The Magical Journey

From the very beginning of life when a baby is created a magical journey begins. The nurturing of both parent and baby during pregnancy, birth and beyond is essential for happy and healthy development. A holistic approach to birth and parenting, integrating mind, body and emotions will promote a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with others.

Prenatal classes can help women and their partners to focus on this time of transition and change and to prepare for the beginning of a new family.

Childbirth preparation courses and active birth workshops provide education and support, time for discussion and the opportunity to make lifelong friendships. The fundamental aspects of labour and birth are explored. How the natural release of hormones affects the rhythm and flow of labour and how the position of the mothers body will aid the journey of the baby through the birth canal. Breathing techniques for labour and birth are included as well as practical ideas for partners on how to help a woman in labour.

Antenatal yoga classes provide women with a safe environment in which to explore their feelings and to adapt to the changes in their bodies. Yoga can provide a constant thread of stability. The principles of yoga include balance, awareness and respect. Women are empowered to feel confident in their ability to give birth. Yoga postures and movements will provide more space for the baby and alleviate many pregnancy discomforts. Every class ends with a deep relaxation allowing the body to release tensions and the mind to become still. Both mother and baby are nourished and energy is renewed.

Aqua yoga for pregnancy gives women the opportunity to enjoy freedom of movement supported and protected in the water environment. Flexibility and mobility are increased and women are able to feel more comfortable in their bodies. Yoga stretches in the water promote overall health for mother and baby. Breathing is expanded and the circulation improves. Movements practiced in the last few weeks of pregnancy will encourage the baby into a favourable position for birth.

Postnatal parent and baby classes from newborn to toddler create a warm and friendly atmosphere, promoting enjoyment and confidence in the handling of babies and in ways of relating to our children. Babies have open hearts and minds and are ready to embrace new experiences. The shared experience for both parent and baby encourages early bonding and creates a secure and happy foundation of well-being. We see the development of mutual respect and understanding and the expression of pleasure and delight

Baby yoga provides the stimulation of touch, movement and rhythm, as well as the benefits of deep relaxation. The series of sequences encourage flexibility and bring balance and harmony to the body systems. Each movement supports the baby's individual development, strengthening the physical body and maintaining flexibility. Tactile stimulation contributes to the development of the brain and the nervous system.

Baby yoga can help to settle babies and to improve sleep patterns. The movements and massage will aid digestion and give relief to colicky babies. Yoga will promote normal healthy growth preventing many problems from occurring.

Baby swimming can be a wonderful shared experience for all the family. From the first splashes in the bath to confidently diving under the water babies delight in the freedom and fun that water provides. Parents learn to play with their babies confidently and safely. The babies develop water confidence and specific skills to move towards independent swimming. The warm water promotes relaxation and little babies enjoy floating peacefully on their backs often gazing up into their parent's eyes. The more playful toddlers are jumping and splashing and joining in with many songs and activities.

The continuity of nurture and support provided by Birthlight classes has helped many families through the joys and challenges of these early years. Spirals of joy are created and expressions of love and caring will touch an ever-widening circle of family and friends.

Next: Our Classes and Courses in Cambridge.