FAQ Frequently asked questions about Zoe Meachem Yoga classes in Worcester and Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

 

Which of your classes is best suited to me? There are lots of different classes available, so if you're unsure please get in touch. Here's a general guide, but ages and stages can be flexible depending on you and your baby.

• The Fourth Trimester: Baby Massage and Postpartum Yoga - For babies from about 1 to 4 months old. Suitable after all types of birth.

• Postnatal Mum and Baby Yoga - Your baby needs to be 8 weeks old to take part. After a vaginal birth you can come from 8 weeks postpartum. If you had surgery such as a c-section, it's a good idea to wait until 12 weeks.

These are guidelines, so please listen to your body and don't rush back into exercise until you feel ready.

• Pregnancy Yoga - Suitable from 14 weeks pregnant right up until your baby is born.

• Women's Yoga - For all women from 3 months after birth (but not in the second or third trimester of pregnancy), supporting you through motherhood, perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

• Hypnobirthing - For birthing parents and their partners. Around 20 weeks is ideal, but you can come at any time before your baby's birth. 

 

Is pregnancy yoga safe? Yes. Every class is designed for pregnancy, and each posture is adapted for your stage and how you're feeling that day. I trained in pregnancy yoga in 2015 and in perinatal yoga therapy with the Minded Institute. Please let me know if you have any pregnancy complications, such as pelvic girdle pain, high blood pressure or placenta concerns, and check with your midwife first if you've been advised to limit exercise.

 

I've never done yoga before. Can I still come? Yes! Lots of women come to pregnancy yoga having never done yoga before. It's all gentle, I'll show you everything, and you can rest whenever you need to.

 

Where are the pregnancy yoga classes? Worcester: Mondays at Ombersley Road Methodist Church Bromsgrove: Tuesdays at Amphlett Hall Classes in Cheltenham are coming soon. Join the mailing list to be the first to hear when dates are released. Times are on the booking page.

 

How do the courses work? Courses run in 6-week blocks each half-term, and you book the whole block. If you'd like to join partway through, just get in touch and I'll let you know if there's space.

 

Can my partner come? Pregnancy yoga is just for you, but partners are very welcome at the Hypnobirthing workshops, where they learn how to support you during birth.

 

Is Women's Yoga right for me if I'm in perimenopause? Yes, it's a really good fit for this stage of life. Perimenopause can bring hot flushes, broken sleep, mood swings and a nervous system that feels on edge all the time. The slow Vinyasa and Yin in Women's Yoga, with longer-held poses and a gentle pace, help calm things down, and many women find their sleep and hot flushes ease over time. We use breathing techniques throughout the class, and they're things you can use at home too when your mood dips or anxiety creeps in. The other big thing is the company. Lots of women go through perimenopause quietly, and it can feel lonely. The sharing circle at the start gives you a space to talk to other women going through the same thing, and many say they leave feeling less alone.

 

Can I book a private class? Yes, absolutely! Please get in touch if you'd like to arrange a private class. Yoga Therapy, Hypnobirthing, Baby Massage and one-to-one yoga are all available.

 

What should I bring to Baby Massage classes? Everything you need is provided, including a cushion, towels and massage oil, along with handouts to keep. If you'd prefer to bring your own oil, that's absolutely fine.

 

What should I bring to Postnatal Mum and Baby Yoga? All equipment is provided, such as yoga mats, cushions and blocks. If you'd prefer to bring your own, that's fine too. There are lots of toys for babies to play with, but if they have a favourite toy, blanket or teether you might want to bring that along.

 

What if my baby is unsettled during the class? All babies have unsettled times when they need us to help them with something. It's all part of babyhood, so it's completely expected in baby classes. Please feel free to feed, change, rock or hold your baby at any time. Make yourself at home and focus on whatever your baby needs. You won't be disrupting the class.

 

What should I bring to Pregnancy Yoga or Women's Yoga? Everything you need is provided, such as a yoga mat, cushion, blanket and block. If you'd like to bring your own, that's fine by me. You might want a cosy layer for the relaxation, and if a pregnancy pillow is helping you get comfortable lying down, you're welcome to bring that too. One week each 6-week course we practise with yoga balls. I provide these, but you might like to get one to use at home.

 

Is there parking at the venue? There's free parking at all venues. If you're parking at Ombersley Road, please park carefully so we can all fit in, use stret parking once carpark is full. All baby venues have wheelchair access and lots of space, which is handy if you're bringing a pram.

 

What if I'm running late? Life is busy! Especially when you're pregnant or have little ones, so please never feel you need to miss a class if you're running late. Just arrive when you can and join in. I'll give you a wave and keep on teaching :)

 

Can I access your online classes at any time? All classes are currently in person, at venues in Worcester and Bromsgrove. If you can't make a class, get in touch to talk about options for streaming or a recorded class.