Empowered Pregnancy & Birth
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Prenatal yoga

About Empowered Pregnancy & Birth's Prenatal Yoga

Just like labor is unique to each birthing person, every person's yoga practice looks different. I am here to guide your movements, and you will learn to listen to your body and follow its lead just as you will in labor.

Each class in a 6-week series begins with 30 minutes of community connection and education centered around various childbearing topics. After this time, the focus turns to connecting with your body, baby, and breath. Each class is structured like the waves you will experience during labor. Our movement begins slow and builds up to the mid-point of class, similar to the peak of a contraction, when we do a "challenge pose". After the challenge pose, we come down slowly and end class with a few minutes of relaxation.

Physically speaking, the intent of the series is to stretch, maintain strength, connect with your pelvic floor, and enhance flexibility. Rest assured, classes can be modified to fit your comfort level. Truly any body can do the yoga poses! 

Every person registered for a full prenatal yoga series will receive the e-book "Peaceful Pushing" by Breathe co-owner and physical therapist, Libby Trausch. Please let Melissa know if you are planning a cesarean birth and she can provide the "Planned C-Section Guide" by Breathe co-owner and physical therapist, Molly Lechtenberg, instead. The concepts in the e-books are reinforced in each yoga class to prepare each person for their birth. 

When

Times/Locations:
3:30 - 4:45PM on Sundays in Des Moines
6:30 - 7:45PM on Sundays in Ankeny

​​2023 Dates:
Series 1: January 8 - February 12 - FULL
Series 2: March 5 - April 23 (no class March 26, April 9) -
email Melissa to join the Ankeny series already in progress at a prorated fee!

No classes in May and June. Summer classes will be posted in April.

Price & Registration

6-class series is $119 - includes e-book "Peaceful Pushing" *Let Melissa know if you are planning a cesarean birth

Is your estimated due date during a series? Pro-ration is an option. See the FAQ page.

To reserve your spot in a series:
1. Submit payment via the PayPal button below
OR
2. Send payment through Venmo to @empoweredpandb 
AND
3. E-mail
Melissa at doulamel13@gmail.com with the following registration information:
  1. Name
  2. Estimated due date
  3. Cell phone number (I will text you if I must cancel class)
  4. Series and location you are registering for

Locations

Burn Boot Camp - Ankeny
502 N Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA

Landmarks:
Only 5 minutes west off of 1st St. exit from I-35. Two blocks north on Ankeny Blvd.
In the building north of Hy-Vee with Papa Murphy's in Ankeny.
DM Wellness & Yoga - Des Moines
1131 42nd St., Des Moines, IA

Landmarks:
Only 3 minutes off of I-235 on the 42nd St. exit.
In the building with Friedrich's Coffee and Hy-Vee; Studio faces 42nd St.
Park in the lot outside of Hy-Vee.

Want to get your partner involved in birth preparation?

Although I offer education, resources, and my experiences around pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood during yoga, time in class is limited and does not include partners. Therefore, I encourage additional education to ensure you are empowered in your birth journey.

I offer individualized, in-person consultations to support you and your partner to prepare for labor and birth. Visit the Birth Prep page to learn more. 
COPYRIGHT © 2023, Empowered Pregnancy & Birth LLC. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Prenatal Yoga
    • FAQs for Prenatal Yoga
    • Testimonials
  • Birth Prep
  • doTERRA Essential Oil