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Pregnancy Yoga and Mindfulness with Carly Cullen

What you can expect

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Movement:

  • Slowing down and relaxation and building/maintaining strength — from the moment you become pregnant your body releases the hormone relaxin (making your muscles, tissues and fibres softer in preparation for birth). This means your body may be more vulnerable than usual, certain poses should be avoided while others will help relieve pain/discomforts and help support your growing babe.
  • Pelvic floor awareness — did you know that during a physiological (vaginal) birth your baby will use your pelvic floor muscles to help pivot and spiral their way to earth? Toning, engaging, awareness and autonomy of this muscle group will help baby move into the world. The pelvic floor muscles are also incredibly important to support the weight of your baby in pregnancy and during postpartum to support your contracting uterus and maintaining integrity as your internal organs realign.

Breath Work:

  • Breathing techniques — you will learn different ways to breathe to regulate your nervous system, relieve stress and worry while guiding you to the present moment. If you can activate your rest and relax response (parasympathetic nervous system) it will help to soften and open your body. Breath work also calms and focuses the mind to help ride the waves of intensity and make clear decisions.

Connection:

  • Time for you — an opportunity to quieten the noise. When was the last time you had an hour dedicated to your body and mind? An hour away from a screen, work or tending to other’s needs? Yoga provides space for you to get to know yourself and to connect to the growing being within you.
  • Meet like-hearted folks — we’ve all heard the saying “it takes a village.” Community support is vital throughout pregnancy and while raising children. Meet others on this journey through friendship and support.

“Whenever and however, you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life.”

 — Ina May Gaskin

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Welcome

I’m Carly, a student midwife and yoga practitioner living and working on Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Country (Sunshine Coast).

Facilitating a mother’s preparation for birth through prenatal classes is where I get to blend my knowledge of anatomy and physiology with movement and breath work. Providing tools that you can take away and integrate during this rite of passage.

My work has led me to therapy-based practise in the physiotherapy sector, 1:1 sessions with clients in mental health rehabilitation and now prenatal classes.

  • Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 350 HR)
  • Prenatal and Postnatal Trained (RYT 85 HR)
  • ZenThai Shiatsu body worker

I learnt meditation in childhood through Ananda Marga education and crossed paths with the physical practise of yoga (asana) in my late teenage years. Fluid movement helped to balance my overactive mind. Yoga provided me with a homecoming; a practise to explore, introspect and bond with the essence of myself.