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I started the prenatal yoga class in 2002, soon after receiving training in the Whole Birth Yoga program in Florida. Often people have asked me what motivated me to begin the prenatal classes, and I am never sure what to say. My most honest answer is that I don’t really know. (So often it seems that when my heart leads me in a certain direction my mind has to just go along for the ride). I only knew that when I first began thinking about teaching yoga I immediately wanted to work with women who were pregnant. I suppose it was because it was so clear to me how the benefits of yoga could support women during their pregnancy as well as during labor and delivery.
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Before my training I knew very little about pregnancy. I have never had children myself, and so I did not even have any personal experience to draw from. After completing the training, I knew that my intuition was right. This was a path I had to follow. I met amazing women who were already teaching prenatal yoga, working as doulas, (labor support) and training to be midwives. Suddenly I saw a vast community of women working together to empower each other during one of the most significant times of their lives, and I knew that I was meant to be a part of it. As I returned home full of hope and excitement to begin offering prenatal yoga classes here in Bloomington/Normal, I wondered if others would share my enthusiasm. I had no idea that I would find such support and encouragement from not only expectant mothers, but also many local OBs, and childbirth educators. The prenatal class in fact was so successful that the mothers encouraged me to begin a class for them and their little ones. The Mom and Baby class soon began, and the sense of community among the women deepened. (How I love that in this class at any given time some women are doing yoga, some are nursing, and others are changing diapers. At the same time some of the babies are playing, some are doing yoga with mom, and others are doing their own yoga, most often “Happy Baby Pose”).
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Teaching the prenatal class has been such a blessing. I truly feel honored that these women choose to share this sacred time with me. Over the years I have gathered much knowledge from reading and studying about pregnancy and motherhood, but any wisdom I have gained has come from my students. They have the courage to share their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears. They offer one another a support that can come only from those who are new on the path of motherhood or who have made this journey before. As I think about these past three years and all of the wonderful women and babies I have had the pleasure of meeting, my heart swells with happiness. The story of each birth is as unique as the women telling it, but it is my hope that no matter how the story unfolds that in the end every woman feels strong, empowered, and is able to recognize that she is the perfect mother for her child. A sincere “thank you” to all the mothers who have participated in prenatal and mom and baby classes. I couldn’t have done this without you.
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| Jai Bhagwan (I honor the light within you, and your babies). |
| Tonya
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