Dear Mothers-to-Be, and Parents-to-Be, New Mamas and New Parents,

Welcome to Ancient Wisdom Yoga Integral Prenatal/Postnatal Program.

Nicole’s continued passion for pregnant women and their families spans over a time frame of

27 years as a Midwife’s Apprentice, Birth Doula, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher and Childbirth Educator.

You’ll find that classes are full of practical information and resources, as well as being designed to keep the expectant mom in shape, relieve the discomforts associated with pregnancy

Below is a list and description of currently available classes for you, your partner, and then with your new baby.

Prenatal Yoga

Pregnancy is a time of changes, physiologically, emotionally and hormonally.

Yoga provides the necessary tools to address these changes by drawing from

ancient techniques that I adapt to the lives of modern women and their partners.

The classical Yoga poses and practices are modified to suit the changing pregnant body. Mental and emotional states of each trimester are addressed. In the classes you will meet and connect with other mothers-to-be and enjoy a relaxed, supportive and dynamic atmosphere. This new community can bring you many years of support during your parenting years. You will also benefit from the expertise and counsel of an experienced teacher.

In class, we will practice poses to alleviate normal pregnancy changes, yogic breathing to be practiced during pregnancy and labor, concentration and meditation techniques to prepare you to achieve your optimal birth experience while maintaining your inner balance through the intensity of the experience. You will also receive lots of info on birth choices, community resources, and other aspects of pregnancy and birth.

Here’s a few benefits of Prenatal Yoga:

• The release of physical tension in muscles and joints
• Awareness of your inner self and baby within
• The release of fear and mental strain
• A deeper connection with partner or family
• Increase courage and inner strength
• Maintain an optimal posture as your belly grows and your body changes.
• Keep your body toned and strong
• Increase your self-confidence

Preggie Social

The second Monday of each month, after the Monday night class (6:45 pm), a local professional is invited to share their expertise on pregnancy and parenting-related subjects. You can expect to hear a midwife, doula, chiropractor, acupuncturist, cloth diapering company, baby photographer, lactation consultant, nutritionist, etc... The event is free with refreshments and an opportunity for you to create a new community for your family.

Preggie Vinyasa Flow Yoga

is a modified sun salutation sequence designed for the pregnant body. Yoga poses are selected for their strengthening effect , to increase circulation, maintain good posture, and open the hips for birth, while maintaining the integrity of the ligaments of the body.
Strong muscles protects from injury due to the softening of the joints from the relaxin hormone.
The sequence is energizing and will help to balance the moods of pregnancy and all the systems of the body. Mothers are encouraged to move at their own pace and stay hydrated throughout the practice. (this class might not be appropriate for mothers with chronic lower back or knee pain and injury).

Partner Yoga for the Pregnant Couple

is a monthly class of partner-assisted poses, to release physical and mental stress, to foster connection and encourage deeper communication with each other and the baby growing within. The partner can be a family member, or a friend.

Birth Bootcamp Workshops

Based on a holistic model of birth, the workshops prepare expectant couples for the journey of labor and early parenthood.

The workshops are experiential in nature and the partner will learn techniques such as massage, acupressure points, the use of the birthing ball in labor, birth and labor positions, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques. They will also learn about the postpartum period and practice a labor simulation.

The workshops will encourage discussion on the issues of fear and pain during labor and the deeper role of the partner during labor.

We take numerous breaks and there will be drinks and food available.

Workshops are taught monthly on Saturday or Sunday or as a private in your home.

Parents should bring a bed pillow, an inspirational picture or baby clothing.

Parents will be given a little Bootcamp certificate and a clay *laborynth upon completion.

*clay laborynths courtesy of Eddie Spaghetti Art.

** term laborynth coined by Pam England (Birthing from Within)

New Mama Yoga with Baby

Enjoy an hour of moving your body post-pregnancy. We will practice poses to gently nudge your body back into shape by strengthening your core, releasing shoulder and neck tension, and learn how to deal with the stressors that is part of new motherhood. The class atmosphere is relaxed, and an opportunity to meet new mothers. The babies will be used as “weights” for some poses, and we will participate in baby yoga and
simple baby massage. Each class ends with a relaxation.

Testimonies

“Nicole Gauthier-Schatz is not only a Yoga instructor -- she is a powerful force in the birth community. Her attention to the whole family, dads, moms, and the unborn baby as well, does a great and important service for her clients. I can hardly think of a single person who has had such a big impact on as many pregnant women as Nicole. I would recommend her classes and workshops to anyone, no matter how many pregnancies they had experienced. Nicole has great
wisdom to offer and we are lucky to have her here in Morgantown.”
Lena Cerbone, Certified Nurse Midwife

"Nicole's Prenatal Yoga and Preggie Vinyasa courses allowed me to take time from my very busy schedule in order to embrace and celebrate the wonders of pregnancy and the connections with my baby. Nicole's experiences and knowledge in both yoga and birthing made her classes feel like a visit with a midwife and a talk with a kind friend."
Karen Culcasi, PhD

“Boot camp greatly improved my knowledge of how to support my wife during childbirth and how to be part of the process leading up to the day. Nicole teaches practical techniques that make sense and are easy to apply.”
Joseph Andrew Wassif, Counseling Psychology Doctoral Candidate

"The prenatal yoga class was an invaluable tool for me in attempting a natural childbirth as well as accomplishing my goal for a healthy pregnancy. It helped me to focus on the journey that was ahead of me and to feel reassured that I could do it. Having 2 other children, the class allowed me to spend a little time thinking about the baby growing within and cherish the time being pregnant. Sharing this experience with like-minded women once a week made the pregnancy all the more special!"
Jessica Coffman
Program Manager, Health Research Center