Prenatal & Postpartum

           Image courtesy of Joy Moody Photography

Please scroll down to view the current schedule as well as information on how to attend our prenatal yoga classes, yoga babies classes and pospartum pilates classes. Directly below you can find information on special prenatal yoga workshops, birth preparation programs and special postpartum classes. These change from season to season and require pre-registration.

Acknowledging Your Fears and Anxieties, $40

Finding support through prenatal yoga and meditation, with Jade Groff, RN NCTMB

Saturday 4/26, 1-4pm

Yoga offers us valuable tools for acknowledging our fears, building self-awareness, and finding healing and inner strength. Through discussion to identify our fears and anxieties, the teachings of the yoga sutras, asana(yoga postures), pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), and meditation this workshop will offer the support and healing for a woman experiencing these types of emotions in pregnancy.  Pregnancy is a sacred journey that calls on a woman to face her fears, as she moves through many changes physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  This workshop is designed to build confidence and inner strength through the ancient teachings of yoga.

We will finish the class with afternoon tea and sweets.

Baby Bliss with Beth Curtis, $60/couple

An opportunity for couples who do not have time for a full birth preparation course.

Sunday,    6/8,     3:30-5:30
Join Beth Curtis, of Believe In Birth, for an afternoon of hands on learning to
prepare for the amazing birth of your baby! Whether this is your first birth or
your fourth, come spend an informative and fun afternoon at Yoga Child!
*Learn hands on Doula “tricks of the trade”
*Explore comfort measures for labor and birth
*Try out the birth ball and use a rebozo
*Learn about the core principals of a better birth.
*Enjoy guided relaxations with your partner.

Ask a lot of questions and have a lot of fun! Beth is a Doula, soon to be Midwife, the founder of Believe in Birth, a licensced Social Worker and the primary facilitator of our Mind Body Birth program.

Couples Prenatal Yoga with Meredith Jacoby or Gail Silver,

Select a Date

Sunday, 7/20, 3:30-5:30, $55 Meredith or Gail
This workshop is a hands-on class to help educate and empower couples as they prepare for labor. It will provide birth partners with useful applications to support the physical and emotional needs of mothers as they experience the birth process.
Workshop includes: Hands on partner yoga to help ease discomfort during late pregnancy and labor, comforting massage techniques to help relax and soothe the mother, verbal and non-verbal ways to communicate needs and feelings during birth, an open discussion time to share stories and questions with couples in your community, guided breathwork, relaxation techniques, and yoga poses to help instill mindfulness and good intention.

Fundamentals of Prenatal Yoga with Jade Groff RN, NCTMB, $40

Setting the Foundation for your Prenatal Yoga practice

Select a date

Saturday, 5/31, 1-4pm

Getting the most out of your yoga practice is what this workshop is designed to teach you!!

It provides the perfect way to increase your knowledge and experience of prenatal yoga. You will learn about different breathing exercises and the yoga postures and practices that bests supports women throughout pregnancy.  We will practice together, have time for individual focus and questions, and create a simple home practice.  This time is for you to get your questions answered and enjoy an afternoon together with other pregnant women. 

We will finish the class with afternoon tea and sweets.

Mind Body Birth Preparation Course, with Beth Curtis and Gail Silver, $499

Yoga Childs 7-week Signature Birth preparation program for Couples

Prepare for your birth with a midwife, a doula and a prenatal yoga instructor who have come together and created a sensitive approach to help you and your partner prepare for birth. Please click on the link above to get all of the details about our signature program. In this 7-week course the benefits of mindful meditation & prenatal yoga come together with birthing education & birthing awareness to create the regions most comprehensive birth program. Includes FREE unlimited yoga classes during 7 consecutive weeks of the course. Class is typically held on Saturdays from 4:30-6:30pm. Please email Gail at gail@yogachild.net for the next start date. Dates will be set based upon student interest and due dates.

Taught by doula, midwife and birth educator, Beth Curtis, MSW,CCE, CD(DONA) and Gail Silver, CYT.

Moving Through your Labor, with Gail Silver, $65
Learn innovative ways to move through the healthy pain of labor.

Saturday, June 28, 4:30-6:30pm

We will learn what is happening in our bodies during labor and learn ways to soften and open our bodies and minds so that we can facilitate the natural labor process.
We will explore simple and comfortable birthing postures, birthing rhythms, meditations, vocalizations, visualizations and learn how to tap into the innate power of our own breath and our own strength. The miracle of birth unfolds with such astounding power when we learn to move inside of ourselves and become one with our mind and body and breath! This workshop is a lovely and informative complement to our Couples Prenatal Workshop.
This workshop takes place one day during our MBB course. If our Mind body Birth course is not at full capacity, we open the class up to others who are not enrolled in the full 7 week course. Please email gail@yogachild.net for the next date in the event that it is not posted.

Soothing Low back pain & improving sleep, with Gail Silver, $45

A prenatal Yoga workshop that you can take home with you!

Saturday,    May 17, 2-4pm

Bring a pencil and paper so you can take notes. We will move slowly and break down each asana that we learn so that you can easily develop a 20 minute at home yoga regimen designed to address common pregnancy ailments of low back pain and difficulty sleeping.

Unleashing the Pregnant Goddess with Jade Groff, RN NCTMB, $40

Celebrating the Divine Feminine.

Saturday, 6/14, 1-4pm

Through asana, pranayama, meditation, dance movement, chanting and sharing together in a sacred circle, we will express, explore, enjoy, honor, nurture, open to and love OurSelves!!!  Women have gathered since the beginning of time for support, celebration, and healing.  Pregnancy is a time when women need this type of support and this Sacred Circle will offer this to you!  We will finish the class with afternoon tea and sweets.

Please bring a small gift to give to one of the women in the circle.

Jade has been teaching yoga since 1999 and supporting women during pregnancy and postpartum since 1996. Her experience includes being a Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum Registered Nurse, studies and apprenticeship in Midwifery, Labor and Postpartum Doula Services, Shiatsu, Pre/Postnatal Massage, and as a Yoga teacher specializing in Prenatal Yoga. She has attended over 100 births, at home, in a birth center, and in the hospital.  Jade currently offers services of Healing Bodywork including Pregnancy Massage and Ayurvedic Postpartum Massage, Flower Essences, and Herbal Medicine.  Through all of her services and guidance, Jade hopes to inspire a deeper connection to Oneself, restore our faith in birth, and assist in creating a healthy, Love-filled, harmonious world for future generations, and all life on Mother Earth.

Zen and the Art of Breastfeeding with Beth Curtis, $35

A preparatory course for expectant mothers

Saturday, May 17, 5-6:30pm

*learn breastfeeding 101; the basics for a good foundation

*discover common myths, misinformation and avoid pitfalls!

*learn holistic solutions to common problems

*learn how mindfulness and mediation can enhance your nursing relationship!

Beth is a La Leche League leader, certified Birthworks educator, doula, midwife and LCSW. Beth is dedicated to sharing her knowledge in such a way that gently enables the new mother to move through the challenges presented by breastfeeding so that the many benefits can be enjoyed by you and your baby.

Infant Massage with Una, LCSW, CIMI, $45

Learn the art of Infant Massage in a small group setting.

Select a Date

Saturday, 12:30-2pm

6/7/08,
8/2/08
10/4/08

12/6/08

You will be shown how to give your baby a loving and nurturing full body massage. Benefits include enhanced attachment and bonding, relaxation, improved, relief from colic and gas, and pure joy. Bring 2 large towels and a blanket and anything else you might need to keep you baby comforted.  Wear comfortable clothes. All caregivers welcomed.  Take home infant massage oil, a lullaby CD, and an instruction booklet.  Best for infants ages birth – pre-crawling. 

Una Majmudar is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

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If you are interested in prenatal yoga, you may come as often as you want on whatever days work for you without pre-registration. Same is true for postpartum pilates. If you are interested in Yoga Babies, please note that we do require pre-registration as we run the program in sessions rather than on a drop in basis. Please call 215 238 0989 to pre register. Please note that a signed release form is necessary for all programs.

*Denotes that it is a series or workshop and requires pre registration

Prenatal Yoga, Sun 11:45, Mon 6:30pm, Wed 5:45pm, Fri, 2pm

Our program provides a nurturing environment in which you can connect with other pregnant women while enjoying the many physical and emotional benefits of prenatal yoga. Classes are designed to help you move through the evolutionary fluctuations of pregnancy, while also helping to ease common discomforts and prepare you and your body for your birth experience. Our program has been featured on NBC 10, in Philadelphia Magazine & The Expectant Mothers Guide. Pre registration is not required. Just Show up to your class of choice and purchase a prenatal class card. Please note that each class card has an expiration date, so plan accordingly as extensions and credits are not available.You can view your class card options by scrolling down to the bottom of this page. You must have a signed ob/midwife release form which can be obtained here. We welcome you to join our prenatal yoga classes at any time during your pregnancy.

Postpartum Pilates with Brittany Policastro, Mon, 10:45, Wed, 11:45

This is an ongoing mat pilates class to which all mothers and non crawling babies are welcome. Class will focus on the rebuilding of core strength through classical mat pilates techniques. When you reconnect with your core muscles you can realize a physical benefit that flows to your whole being as you learn to move from a strong center. When your center is stronger, your back muscles can work less, allowing you to carry your baby longer with less physical discomfort. Rather than being interactive with your baby, the class will focus on you with your baby by your side. Our studio is carpeted so babies can be comfortable on receiving blankets next to you. No pre registration required. Drop in for $12 or purchase a 10 class Pilates Pass for $100. When you purchase a 10 class pass we throw in  a free adult yoga class to be used with in 6 months of your date of purchase. The 10 class pilates pass expires 3 months from the date of purchase and unused classes can not be used torwards yoga babies.

Yoga Babies with Renata Gregori, Tuesdays, 12:30-2:15pm,

Winter Session:    1/8-3/25, $216/12 weeks

Spring  Session:   4/8-6/24, $216/12 weeks

Your baby can share your mat or lie beside you as we engage in our Philly Magazine featured yoga class designed specifically to address the needs of your postpartum body & being. This class begins with 20 minutes of facilitated discussion, and then moves into 85 minutes of  yoga. We have made this class extra long so you can feed and soothe your baby as needed, but still get in your yoga. This class provides a lovely way to take care of yourself while being a new mom and connecting with other moms! If you are worried about your baby fussing, know that you are not alone. Every baby has vocal days and all babies are welcome to express themselves in whatever way is needed. Registration in our 12 week series comes with 2 free adult classes!  We offer these as a gift to you, because we know that being a mother is blissfully exhausting and that when you are ready, your body and soul will thank you for attending an adult yoga class without your baby in tow. Begin Yoga babies after your postpartum check up and continue until your baby is actively crawling. Bring a receiving blanket, diaper baggies, and release form with you! You Must call to pre register for this class. You can do so by calling 215 238 0989. Please call to register well in advance of class as our studio is not staffed everyday. You can download the release form here. Postpartum release required. Pre registration for the full 12 weeks is required. We will pro rate if you are returning to work, just had your postpartum checkup, or if your baby is on the cusp of crawling.Please note that we do not allow drop ins for this class. If you are unsure of whether it is for you and your baby, we welcome you to observe a class for a $10 observation fee. If  you join on the same day we will apply the observation fee to the program price.

Pre-registration is no longer required. Just Show up to your class(es) of choice and purchase a prenatal class card. (You must have a signed ob/midwife release form which can be obtained here.) We welcome you to join our prenatal yoga classes at any time during your pregnancy.

How to purchase your card
You may Purchase your class card at the door on your first day of class or in advance of class by calling 215 238 0989. Cards purchased in advance will begin tolling on the earlier of 14 days from the purchase date or on the date of your first class. The class rate varies from $12-$24 depending upon the number of classes that you purchase. The more yoga you do the lower the class price! You may come on whichever day of the week you like, as often as you like to whichever class times work for your schedule. You can switch it up each week. In other words come when you want when it works for you.

*Class cards are non refundable, non-transferable and not extendable. No exceptions!

Prenatal Class Card Options

*20% discounts available for Full Time students and single Mammas to be

Important Information about your Class Card
•No extensions, no refunds, no transfers.
•You can apply your observation fee or your drop in fee
toward a class card if you purchase your card immediately following class.
•ob/midwife Release form required to participate, but not to observe.
•Payment due in full when purchasing class cards

1.Please call 215 238 0989 pre register and pre pay. You can pay by credit card or provide a credit card to hold your space and mail in a check .

2.Bring your release forms with you to your first class or mail them in in advance

3. Understand that your yoga instructor will be facilitating discussion and teaching class and will not handle registrations on the day of the class.We find that this also makes it easier for you and your baby if you can arrive and settle down in the comfort of our studio without handling paperwork and payment.

4. Bring a receiving blanket and baggies for diry diapers.

1. Arrive 20 minutes prior to class on days when you are purchasing classes. And 10 minutes early on other days. We open our doors to you 20 minutes in advance of class. When planning to come to class, please be mindful of yourself,and other students by planning for an early arrival. In order to allow for a peaceful class experience, we do lock the doors at the start of class.

2. What to wear and bring
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement. We have cushions and blankets for you at the studio. We have mat rentals available for $1, mats available for purchase or you can bring your own. Please bring water with you.

3. Mat rentals available for $1, or for purchase.

4. Validated parking available at Whole Foods.

1. I am new to yoga. Will I be okay in class? Yes. Our instructors will provide detailed instruction so that even the most inexperienced mammas to be and new mammas will be comfortable and well cared for.

2. When should I start and how long can I do yoga? You may start at any time in your pregnancy and can continue up until your due date. Yoga babies begins after your postpartum checkup and continues until your baby is actively crawling.

3.Can I try just one prenatal class and pay a drop in rate or observe a class?   You can drop in up to 3x at a rate of $30 per prenatal class. Please note that the 4 class card is just a few dollars more at $96. We also offer the opportunity to observe a prenatal class one time without participation for $10. You can apply drop in and observation fees to your card if purchased on that same day.

4. Can I get a refund, credit or extension if I do not use all of the classes on my class card? No. You must use your classes prior to their expiration date. Extensions cannot be granted and class cards are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please do not ask. We realize that everyone has life transitions, family and work responsibilities, unexpected sickness, vacations etc. We are sorry that we cannot make allowances for these experiences. Please know that refunds, credits and extensions will not be given except in the most extraordinary of circumstances and plan accordingly by purchasing a number of classes that you can realistically use in the given time period.

5. Can I apply my unused prenatal classes towards Yoga Babies classes or any other classes at the studio? Only if you have an unexpectedly premature delivery which precludes use of your remaining classes. If you deliver your baby 2 weeks earlier than your anticipated due date you can apply up to 4 unused classes towards yoga babies classes or adult yoga classes. These credits must be used within 8 weeks of your postpartum checkup for Yoga Babies and can only be applied when signing up for the whole session of yoga babies. If you choose to apply your unused classes torwards adult yoga classes, they must be used within 6 months of your postpartum checkup. Please note that these options only apply to those who delivered their babies 2 weeks early and where the early delivery has precluded use of the remaining classes.

6. Can I come to prenatal yoga any time I want or do I have to choose a certain day of the week? You may come whenever it works for you and your schedule. You do not need to select a certain class. This provides you with an opportunity to explore our different instructors and their teaching styles.

7. In what style are your prenatal classes taught? The foundation of the class is Vinyasa yoga and the application is designed specifically to address the needs of your changing body and the needs of your birthing body. We use yoga asana to stretch, strengthen and tone, and to relieve common pregnancy discomforts. Each class includes a plethora of postures designed prepare your body and mind for upcoming birth experience.

8. In what style are the Yoga Babies classes taught? Your baby will share your mat as we spend time engaging in a blend of rhythmic replenishing vinyasa yoga. If your baby is sleeping you get your mat to yourself!

9.Can I try out one yoga babies class before signing up? No, but we welcome you to observe one class for the $10 observation fee prior to signing up. If you register on that same day, the observation fee can be applied to your program.

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Class Schedule
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Prenatal Workshops & Birth Preparation programs

Postpartum workshops
What you need to do before coming to Class
Useful Tips & FAQ's