IÂ try to tell every new mother IÂ encounter in the East Bay that if they accomplish one thing during their maternity leave, it should be attending a mom-and-baby yoga class. (After 6-8 weeks of healing, of course.) Â It’s a reason to leave the house, a place to meet other moms, and no one bats an eye if you need to breastfeed, or even just lay down for a minute to take deep breaths.
Bonus points for anyone who tries postpartum yoga at multiple studios before her baby turns one.
Yogalayam (South Berkeley)
The post-natal yoga class at Yogalayam is offered once per week. It includes infant massage instruction and volunteers on hand to comfort fussy pre-crawlers. 1723 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley.
Brilliant Births (Berkeley)
Before it was Brilliant Births, it was 4th Street Yoga, and I attended a Mom and Baby yoga class when I had a newborn. When I stopped to nurse, the instructor noticed my posture and hooked me up with a magical pillow position that felt like nothing I could have dreamed of. In this spirit, go to a place like Brilliant Births that knows how the body works and is there to make you feel good. Note that this place is upstairs, so you might want to wear your baby in a carrier to get there. Bonus: there are many good walkable lunch spots to treat yourself. 1809 4th Street, Berkeley.
Nourish Osteo & Wellness (Oakland)
In a dedicated Postpartum Nourishment class, parents and babies gather in a circle to promote community building. Movement instruction is designed to be healing and nourishing with a focus on breath and yoga poses that support the postpartum body and all the new changes that come with being a new parent from holding your baby to carrying heavy car seats around. Learn more >
Vita Yoga (Oakland)
This Rockridge studio offers daycare during all 9:30 am classes, Monday through Friday. In addition to booking the class you want, book “Childcare” on the class list for an additional $5.
6034 College Avenue, Oakland.
Honorable Mentions
Yama Kids Yoga (Berkeley)
This kid-centric yoga studio offers yoga classes primarily for kids, however, Saturdays bring Family Yoga for all ages – even newborns are welcome to lay on a mat! If you are excited about sharing yoga with your child, keep Yama Kids in mind. If you’re looking for a quiet place to be coached on postpartum-specific yoga, save this one for next year! Learn more >
Fit4MOM 510 (Multiple Locations)
Outdoor group fitness classes hosted by Fit4MOM 510 may include some yoga options. Learn more >
12 thoughts on “4 Places to Try Postpartum Yoga”
Pingback: Checklist: 10 things to do before your baby turns one
Pingback: Are you up for the rookie moms challenge?
Just tried the postpartum class at Yogalayam today. It was incredible!!! I will definitely go back. It was an extremely positive experience for me and my six week old.
I’m so glad, Lauren, I really love that class.
Pingback: A Parent’s Guide to South Berkeley- The Lorin District
Pingback: Local services for parents with onsite childcare
Pingback: Where can moms meet other new moms in the East Bay?
Pingback: Drop-in Yoga with toddlers
Pingback: New in town? 50 things Oakland and Berkeley parents need to know
Barefoot Movement in Uptown Oakland (1635 Broadway @ 17th St, 3rd Floor) also has a wonderful postnatal yoga class on Wednesdays from 1:45pm-2:45pm lead by doula Hanna Malm.
Here’s the description: These classes are oriented to the special needs of new mothers. Babies of pre-crawling age are welcome to this class. The Postnatal practice focuses on helping to restore alignment and tone and provide relief from lifting, carrying, and nursing. The Postnatal class provides a supportive community for new mothers and babies three weeks old to crawling.
Berkeley Yoga Center only offers postpartum at this time.
Prepare for your birth with a prenatal yoga class at Berkeley Yoga Center – learn postures, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises from an experienced teacher. Offered once a week on Thursdays. Website>
2121 Bonar Street – Studio C, Berkeley, CA 94702
Here’s one more: https://www.pinksaltwellness.com/class-schedule