Prenatal Yoga Classes near Downtown

My friend Emily teaches a prenatal yoga class on Saturdays at Moeksha Studio. She is a wonderful teacher. Here is their website.

http://www.mokshayoga.com/

Hi S..
I signed up through Be ByBaby in Lakeview, but I didn't really like it and would not do it again.

There is a wonderful yoga teacher at Heaven Meets Earth on Central Street in Evanston and she has moved to Chicago and now teaches prenatal and regular yoga there but I don't know the location; her name is Jennilyn (like Jenny Lyn);
I don't have the # for Heaven Meets Earth but they're listed. She is a really kind and good teacher. Hope you can find her.
S. L.

I don't have a class recommendation, but I do recommend getting a video! I didn't do too much with my first, but am doing it now with my 2nd. It really does help with the discomfort, and I feel like it energizes me.

Hi, S.! I'm not familiar with any downtown prenatal yoga classes other than the ones Northwestern Memorial Hospital offered (2 years ago now for me). There were two different instructors at the time and I really loved Mona. The other instructor seemed to forget we were pregnant and focused on more intense and fast moves rather than moves to help alleviate pregnancy pains, promoting relaxation, and tips to use for future labor and delivery. I could see how the latter teacher's style in general would have turned off anyone from yoga if they were just starting with that prenatal class.

That said, I have found prenatal yoga very beneficial for me in both my pregnancies. With my second pregnancy, I found a yoga practice (southside - Beverly Yoga Center) that was more what I was looking for and needed: strengthening, keeping me somewhat fit, alleviating certain pains that come up, practicing breathing techniques that really helped me during labor and delivery, knowing and practicing poses that would assist me in labor, learning to focus in the midst of pain, etc. My first delivery ended up in cesarean after 22 hours of unmedicated labor and 11 months later I delivered VBAC unmedicated which I attribute to many factors including having a good prenatal yoga practice. I even delivered the second time in some yoga poses. So even if you're planning an epidural having some relaxation techniques for that start of labor can still be helpful to manage the initial pain.

Good luck finding a good class....

I cant speak to actually going to a prenatal class (I think a lot of classes are hit or miss based a lot on the instructor), but I just recently purchased a DVD - Jennifer Wolfe's Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga & Short Forms - I have found it to be a wonderful addition. I did some yoga after my first child and prior to this pregnancy (Im currently 19wks) and this DVD has all of the classic moves and shows the 3 different trimesters and the way to alter the moves to be effective in each stage. This DVD also offers different length practices (15, 30, 45, & 75 min) to fit any time frame you might be working with. It also offers a partner yoga section, but I havent watched that because my husband is not the yoga type (yet)! I think it was about $25 thru amazon, so you'd be saving compared to the cost of classes. Plus you can do it all in the comfort of your own (germ free) home and pause for water breaks when you want! Just an idea or maybe an addition to the classes you take. I can feel the benefits in my mind, spirit and body and am sure it will help me in the delivery room as well.

Good luck!

Hi S.,

I personally didn't do any yoga classes while I was pregnant but my sister did and she enjoyed it very much and she said it was beneficial with her pain and also was able to push out the baby in 20 minutes. She attended a class on the north side so I can't recommend something near the loop but did want to tell you she thought it was worth it. Good luck finding a place.
Sincerely,
L. O.

I go to Soulistic Spa and Studio on Milwaukee/Grand/Halsted, the co-owner just had a baby herself and the place is wonderful. Rhonda one of the instructors is great and teachers other prenatal yoga intstructors through her prenatal yoga course. http://www.soulisticstudiospa.com

Tell them J. sent you if you go.

J. Jafferali, MPH
Maternal and Child Health Educator
National Pregnancy Health Examiner
Chicago Family Health Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-7158-Chicago-Family-Health-Exam...

The one I went to was offeredby a spa called Tiffani Kim institute in River North. It was great. There is one much further north towards Lincoln square called Bloom Yoga. This one is very popular and has many times!

Check out http://pullingdownthemoon.com/ Pulling Down the Moon. I have had prenatal massages from them that were DIVINE. I highly recommend Meredith for massages. I know they have yoga classes and other great things too.

Good luck!
T.
www.ReadandGrow.com

I couldn't afford any yoga classes while I was pregnant, just used one of those prenatal yoga DVDs.

However the place I am attending now (Yoga Boot Camp which is awesome for post-baby!) does have a Prenatal class. Check out Sana Vita on the outskirts of the Loop in West Town.

http://www.sanavitastudio.com/prenatal-yoga.html