YOGA / PILATES FUSION (CORE FUSION) (POST PREGNANCY) w/ BABY MASSAGE

The Postnatal class is a supportive community for mums and babies from 6 weeks old to crawling. As a new mum you are welcome to join this class once you have completed your 6 week health check and therefore have the go-ahead from your doctor to begin an exercise regime.

In these baby-friendly classes, we focus on gentle pilates exercises with some yoga postures integrated that help restore strength to the pelvic floor and deep torso muscles, provide alignment and tone as a consequence offering relief from lifting, carrying, and nursing.

Massage and movement are an important part in the baby’s development so the class will begin with baby’s needs. When the baby is born their behavior is basically a reflex; then step by step with all the stimulation that the baby receives, they begin to act intentionally. Postnatal stimulation, in the form of baby massage, aids in optimising newborn babies’ mental, sensorial and social development.

Post Pregnancy Classes

What to bring for baby

The studio in which you will be practicing massage (and later on) some Core Fusion work for mum, is kept at a warm temperature suitable for baby’s near nakedness. However, you are requested to bring along suitable baby blankets to provide a soft surface, keeping baby comfortable & secure and to keep covered areas of the baby’s body that are not being massaged at any given time.

Due to the potential of allergies we do not provide specific oils or creams in this class. It is, however, a good idea to put some cream on your hands and rub them together so they will be soft and warm. Another option is talc. These choices are left to the discretion of mum as the most important component of baby massage is not the product used but touch itself.

Basically, the massage flows from the head to the toes. With soft and gentle touches you will work on the head, face, shoulders, arms, chest, stomach and legs. While you massage your baby you will look tenderly at him/her. Doing this you will stimulate all the senses of the baby and establish a more intense visual and tactile communication. You will also be encouraged to chat freely to your baby.

Remember that your touches should be tender and you should avoid making jerky motions. Try to be flexible add variety to your routine.

If your baby wants to change position let add/her do so. You should not force your baby to keep a position as these areas can be worked on at a later stage with the babies co-operation.

What to bring for you

The latter part of the class will focus on mum! Soft, comfortable, stretchy clothing should be worn. Yoga mats will be provided so it is not necessary to bring your own unless you so desire. If breastfeeding, remember to bring water to consume throughout the class.

Should your baby have moved into a deep state of relaxation due to your massage, then you can be totally self-indulgent as baby sleeps or quiety sits gurgling at other new found friends, all within your view. If baby has enjoyed mum’s full-on attention and doesn’t want to stop, then mum is encouraged to do what she needs to do whether it be continue with the massage, feed or involve baby in some of the exercises provided. You will be guided on this in class.

After completing 6 weeks of The Post Natal class, you will be ready to move into Core Fusion I. However, you and your baby are more than welcome to continue with this class in addition to your increased personal practice, in order that you may keep up with the baby massage and general interaction with other new mums.