About
The journey towards, and into, motherhood is a truly unique time in a woman's life. A time of transitions and transformation like no other. An exciting but also often challenging and all-consuming time - or times - affecting you in body and mind, when you feel the importance and need to look after yourself, in a way that is SAFE, EFFECTIVE and NOURISHING. Times that each deserve and require unique practices to best help you and support you at each step of the journey.
Whatever stage you're at, my specialist bespoke yoga classes are designed to do exactly that: addressing your very specific needs through unique, tailored and accessible practices so you feel comfortable, strong from deep within, supported, confident and nurtured on this roller-coaster ride.
When you are trying to conceive
Whether you've been struggling to conceive naturally for a short or long while, considering or already receiving fertility treatment, or going through IVF, my fertility yoga classes are here to support you and your body at this stressful time, and provide you with much-needed self-care.
Fertility yoga focuses on specific yoga poses and movements, breathwork and deep relaxation techniques to help balance the body’s hormonal system, calm the nervous system, and stimulate and nourish the reproductive organs. Each session and programme of sessions is entirely tailored to your individual situation, the phase of your menstrual cycle (if you have one) and/or phase of IVF/fertility treatment you're at, to meet you and support you in the best possible way wherever you're at, and help you develop a home practice if you so wish.
Although fertility/infertility issues are always complex and there isn't extensive research available, some studies have shown that fertility yoga can be effective in helping regulate irregular menstrual cycles, and increase chances of conception through IVF 3 fold (please contact me if you'd like to see extracts from these).
At this challenging time of high hopes and often crushing disappointments, when it can feel your life entirely revolves around trying to make this baby happen, often unbeknown to your work, friends and even family members, my fertility yoga classes also offer a safe space for you to 'just be', to take a break from putting your brave face on, nourish yourself and give you space to 'digest' whatever you're going through. Something positive and nurturing to do for your whole self (not your baby making self), as opposed as having something done to you; something that will be worth doing in its own right, whatever the outcome of your journey.
When you're expecting
My pregnancy yoga classes are designed to help you stay comfortable throughout your pregnancy, effectively prepare physically and mentally for labour and birth, and help you feel rested, calm, nurtured and empowered as you prepare to become a mum.
Especially if getting to this stage has taken you a (sometimes very) long and difficult time, my classes will also help you manage any anxieties, reduce stress and help you enjoy this special time, as early as from the first trimester of pregnancy (when the vast majority of classes out there are only open to women from 14 weeks).
I also believe the birth of your baby is a momentous event, that will heavily influence the start of journey together and your postnatal life, and so also specialise in yoga for labour and birth.
When you're a new mum
That’s it. Your baby's here with you at home. It's the moment you have been waiting for so long. And yet… Nobody told you it was going to be so hard. Nobody told you were going to feel like THIS.
You are just so exhausted, to a point you never knew was possible.
Your body feels like such a wreck, like it has been changed – destroyed – forever. Like you will never heal again.
You just feel so overwhelmed at the responsibility of having to care for your baby. You are so confused about what they want or need, and it makes you feel so worthless.
You feel so lost, because right now you no longer know who you are or where you have gone.
People tell you take care of yourself, but how on earth, you wonder, are you supposed to do this while also looking after your baby?
People tell you to relax but you have completely forgotten how. You physically cannot, might as you try.
People tell you to just follow your instincts, but something must be wrong with you because they're not kicking in. You’re not even sure you have any.
Oh, I hear you, mama. I KNOW. Because I have been there, and millions of other mamas too. And I want you to know this:
That your body can heal. It WILL heal. With the right support it will heal stronger than it ever was.
That buried in the fumes of early motherhood, you ARE still here. The real you, not just the mama you. You WILL feel normal again.
That you already are, and will be the BEST MOTHER your baby will ever want and need, who just knows what feels right. That you will rock this.
And this is exactly what my postnatal yoga classes are designed to help you do.
Reconnect with your body and with yourself. Recover from birth and rebuild strength from deep within, heal this body you think may never be the same. Relieve the many aches and pains that come with looking after a little one. And take time to really nourish and replenish yourself as a new mother – which is so very important.
Whereas the vast majority of postnatal exercise or fitness classes are only open to women from 6/8 weeks after birth (after the routine check with their GP or midwife), my postnatal recovery classes are open to you from as early as one week after birth, utilising the body’s natural ‘Golden window’ for postnatal healing, so there's no need to wait to start feeling better, and stronger, and yourself again.
Through unique practices easy to integrate in your daily (busy) life with a baby, you will learn effective ways to support your postnatal recovery and overall well-being, and re-create your body possibly even stronger and healthier than it ever was.
Are my classes for you?
My bespoke yoga classes are suitable whatever your age and level of fitness. You do not need to have any yoga experience, as I will meet you exactly where you're at.
The atmosphere is always relaxed, nurturing and light-hearted. There is always time to ask questions, share how you are feeling, and there is no requirement to wear fancy yoga pants (unless it makes you feel good!).
My approach focus on simple yet effective and safe (and sometimes playful!) practices, supported by an extensive underpinning knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and scientific research evidence. You can expect adapted yoga poses and sequences of course - some that will look like yoga you know, and others that look completely different! - but also breathing techniques, physiotherapy-inspired micro-movements, visualisations, and always instant and deep, guided relaxation.
About me
Hello! I’m Amelie, I’m a mum of two and I am absolutely passionate about supporting women on their motherhood journey, because it isn't always an easy ride, is it? But I do believe support and daily (self) nurture goes a long way in making the journey smoother, easier, and more enjoyable whatever comes your way, as well as our bodies and minds stronger and healthier in the short and long run!
My own journey on this path started in 2012, when pregnant with my baby daughter. Although I had practiced yoga before, like so many other women, it was then that I truly connected with it. After a magical pregnancy however followed a difficult birth experience, and so a difficult start of my life as a mother. Like so many other new mothers, I felt completely overwhelmed and absolutely exhausted, like my body had been destroyed forever, like I would never feel ok anymore.
And then I took my daughter to some baby massage and postnatal yoga classes. And it literally changed my life. Week after week, they helped me look after myself, allow myself to look after myself, enable me to heal and truly recover, reconnect with myself and my new body. Grow my confidence and my enjoyment as a mother. And making my baby happy too!
From then on, I knew that this was something I wanted to do for other women, and so off went the meaningless corporate career, to train fas a baby massage and baby yoga instructor, then as a pregnancy and postnatal yoga teacher, utilising my birth and postpartum experience to design classes that best prepare and support mothers and mothers-to-be. A brush with fertility issues more recently lead me to explore how yoga can help support women trying to conceive, and this is an area which I now feel very VERY passionate about.
Qualifications
Birthlight Yoga for Maternity Practitioner
Birthlight Postnatal Yoga qualified teacher
YogaMama Teaching Fertility Yoga CPD
Birthlight Yoga to support breastfeeding CPD
Birthlight Yoga to prevent and heal Diastasis Recti CPD
Birthlight Baby Yoga qualified teacher
IAIM UK Certified Instructor in Infant Massage
Services
One to One Fertility Yoga
Bespoke fertility yoga classes designed to support and nurture you holistically as you try to conceive, either naturally or through fertility treatment. Sessions will be entirely tailored to your needs and situation, including your menstrual cycle, any known fertility issues, and any assisted fertility treatment you are undergoing or about to undergo.
Classes are delivered in the comfort of your own home, and can be done as a stand-alone programme (set numbest of classes) or as part of a regular, long-term practice.
Available in packages of 3 or 6 private yoga sessions. Bespoke packages also available on application.
Packages include:
- Initial consultation by phone or in person
- One initial session of 90mn followed by 2 or 5 sessions of 75mn (depending on package) in your home
- 1 or 2 (depending on package) bespoke fertility yoga home practice sheets
- Fertility yoga kit including rebozo, yoga block and eye pillow
COST : £209 for 3 sessions; £379 for 6 sessions ; please contact me for bespoke packages
One to One Pregnancy Yoga
Private pregnancy classes are a great option, especially if you:
- are still in the first trimester of pregnancy
- need flexibility in the days and times when you can attend a session, or wish to have a class once your children are in bed
- suffer from a specific condition, such as pelvic girdle pain or SPD, as the whole class contents will be tailored around your needs
- would like to focus on the birth preparation aspect, and possibly take the classes with your partner – see also my yoga birth preparation workshop
Classes are delivered in the comfort of your own home, and can be done as a stand-alone programme (set numbest of classes) or as part of a regular, long-term practice.
Available in packages of 3 or 6 private yoga sessions.
Semi-private classes (for small groups) and bespoke packages also available - please contact me for details
Packages include:
- Initial consultation by phone or in person
- One initial session of 90mn followed by 2 or 5 sessions of 75mn (depending on package) in your home
- 1 or 2 (depending on package) bespoke pregnancy yoga home practice sheets
- Mama wellness yoga kit including rebozo, 2 yoga blocks and eye pillow
COST : £209 for 3 sessions; £379 for 6 sessions ; please contact me for bespoke packages
Yoga for labour and birth couple's workshop
The birth of your baby is a momentous event. It is the start of your journey together. It is an event you want to prepare for.
Maybe you already have booked yourself onto an antenatal course, with your local hospital, or any organisation such as the NCT. Information is very important, but it does not replace body-based preparation. Because birth is first and foremost a BODY process!
Whether you are planning to give birth at home, in hospital or in a birthing unit, my highly practical yoga for labour and birth workshop is designed to help you increase your chances of a gentle, natural/physiological birth experience:
• understand the essential need-to-knows about how labour & birth work
• explore and practice the most effective positions, movements, breathing techniques (hypnobreathing), relaxation techniques and partner support
to positively influence labour & birth
• develop awareness of your body & own preferences to design your own personalised 'labour circuit' to use on your big day
• feel more positive and confident about your ability to give birth
The workshop is based on 30 years of research and close work with midwives, and works best as a complement to antenatal education/classes.
Workshop package includes:
- Free 30mn initial consultation to understand your situation, hopes, and potential fears with regards to labour and birth
- 2-hour + session delivered in the comfort of your own home (where you might be planning to labour and/or give birth!)
- Comprehensive, illustrated handout
- Labour circuit plan
- Labour toolkit: rebozo, soft ball and massage ball
The workshop can also be arranged for small groups or antenatal groups - please contact me for details
COST : £119
Postnatal Recovery Package (One to One Postnatal Yoga)
The foundation of your postnatal recovery.
3 or 6 nourishing postnatal yoga sessions in your home to heal and re-own your body, and nurture yourself as a new mother. Bespoke packages also available.
Package includes:
- Initial consultation by phone or in person
- One initial session of 90mn followed by 2 or 5 sessions of 75mn (depending on package) in your home
- Individualised yoga home practice sheets and memo cards
- Mama wellness kit including rebozo, 2 yoga blocks and eye pillow
COST : £209 for 3 sessions; £379 for 6 sessions; please contact me for bespoke packages
Mum & Baby Wellbeing package (One to One Postnatal yoga & baby massage)
A holistic package to support you and your baby through the early postnatal period (first 3 to 6 months after birth), blending postnatal yoga and baby nurture practices (baby massage for the whole body, baby yoga stretches, comforting holds, soothing techniques and more).
Package includes:
- Initial consultation by phone or in person
- One initial session of 90mn followed by 5 sessions of 75mn in your home
- Individualised home yoga practice sheets and memo cards
- Mama wellness kit including rebozo, 2 yoga blocks and eye pillow
- Comprehensive baby nurture handouts
- A bottle of organic baby massage oil of your choice
COST : £379
