Yoga classes for birthing process

Ante-natal and post-natal yoga classes will begin at the Peninsula Community Centre from Tuesday, February 5.

"Ante-natal classes are from 9.30am to 10.45am and are suitable from the 14th week of pregnancy.

"Post-natal classes are from 10.45am until 12pm, for new mothers and their baby from six weeks to crawling.

"Spaces are limited as we prefer to keep classes small ensuring lots of personal attention," said class leader Helen McNair, a mother of three.

Ms McNair said she had been practicing yoga for 18 years and teaching in London for the last 10 years.

She said she is a qualified doula, trained with Michel Odent, the French obstetrician who pioneered water birth.

She also noted that she is a senior level member of the Yoga Teacher's Association of Australia.

"Caesarean rates are at an all time high in Australia at about 30 per cent of deliveries," Ms McNair said.

"Although some caesareans are essential and save lives, many are performed unnecessarily through fear of litigation.

"Our ante-natal classes focus on a holistic approach to pregnancy, birth and babyhood using yoga and breathing methods to enhance you and your baby's well-being and helping you to have a natural, uncomplicated birth.

"We also offer informal workshops for you and your birth partner, to help you prepare for the birth with simple steps and useful tips.

"Empowered with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the birth process women can approach childbirth with confidence and clarity.

"Breathing techniques, visualization and meditation focus the mind, keep the body relaxed and are valuable in pain management.

'We are not trying to push drug free natural birth on everyone, just giving women more choice and a positive attitude towards childbirth.

"This preparation helps women remain calm and in control of what is happening and to be clear about what intervention they want, when and if it is needed.

"Once you have your baby in your arms, post-natal classes are there to help you make the most of this experience.

"Focus is on beneficial practices to aid post-natal recovery - increased energy levels, hormonal balance and a sense of well being.

"Yoga promotes the release of endorphins, the bodies' natural opioid, encouraging a relaxed state of mind, and reducing onset or severity of symptoms of post-natal depression.

"We use a gentle progression of yoga poses that restore alignment, condition pelvic floor muscles and strength the body providing relief from carrying and nursing.

"The responsibility of a new baby can be very daunting and many new mums can feel isolated and alone.

"A strong, social network reduces the risk of post-natal depression that effects around one in seven women.

"Our classes provide a warmly supportive, patient environment.

"There is always time to chat and meet other mothers and their babies and to share experiences."

Press release, 14 Jan 2007 Helen McNair