Active Birth Workshop

Preparing for the birth of your baby is a very important part of enjoying your pregnancy. At Verulam Clinic we hold two different couples classes, you can book in for either course however they do complement each other.

Next course dates:
Active Birth workshops are held on the following dates:

Sunday:   19th October, 9th November, 30th November & 13th December



ACTIVE BIRTH
- Preparing for birth with yoga

WHAT IS IT?

Yoga for pregnancy is the specialised adaptation of Yoga to help prepare women for birth. This workshop focuses on things you can do to help cope with labour and allows the couple time to rehearse ways of working as a team to prepare for the birth of the baby.

WHAT IS AN ACTIVE BIRTH?

An Active Birth is when a woman follows her own instincts and physiological logic of her body when she gives birth. She will be in control of her own body rather than being ‘actively managed’ by her birth attendants. In an active birth a woman may choose to move around freely during the early part of labour, choosing comfortable positions like standing, walking, kneeling or squatting. In between contractions, the woman will find ways to relax and prepare herself for the next contraction. The woman will remain upright for the birth of her baby, which is naturally more explosive.

WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?

    * The use of different, gravity effective positions for labour and birth
    * Effective ways of coping with pain using upright position, movement, breathing and relaxation
    * Massage and other aspects of partner support
    * Creating an environment that is conducive to giving birth


ABOUT YOUR INSTUCTOR

Julie Llewellyn-Thomas is an experienced yoga teacher practicing in central London and locally in St Albans. Julie specialises in pregnancy, postnatal, baby, Active Birth Yoga and published a Baby Yoga book in 2006. She works part time in a cancer unit using Yoga to support patients, promoting positivity and fostering a sense of well being. Julie also teaches general class yoga, individual sessions and Yoga Therapy.

She is energetic, committed, understanding and passionate about Yoga.

WHY IS ACTIVE BIRTH BETTER?

    * The pull of gravity assists uterine contractions and results in faster dilation
    * The uterus tilts forwards during contractions – with a woman leaning forward, she feels less pain and contractions work more efficiently
    * No weight on major blood vessels – leaning forwards means better blood flow to baby and placenta, better oxygen and less risk of foetal distress
    * The pelvic canal can widen when upright and adjust to the shape of the baby’s descending head
    * The birth of the baby is quicker and more efficient with the second stage of labour upright
    * The risk of tearing is reduced
    * The baby at birth is in an optimal condition when birth is active
    * Women tend to feel more positive and empowered during and after the birth


ABOUT THE CLASSES

    * Active Birth Classes are suitable for ladies 25 weeks onwards in their pregnancy
    * The cost is £65 per couple for the 3 hour workshop
    * The courses are held on a Saturday or Sunday
    * Places are limited to 4 couples
    * Pre-booking is essential

AT VERULAM CLINIC JULIE ALSO TEACHES:

    * Pregnancy yoga
    * Postnatal yoga
    * Baby Yoga
    * General Yoga
    * Yoga Therapy