100-Hour Self-Paced Online Preconception and Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training With 25 Contact Hours

Pre-application requirements

For admission in the course, it is suggested / desired that the candidate should be a graduate in any stream from a recognized university or equivalent. However, the yoga institutions can define their own eligibility.

How the training works

Self-paced training: You can start at any time and work at your own pace in your free time and complete the course in 4 months.

• Live sessions will be held over Zoom
• Live sessions by MD doctors and certified international faculty are also provided (1.5 hours per session)
• Pre recorded sessions, video lectures, knowledge checks, and assigned reading by MD doctors and certified international faculty will be shared through We Transfer
• All of the recorded sessions can be used lifelong
• Weekly assignment and notes follow up and monthly mock exams
• Complimentary lecture series (Global Yoga Festival) on different topics of yoga including yoga philosophy, classical yoga texts, Ayurveda, Yogic food, anatomy, and physiology, etc. (Live)

Timing of sessions (GMT+5:30)

The duration of this online course is not less than 100 hours or not less than 4 months as part-time. Direct contact hours are 25 hours and indirect teaching hours are 75 hours mark distribution is 200 with theory at 80 and practical at 120.

Course information

The Prenatal YTT course is carefully structured to cover all aspects of yoga to be performed during pregnancy. The course explains how yoga can help promote a smooth pregnancy and how yogic practices can be altered and adapted to suit different stages of pregnancy.

Their aims is to provide students fundamental knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of a pregnant woman. The course also helps students understand all the physical and mental changes that occur during pregnancy and how yoga can help. Students also learn to support pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy, right from early pregnancy to delivery and post-delivery.

This course develops a solid foundation in yoga instruction and mindful yoga practices customized to the needs of pregnant women. At the end of the course, students will be able to confidently teach yoga to pregnant ladies and curate yoga classes for them.

Why the course?

Yoga is not just a form of exercise, it is a gurushishya parampara that has been passed down from teacher to student for thousands of years. Through the practice of yoga, you can develop yogic qualities that can lead to personal transformation.

However, it is unfortunate that many yoga students today are not introduced to classical yoga texts like the Yogasutra and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. These texts contain the wisdom and teachings of the ancient yogis, which can help you deepen your practice and connect with the true essence of yoga.

Additionally, when it comes to pregnancy yoga, it is important to remember that it is not just about doing advanced poses or poses that may pose a safety risk to the health of the mother and fetus. A pregnancy yoga teacher should have in-depth knowledge of yogic case taking, high-risk pregnancies, complications in pregnancy, prevention, contraindications and modifications in different conditions and stages of pregnancy. As well as symptoms and yogic lifestyle changes that can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of pregnant ladies.

The most important aspect of pregnancy yoga is reducing stress and improving the quality of life for expectant mothers through a balanced yogic lifestyle. Stress can have a negative impact on both the mother and fetus, and yoga can help to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

So, if you are considering pregnancy yoga, seek out an Indian government qualified teacher who has the necessary knowledge and experience to guide you through a safe and effective practice. Remember, yoga is not just about the physical practice, it is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Benefits

• With prenatal yoga classes going online, international students from around the world can have access to this course, and not just Indian students
• Access to the most comprehensive course curriculum designed so far
• Access to internationally-recognized faculty that encourages enriched learning for all yoga enthusiasts
• Students can learn from the comfort of their homes
• Cost-effective option as it saves money on travel and accommodation
• Flexible batch timings allow students to choose a course according to their convenience

Curriculum

Foundation of pregnancy yoga

Female anatomy and physiology

• Female reproductive system
• Ovaries (gonads)
• Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)
• Uterus
• Vagina
• Vulva
• Mammary glands
• Female reproductive cycle

Understanding of anatomy and physiology during pregnancy and post-natal stages

• Gestation
• Stages of pregnancy - maternal changes
• Psychological considerations during pregnancy
• Labor
• Postnatal changes
• Embryonic development
• Foetal changes
• Complications (miscarriage, premature labor, preeclampsia)
• Myths and fallacies about pregnancy and childbirth

Yoga philosophy, lifestyle, and ethics

• 8 limbs of yoga
• Essence of Bhagavad Gita
• Mother's unconditional love (Bhakti yoga)
• Stress and its yogis management (Karma yoga)
• Myths and fallacies about yoga in pregnancy
• Research on yoga in pregnancy
• Yogic philosophical view on pregnancy and motherhood
• How to maintain a happy and healthy state in pregnancy

Introduction to yogic techniques in pregnancy

• Yoga practices dedicated to each trimester, including asanas, pranayama, and chanting, meditation
• Techniques related to breathing for pregnant women
• Contraindications and benefits of asanas and pranayama techniques during each trimester of pregnancy
• Adjustments and alignment during pregnancy
• Modification of a yoga practice during pregnancy

Yogic lifestyle: yogic and Ayurvedic diet in pregnancy

• Healthy foods
• Foods to avoid
• Nutrients that help during pregnancy

Mantra chanting during pregnancy

• Mythology and stories listening: Patanjali, Swami Vivekananda, Aurobindo

Sex during pregnancy

• Allowed or not
• Special care during relationship

Yoga in labor and postpartum

• Yogic support and preparation for the labor and postpartum period
• Sequencing safe prenatal and postnatal yoga classes
• Postnatal yoga practice - asanas, sequencing, techniques for the recovery after birth
• Conscious parenting
• Yoga as a way of life for stress management
• Concepts of healthy living in Bhagwad Gita, Patanjali Yoga sutras, and Hatha yoga Pradipika to fight postpartum depression

Caring for newborn baby

• Food after 6 month
• Mantra for baby
• Special care

Practical

• In pairs
• In small groups
• In a big group

Early pregnancy (first 1-3 month)

• Shoulder stretches
• Sitting stretches
• Vajrasana (the thunderbolt)
• Trikonasana (Easy triangle)
• Viparitkarni (modified shoulder stand)
• Pregnancy sun-salutation
• Yoga Nidra

Mid-pregnancy (4-6 month)

• Easy kneeling stretches
• Standing twists
• Standing hip openers
• Sitting stretches
• Wide-open stretches
• Pelvic floor stretches
• Pregnancy surya namaskar
• Warrior 1 and 2
• Tree pose
• Shavasana

Late pregnancy (7-9 month)

• Sitting stretches
• Wide kneeling stretches
• Yoga for better sleep
• Alignment of the spine
• Chair sun salutation

Breathing practices for pregnant women

• Nadishodhanam
• Bhramari
• Surya and chandrabhedan
• Ujjayi
• Healing pranayama

Pelvic floor awareness

• Cautions and conditions

Videos watching

• The function of the womb
• Stages of pregnancy

Ayurveda massage of pregnant women

• Feet massage
• Head massage
• Womb / belly care
• Post-natal Ayurvedic massage

Post-natal yoga

• Abdominal stretches
• Gentle back stretches
• Sitting twists
• Kneeling stretches
• Standing forward bend
• Post-natal surya namaskara

Meditation

• Basics of meditation
• Nadabramha (humming meditation)
• Prayer: concept and recitation
• Yogic affirmations (Karma, Raj, Bhakti, Chittaprasadan)
• Mantra meditation
• Pregnancy mantra meditation

Suggested Readings

Swasti Yoga Center recommends going through the online reading material provided to you during the course. Enjoy and wishing you all a wonderful learning journey!