

Be sure your teacher is certified in Prenatal Yoga….keep you and baby safe…!
With over 300 hours in Prenatal teachings, your instructor has also been trained to know when to suggest a student consult a
health care professional regarding pregnancy issues. We possess the understanding of psychological considerations during
pregnancy and how to differentiate between high-risk and non-high-risk pregnancy. Specialized to the needs of the pregnant
woman, including practice and teaching skills for trimester-specific yoga techniques are in consideration at all times.
Help During Pregnancy...
Increases overall strength, flexibility & well-being — When you practice yoga, you are not only stretching your muscles, you are
stretching the tissues that encase your muscles, stimulating your organ systems, promoting the circulation of blood and oxygen,
breathing more intentionally, and focusing your attention inward through imagery and meditation. The combined effect is
intended to be one that promotes a heightened state of physical and emotional well-being.
Reduces low back pain & sciatica — As you become acutely aware of proper body alignment, you can carry yourself and
your belly in an integrated manner. This can help to reduce the degree of pelvic tilt associated with pregnancy and significantly
reduce the lower back pain which it can cause. Additionally, there are specific yoga poses which stretch the muscles and tissues
associated with the lower back, hips, and hamstrings. Your instructor should make these poses a part of each class.
Reduces aches & fatigue in the thoracic & cervical regions of the spine — During pregnancy, it can be difficult to
find a space for yourself when trying to sleep. As a result, spinal alignment can become compromised. Certain yoga poses create
more fluidity in the spine by stretching the Para spinal muscles.
Reduces swelling & inflammation around your joints — A regular and consistent asana practice improves and
promotes the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout your body. This, in turn, can reduce swelling and inflammation
around ankles and wrists.
Aids in digestion — As baby grows, your intestinal organs get pushed around, which may affect your regularity and cause
indigestion. Safe and gentle rotations and forward folds can help to promote regularity and aid in overall digestive flow.
Helps prepare you physically for giving birth — A regular practice of squatting asana helps to tone muscles of your
pelvic floor and helps you gain strength to remain comfortable in a squatting position. This is an integral part of any yoga
program as it helps to familiarize you with these very useful muscles. Even if you choose not to squat during labor, you will
want to be able to use these muscles efficiently and effectively when nature calls upon you to push your baby into the world.
Improves emotional well-being — Participating in a group prenatal class provides a community of support from new
friends who understand what you are experiencing. Some programs may even include discussions about pregnancy-related
topics such as doulas, nursing, and birth plans.
Help During Labor...
Regardless of whether you are looking forward to a drug assisted birth or planning for a natural delivery, regular participation
in a prenatal yoga program can reduce labor-associated anxiety by helping you tap into your own labor tools.
Soothe & empower yourself by finding your own inner rhythm — You can learn to breathe in a way that is
relaxing and natural, rather than contrived or awkward. When you consistently practice moving your body in a rhythmic
fashion in unison with your breath, you carry with you a powerful relaxation and pain management tool.
Facilitate the labor process — Through yoga, you can learn how to identify when you are holding to tension in your
body. A body that is tense is not going to facilitate the birth process as easily as one that is relaxed. Moreover, when the body is
tense, you may experience tension in thought and a withholding of breath.
Improve your physical comfort — If you are hoping for a natural birth, it can be helpful to have an idea of how you can
position your body to help you during contractions and during relaxation. Many yoga poses can translate wonderfully into
comfortable laboring positions.
Learn to use the tools of meditation & visual imagery — When it comes time to ride through the most powerful of
contractions, visual imagery combined with breath work can be one of the most useful labor tools.
Become familiar with the concept of vocalization — Labor is no time to be shy. It is the rare woman who births
naturally and does not make a lot of noise in the process. If your yoga class includes chanting, you have an opportunity to
become comfortable with the inherent power of vocalization. After all, "Om" is the birth sound!
Use the muscles of your pelvic floor effectively — The weeks of squatting were not done in vain! Squatting combined
with a kegel-like movement during pregnancy really can help your labor in two ways. If you receive an epidural, you may lose
sensation in your pelvic floor which can make pushing your baby out a bit of a guessing game. If you are used to working with
these muscles, you will find it easier to use them even if you cannot feel them. Alternatively, if you are opting for a natural
birth, you will want these muscles to work quickly and effectively when it comes time to push.
Finding the Right Instructor
It is important to find a class and teacher that feels right for you. It is okay to ask for references of students who participated in
the program. Don't be shy about asking your potential yoga instructor about her training, the format she uses, or the intention
of her class. Pregnancy is not the time to attend a regular yoga class. Not only does that increase the likelihood of causing injury,
but you would be missing out on a wonderful opportunity to participate in a class tailored for pregnancy
Techniques include: alignment for the expectant mother, appropriate yoga techniques for each trimester, how to practice yoga
techniques safely and relaxation and stress management techniques. We have studied in depth the human anatomy and
physiology (both physical and subtle body) related specifically to considerations during pregnancy. Topics included a strong
overview of what is normal anatomy and physiology during pregnancy, how organs function during pregnancy, overview of
the complications, including miscarriage, premature labor, hypertension, preeclampsia and body mechanics. Let me help you
design lesson plans for each trimester!
Certified by the National Yoga Alliance in Prenatal Yoga (includes Postnatal)
Sandy Hicks, RYT 1000 and RCYT

Rochester NY!
is a professional trained Prenatal Alliance (RPYT). In each class she Founder & Lead Instructor, Sandy Hicks Alliance (RPYT). In each class she teaches - she modifies for your particular trimester needs. However, we also offer class room with just other expecting moms on Saturdays!
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Private Sessions are also available.
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PRENATAL YOGA.........Private or Classroom
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Prenatal Yoga is
offered in all
locations:
Canandaigua,
Bloomfield and
Pittsford
Grounded By Yoga offers yoga classes and instruction at all levels to Ontario County residents living in: Canandaigua, NY 14424, Victor, NY 14534, Geneva, NY 14456, Farmington, NY
14425, Bloomfield, NY 14469, Naples, NY 14512, Lima, NY, 14485and Clifton Springs, NY 14432, Mendon, NY 14506. Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
Also see Groupon Special for Prenatal!!
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Welcome! Please visit our NEW Website at www.GroundedByWellness.com or www.GroundedByYoga.com!
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