I believe that pregnancy is the first time that many women look within. There is incredible new life growing inside and much of their attention and focus is inwards. This is such a perfect time to connect with your true essence, work out who you are, what lights you up and what kind of Mama you wish to be. Pregnancy Yoga is exactly the right kind of exercise for you whilst pregnant and gives you time and space to honour your connection to self and to your baby. Taking time to pause creates a sense of spaciousness , tuning in and listening to your intuition brings you the deepest wisdom and empowers you to make the right decisions. Creating and nurturing this glorious self connection whilst pregnant prepares you beautifully as you transition to Mamahood.

LushTums is the UK’s leading provider of yoga for expectant women, mums and their families. Over the last 12 years they’ve worked with hundreds of thousands of women and their families across the UK to support, empower and inform them during pregnancy, parenthood and beyond. In my view, they are the best provider of pregnancy yoga in the UK. Everything about LushTums is delicious - I trained with their wonderful founder, Clare Maddalena and the 100 hour training was a learning joy! I am registered with Fedant - the Federation of Antenatal Educators.

These Pregnancy Yoga classes are educational, down to earth, personalised, fun, dynamic and nourishing. You are welcome to join us from 15 weeks pregnant and let the yoga help you embrace your changing body, prepare for birth and make wonderful friends. In teaching these classes, I have helped countless women in Poole & Bournemouth enjoy more positive & empowering experiences during pregnancy, birth and life as a new mother - through yoga, movement, mindfulness, relaxation and education. Each class is tailored to the students in class so each Mamma feels seen, heard, acknowledged and gets direct, personal benefit from each session.

I am currently am holding space for weekly classes, every Monday Evening 7.15-8.15pm and Wednesday Evening 18:00-19:15 @ Studio 24, Branksome Park, BH13 6JN.

LushTums Pregnancy Yoga teaches tried & tested essential birthing techniques, from movements and mindset to breathing and relaxation - helping you prepare for labour and birth with confidence and:

• Helps relieve common pregnancy pains, ailments and aches, from sciatica to pelvic girdle pain, heartburn to back pain

• Helps you have a good night's sleep so you wake up refreshed, energised and ready to go

• Guides you to evidence based yoga practices proven to reduces stress, anxiety and fear

• All expertly tailored to meet your individual needs from class to class

• Gives you a space to meet other lovely Mammas-to-be to build that much needed community and support network around you

For those new to yoga, it is best to wait until reach 15/16 weeks before starting class. This is when you will feel more energised and are safely through your first trimester. You can then practice right up to full term, or beyond if you go overdue. Regular practice ensures all the breathing, movements, mindset and relaxation practices you will learn become second nature, ready for you to use when you give birth.

If you are used to yoga or regular exercise and wish to start classes earlier, just contact me directly to check in. Or if you have any health concerns it is best to check with your doctor or midwife that you are ok to practice before booking in. 

I am so looking forward to meeting you and your bumps and seeing you on the mat soon!

Pregnancy Yoga 1:2:1

If you are interested in Pregnancy Yoga 1:2:1s then please contact me to book. Totally tailored classes in the comfort of your home, or at my home studio. Please contact me to arrange a convenient time, then click the button below to book your space. £50 for a 75 minute session.

Testimonials

“I love yoga with Dulcie, lovely atmosphere and classes are always varied and she caters it to the class’ needs. She is a ray of sunshine, even on a zoom call!”

— Kate stewart, Joyful Mamma Client

“Dulcie is a fantastic yoga teacher. She is so knowledgeable and her experience shines through all of her classes. Dulcie takes care of everyone in her class, modifying exercises as needed, and she goes the extra mile to ensure that each session is tailored to any ‘niggles’ that week. I really look forward to our weekly sessions, and really value her pregnancy wisdom and wise words! I highly recommend her classes and I hope to join her post-natal sessions too. Thank you Dulcie ✨”

— Alicia Lander - Joyful Mamma Client

“Can’t recommend Dulcie’s Yoga classes enough! Dulcie is such a beautiful soul, full of positivity and joy and all round good vibes!
I haven’t practiced Yoga properly for years so was a little nervous to start whilst pregnant, I was so pleasantly surprised I enjoy every moment. The classes are tailored each week to your individual needs to target any aches and pains you may be feeling, and the meditation at the end is just heaven. Great way to clear your mind, connect with your baby and body, relax and just feel good!
the classes have been held online due to the pandemic but I don’t feel it has impacted the quality of the class at all!
definitely a must for any expectant mamas ❤️”

— Hannah Oram-Coshan - Joyful Mamma Client

“I have been doing online classes with the lovely Dulcie for the last 5 months. I knew how beneficial prenatal yoga would be for pregnancy and birth and I was really upset that I wouldn’t be able to do any classes with the current situation, so finding Dulcie’s online zoom classes was a lifesaver. Each class starts with a catch up on how each of the mums-to-be are doing, so Dulcie can identify any particular needs that she can address during that class, so it’s very personalised. Each class has an opening meditation, a variety of floor, birth ball and standing work, and a lovely relaxation at the end. It’s suitable for all trimesters, and if you’re struggling with something (maybe your bump Is getting in the way, or you’re having pelvic pain issues) Dulcie picks up on this and will give alternative options and advice without you having to even say! Having done yoga classes previously, it’s obvious that these classes are tailored to pregnancy, so no need to worry about safety or being able to keep up! There is a calming and relaxing atmosphere to every class, which carries through the screen into your home. We have a WhatsApp group to share links to classes and, most exciting, any births that happen within the group. I look forward to our class each week, and, being likely to only have a few more classes until my baby arrives, I’m already thinking ahead to joining Dulcie’s postnatal group when I’m ready. If you’re looking for a pre or post natal yoga class, look no further. (Dulcie also does hypnobirthing courses, which I can also highly recommend!!)”

— steph Betteridge, Joyful Mamma Client

“Dulcie is a highly experienced pregnancy yoga teacher - she immediately makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. Her classes are a nice balance of breathing techniques and stretching.
Her approach is to personalise each class to the particular needs and concerns of the group (on the night).
So for me, one week I had been suffering with heart burn really badly and in class we did some exercises to alleviate heart burn - it certainly worked for me - I never had heart burn again....
What I also enjoyed about Dulcie’s classes was her focus on “you and your baby” - it was one of the few times I stopped and really focused on connecting with my baby.
I would highly recommend these classes - the nights I attended was certainly the nights I had my best night’s sleep. Dulcie is also very good at answering your common complaints with gems of advice!”

— Claire Jones, Joyful Mamma Client

“I have loved being part of Dulcie’s classes during my pregnancy! She creates such a welcoming and relaxing environment and always tries to tailor the class to the needs of the group. She also shares very useful tips and resources for pregnancy that are always very appreciated!”

— Bianca shutt, Joyful Mamma Client

“Really enjoying Dulcie’s pregnancy yoga classes, they are a great way to prepare for birth in a welcoming and friendly group. Very relaxing, Dulcie has gentle exercises to suit different needs and includes breathing techniques and positions to use during birth - wish I had found her for my first pregnancy! Highly recommended”

— Andrea Garner, Joyful Mamma Client

“Dulcie is so welcoming and instantly makes you feel comfortable and as though you’ve known her for years! The class she teaches is just what you need to help with any stresses or aches you have going on and reminds you to relax and breath and take time out for yourself and baby. Life can be so hectic at times, so remembering to chill is perfect for these important months. I look forward to the class every week and I know I’ll miss it after baby is here”

— Abby Powell, Joyful Mamma Client

Frequently asked Questions

I’m new to yoga.. Is that ok?

Yes! Classes are for complete beginners to expert yogis. Everyone is welcome. No previous yoga experience is necessary! In fact we estimate that around 80-90% of our students are brand new to yoga when they come along to our classes and they love it! Come along and give it a go and hopefully you will too!

Pregnancy Yoga classes are suitable for complete beginners from 15/16 weeks onwards, until you go into labour. If you have a previous, regular yoga practice you may wish to continue moving and can swap to a pregnancy yoga class as soon as you feel ready to do so - and be sure to practice adhering to the general modification safety guidelines and do's and don'ts suggested for pregnancy.

How often should I practice?

Most people come to a class every week.

I practiced yoga regularly before pregnancy, will this be too boring or too slow for me?

We get a lot of yoga done! Don't worry!! Plus all our classes are tailored to suit everyone in attendance, so everyone is welcome. Sometimes classes are more active, sometimes more nourishing. Also as pregnancy progresses it is a good idea to listen to your body and adapt your practice so you are working safely, given how hard your body is already working to grow your baby! Basically when you are sitting, your body is actually jogging… so take it easy! Classes will show you how to modify your existing practice and add in particular sequences that are helpful for your baby’s positioning and for birth itself. You can also make your practice stronger, as suits you. Just come along and have a chat.

Why is yoga good in pregnancy?

Practicing yoga gives you a constant - something we can come back to when all around us is in change. Through this practice we move, breathe and relax. We become quieter, more mindful and have an opportunity for deep reflection, which can be enlightening and liberating and bring about a sense of balance and well-being. You can think of it as exercise and a moving meditation.

Classes help you feel energised and stronger and at the same time settle the mind, reducing levels of stress and anxiety. Overall yoga and its deeper philosophy provide a guidebook to living well and feeling great. It is not religious in itself, although it has its roots in various Eastern practices.  We have taken the best aspect of traditional yoga and blended it with science and women's health, to bring you the very best in yoga tailored for pregnancy, birth preparation and life as a new Mamma.  Come along to try it for yourself!

Do I need a yoga mat.

All of our teachers will provide you with a yoga mat and some blankets and pillows so you can be more comfortable. If you prefer to bring your own that’s fine.

What do I wear?

Wear loose, comfy clothes you can move around in on your mat - leggings and a t-shirt is fine. You don’t need anything too sporty or specific, just be comfy.

What shall I bring?

Bring a bottle of water with you.

Can I eat before class?

If you feel tired or light headed eat a banana or little snack before class - that’s fine.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 5 - 10 mins BEFORE the class start time, so you can get settled and we can begin promptly. Thanks! Late arrival may mean the doors have been locked and you may be charged as if attended. Likewise anyone who cancels within 12hrs of the class will also be charged as if attended.

Should I follow you on social media?

Yes please! Sometimes you can't make it to class, however our social communities online will continue to provide on-going support and inspiration! There is a main Lushtums page on Facebook and Instagram and both are full of inspiration.

Find me on Instagram @joyfullmamas. I will keep up to date class information on here. It's a great way to stay up to date and of course to connect in with others in the community, ask for advice or share your tips. I'd be delighted to connect with you. Oh and by the way, remember to sign up for my JoyFULL Mama newsletter, so you catch any special offers!