Bodywise: Hello Maryline, you run drop-in pregnancy and baby yoga sessions in the studio on Thursdays. Could you describe how pregnancy yoga differs from regular yoga?
Maryline Higham: I’d say the main difference is that in pregnancy yoga we hold the postures in a softer way. We use many props to offer extra care to the joints. Every pose has to be comfortable and suited for the pregnant body so we don’t practice deep twists and we lie on the left side for final relaxation. Focus is on hip flexibility and stability, stretching and strengthening the back, breathwork and creating a positive mindset towards birth.
BW: What can parents expect from a baby yoga class?
MH: In a Mum and Baby Yoga class, parents can expect to have a bonding time with their little one whilst nourishing themselves too. It is the combination of giving to your baby, whilst receiving the benefits of a good stretch and practicing targeted movements that boost core strength recovery. Mum & Baby yoga is very unlike any other style!
BW: What led you to offer those specialised classes?
MH: During my teacher training back in 2007, I took an intensive 6-day course in Pregnancy Yoga with Uma Dinsmore-Tuli. I got instantly hooked to the caring aspect of the practice. I taught pregnancy Yoga for 2 years before becoming a mum myself. When I discovered the strain and pressures of motherhood, I got inspired to help new mums relax and stretch whilst interacting with their baby.
BW: What do you love about your job?
MH: I love meeting pregnant students and seeing them flourish into capable, skilled mums. Life gets more complicated when you become a parent. Often mums are juggling pregnancy and a career which can lead to increased stress levels and exhaustion. Also, the society’s mindset is to be frightened of birth unfortunately. I love the fact that I have a fantastic set of tools to share, so that mums live their pregnancy and birth more calmly and transition into motherhood more easily.
BW: You are also available for pregnancy yoga one-to-one sessions and Birth Preparation for couples sessions. Could you briefly describe the latter?
MH: Sure, the couples’ workshop is a rehearsal of the birth day. We practice breathing and movement techniques for early and established labour. We cover what positions are most efficient to deliver the baby. The session has an education and motivational focus. It’s commonly known now that labour progresses well when mums and dads are relaxed and fearless in the process. I offer lots of tips on how to establish a positive mindset leading up to the due date.
Above all, it’s really the chance for the parents to get their heads (and bodies) together on the subject of birth. Birth partners learn several massage and relaxation techniques to perform on mum leading up to the day, or on the day. Relaxation, movement and breathing are key components for a positive birth experience and yoga brings all that onto the table.
BW: Tell us something about yourself
MH: I’m a mum of one and a step mum of two. This month of May, our family is organising two beach cleaning events in North Wales. Details are on the Marine Conservation Society website.
BW: What’s one of your Desert Island Discs?
MH: The first Jamiroquai album, Emergency on Planet Earth
Maryline runs her classes at Bodywise on Thursdays. Pregnancy yoga is at 12-1pm and costs £8.50 or £7 concession, Baby yoga is at 1.15-2.15pm and costs £8 or £6.50 concession. Just turn up, no need to book.