[YogaMom]

Hi! I am new to this Forum and am looking forward to getting some good info (and sharing some info, if I can).

I have been teaching Yoga for about 4 years and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I am now about 10 weeks pregnant and am worried about continuing to teach the class. It is a general Yoga class for all levels at a national health club. I want to keep teaching it (I just teach once a week), but I know that soon I am going to have to make modifications for myself, and I wonder whether I will be doing my students a disservice if I continue to teach, since I will not be able to do all of the positions or demonstrate all the positions to my class. Over half of the students are regulars, but as is the case with most large clubs, I always have a few newbies each week.

I am worried about giving up the class, because I love teaching it so much and I am afraid that I will not get it back if someone takes it over. It is at a great time and I have great students who come because they like me as an instructor.


How long should I continue to teach?

How can I effectively teach while I am pregnant?

How do I temporarily give up the class and still get it back when I am ready to teach again after the baby is born?

Thanks so much for your help!

[Deb]

Hi YogaMom,

Thank you for adding to our forum. Here is my opinion about teaching while pregnant.

I totally understand your conflict about not wanting to give up the class while pregnant. Keep in mind that you will need to give up the class for maternity leave. Depending on the level you teach, you may not be ready to go back for up to 3 months. We recommend that the students wait at least 6 weeks before returning. But if it is an advance class, you will probably need more time to regain your strength and heal before teaching advance poses. That said, let's focus on the question about teaching while pregnant.

You need to be mindful when teaching when pregnant. The bigger picture is a safe and healthy mom and baby. When I was pregnant and teaching non-prenatal yoga classes, I ended having students demonstrate poses when I could no longer do them myself. I think the students liked being involved in this manner. I also sharpened my verbal skills since I could not rely on my body to show the pose. Also be careful not to over exert yourself when doing hand-on adjustments for the students.

When to stop teaching is a personal choice. Around 36 weeks, I was just too big and tired to run around the room and help the students. So that was a sign to me, it was time to stop teaching.

I hope this helped! Yoga studios always need a good teacher. Take care of yourself and your baby and the studio will happily take you back!

Best,
Deb

[Marina_J]

Good post. During the pregnancy every women want to keep fit and healthy. Yoga exercise help to keep your body and mind healthy during the pregnancy and complete training for trained yoga gurus is also important for you.
Thank you.

[DebraM]

I guess teaching someone is like performing it for yourself too. But dont just over do it. click here