Questions, answered
There are no silly questions in pregnancy — only honest ones. Here are the things women ask me most.
Before you begin
If your question isn’t here, please just ask. I answer every message myself.
When can I start pregnancy yoga?
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Most women join from around 12 weeks, once the early weeks have settled. If you would like to come earlier, or you are further along and wondering whether it is too late, just ask — it very rarely is. Many women join at 34 weeks and still feel the benefit.
I have never done yoga before. Will I be out of my depth?
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Not at all. Pregnancy yoga is its own practice, and the majority of women in class have never stepped on a mat before. Everything is offered gently, with options, and nothing is compulsory. You move at the pace of your own body.
What should I bring and wear?
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Wear something comfortable you can move and breathe in. Bring a mat if you have one, a bottle of water and a pair of warm socks for the relaxation. Cushions, blankets and bolsters are all provided.
What actually happens in a class?
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We begin by arriving and settling, then move through gentle mobility and strengthening work for the pregnant body, breath practices you can carry into labour, and a long guided relaxation drawn from hypnobirthing. There is usually a little time afterwards for questions or a chat.
Is hypnobirthing just for a natural birth?
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No. Hypnobirthing is a set of tools for staying calm, informed and involved in your decisions — whatever kind of birth you have or choose. Women use the same breathing and relaxation for an induction, a caesarean or a home birth.
Can my partner come?
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Partners are warmly welcome on the hypnobirthing course, where their role is a big part of what we cover. Pregnancy yoga classes are a women-only space, though I do run occasional partner sessions.
What is matrescence, and why do you talk about it so much?
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Matrescence is the developmental transition into motherhood — physical, hormonal, psychological and social. Birth preparation often stops at the birth itself. I include matrescence because the weeks and months afterwards deserve the same gentle preparation.
Are you a midwife?
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Yes. I am a practising midwife as well as a Yoga Alliance accredited pregnancy yoga teacher, a Katherine Graves hypnobirthing teacher, an antenatal educator and trained in Compassion Focused Therapy.
Where are you based?
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I live and work in Lincolnshire and welcome women from across the surrounding area. Exact venues are shared when you book.
How do I book?
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Online booking is coming soon. In the meantime, send me an enquiry and I will reply personally, usually within 48 hours, with dates, venue details and everything you need to know.