Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal Class Description

Prenatal yoga is a gentle, safe, and supportive class in which the classic yoga postures are modified for the changing needs of the expectant mother. Focus is on developing strength, flexibility, proper breathing, and an inner peace as preparation for birth and motherhood. Each class opens with a sharing circle to allow you to freely discuss the exciting new changes you and baby are experiencing as well as the discomforts and concerns that arise.

Like all classes at Capitol Hill Yoga, Prenatal yoga classes are drop-in based and no prior yoga experience is necessary. We encourage expectant moms to join our prenatal classes as early in your pregnancy as you wish (and remind you to always let your instructor know you are pregnant if joining an open class). It is exciting to join together women in all stages of pregnancy & we often have moms attending class up until the final day of pregnancy.

To uplift the bond and community held within the class we ask that only expecting mothers attend the class.

Weekly Prenatal Class Schedule

We offer two prenatal classes per week for our expectant mothers. Each prenatal teacher brings her own unique experience and training with women, birth and yoga to the class. Click here for class pricing details.

Tuesdays 5:30-6:45pm with Kate Miller

Saturdays 10:45am-12:00pm with Kahlil Kuykendall

Couples Yoga Workshop for Labor and Delivery

Teacher: Kahlil Kuykendall
Price per couple: $100 early registration ($110 within 7 days of workshop)*
Current Date: Sunday, January 22 from 2:30-5:30pm
Upcoming Date: Saturday, May 5 from 2:30-5:30pm (with Kate Miller)

This workshop is an opportunity for pregnant women and their partners to practice yoga poses and breathing techniques that many women have found helpful during labor and delivery. We will begin with some fun partner yoga postures, followed by a discussion about the stages and natural chemistry of labor. Partners will learn how to support and empower their laboring mamas through the use of various laboring positions, massage techniques, methods of labor communication and ways to reinforce a safe, nurturing birth environment. Relaxation techniques and comforting measures will also be explored. Couples will receive electronic handouts for review. This workshop is a quarterly offering at Capitol Hill Yoga and is recommended for women in their third trimester.

Honoring The Fourth Trimester, A Women's Guide to Postpartum Support

Teacher: Kate Miller
Price: $45 early registration ($50 within 7 days of workshop)*
Date: Saturday, June 2 from 2:30-5:30pm

Ideal for women who are in their second or third trimester, this workshop will focus on creating the best postpartum support for mom, dad and of course, baby. We will explore postpartum birth plans, infant care, establishing outside support, as well as how to nurture yourself and your body. The workshop will begin with some gentle yoga and finish with a deep relaxation. You'll be emailed an extensive list of resources after the workshop to support your nesting time.

Stay Connected with your CHY Mommas

We are blessed to provide a warm space to build and grow friendships and have created a closed Facebook group to help you stay in touch and share birth stories with the women in class. Our CHY teachers also enjoy sharing information the group may find helpful through pregnancy and motherhood. To join the group search "CHY Mommas" on facebook and request to join.

Advice from your CHY Prenatal Teachers

At Capitol Hill Yoga we seek to build a community of support and care as each mom that passes our threshold is empowered to your best birth. We respect the choice of each individual woman and seek to provide you with the tools and knowledge to have a meaningful and healthy birth for baby, mom and family. Below we have compiled some recommended resources from CHY Prenatal teachers that we think you'll find helpful in this journey.

BOOKS

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide Simpkin, P., Whalley, J., & Keppler, A. (2001)

Acupressure: Promoting a Natural Labor & Partner Involvement Betts, Deborah. (2003)

The Business of Being Born DVD Epstein, Abby. Director (2007)

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth Gaskin, Ina May. (2003)

Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: Experience the Natural Power of Pregnancy and Birth with Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa & Crawford, Cindy. (2004)

Download our full book list here.

CHILDBIRTH RESOURCES

Birth Options Alliance - www.birthoptionsalliance.org

Child Birth Connection - www.childbirthconnection.org

Spinning Babies - www.spinningbabies.com

C.I.M.S. (Coalition for Improving Maternity Services) - www.motherfriendly.org

HIGH RISK SUPPORT

Sidelines - www.sidelines.org

International Cesarean Awareness Network - www.ican-online.org

BREAST FEEDING SUPPORT

Hygeia - www.hygeiababy.com

DC Breast Feeding Center - www.breastfeedingcenter.org