Exercises for Pre Conception and the First Trimester
These exercises focus specifically on strengthening the muscles which come under the most pressure doing the last two trimesters, namely the deep core abdominals and the pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening these muscle groups will help to support your body through the extra weight of pregnancy and make recovery afterwards much easier and quicker.

Unfortunately these exercises cannot be taught after 12 weeks (although if they are practiced before, they are safe to do throughout pregnancy) and are therefore not included in the pregnancy classes. The exercises are simple but do require specialist teaching. If you find out in time I strongly recommend a one- off private session in where I can teach the exercises in detail.

Pregnancy Yoga and Birth Preparation Classes Yoga and pregnancy really are a match made in heaven. There is no better way to maintain your health and well being and to prepare your body and mind for the birth. The yoga is simple and gentle with the emphasis of nurturing rather than challenging and is completely suitable for all woman including those with no yoga experience. My classes - which are endorsed by Penwith midwives - usually include a discussion on a relevant topic such as nutrition, natural pain relief, labour breathing techniques, active birth positions, post natal care, breast feeding advice and more. The class always ends with full relaxation which is usually what the body needs most. For many of the woman that come a very important part of the class is being with other pregnant woman, sharing and learning from each others experiences and creating friendships that continue into motherhood. There are never any guarantees with child birth but doing all you can in pregnancy to prepare yourself mentally and physically gives you the best chance of a positive birth experience. So many woman ring me up after their births, even if it didn't go to plan and say how much the yoga and breathing helped.

Benefits of yoga in pregnancy Prevents and alleviates bad backs Encourages pelvis to open in preparation for birth. Improves sleep Guides baby into optimum position Aids relaxation Improves breathing technique for coping with pain Maintain healthy pelvic floor Connect with the pregnancy Helps you stay fit and well Empowering

A Workshop for pregnant women and their partners
An introduction to combining yoga and shiatsu for preganant women and their birthing partners. This 3 hour workshop focuses on how to support a woman through labour and includes practical top tips and birthing positions. You will also learn how to give a back shiatsu massage for pain relief as well as points which can speed up a slow labour or turn a breech baby. Check Workshops and Retreats for the date of the next session.

*Water Pool for Hire*
If you are planning a home birth you can hire a 'birth in a box' birthing pool for just £30. Whether you use the pool to ease the contractions or to actually give birth in, the water can really help you stay relaxed.

Birthing balls are also available to hire and I have many books that can be borrowed.

Postnatal Yoga
In order to mother you need to continue to care for yourself. These classes focus on gently strengthening the body and stretching out to avoid aches which can be caused by feeding and carrying your baby. Of course babies come along and they get some yoga too!

For details on class times or to book a private session, please contact:
Leif Olsen on 01736 369578 or contact her via email: leifolsenyoga@googlemail.com