Pregnancy is a time of huge change, both physical and emotional. The practice of Yoga helps to promote balance and well-being, which is particularly important at times of transition and uncertainty.

The physical stretches and adapted asanas (postures) help keep alignment and bring strength to the mother’s body as her shape changes to accommodate the growing baby. Gentle sequences can help to alleviate some of the common discomforts of pregnancy and prepare the body to give birth.

Breathing practices are the foundation to unlocking the energy within, bringing release and relaxation to the body and mind, and working through contractions in labour. The techniques taught in class are simple, but very effective. Mothers who return with their babies often mention how their midwives have praised them for their breathing in labour, and testify that this has been the key to their ability to cope with and enjoy the births of their babies.

Relaxation is taught in a variety of ways, designed for active, tension free labour and also deeper, restorative practices to prepare for parenthood. Relaxation can help to lower blood pressure, release negative emotions and provide a peaceful haven for a woman to connect with her intuition. The endocrine and the nervous systems also respond to positively periods of deep relaxation. During labour, relaxation has a direct and dramatic physiological effect, and enables the body to work through the birth process more effectively and safely for both mother and baby.

The weekly antenatal yoga classes are designed to be friendly and supportive, so that women are able to voice their concerns and ask questions of both the teacher and each other. In this way, Birthlight classes facilitate the creation of a powerful network of support for mothers and their families, and often enduring bonds of friendship are made at this special time.

Antenatal yoga testimonials

"I really loved the Antenatal Yoga as it was an opportunity for me to take time out of the day to spend time 'being with' my bump. Pregnancy was a strange time for me because as a midwife I spent my days (and quite a few nights!) directing all my attention to other womens' pregnancy, labour and birth so it was lovely to direct all my attention to my own body and baby."
Claire Patterson RM BSc (Hons)

"Melanie's classes were recommended to me by a friend and I haven't been disappointed once. Her classes are everything they should be: relaxing, educational, fun, sociable, supportive and totally worthwhile."
Mia Devereux, Chartered HR Professional

"I found Antenatal Yoga a very relaxing and enjoyable class in both of my pregnancies as it gave me the opportunity to focus on the baby (and me too of course!) and was a really lovely part of the whole pregnancy experience. I found that all the techniques that Mel teaches are easy to use at home throughout prgnancy and labour and it really helped me to prepare for giving birth. I got much more out of this class than the antenatal classes taught by the midwives."
Karen Grant, registered nurse and qualified primary teacher

"I joined the group quite early on in my pregnancy. The yoga and relaxation elements are great, but I also found the support from the group really comforting. No matter how trivial your concerns or your causes for excitement might seem, there's always somebody else there who understands. It's so re-assuring!"
Gabrielle Bell, Music Teacher

"I joined this class about half way through my pregnancy with the sole aim of getting fit for the birth. However by the time I had finished the course and had had my baby I realised that I had gained so much more than just a level of physical fitness. Melanie's antenatal class caters for so many aspects of 'having a baby', and I feel I benefited enormously. The range of education and support she gave was huge; not only with the physical, but also the emotional and mental parts of pregnancy and birth. Being with other mums to be was great for discussion and tips of how to deal with anything from swollen ankles to labour itself were passed around. Also the relaxation part at the end of the session seemed to give me a sense of peace and time for myself (not easily available when you have a 3 yr old toddler at home!). I had planned on another hospital birth as with my first child, however after talking to Melanie I decided to have my baby at home. I am convinced my labour was very straightforward and manageable mainly due to the breathing techniques, different positions and use of the birthing ball I had learnt in the class. I had no pain relief or intervention and my second son arrived after only 4 hours of established labour, compared with my first son's delivery in hospital, it was a walk in the park!! I cannot recommend Melanie's class enough, she took the fear and worry away from all things antenatal and replaced them with a feeling of being calm and prepared for the arrival of your baby, plus gave me the kind of birth experience that everyone hopes for."
Amanda Griffiths

About birth preparation for couples

Helping your partner through labour can be a daunting task for anyone who has never previously encountered childbirth, or for those who may only have had negative and frightening experiences. The couple’s sessions are designed to meet the needs of both partners, covering aspects of the process of labour, positions to facilitate easier labour, massage, breathing and relaxation techniques. Information regarding medical intervention and other options is also available as requested.

Partners have an important and special role to play in helping the labouring woman, but unfortunately, their needs to be educated and given practical, tangible ways in which they can assist are often overlooked in conventional antenatal care packages. Whether a woman chooses to be supported by the baby’s father, her mother or a friend, Melanie provides practical education for the couple to prepare for labour and cope together when the baby is born.

The foundation for the couple’s sessions comes from the Birthlight Perinatal Yoga approach, and is combined with the knowledge gained as an antenatal teacher working with groups of mothers and fathers.

"The arrival of a baby is an exciting and joyous event, but understandably, can also cause anxiety, fear of the unknown and confusion. It is a privilege to help couples negotiate their journey of transition to becoming a family (or a bigger family – for those who have already had previous children), and this work is very special to me." Melanie Hamilton Davies

Birth preparation for couples testimonials

"With just 6 weeks to go before the birth of my daughter, I booked Melanie for private antenatal classes at home.We had 3 sessions and my partner and myself found them extremely helpful. Although I saw the midwife regularly, I didn’t feel prepared for the events that were ahead and still felt I had no real knowledge of the birthing process which was my biggest concern, as with most first time mums I guess. Melanie’s help and preparation for the birth led to a successful labour and I felt in control of what was happening to me and the baby throughout, using the advice and knowledge given by Melanie. There was no question left unanswered and she was happy to repeat anything we were unsure of so that we were comfortable with everything we had learnt. Thanks to her, my last few weeks of pregnancy were filled with excitement and the concerns of the reality of labour were put to one side as the experience of labour was almost pleasurable." Tracy, Marc and Poppy Jennings

The one-to-one birth preparation class was absolutely invaluable. It helped me to understand much more about how I could help my wife, Vicky, through the birth, and made me feel much more part of the process, rather than just standing there trying to think of encouraging things to say! I wish I had had the opportunity to do this when we had our first child four years ago. The one-to-one birth preparation class gave us a unique opportunity to be guided through the whole process and to understand how simple things like breathing control and relaxation can make a huge difference during birth. I never realised how much just touching Vicky's arm or placing my hands on her shoulders could help her to relax. The best thing was that I was so much more confident going into it this time, and Vicky knew that I would be there and know what to do to help. Every dad-to-be should do this with their partner! Christian Mitchell