prenatal yoga and childbirth classes

[gravida]

Thinking about both, yoga first, later the childbirth class and would like to hear your opinions, where to go? Which ones are better? And why?

[snowqueen]

I did pre-natal yoga and the antenatal classes as Mother & Child at Tanglin mall. I mainly did the yoga to meet new people as I'd only been here 5 weeks when I started. I now have 3 very good friends through that class. I also did the New Mums Group that have which as 4 week class and they encourage you to keep meeting on a weekly basis thereafter (which we still do 14 months on).

The antenatal class are OK, but I felt I learnt just as much from web sites and books throughout my pregnancy. Most of what we were told I already knew. I also find these classes seem to give a very 'romantic' view of childbirth and parent hood. The reality is very different

[gravida]

Thank you for your reply.
Did you benefit other way than socially from the yoga classes? Was that a good workout? Helped with stretching? Or was it equally 'romantic' as the antenatal class?
I am looking for something with real workout, of course within the limits allowed for the pregnant woman, and would like to also prepare my body for the labor. I did some yoga before and am aware, that I have quite stiff body so need a good stretch.

Also for the childbirth classes, I prefer more realistic ones than 'romantic'. Of course, it is great to meet new people and stay in contact, but that shouldn't be the main purpose of the course. Did anyone tried the Birth and Beyond classes?

[hbw65]

como shabala in the forum has a great prenatal yoga class and sky pilates has prenatal pilates too.

[snowqueen]

When I say 'romantic' it was more like the practicalities of preparing for birth, like stages of labour, what to expect if things don't go to plan (like assisted delivery and C-section), breastfeeding and a little on do's and don'ts of childcare. It seemed to go in the vain that everything would be wonderful and go as you imagine in your head (or birth plan) but I found the reality very different but then that's just my personal experience.

For example, although we covered breastfeeding I think I felt very unprepared for the realities of how hard breastfeeding really is. I had to have a C-section and I was exhausted beyond comprehension. Although I heard it would not be easy, I've always considered myself to be a strong minded, easy going person, I didn't expect to feel the way I did for some reason.

As for the yoga, in my early stages of pregnancy I found it really easy but then that depends on how fit you are to begin with. I'd been working out allot before I got pregnant and I was cycling right up to my 8th month but I've got to say, in the last 2/3 months I did find it harder to get into some of the positions, like reaching for my toes! It's a great way to meet people though and I've made some very good friends through it.