Sunfish Yoga and Therapy

Yoga and Therapies for Mums and Babies

I offer a range of therapy options for mums and babies in the Ashford area. These include:

Maternity Reflexology
from pre-conception through pregnancy and beyond

Jin Shin Jyutsu
safe and gentle at any stage of pregnancy

Birthlight Prenatal Yoga
classes suitable from 14 weeks to birth

Birth Preparation Workshops
Workshops for couples preparing for the birth of their baby

Birthlight Postnatal Yoga
classes for mums and babies

Maternity Reflexology

Reflexology can be used during pregnancy to relieve many common discomforts such as backache, sciatica, heartburn, constipation, and oedema. Research has also demonstrated that reflexology during pregnancy can help to reduce pain and the overall length of labour.
In addition, reflexology can be used before conception, to relax and balance the hormonal system; following the birth, it can be used to help relieve discomforts and adjust to the demands of new motherhood, giving some well-deserved 'me-time'.

Jin Shin Jyutsu

Jin Shin Jyutsu is a gentle healing treatment from Japan. It is an extremely safe and gentle therapy, and so is especially suited to pregnancy. The energy pathways of the body, as well as the emotions, are brought into a balanced state, and the client is taught some simple self-help techniques to maintain this state between appointments. This therapy is also simple and gentle enough for parents to use with their babies.

Birthlight Prenatal Yoga

These yoga classes are suitable from 14 weeks of pregnancy, and are based on traditional yoga postures (specially adapted for pregnancy), breathing practices and relaxation, together with flowing movements and sequences designed to teach greater body-awareness and intuitive movement in preparation for labour. Optimal foetal positioning is addressed through active and relaxation postures. Birth positions and movements are addressed, together with breathing techniques for labour, but the emphasis is equally on wellbeing during pregnancy, with specific postures and exercises to alleviate common discomforts such as backache, sciatica, heartburn and cramp. A minimum of 6 sessions is recommended, as a variety of techniques will be taught over this period, but in practice, most students continue to attend until the birth of their baby. Every class includes an informal 'tea and chat' time, so that mums-to-be can support each other and share any concerns.

'Having never undertaken yoga previously I attended Alison’s classes from about half way through my second pregnancy. I was planning a home water birth but had wanted to attend yoga purely for the relaxation aspects. However, I found myself using the breathing techniques right from the start of my 10 hour labour. This culminated in the ‘breathing out’ of my baby in the water pool after having been in the pool for 1 and ½ hours. It just all came together and resulted in an amazing birth. I highly recommend these friendly, relaxing classes'.
~ Helen Lee

Classes are currently available on Wednesday evenings, from 6.15 to 7.45pm, and Friday mornings, from 9am to 10.30am. Individual tuition is also available.
I am also able to supply useful pregnancy and birthing aids, including birth balls and Natal Hypnotherapy CDs.

Birth Preparation Workshops

These sessions are for couples preparing for the birth of their baby. They address:

the stages of labour

pain relief options

optimal foetal positioning

active birth positions

use of the birth ball

Primarily aimed at students attending the Prenatal class, these workshops would also be suitable for anyone interested in learning more about natural birth, whether you are planning a home, birthing centre or hospital birth.
Please contact me if you would like to attend the next workshop,or if you would like to organise one on an individual basis.

'The practical demonstration and discussion made the stages of labour easier to understand than reading from a book, particularly for my husband. The session was pitched just right to appeal to both the mothers and fathers to be. I was happy that my husband could get involved and he felt more confident about helping me cope during labour'.
~Sarah Ball, first-time mum

'I found this class 100 times better than my antenatal class'
~Jess McHaffie, first-time mum

Birthlight Postnatal Yoga

This class is suitable for mums and babies from a few weeks after birth, as soon as the mother feels ready, although many mums wait until after their GP check-up. The class includes some simple toning exercises for the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor, to re-establish core strength, and also adapted yoga postures, working towards more classical yoga postures as the mother gets stronger. You may feed and change your baby at any time. Breathing and relaxation practices fit in around the needs of the babies - for instance, if the majority of babies are feeding, we will go into some breathing practice rather than posture work. This class is held on Monday mornings, from 10.00 to 11.30am, and on Friday mornings, from 10.15 to 11.45am.
My Dru yoga class would be an ideal follow-on class, once a mother feels ready to start exercising without her baby.

'I have attended both antenatal and postnatal yoga on the recommendation of my midwife. The yoga exercise programme eradicated pre-birth sciatica after one session and helped promote increased mobility and a short labour. Postnatally, I find the yoga invigorates me and pre-pregnancy fitness and figure have returned, made easier as my baby comes to sessions with me.'
~Sheila Hodge, first-time mum

If you would like to discuss any aspect of how reflexology, Jin Shin Jyutsu or yoga could help you, or if you would like to book a place in one of the classes, please contact me by phone or email.