.
I really enjoyed the classes and loved the teacher who was extremely knowledgable, friendly and helpful! The regular classes were beneficial in that they helped with pelvic floor, general fitness and relaxation. Sadhana was always careful to give the pregnant ladies alternative, safe exercises when necessary.
The prenatal classes were brilliant for relaxation, lots of birth preparation exercises and advice. The venue was ideal for a small, more intimate class and we were made to feel very welcome and comfortable – we could chat openly about any specific problems. The small group was great for discussions about similar shared problems. The advice was invaluable to me during labour as I used the breathing techniques and birth positions which I think helped make my labour to be straightforward without the need for strong pain relief and i felt better prepared for what to expect. The many pelvic floor exercises also helped greatly!
The Couples Pregnancy class helped my husband understand the breathing techniques and birth positions I wanted to use, and understand how important relaxation was and how he could support me during labour.
I could not recommend the classes highly enough!
Caroline Wilson, age 35 from Monton, Eccles
Sarah and Alex Rowland
Hi Sadhana
Just thought I’d e-mail you as I promised I would to let you know that on Monday 31st may at 3.23 am I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who we have named Alexander Christopher and weighed 8lb 3oz. The birth was beautiful. I had him at home in the birth pool. My labour only lasted 2 hours and 23 minutes and I needed no pain relief whatsoever. Thank you so much for teaching me and making me practice the alternate nostril breathing technique. I used this as a visualisation throughout my labour and was able to remain relaxed and have a silent and relatively pain free delivery. I really want to thank you for all the help you have given me throughout my pregnancy, adapting the exercises to my physical capabilities. This birth has been so much different than my previous two due to the pilates I have been doing. My SPD has remained under control and it was amazing to be able to actually enjoy the labour too.
I started attending Sadhana’s Pilates classed in 2009 when I was pregnant with my third child. In my previous two pregnancies I suffered SPD (a painful pelvic condition) so I was determined not to suffer too much again. Through pilates and shiatsu I was able to remain pain free throughout my pregnancy, and through strengthening my core I was astounded that I could walk normally after giving birth, having had to resort to the use of crutches and a wheelchair following my previous two births.
During my pilates classes Sadhana taught me a variety of breathing techniques, including alternate nostril breathing which allowed me to stay focused throughout my labour. I was able to have my third baby in the comfort of my own home without any chemical pain relief, by maintaining my breath control.
Following the birth of my son, Sadhana’s teaching of Pilates helped return my body to a non-pregnant state in a very short time. Within weeks I felt my core muscles returning and my pre-baby figure returning!
I now attend yin yoga with Sadhana on a very regular basis. I have found this to be one of the most valuable practices I have at present. On a physical level it keeps my body supple, but this is peripheral to the emotional and spiritual benefits it has had upon my life. It has allowed me to sit with post natal depression with kindness and compassion towards myself. It has given me the strength to keep going when I have felt overwhelmed with life and it has given me the opportunity to sit with emotions such as anger and sadness when society encourages us to push them away. I have developed a self awareness of my emotional state and am now able to manage my depression without drugs, bringing love and kindness to myself, however that self may be.
On a more personal level, my husband has recently started coming to yin yoga with me. We have both found that Sadhana has a beautiful way of holding the space so that we are both free to be ourselves and to be at one with our emotional states. This practice has made us closer as a couple and for the first time in a long time has allowed us to see the beauty not only within ourselves but within each other through our practice of yin yoga.
Sarah Rowland 34, Salford.