Yoga is a fantastic way to prepare your body and mind for birth and mother hood. The classes comprise of a series of exercises that will help you're your body cope with the huge changes going on and prepare for the birth. Specifically:

• Yoga helps you learn to relax. We can't really teach you how to give birth. The exquisite way your body is designed, means you already know how to give birth, all you need to do is relax and let nature take its course.
Relaxation techniques can help you cope with the stresses of motherhood, but more importantly, the pain of labour.
• Flexibility is helpful if you are going to let your body open during birth. Yoga postures can help loosen tight muscles and joints, allowing you the freedom to adopt what ever positions you like in labour.
• Keeping up with a regular exercise program in pregnancy is important. Carrying a child is like doing a mini marathon over those nine months. You need to keep up your strength for whats coming and to help prepare your body for birth.
• Many pregnant women feel their posture suffers from the additional weight of their baby and their new boobs. Yoga can help stretch out and strengthen your body.

Finally, being in a group of pregnant women can provide many good tips and friendships. Who knows, you might meet each other on a labour ward. It's happened a few time to our mothers.

Classes are suitable for all pregnant women in their second and third trimester.

ACTIVE BIRTH WORKSHOP - Giving Birth on Your Own Two Feet: with Lisa Wilkinson - NEW 2 DAY WORKSHOP**

Giving Birth on Your Own Two Feet - Active Birth Workshop: with Lisa Wilkinson

Click here for date of next workshop

Partners free

Pregnancy often raises many concerns and questions about the imminent arrival of the new addition to your family.You can use this period of growth and reflection as the ideal learning time for a wonderful life changing experience.

Attending this workshop will empower both you and your partner to be more actively involved in your birth.

 

• how to get up to 28% extra space in your pelvic outlet
• the anatomy and physiology of birth including the cocktail of hormones and the wonder of the pelvis
• what is pain and why it is there
• the benefits and risks of medical interventions and drugs during labour and their effects on you and your baby
• what to really expect in a hospital birth, midwifery led unit, consultant led unit and home birth
• films of natural births
• breath and relaxation techniques to increase your ability to maximise your own pain relieving hormones and keep labour progressing
• labouring and birthing positions
• practical tips on stress reduction in the hospital environment
• optimal foetal positioning
• partner's role and ideas for maximising their support
• perineal care
• Homeopathy in childbirth - common remedies for pain, fear, disappointment, ineffectual contractions, exhaustion
• postnatal tips

This workshop is lead by The elbowroom's founder, Lisa Wilkinson. Mother of Tuilelaith and Sean, Lisa teaches, yoga and pre-natal yoga in addition to the active birth workshops. She has trained with the YTTC and Birth International in pre-natal yoga and Active Birthing with Janet Balaskas. Lisa also trained with the renound Michele Odent and is a doula (birth attendant to provide support for women during their pregnancy and birth) and has worked in all the major maternity hospitals. She feels that with a strong courage of convictions, information and empowerment, birth can be a liberating and wonderous adventure.

Booking essential, to guarantee your spot, a €60 deposit to be received at time of booking. Please mail info@the-elbowroom.com or call 01-6779859.

 

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a natural healing art, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands which correspond to every part of the body. By stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands, you are increasing circulation and promoting specific bodily and muscular functions.

Reflexology can be used as a self healing art as well. It can be used to balance emotions, restore circulation throughout the physical body, and increase spiritual awareness. While increasing circulation in the brain, it can improve concentration and the ability to meditate. Reflexology can relieve insomnia and help in lowering blood pressure.

Book appointments directly using our online booking form, by calling 01-6779859 or e-mailing us at info@the-elbowroom.com

 

PRE-NATAL MASSAGE

Pre-natal massage is a natural, touch therapy treatment aimed at alleviating pregnancy related symptoms, offering a wide range of benefits, which include the following:

• Eases backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches that may be caused by muscle tension and shifts in posture to accommodate increasing weight
• Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area.
• Increases circulation
• Reduces fatigue
• Improves skin elasticity that can help reduce stretch marks
• Helps reduce swelling in such places as the hands
• Stabilises hormone levels by lessening anxiety

All expectant mothers should check with their doctors prior to getting a massage. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or are on the early stages of pregnancy (the first trimester), pre-natal massage may not be recommended. It is important to share information about your condition and your preferences with your therapist when you arrive for your appointment.

PRE-NATAL DISCOUNTS

Once you go on maternity leave, you qualify for 20% discounts on yoga classes and massage therapies. This discount applies until you decide to return to work (if you ever do!).

To avail of this offer you need to buy a 8 class yoga pass which we will discount at 20% along with any subsequent passes or massage therapies.