In-studio Pregnancy Yoga Classes
Weekly Pregnancy Yoga Classes, Pregnancy Yoga Retreats in York
I am delighted to share Pregnancy Yoga with you, as weekly pregnancy yoga classes in York, pregnancy workshops & pregnancy mini retreats and also as private one-to-one pregnancy yoga sessions.
We are now back In Studio, in real life - no more livestreamed classes! Yay!
As well as being a fully qualified senior yoga teacher, Pregnancy Yoga teacher and postnatal yoga teacher I am also an antenatal educator, a Hypnobirthing teacher, a Doula, a Birth Coach, a Positive Birth Movement group facilitator, a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter, a Birth Trauma specialist, trained in Biomechanics for Birth, Active Birth techniques and Aromatherapy for Childbirth too. Plus I input into modules on the York University Midwifery degree course too. So you are in the VERY best and experienced hands in my classes. Plus I am really down-to-earth, no BS, super supportive, definitely non-judgemental and friendly.
I have also won an award for the Best Pregnancy Class in the Little Vikings Awards 2021! So you have a great seal of approval, as the awards are given from votes from people who have attended the classes.
Pregnancy yoga is for women from 14 weeks*, right up to baby is born, and is carefully designed to maintain movement, strengthen the body for labour and birth, to bring physical relief for pregnancy ailments, help relaxation and sleep and to empower mums-to-be at this special time. Classes are also a brilliant way to meet and connect with other pregnant women who will be having their babies at a similar time to you, and many special and lasting friendships are made at pregnancy yoga classes. My classes are for everyone, however you choose to birth your baby.
Pregnancy Yoga Classes in York
~ Weekly classes ~
Classes are now back IN PERSON. This is so very different on online yoga. Humans need other human connection, never more so than in pregnancy. This classes are a little bit magical - I’m told this all the time :)
My classes are a great way to give you a continuity and positive familiarity, and provide a haven of calm, and techniques to help you through pregnancy and labour too.
In Person Classes
Now booking for classes up to end of December 2024. For classes beyond that booking will open closer to the time.
Classes run on:
Monday | 7pm – 8.15pm | In Studio
The Hive Dance Studio, Poppleton, York, YO26 6PA (view map)
Thursdays | 6pm – 7.15pm | In Studio
The Meeting House, Acomb Green, York, YO26 5LR
Thursday | 7.30pm – 8.45pm | In Studio at The Meeting House, Acomb Green, York, YO26 5LR
Cost is just £10 per week, booked by the term. For an in-studio class each week (Monday or Thursday), plus free access to my monthly Pregnancy Breathe & Relax class by livestream too - included for FREE.
Plus the brilliant extras listed below too.
For classes from mid February 2025 booking will open in due course (no classes run in August) If you want to get on the waiting list for future dates please do that by dropping me an email susan@formodernmothers.com
(if you need a different start date than shown on the booking system, then just drop me an email to arrange)
LIVESTREAM classes
No current weekly livestreamed classes. My experience tells me these are simply not the same as in real life classes - humans need to see other humans! So now we are out of Covid, classes are back IRL. So happy for this! The monthly ‘Pregnancy Breathe & Relax’ class does take place via livestream, so you can do this from your own bed if you like!
Brilliant extras also included for you:
a little video practice library of pregnancy yoga videos
MP3 guided relaxations and MP3 breathing exercises for you to use at home
access to my private Facebook community of amazing local mums and mums-to-be. I also am available between classes for questions and support in the group too.
a brilliant discount on my antenatal courses and my online courses too
Open to women from the second trimester (14 weeks*) of pregnancy until the birth of your baby. No previous yoga experience required - and many women have never been to a yoga class before.
During pregnancy yoga can help to support mothers-to-be both emotionally and physically. These classes give expectant mothers the faith, awareness and practical tools to respond creatively and positively to the challenges of pregnancy, birthing and mothering in the modern world. You will develop strength, flexibility and breath awareness for pregnancy and birth. These classes also give you some time to nurture yourself and connect with your baby at this very special time. Also a great way to meet and connect with other mums to be in an supportive and friendly environment.
We work through breathing techniques, adapted yoga postures for the pregnant body, pelvic floor exercises, active birth positions, stamina building and deep relaxations, that encourage you to tune into your own body and your baby too.
I know hearing how other women found the classes can be helpful, especially if you’re feeling a little nervous (don’t be, these classes are super friendly I promise!) So you might like to read some of the many testimonials, reviews and feedback about my Pregnancy Yoga classes on my Facebook page here - http://www.facebook.com/yogaformodernlife%20/reviews
“Monday nights quickly became my favourite night. Precious time for you and baby after a busy day at work. It was so much more than yoga to me!”
“If Marks and Spencer’s did pregnancy yoga classes they’d still look pretty crap compared to this one.”
“Thank you so much for the lovely yoga classes, they were such a calm and uplifting part of my pregnancy and your kind words and extensive knowledge have always been really helpful and welcome”
Any questions?
If you have any questions at all about my pregnancy yoga classes then please do get in touch via the form, email me (no question is ever too silly, btw!)
contact me via the button below
email Susan at yogaformodernlife@outlook.com
First Trimester
If you are in the early weeks of pregnancy, then a movement yoga practice is not advised (and my insurance wouldn’t cover you). That’s why my pregnancy classes are from 14 weeks onwards.
But I know that first trimester can be a stressful and worrying time, so I am delighted to be able to offer you a recorded practice of breath work, meditation and guided relaxation that is suitable for you in the early weeks. Which can really help you relax and connect into your body and your growing baby.
Drop me an email to find to get a recording for your first trimester sent to you - yogaformodernlife@outlook.com
“Susan makes you feel welcome and relaxed from the first moment. My last pregnancy was a hectic one with 3 children already and lots of work pressures, my weekly escape to pregnancy yoga was my little sanctuary away from the chaos of daily life, it allowed me time to relax and connect with the pregnancy. I found the yoga positions and breathing techniques were so important during labour and also for the afterpains and breast discomfort in the weeks that followed. Susan is very knowledgable about resources available to help people make informed choices about pregnancy and labour. The classes are inclusive and non-judgemental, which made it feel like a safe space to share any worries or concerns. I would highly recommend Susan’s pregnancy yoga!”
“My birth was the most positive and empowering experience and I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your wise words and positive mindset is over the last few months, it has been absolutely invaluable. ”
“A massive thanks to you for the yoga classes over the last few months. I am absolutely convinced they contributed to my overall mindset, health and breathing (for labour and other things!). It was brilliant to hear from other mums to be about their experiences and it was also so useful to hear your own wisdom and knowledge about York hospital and other local amazing contacts too”
The Online Pregnancy Yoga Program™
Join my accessible and affordable new pregnancy yoga offering - The Online Pregnancy Yoga Program™
This is a unique program of Pregnancy yoga for the positive pregnancy experience you deserve.
Learn yoga movement, relaxation, breathing practices, meditation and mindfulness in a modern and simple way, for the world we live in, that every pregnant woman can benefit from.
Find a stronger, gently energised pregnant body and a relaxed and positive mind. Be more prepared for labour and birth
Over 12 hours of classes, including;
~ Movement
~ Breath work
~ The Art of Pregnancy Relaxation
~ Meditation
~ Pelvic Floor
~ Positive Pregnancy Mindset
"Susan is wonderful, very knowledgeable in many areas of pregnancy and birth and I loved the structure of the class which allowed time to reflect on your week and get to know the other mums." Sally
“Go for the pregnancy yoga, stay for the weekly dose of positivity, support, encouragement and empowerment from somebody with their finger well and truly on the pulse of what's going on these days in the bewildering world of pregnancy and labour.”
* General guidelines for all pregnancy yoga teachers are that you do not practice yoga postures and movement during the first trimester. This can be frustrating I know! The first trimester is when your body adapts to the hormonal changes and baby develops most rapidly. This period is vital for the formation of your little one’s nervous system, and the placenta is forming and embedding. You may feel fatigued, experience mood swings and nausea. In the first trimester aspects of a yoga practice can be valuable, focusing on self-nurture, deep rest and stillness in particular. Introducing meditation and breath awareness is a great idea now. Treat the first trimester as a preparation for the rest of your pregnancy. Thats why I am so happy to offer you my Tuesday evening Calm & Reset pregnancy breathwork, meditation and relaxation class in the first trimester - as well as for the rest of your pregnancy. I would also be delighted to send you some of practices for early pregnancy to do at home, before you start my full classes. Just get in touch and I’ll send them to you.
Hypnobirthing & Birth Preparation discount
When you attend my pregnancy yoga classes you also get a brilliant discount on my amazing Hypnobirthing & Birth Preparation Group Courses in York. Because I know how much this knowledge can change your experience of birth, to have a positive and empowered birth, and pregnancy too. Loads more information about the course on my For Modern Mothers Hypnobirthing website here. You’ll receive a special discount code at your first pregnancy yoga class.
Benefits of Pregnancy Yoga Classes:
Pregnancy yoga is a form of exercise recommended by midwives, and has many benefits for your pregnancy body and in preparing you for labour, birth and motherhood:
keep the body supple and strong without straining
boost energy levels
relieve stress and anxiety from pregnancy and from ‘life’
promote relaxation and restful sleep
provide you with breathing techniques and positions to use during labour and birth
relieve common minor pregnancy ailments such as back ache, swollen joints, tight shoulders, puffy feet and constipation
help expectant mothers to bond with your unborn baby through breathing and visualisation techniques
breathing exercises to create space in the body, bring calm to mum and to introduce ways in which breathing can facilitate birth.
Helps you tune into your body and your baby.
Learn all about Active Birth - how to move and help position baby in labour
Meet other mums-to-be in a friendly and welcoming space, and make friends for life - priceless!
"I really miss the classes so much now I've had my baby! I always came home feeling great, so calm and relaxed, and had the best nights sleep of the week. Thank you Susan" Kate
“How wonderful I found Susan’s pregnancy yoga classes. I was able to completely relax and focus on only myself every Monday evening which was just bliss. Even just hearing the sound of Susan’s voice was relaxing! It felt like just the right amount of stretching/movement and was lovely to chat to others too. Thank you Susan! “ S
Half Day "Rest & Relax" Pregnancy Mini Retreat in York
Next dates:
TBC // 2pm to 5pm //
Price: £30 (includes yummy refreshments, goodie bag and a pregnancy relaxation to take home mp3 too)
Join me for a beautiful half day relaxation retreat in York supporting self-care, nurturing an d deep relaxation during your pregnancy. This is a space to be pampered and nurtured, easing you body and mind into a wonderful chilled and blissful state. Have some real 'me-time', time to gently move, breathe, deeply relax and replenish yourself. Suitable for all pregnant women from 14 weeks right up to the birth of your baby. Come and relax, connect and feel you are really taking time for YOU in your pregnancy. This is a special afternoon where you will feel so relaxed, so nourished and so nurtured.
What we'll do:
The retreat will begin with gorgeous fresh fruit, juice / smoothies or homemade delicious hot drinks (weather dependent!) on arrival.
We’ll do a short gentle movement based yoga practice to ease and aches and niggles and gently stretch and ease your pregnant body.
Followed by yoga and hypnobirthing breathing practices to find space in our hearts and calm and ground body and mind.
We’ll take up some delicious supportive restorative postures for pregnancy, where you can really let your body deeply relax and find stillness in your mind.
We’ll do a guided visualisation and meditation to connect you to your pregnancy as you find calmness & ease. With a relaxing soundscape, as the sounds wash over you they’ll support you to release and let go.
Self massage techniques to ease out tension and show yourself some self-care and self-love
Finally a yoga nidra (a deep guided relaxation) for pregnancy where you can really enjoy some time to let go and just be in your body.
We’ll close our mini retreat with a delicious refreshments - cake (of course!), healthy homemade nutritious treats & chocolates and refreshing drinks, and taking some time together to share and connect with liked-minded pregnant women.
We’ll also use essential oils to aid relaxation, make a special pregnancy herbal tea to share and spend time practicing mindfulness techniques to connect you to your pregnancy. And you'll get a little goodie bag to take home too.
You will leave feeling nourished, connected and so content - really ready to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy with love and calmness.
No previous yoga experience is necessary - open to EVERYONE from 14 weeks right up to birth.
I hope you can join me. Susan x
Space is limited, so please book as soon as you can to ensure your place - click the button above, or use the form at the bottom of the page or email yogaformodernlife@outlook.com with any questions
Pregnancy Yoga Testimonials & Kind Words
I am always so touched when women take time to email me about how they found my pregnancy yoga classes, and and so delighted that yoga has benefited so many women in their pregnancies and in their labour and births too. You can also find lots more ‘reviews’ on my Facebook page too - www.facebook.com/yogaformodernlife
"Susan is wonderful, very knowledgeable in many areas of pregnancy and birth and I loved the structure of the class which allowed time to reflect on your week and get to know the other mums." Sally
"Another vote for Susan at Yoga for Modern Life. Just amazing all round support and a wonderful sense of community with the other mums." Lisa
"I started pregnancy yoga with Susan when I was 16 weeks pregnant. I am now 37 weeks and I can't imagine my pregnancy journey without it! Susan is a fantastic teacher. She provides you with lots of information and she gives you lots of tips to make pregnancy super enjoyable. Definitely recommend it!" Rachel
“Cannot recommend Susan’s pregnancy Yoga enough! I’m so glad I started. Had never done Yoga before but found the movements, breathing techniques and relaxation so beneficial both in pregnancy and labour. Plus it’s nice to have the support of the other soon to be mamas! Thank you Susan x “ Amy
“Thank you so much, I’ve really enjoyed the classes, you create such a welcoming environment and I’ve really appreciated all the information you have given. It’s made me feel much more prepared. I will definitely be signing up for mum and baby yoga!”
“Just to say, thank you so much for everything you've offered us through your Yoga classes. They really have been the best part of my week and I'm going to really miss them. You've defiantly found your calling in life and you're so knowledgeable, understanding and non judgemental. Thanks so much!” Holly
“Susan’s pregnancy yoga classes are excellent for both exercise and a bit of ‘me time ‘ during pregnancy. Thank you so much for all your help Susan, looking back I employed most of the techniques and exercises from class to get me through the first stages of labour at home thank you for sharing your knowledge. I would highly recommend Susan’s classes for anyone a bit nervous about child birth ! “ Katey
“Baby arrived at 3am this morning in the pool at home. I really made use of all the breathing techniques we did at yoga and I think I actually fell asleep between some contractions! Thanks again for everything Susan” Becca
"I've always been a bit wary and nervous of yoga (including pregnancy yoga) and have been put off through fear of not knowing any terminology / thinking I'm not supple or fit enough. This was a brilliant, easy to follow introduction and I really enjoyed all the sessions. Thank you Susan " Zoe
"I can't recommend Susan highly enough, she's an all around pregnancy expert" Kate
“Thank you so much Susan for your positive calming impact on this pregnancy and helping me achieve what really was a magical, calm and happy experience. I used your breathing techniques and yoga positions, and remembered that everything we need is within us” Donna
"A truly wonderful yoga teacher, with lots of experience of teaching pregnant ladies, and a heart so warm you could toast marshmallows on it." Lilley (yoga teacher)
"I found the relaxation at the end surprisingly easy - I thought it might be difficult to switch off but I actually really felt relaxed and was able to clear my mind and focus on my breathing, my body and the baby - it was lovely." Alex
“I absolutely love it and instantly felt a connection to your class becoming a part of ‘my journey’. Rebecca
"Having a pregnancy class one to one with Susan took me right back to doing pregnancy yoga four years ago, which was really lovely. I really found the yoga breathing in particular to be so helpful in my first labour, it really helped to calm me, so I want to practice that some more before this baby is due." Fiona
"The yoga breathing exercises were definitely helpful during the labour, thanks so much" K
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for yoga last night. I had the best night sleep I’ve had in ages! It’s amazing what stretching and taking time to be still can do for the body and mind!” Steph
“I've been practicing yoga for a long time and recognize that the special space you have created is really powerful and nurturing, thank you” J
“Thank you so much for all your support and the supportive environments you create in your groups. It's been a truly wonderful start to motherhood and York life. I'll certainly be joining baby yoga when the time is right!” Chloe
"Thank you for tonight's class, I feel so relaxed and connected with my baby." R
"Thank you so much for all the wonderful yoga classes I thoroughly enjoyed that 'me time' and I hope to join one of your other yoga classes soon." M
"I really miss the classes so much now I've had my baby! I always came home feeling great, so calm and relaxed, and had the best nights sleep of the week. Thank you Susan" Kate
"The breathing techniques really helped me prepare for and during my c-section, thank you" Anna
"I would just like to say a massive thank you to you for providing such a wonderful yoga experience in your classes, and I am so excited to be coming to this wonderful pregnancy mini retreat and the hypnobirthing course. You have definitely helped to make my pregnancy experience nicer." Amy
"I just wanted to thank you for the classes. The breathing really helped with my contractions and I managed on gas and air alone. I really enjoyed the classes and thanks again for your support. I am looking forward to Mum & Baby yoga classes. " Louise
"A truly wonderful yoga teacher, with lots of experience of teaching pregnant ladies, and a heart so warm you could toast marshmallows on it." Lilley
Pregnancy Yoga One to One
1:1 private classes work with the needs of mum-to-be, focusing on any problem areas, working on breathing techniques and keeping her physically active. The sessions are tailored specifically to meet your needs, and to support you one-to-one at this special time. Taking a one off, or a series of private pregnancy yoga lessons is an investment in you and your baby.
Brilliant for:
Women who are finding it difficult to fit pregnancy yoga into their busy lives, as they are at a time to suit you.
Women with specific problems in pregnancy such as SPD, Pelvic Girdle Pain or Sciatica as classes can be tailored specifically to you.
Women who are looking for some relaxation - we can create a delicious restorative, nurturing yoga practice full of brilliant breathing techniques and a 'super savasan' relaxations, with a deeply relaxing yoga nidra too. Gorgeous, a real treat!
Where? I teach one to one pregnancy yoga from my own practice space in my home, situated on the edge of York. I have all the yoga kit for you here, plenty of lovely yoga mats, blocks, straps, blankets and other yoga props for you to use in your private yoga sessions - so there's no need to bring anything with you. If you prefer I can also travel to your home or workplace to work with you, bringing mats, props and everything you may need with me, to help with busy schedules. But there IS an additional charge for this for my travel time.
Cost: Private yoga at my own studio is £45 per 1 hour session. A block of five 1 hour classes is £200 (saving £25 on individual session prices). Travel to your home or place of work will be at an additional cost, depending on location.
Pregnancy Yoga Freebies
Using yoga breathing techniques in pregnancy can be really beneficial. We practice them during my classes and one to ones, but it can also be useful to practice them at home too - so you get really comfortable with them. They are probably the most important part of a pregnancy yoga class. So I've recorded some mp3 audio files that you can download and use at home to practice some yoga breathing between classes. These breathing techniques can help to calm and centre you during your pregnancy and in labour too. These are simple but really effective ways to connect with your breath, and so calm your mind and body. I've also recorded special pregnancy relaxations too, to help you relax, connect with your baby and promote restful sleep. When you come to my classes you get special access to this series of breathing practices and relaxations all for free, that you can download and carry with you anywhere. But if you live to far away or can't make the classes then here's one freebie for everyone, the Ocean Breath. I hope you find it useful and enjoyable.
The Ocean Breath is a softly audible breath, in this technique we gently extend the exhalation which is a clever yogic trick which brings the mind and body to a calmer place. The soft sound also helps you to really connect with the breath, and helps you come into a state more of 'being' and less of 'doing' or thinking. Its great to use in pregnancy, and also postnatally as babies often respond well to this gently audible breath when trying to put them to sleep (from personal experience this does work...sometimes!!). You can download the Ocean Breathing for pregnancy mp3 here:
Find out more
To find out more about about pregnancy yoga classes or private one-to-one sessions, or to make a booking, you can
contact me via the enquiry form on the right
email yogaformodernlife@outlook.com
phone Susan on 07954 238 424
I look forward to hearing from you.