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 in-person 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 in-person prenatal yoga series will receive the e-book "Peaceful Pushing" by 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 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:
In-Person Series in Ankeny - 6:30 - 7:45PM on Sundays
Virtual Express Postpartum Series - 4:00 - 4:45PM on Sundays

2025 Dates:​​
Series 1 (prenatal in Ankeny): January 5 - February 9 - FULL
Series 2 (prenatal in Ankeny): February 16 - March 30 (no class March 9) - FULL
No class in April and May
Series 3 (prenatal in Ankeny): June 8 - July 20 (no class July 6) - Registration is OPEN!

Price & Registration

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

Virtual Express Series is $79 - includes 15 minutes of discussion and 30-minute yoga flow - for postpartum

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 [email protected] with the following registration information:
  1. Name
  2. Estimated due date or date baby was born (for virtual series)
  3. Cell phone number (I will text you if I must cancel class)
Series Options

Location

Encore Dance Academy - Ankeny
801 S Ankeny Blvd., Suite 2, Ankeny, IA

Landmarks:
Only 5 minutes west off of I-35 between the Oralabor Rd. and 1st St. exits.
In the building next to Salvation Army in Ankeny.
Virtual Express Postpartum Series
Virtual on zoom
Zoom link sent prior to first class 

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