Yoga for your pregnancy

How to find an instructor
It's always important to find a good, qualified yoga instructor -- but it's essential during pregnancy. First, says Reeves, the instructor should be a yoga teacher, with a minimum of a 200-hour yoga certification. Second, they need to have taken some sort of training that adapts yoga teaching for prenatal -- and the more training, the better. "Just being a yoga teacher and having a baby doesn't prepare them enough," says Reeves, who teaches a 60-hour pre- and postnatal advanced teacher training course at The Yoga Studio. "They don't have to have had a baby, but they do need to have had training above the regular training." Don't be afraid to ask potential teachers about their qualifications -- you want to work with someone you can trust. And make sure that the teacher -- and the style of class she teaches -- are a good fit for you. Shop around -- most studios should offer a trial class.

Prenatal yoga is increasing in popularity -- Reeves herself teaches more than 80 women a week -- and classes should be available in most major cities across the country. But if you live in a more rural area and can't find a prenatal yoga class, she recommends checking out your local community centre for prenatal fitness classes. Or try out Prenatal Yoga with Shiva Rea (recommended below) -- but make sure to do it under the guidance of your doctor.

Pregnancy is a lot to deal with, and yoga can help you through the changes happening in your body. Reeves recommends looking for a prenatal yoga class as soon as you find out you're pregnant. "You've got nine months to take in this life transition," she says. "Taking a class will enhance your experience."

Recommended resources
DVD: Prenatal Yoga with Shiva Rea
"This is a very acceptable, safe one to be doing," says Reeves. "If you're not with a teacher, check with your doctor to make sure there are no unusual things happening in your pregnancy."

Book: Preparing for Birth with Yoga by Janet Balaskas
"This is a wonderful read," says Reeves, "the best one on the market." It contains information about pregnancy and birth in general as well as yoga specifically.

Book: Yoga for Pregnancy by Sandra Jordan
This book is heavy on the photos but light on the explanation -- a great complement to the book above.

Classes across Canada
Here are some of the studios across the country that offer classes in prenatal yoga. If your city isn't listed, that doesn't mean there aren't classes available there -- try searching online for a local studio.

Calgary
Now & Zen
403-269-2940

Halifax
Therapeutic Approach Yoga Studio
902-429-3303

Montreal
Yogaspace
514-933-8671

Ottawa
Upward Dog Yoga Centre
613-748-9642

Toronto
The Yoga Studio
416-322-9936

Vancouver
Urban Yoga
janice@urbanyoga.ca

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