Yogabirth is a specialised form of pregnancy yoga that was founded out of the Active Birth Movement with Janet Balaskas in the 1980s. It's designed specifically for pregnant women to help you stay healthy, ease pregnancy discomfort, and prepare both your body and mind for labour.

Unlike general yoga classes (which can be adapted for pregnancy), Yogabirth is taught by instructors with advanced, pregnancy-specific training. I'm qualified as a 300-hour Yogabirth teacher, the most in-depth pregnancy yoga qualification in the UK and the only one accredited by the Royal College of Midwives.

The focus is on movement, breathing and relaxation techniques that support you throughout pregnancy and give you practical tools to use during labour. It's about helping you feel strong, confident and connected to your body as you prepare to give birth.

Pregnancy yoga can help with:

• Reducing pregnancy aches and pains – whether that is back discomfort, hips, or pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

• Better breathing

• Increasing in strength and flexibility

• Improving circulation

• Assisting with pelvic floor function

• Reducing stress and anxiety

• Relaxation

• Better sleep

• Reducing risk of depression

• Preparing your body for birth

• Breathing techniques that can be used in labour and can reduce the duration of labour

• Improving recovery into the 4th trimester, whether your birth was straightforward assisted or caesarean.

• Connecting and meeting other mums and mums-to-be!

Yes, pregnancy yoga can help with labour becuase it strengthens muscles, improve flexibility, while learning breathing and relaxation techniques that can lead to a shorter and more straightforward birth. Research indicates it may help reduce labour pain, stress, and anxiety, and could lead to a higher likelihood of a vaginal birth without complications.

The main difference is that although all yoga classes can be modified for pregnancy, pregnancy yoga is more specialised and designed specifically for pregnant women. Yoga teachers would need an additional qualification to teach on top of their basic training, which is usually around 85 hours. I am trained as a 300-hour yoga birth teacher, as well as having a 200-hour hatha/vinyassa yoga qualification.

Most women start yoga for the first time when they're pregnant. All classes are beginner-friendly and designed specifically for pregnancy, so no experience is needed.

Yes. You can join from your second trimester (after your 12-week scan) right up until you give birth. The practice is adapted to each stage of pregnancy, and I work with you to accommodate any specific needs or conditions.

Whatever feels comfortable. All you need to bring is yourself and some water. All yoga equipment is provided.

Absolutely. These techniques help you feel calmer, more prepared and more in control. They also support faster physical and emotional recovery.

Antenatal classes give you broad information about labour and early parenthood. Pregnancy yoga and hypnobirthing focus specifically on giving you practical, physical and mental tools to stay calm, reduce pain perception, and feel empowered during birth. Many people do both for complete preparation.

Classes run weekly, but you attend when it suits you. Consistency helps you get the most benefit, but I understand life (and pregnancy) doesn't always go to plan. Classes are on Monday and Tuesday evenings in Heathfield, East Sussex.

Yes. Private classes can be a one-off or more frequent, depending on your needs. Classes are £40 for 1 hour 15 minutes, and can be tailored specifically to your requirements.

Essentially, most people can participate in pregnancy yoga. When you sign up, I will send you a health questionnaire to fill in before your first session. You will need to inform me if anything changes in your medical history throughout your classes. Examples of reasons not to attend would be active bleeding and certain medical conditions that require additional input. You can also check with your Obstetric team before coming along. Please contact me if you would like to discuss anything further.