Prenatal classes?

baby bottleReader emails:

I'm writing in search of prenatal classes - yoga, dance, workout, etc - held in the evening or on the weekend. I'm in downtown Albany, but could travel to other nearby locales. Do your readers have any good ones to recommend?

It sounds Reader's looking for prenatal movement/exercise classes. But we'll expand Reader's question just a bit to also include prenatal classes on topics such as newborn care or breastfeeding.

Got a suggestion? Please share! Non-redeemable bonus points for a sentence or two about why you liked the class you're suggestion.

Earlier on AOA: Ask AOA: A good obstetrician?

photo: Flickr user nerissa's ring (cc)

Comments

Honest Weight Food Co-op is hosting a "Natural Birth Options" class on November 14th, as part of our collaborative series with Albany's Family Life Center. You can find out more about the class here: https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8932642775.

We also host a weekly Co-op Family Group, where parents meet to discuss many topics related to natural family living, such as: baby wearing, cloth diapering, breastfeeding, getting sleep, natural births, midwives, gentle discipline, balancing everyone's needs, healthy eating, books of interest, education alternatives, alternative healthcare, local activism, and many other topics. Kids are more than welcome!

If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at Colie@honestweight.coop


The new Healthy Living Center in Albany (partnership between the Y, Hannaford, and CDPHP) has prenatal yoga classes on Thursdays at 6pm. The website is healthyliving.org, but it doesn't look like the yoga classes have made it on the calendar, yet, so you may want to call them. It's in the Hannaford at 900 Central ave. Also, if you are insured, check with your insurer as they probably have classes that are covered by your plan.

Check out the Family Life Center in Albany! The FLC has been around for over 30 years helping new families. We have tons of classes and resources for pregnancy, birth and beyond! Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-Life-Center-Capital-Region/144801378943902?ref=hl or our website link above. Don't hesitate to email me with any questions that you may have.

I have taken prenatal yoga at the Breathing Room in Delmar. I did tots yoga with my daughter in classes taught by Cathy Prescott who sometimes offers prenatal classes: http://www.yogawithcathy.com
And I have heard good things about Debra Goodmans classes (but haven't taken them myself): http://debragoodman.com/the-pregnancy-workout/

Are there any prenatal classes in the area that acknowledge the advances of 20th century medicine?

I don't know any prenatal exercise classes in the area, but I am a huge fan of PRENATAL DANCE - the workout DVD. I used it to stay fit when I was pregnant. It was nice to workout at home and not have to leave the house.

Go to http://www.prenataldancewithmenina.com to check it out.

CNY Healing Arts on Old Sparrowbush Road in Latham has pre-natal yoga and a few other options.

I second MB's comments. I'm currently taking both Debra Goodman's "Pregnancy Workout" and prenatal yoga with Janine Murphy at the Breathing Room. I love both classes.

http://www.janineyoga.com/

As an avid runner/workout enthusiast, I can tell you that you're not going to get your ass kicked in either of these classes. These classes are more focused on educating you to the changes your body is going through (loosening of joints and connective tissues, pelvic opening and imbalances which can arise, etc.,) getting your body ready for labor and delivery, and maintaining proper balance and strength as well as learning proper body mechanics (i.e. don't do crunches!) during your pregnancy. The yoga class focuses on stretching, balancing, and relaxation techniques. They both go around the room at the start of each class to ask about particular issues from each participant each week.

Debi Goodman, MSPT is a total professional and renowned expert in her field of women's health. We are lucky to have her in our area. She was recently quoted in this WSJ article regarding postpartum recovery:

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304106704579135310987292796

Unfortunately, this week is the start of both Deb and Janine's 6-week session cycles. Which isn't to say that you couldn't still get into the class, but you may want to look ahead toward the next cycle.

Good luck!

Deb Goodman teaches prenatal pilates off of Wolf Drive in Latham, and the class is wonderful. Keeps you strong, flexible, and teaches you about keeping your core strong during pregnancy and postpartum. Between taking her class and doing the 5 min of ab exercises daily that she prescribes, my core was so strong that during labor my pushing lasted all of 5 minutes. Check it out at debragoodman.com

Not sure the OP is still looking, but here are the deets on the free pre-natal yoga classes at the Healthy Living Center:

Prenatal Yoga with Megan Affonso, RYT
-Every Thursday from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.
-Healthy Living Center (inside the Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy at the Century II Mall at 900 Central Ave. in Albany
This class was developed to nurture the beginning relationship between mother and baby and prepare new moms for the birthing process. Participants will learn breathing techniques, relaxation methods, exercises, and postures to support the body during pregnancy and birth.

To register, visit www.HealthyAlbany.org or call (518) 729-4732.

I know it's not Albany, but i am offering prenatal yoga classes in Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs. All information on my website. Peace and smiles, Bonnie

Www.yogabonnie.com

Say Something!

We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.

What's All Over Albany?

All Over Albany is for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. In other words, it's for you. It's kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who can help you find out what's up. Oh, and our friends call us AOA.

Search

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine