Yoga Matrika provides support for women from pre-conception through the post-natal period and beyond. Prenatal Programs include prenatal yoga classes at Magee Womens Hospital and at the cosy Yoga Matrika studio, a unique yoga-based childbirth preparation program called Dynamic Childbirth, group classes in Hypnobirthing with Diane Palmer and Breastfeeding classes with Ellen Rubin. We can also provide recommendations for prenatal care providers, massage therapists, doula services, acupuncturists and other programs and resources available in the Pittsburgh area. Benefit from the recommendations and experiences of hundreds of moms. Just ask!
SPECIAL: Prenatal Bellydancing with Deena Blumenfeld
Friday night, January 16, 2009 6:30-7:30 pm
Cost is: $15
Space is limited for this fun and unique opportunity to shake, jiggle, laugh and move. Please register as soon as possible or you might miss out. Register by calling (412) 855-5692. Bellydancing is the ultimate exercise for the prenatal period because you access and strengthen all of the pelvic floor muscles while building strength in the back and belly. This is a gentle and fun class and you do not have to have any experience in dancing of any kind to enjoy it. Catch Deena while you can….she’s expecting too!
Magee-Womens Hospital
Sharon Rudyk is the prenatal yoga instructor at Magee Womens Hospital in Oakland. Prenatal classes are offered there as 6-week series on Monday evenings from 6:00-7:00pm. There are series starting on January 5, March 2 and April 13th of 2009. All currently registered Magee prenatal yoga students are eligible to purchase a discounted $45, 5-class card to take additional classes at Yoga Matrika. These classes are organized and managed by Magee’s education division and you can register through the following website:
http://www.magee.edu/hec/FindClasses.asp
Prenatal Yoga Classes at Yoga Matrika
Prenatal yoga classes at Yoga Matrika are much more than just a way to exercise while you are pregnant. Classes include gentle stretching, active movement and breathing exercises as well as specific practices to build pelvic floor strength, promote the movement of baby into an optimal birthing position and positions and breathing for labor and birthing. Most women find that prenatal yoga makes them feel wonderful, improves mood and can both prevent and assist with any minor discomforts that are associated with pregnancy. It is also a wonderful opportunity to become a part of this expectant community and share the joys and challenges of this most special time in your life.
Through December 2008: classes are ongoing on Tuesdays from 7:15-8:15pm
Starting January 2009: classes are taught by Bethany Sansing on Wednesdays from 5:45 to 7:00 pm and by Sharon Rudyk on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 am.
Dynamic Childbirth: Couples Yoga Preparation for Childbirth
Dynamic Childbirth is a yoga-based preparation for couples to prepare for labor, birthing and the challenging first few months of parenthood. Sharon Rudyk teaches movement, breathing patterns and sounding techniques that can provide focus and calm to a birthing. Suggestions for preparing for birthing as a couple are also given. We will practice different positions for the birthing couple to use to support and comfort each other during the early phases of labor and through delivery. This is an excellent way for women who have been participating in Pre-Natal Yoga classes to share yoga with their birth partners. This workshop can be used as the primary preparation for childbirth or can supplement other preparation classes (such as Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, Bradley Method, etc.) The cost for this workshop is $50 per couple and includes handouts. You will receive an order form for additional suggested book titles available at a discount upon registration. Dynamic Childbirth will be offered on the following dates:
January 11, 2009 Sunday, 1:00-4:00pm
February 7, 2009 Saturday, 3:30-6:30 pm
March 8, 2009 Sunday, 9:00 am to noon
You must reserve space and pre-pay for this workshop by calling Sharon (412) 855-5692.
The Art of Breastfeeding with Ellen Rubin
This is a workshop for pregnant women and their partners. Breastfeeding is a whole family effort and partners will be provided with information they need to best support a new breastfeeding pair. Ellen will provide instruction on how to build a positive breastfeeding relationship with your newborn from birth through the first few months. While breastfeeding is natural, it is not automatic. Having a few tips and tricks as you meet your baby and start breastfeeding can make a big difference. You will learn how milk is produced in the body and get the information you need to confidently feed your newborn. Expectant parents who have not yet decided whether or not they want to breastfeed are also welcome. Ellen will also provide information on local resources for nursing moms.
Saturday, January 24th from 3:00 to 5:30 pm
Sunday, February 8th from 1:00-3:30 pm
You must pre-register and pre-pay for this workshop. Both are $25 per couple. Call Sharon to arrange (412) 855-5692.