As you breathe, so your baby breathes.
~ Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa

***COVID UPDATE: At this time, I am not teaching any public yoga classes in person or online. Please contact me if you are interested in private yoga or meditation instruction, available through live streaming or pre-recorded video. 

“I’ve never done yoga, but I heard that its good for me and my baby in pregnancy.”

You heard right! Yoga and pregnancy are a perfect match – both provide us with opportunities to be mindful in our body, breath and mind.  As a certified prenatal and postnatal yoga teacher, I safely guide you through a gentle practice that offers benefits to both you and your baby, including (but are definitely not limited to):

• a body that is toned and open, ready for labour and birth
• fewer pregnancy aches and pains
• discovering a full breathe that you can rely on in any situation
• improved blood flow and oxygenation
• a healthier, more balanced pelvic floor
• mindfulness and an ability to be  present in the moment
• enjoyable relaxation and nurturing self-care

You’ll take home concrete tools that have helped my clients to manage their pregnancy, birth and beyond with ease and comfort. Take time to connect with the person growing inside of you, while listen to your own deep inner wisdom.

“I was loving yoga before pregnancy, but how will I do sun salutations with a baby belly?  I don’t want to give up my yoga bliss!”

If you already have an established yoga practice, I’m here to help you keep it going! I can suggest safe and appropriate modifications that address specific pregnancy-related physical issues.

“I want to work out, but I don’t really want to leave my baby to go to the gym. How can I meet my baby’s needs AND my own?” Good news! You can enjoy yoga with (or without) your new baby. Need to pause for a diaper change or feeding? No problem! Your baby is a welcome part of this workout. It’s absolutely delicious to share your yoga practice with your baby, through touch, holding and eye contact. You’ll discover your baby is the best yoga prop EVER!

“They talk about bouncing back after the baby comes, but I sure don’t feel bouncey.” Your post-pregnancy body is recovering from a major transformation! You may be dealing with never-before-imagined changes in your body. Add lack of sleep and hormones to the mix, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Give yourself (and your family) the gift of a healing practice that respects where you are and where you’ve been. This  practice also gives love to the aches and pains of any parent that come with caring for a new little person every day.

I’m a Certified Yoga Teacher (250 hours), with additional certification in Prenatal Yoga & Postnatal Yoga. I’ve been a mover all my life – trained as a professional dancer, and practicing yoga for 20 years. I’ve also maintained a daily meditation practice for more than a decade, and have shared my formal studies through meditation workshops and courses across the GTA.  I’m eager to share with you the foundation of steadiness and joy that yoga and meditation have brought to my life. I offer yoga for pregnancy and beyond in a variety of settings:

PUBLIC CLASSES

At this time, I am not currently teaching public classes. Stay tuned for updates.

PRIVATE CLASSES

Both prenatal and postnatal classes are available on request, custom tailored to your stage of parenthood, physical condition, needs and interests. A beautiful way to create special time together with a partner, or special friends and family members. In your home, office, studio or other convenient location. Too busy even for that? Practice with me on Zoom! Contact me to book now. 

EVEN MORE YOGA & MEDITATION

You can find my regular yoga and meditation teaching schedule as well as special workshops and courses at www.smileydharma.com. If you’re pregnant or recovering from childbirth, you’re always welcome at my public classes. I will safely share modifications to poses for your stage of parenthood.