Q&A with Our Co-Founders: The WMY Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training
Hello Friends!
It is my pleasure to share a recent convo I had with Lauren & Alexandra about our Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training. As a graduate of the training myself, I can share that the experience changed my life. Literally. It set my career on a brand new path & for that I am so grateful! Although not necessarily life changing for everyone, our PYTT is an opportunity to expand your skillset, reach an important student population & grow your ability to connect with pregnant folks & new parents.
Enjoy!
Love, Erin
What do you love most about leading the PYTT?
Lauren: I love meeting such amazing people. We've led many of these trainings at this point and each cohort has so much wisdom to share with us and with each other.
Without fail, the people who choose to attend are warm, generous and wise, and it always feels like we come away with both knowledge and new friendships.
Alexandra: I love watching our students grow confidence in their own skills as they learn the material and asana! The evolution in practice teaching from weekend one to weekend three is a treat to observe.
What have you learned from teaching the PYTT?
A: I’ve learned there is always more to learn. Science and medical recommendations change, and our understanding of birth and maternal wellness and maternal outcomes continues to get more robust.
As a result, we are constantly updating our materials and making sure what we are teaching aligns to the latest information on perinatal health. It’s fascinating to be so plugged into all of these changes & to share them with others!
L: Every session brings new people with diverse experiences to share. We've learned from pediatricians, doulas, physical therapists, psychologists, lactation consultants, and other yoga teachers with incredible backgrounds.
The story of birth, and what happens before and after, continues to weave a remarkable tapestry.
I have learned about the power and magic inherent in all birth AND how important it is to have people in this world who don't have children, and can be a support to humanity in a different way. Birth is a creative force that manifests in each of us in different ways.
A: YES! What she said :)
How has meeting PYTT participants changed your own perspective on being a pre/postnatal yoga teacher?
L: There are so many different perspectives in this field of work, so much still to learn, and so much ongoing research. Different cultural perspectives on birth are also so interesting. I love learning about rituals around pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period from other cultural traditions.
A: As Lauren noted, we learn so much from our participants. They come from all walks of life: we've had midwives, pediatricians, doulas, moms, college students... it runs the gamut. We've had students from all over the world! Hearing their perspectives on birth, mothering, and parenthood has helped me have a wider view of these things, past my own narrow experience.
Who is the right fit for the WMY PYTT?
A: Truly anyone passionate about being of service to perinatal populations!
L: Yes to that, Alexandra. If you have a slight interest in pregnancy, birth, or supporting birth parents in some way, I think our training is a great fit!
In addition to teaching about yoga, breathwork, meditation, anatomy, and the perinatal period, our training also offers a really wonderful opportunity to delve into self-study, to meet other people (also interested in birth work), and to have an impact on this incredible important time of life.
What are you most excited about re: returning to in-person learning?
A: Hands-on assists! Hugging participants at the end of the training! Chanting in person! Loud bursts of laughter! So many things. :)
L: Oh. My. Goodness. Hugs! Yes, hugs. I love that answer, Alexandra.
Also, while we were amazed at how well the PYTT translated to an online environment, I am so excited to get to work in the 3D realm again. Seeing people, being able to work in 3 dimensions (especially in yoga) can be so helpful.
And the space, Sfeer Studio, where the training will take place, is beautiful and allows us access to yoga props that are so supportive in prenatal and postnatal yoga classes.
We would be honored for you to join us for our upcoming PYTT, which returns in-person in Chapel Hill this February!
And please feel to reach out to us directly with any questions or concerns. We are available at wholemamayoga@gmail.com.