Yoga - Frequently Asked Questions
***Special Announcement: Please do NOT come to the studio for classes until further notice. We do have in-person classes at some parks throughout the Peninsula and South Bay Area. The rest of our classes are online. You can find location specifics (in person vs online) in the class descriptions.
I've never been to a yoga class at Blossom. Do I need to pre-register?
All yoga classes at Blossom (except for specialized one-time workshops like our Pelvic Floor Workshop) are drop-in classes. There is no need to pre-register, although creating an account and pre-paying for your class through YogaReg (our secure online registration system) will help speed up the check-in process when you arrive.
What should I bring to class? What should I wear?
Please bring your own yoga mat (and blankets for your baby for Mom & Baby Yoga). You may also like to bring a water bottle. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in: yoga pants, sweats, T-shirts, etc.
All yoga classes at Blossom (except for specialized one-time workshops like our Pelvic Floor Workshop) are drop-in classes. There is no need to pre-register, although creating an account and pre-paying for your class through YogaReg (our secure online registration system) will help speed up the check-in process when you arrive.
What should I bring to class? What should I wear?
Please bring your own yoga mat (and blankets for your baby for Mom & Baby Yoga). You may also like to bring a water bottle. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in: yoga pants, sweats, T-shirts, etc.
When should I start Prenatal Yoga?
I am just 6 weeks pregnant…is it too early to start?
I am already 8 months pregnant…is it too late to start?
Prenatal Yoga can be started at any stage of pregnancy. The sooner you begin, the more time you will have to prepare for your upcoming birth, connect with other pregnant moms, and avoid common discomforts of pregnancy. Should you be unable to begin classes until the later stages of pregnancy, even one or two classes can be of benefit. Please join us whenever you can.
Will Prenatal Yoga alleviate common pregnancy discomforts?
The vast majority of mothers who practice yoga in their pregnancies report a decrease in their discomfort. Back pain, insomnia, hip pain, sciatica, leg cramps, and round ligament pain are just a few of the pregnancy discomforts which are easily remedied through a regular yoga practice. Please let our instructor know during intros/ check-in if there is something that you would like to address through the yoga practice. Not only will she be able to address it in the practice, other moms may have experienced the same issue and have ideas to help.
How will Prenatal Yoga prepare me for my labor?
A consistent yoga practice can help put your baby in an optimal position for labor, and many of the postures and movements practiced in class can be used during labor to cope with the discomfort and help your labor to progress efficiently. In addition, many questions and concerns regarding the birth experience are addressed in class. Our instructors can answer questions or direct you to appropriate resources and other students may have experiences and information to share, as well.
I have been practicing yoga for years…will Prenatal Yoga be challenging enough for me?
Preparing for labor can be thought of as training for an athletic event, and while Prenatal Yoga is sensitive to the needs of pregnant women, most will find at least part of the practice physically challenging. As an example, some classes may include holding poses such as Warrior (virabhadrasana) or Powerful pose (utkatasana) for a minute while practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques to cope with the discomfort. Other classes use an active vinyasa practice. And some classes may use a gentler practice with the challenge resting in the meditation aspects.
Like “regular” yoga, Prenatal Yoga comes in many styles: restorative, vinyasa, etc. Our classes are as diverse as our teachers and if one class does not meet your needs, we invite you to try another. Try different classes and visit different instructors to help find a class that works for you. And of course, be mindful of your changing body- you may find that the practice you have been used to is not what your body needs during this transformative time.
I have never practiced yoga before and I am not flexible…will Prenatal Yoga be too difficult for me?
Many women come to yoga for the first time when they are pregnant. While the practice will offer a challenge for long-time yoga practitioners, it is designed to welcome newcomers, as well. All of our teachers are trained to meet you where you are and offer modifications as necessary. You are invited to communicate with our instructor throughout class, letting her know if something does not feel right and asking for assistance. Whether you are a long-time yoga practitioner, or completely new to yoga, remember to listen to your body and honor your needs in the moment. Our yoga instructors- and the practice itself- will help you to do this.
And all yoga practice- whether prenatal or not- will help increase flexibility. Few yogis have come to the practice already flexible- it’s the practice that made them so!
What does Prenatal Yoga have to offer that a regular yoga class does not?
The focus of Prenatal Yoga is very specific to the childbearing year. The physical practice focuses on relief for common pregnancy discomforts while preparing the body for the rigors of labor. Many poses can even be used as labor coping tools. The meditation aspect of the class will help you feel connected to your pregnant self and your baby, and the community building will help you feel connected to other mothers sharing many similar emotions, questions, and experiences. This is a great opportunity to “compare notes” and make long-lasting friendships! In addition, pregnant moms taking regular yoga classes are often met with misinformed comments and instruction from well-meaning teachers and classmates, preventing them from getting the most out of their practice. Prenatal yoga class offers a safe space to totally immerse in the experience of pregnancy and let go of the distractions of the outside world.
What is the advantage of taking a class as compared to just practicing at home with a book or video?
Coming to class provides you with community and personalized instruction that cannot be provided from a book or video. Our instructors can tailor your practice to meet your specific needs and help you troubleshoot when a pose feels awkward or you are experiencing discomfort that requires special attention. The conversation that happens in class can help moms find a provider, learn what to expect in their chosen birthing facility, or hear about maternity care options they would not otherwise learn about. A good prenatal yoga DVD or book is a great way to practice at home between classes, but is not a good substitute for class itself!
How soon can I return to yoga after my baby is born?
Every mother has different needs and we encourage you to listen to your body. Postpartum bleeding is your body's way of saying you should take it easy and just focus on adjusting to life caring for a newborn. However, if you find you really just need to get out with your baby and be around others, we welcome you to join us. Just take the physical practice very slowly, focusing on the meditation and gentle stretching while sitting out the more challenging or vigorous parts of the practice. If you find your bleeding returns or increases, it is your body's way of saying you did too much! Mothers who had a difficult delivery or cesarean birth may need a bit longer than to recover.
My baby is a few months old (or older!) and I still don't feel ready to return to "regular" yoga...What do you recommend?
Becoming a mother is a huge transition- and it is normal to not feel ready for a "regular" yoga class for some time. Our Mom & Baby Yoga classes are designed specifically for the Postpartum Mom. No need to worry about childcare- your baby is welcome! The yoga practice focuses on mom and many poses incorporate your baby. The class honors the needs of both the babies and the moms- if you need to pause to soothe, change, or to feed your baby, no problem! Sometimes the priority is to simply get out and connect with other mothers and babies. Feel free to take the physical practice at your own pace, while enjoying the company of others. Consult with your physician if you have any concerns about returning to regular activites and exercise.
If you prefer some time alone to focus on your practice without baby in tow, but aren't feeling quite ready for a "regular" yoga class, we welcome Postpartum Moms to all of our Prenatal Yoga classes.
I am just 6 weeks pregnant…is it too early to start?
I am already 8 months pregnant…is it too late to start?
Prenatal Yoga can be started at any stage of pregnancy. The sooner you begin, the more time you will have to prepare for your upcoming birth, connect with other pregnant moms, and avoid common discomforts of pregnancy. Should you be unable to begin classes until the later stages of pregnancy, even one or two classes can be of benefit. Please join us whenever you can.
Will Prenatal Yoga alleviate common pregnancy discomforts?
The vast majority of mothers who practice yoga in their pregnancies report a decrease in their discomfort. Back pain, insomnia, hip pain, sciatica, leg cramps, and round ligament pain are just a few of the pregnancy discomforts which are easily remedied through a regular yoga practice. Please let our instructor know during intros/ check-in if there is something that you would like to address through the yoga practice. Not only will she be able to address it in the practice, other moms may have experienced the same issue and have ideas to help.
How will Prenatal Yoga prepare me for my labor?
A consistent yoga practice can help put your baby in an optimal position for labor, and many of the postures and movements practiced in class can be used during labor to cope with the discomfort and help your labor to progress efficiently. In addition, many questions and concerns regarding the birth experience are addressed in class. Our instructors can answer questions or direct you to appropriate resources and other students may have experiences and information to share, as well.
I have been practicing yoga for years…will Prenatal Yoga be challenging enough for me?
Preparing for labor can be thought of as training for an athletic event, and while Prenatal Yoga is sensitive to the needs of pregnant women, most will find at least part of the practice physically challenging. As an example, some classes may include holding poses such as Warrior (virabhadrasana) or Powerful pose (utkatasana) for a minute while practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques to cope with the discomfort. Other classes use an active vinyasa practice. And some classes may use a gentler practice with the challenge resting in the meditation aspects.
Like “regular” yoga, Prenatal Yoga comes in many styles: restorative, vinyasa, etc. Our classes are as diverse as our teachers and if one class does not meet your needs, we invite you to try another. Try different classes and visit different instructors to help find a class that works for you. And of course, be mindful of your changing body- you may find that the practice you have been used to is not what your body needs during this transformative time.
I have never practiced yoga before and I am not flexible…will Prenatal Yoga be too difficult for me?
Many women come to yoga for the first time when they are pregnant. While the practice will offer a challenge for long-time yoga practitioners, it is designed to welcome newcomers, as well. All of our teachers are trained to meet you where you are and offer modifications as necessary. You are invited to communicate with our instructor throughout class, letting her know if something does not feel right and asking for assistance. Whether you are a long-time yoga practitioner, or completely new to yoga, remember to listen to your body and honor your needs in the moment. Our yoga instructors- and the practice itself- will help you to do this.
And all yoga practice- whether prenatal or not- will help increase flexibility. Few yogis have come to the practice already flexible- it’s the practice that made them so!
What does Prenatal Yoga have to offer that a regular yoga class does not?
The focus of Prenatal Yoga is very specific to the childbearing year. The physical practice focuses on relief for common pregnancy discomforts while preparing the body for the rigors of labor. Many poses can even be used as labor coping tools. The meditation aspect of the class will help you feel connected to your pregnant self and your baby, and the community building will help you feel connected to other mothers sharing many similar emotions, questions, and experiences. This is a great opportunity to “compare notes” and make long-lasting friendships! In addition, pregnant moms taking regular yoga classes are often met with misinformed comments and instruction from well-meaning teachers and classmates, preventing them from getting the most out of their practice. Prenatal yoga class offers a safe space to totally immerse in the experience of pregnancy and let go of the distractions of the outside world.
What is the advantage of taking a class as compared to just practicing at home with a book or video?
Coming to class provides you with community and personalized instruction that cannot be provided from a book or video. Our instructors can tailor your practice to meet your specific needs and help you troubleshoot when a pose feels awkward or you are experiencing discomfort that requires special attention. The conversation that happens in class can help moms find a provider, learn what to expect in their chosen birthing facility, or hear about maternity care options they would not otherwise learn about. A good prenatal yoga DVD or book is a great way to practice at home between classes, but is not a good substitute for class itself!
How soon can I return to yoga after my baby is born?
Every mother has different needs and we encourage you to listen to your body. Postpartum bleeding is your body's way of saying you should take it easy and just focus on adjusting to life caring for a newborn. However, if you find you really just need to get out with your baby and be around others, we welcome you to join us. Just take the physical practice very slowly, focusing on the meditation and gentle stretching while sitting out the more challenging or vigorous parts of the practice. If you find your bleeding returns or increases, it is your body's way of saying you did too much! Mothers who had a difficult delivery or cesarean birth may need a bit longer than to recover.
My baby is a few months old (or older!) and I still don't feel ready to return to "regular" yoga...What do you recommend?
Becoming a mother is a huge transition- and it is normal to not feel ready for a "regular" yoga class for some time. Our Mom & Baby Yoga classes are designed specifically for the Postpartum Mom. No need to worry about childcare- your baby is welcome! The yoga practice focuses on mom and many poses incorporate your baby. The class honors the needs of both the babies and the moms- if you need to pause to soothe, change, or to feed your baby, no problem! Sometimes the priority is to simply get out and connect with other mothers and babies. Feel free to take the physical practice at your own pace, while enjoying the company of others. Consult with your physician if you have any concerns about returning to regular activites and exercise.
If you prefer some time alone to focus on your practice without baby in tow, but aren't feeling quite ready for a "regular" yoga class, we welcome Postpartum Moms to all of our Prenatal Yoga classes.
What is the age limit on Mom/ Toddler Yoga? Can I bring my older or younger child along?
While our Mom/ Toddler Yoga class is designed for mothers and their children ages one to three, we welcome younger or older children. Our instructors are trained and experienced in working with kids of all ages. Poses and activities will be offered to meet the needs of all children that show up for class. Your non-mobile baby may enjoy the class before his or her first birthday depending on temperament, and your child over the age of three may enjoy the class as well, so feel free to give the class a try if your child is outside the average age.
Siblings of toddlers are welcome, as well. Moms who are expecting their second or subsequent child may not be able to take a prenatal yoga class due to childcare issues and once your new baby arrives, you may want to continue bringing your older child to class with baby in tow. Or perhaps your toddler is your younger child and you need to bring your older child along for the ride. We welcome siblings to meet the needs of your family.
While our Mom/ Toddler Yoga class is designed for mothers and their children ages one to three, we welcome younger or older children. Our instructors are trained and experienced in working with kids of all ages. Poses and activities will be offered to meet the needs of all children that show up for class. Your non-mobile baby may enjoy the class before his or her first birthday depending on temperament, and your child over the age of three may enjoy the class as well, so feel free to give the class a try if your child is outside the average age.
Siblings of toddlers are welcome, as well. Moms who are expecting their second or subsequent child may not be able to take a prenatal yoga class due to childcare issues and once your new baby arrives, you may want to continue bringing your older child to class with baby in tow. Or perhaps your toddler is your younger child and you need to bring your older child along for the ride. We welcome siblings to meet the needs of your family.
How do I know if a class is cancelled?
Class may be cancelled depending on weather conditions. We encourage you to always check Facebook/Instagram and our online calendar for updates before you come to the park.
If you have questions about the park classes, please email: carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org.
How do I know if a class is cancelled?
Class may be cancelled depending on weather conditions. We encourage you to always check Facebook/Instagram and our online calendar for updates before you come to the park.
If you have questions about the park classes, please email: carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org.
