Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga Alliance 85 Hour Certification

"Jenny meets her students where they are at in a calm and loving environment, so they may be able to truly love themselves and nurture others."

ABOUT TRAINING

In this Sweet Pea’s Studio Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga Teacher Training, we will explore what it means to call forth the wisdom of our ancient mothers. This abundance of feminine wisdom, woven throughout the fabric of a woman’s life, is the root system from which we grow into motherhood. Women’s wisdom is at the center of working with pregnancy, birth and mothering. It is the very heart and soul of Sweet Pea’s Studio and of its founder, Jenny. In this training, with the vibration of years of sharing, community, laughter, tears, celebrations, heartbreaks, stillness and chaos of babies and mothers coming together, you will learn how to continue to be a source of this Divine Feminine Wisdom for others. It is here at Sweet Pea’s Studio that you will draw from the well of knowledge and experience of a respected and beloved teacher.

WHO IS THIS TRAINING DESIGNED FOR?

For those who are pursuing Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher (RPYT) Certification, you must have successfully completed at least a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. If you are currently pursuing your yoga teacher certification, you are still welcomed to take this training.
This training is also ideal for Doulas, Childbirth Educators, Bodyworkers, Women’s Health Professionals, Community Professionals who work with pregnant women, Women's Health/Reproductive Advocates, and those who wish to deepen their yoga practice. A certificate of completion will be provided for those who need continuing education hours.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training program (RYT-200)
Complete both of the SPS Prenatal Teacher Trainings Intensives

SPS PNTT Training includes:
- 64 hours of prenatal/postnatal total training in house
- 10 hours of observation + journaling (outside of training intensives)
- 6 hours of student teaching + journaling (outside of training intensives)
- 5 hours of homework which includes required reading + journaling to demonstrate learning objectives (required reading materials are not included in tuition fees)

Sweet Pea's Studio will offer students opportunity to fulfill observation and teaching hours in studio. Out of town students can submit videos and student feedback forms.
We will go over certification requirements within the training. Aside from Yoga Alliance requirements, each studio provides its own unique voice to their training programs. Sweet Pea's Studio values comprehensive education in a nurturing and inclusive environment, while advocating on behalf of women's reproductive rights, and utilizing evidence-based information. 

To learn more and view additional teaching requirements and how to maintain your certification once obtained, visit Yoga Alliance's website.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Sweet Pea’s Studio is a Registered Prenatal Yoga School (RPYS) and Continuing Education Provider Through Yoga Alliance (YA). In addition to the YA standards of curriculum, below are Sweet Pea's specific standards of curriculum. This includes curriculum for both Prenatal and Postpartum training programs.

History of Yoga for Pregnancy – YPLE
What is the history of modern yoga and pregnancy? Who are the modern teachers? Explore Yoga and Birth Education Tradition. Students will learn which teachers have been instrumental in introducing "Prenatal Yoga" to the modern cohort. They will also learn the differences between an adapted yoga class for pregnant students and a Prenatal Yoga class.

History of Yoga for Women – YPLE
Yoga not previously taught to women: Krishnamacharia, Nathamuni, and male practices that have limiting teachings for women. Students will be able to understand the modern practices of yoga as it relates to women.

Resources and Partner Providers – Prenatal
Get to know the experts in the Birth Community: Obstetrician/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs), Midwives, Doulas, International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Childbirth Educators, and other alternative care professionals such as Massage and Physical Therapists, Chiropractors and Acupuncturists.

Holding Space: Creating Community – TM
Sharing and creating community as a fundamental part of the Prenatal Yoga class. Students will learn how to hold space in classes for sharing and reflecting, and why this is an important component of working with this population. They will also be able to create and facilitate conversations around childbirth and parenting topics in a safe space.

Pregnancy Overview: Anatomy and Physiology – AP
The Childbearing Year: first, second, third and fourth (postpartum) trimesters, and considerations of Yoga Practice within each trimester. Students will learn to understand the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy within each trimester and considerations of practicing yoga within each of these trimesters.

Considerations of Risks and Contraindications – TM
Considerations of Risks: possible vs probable risk, contraindications and variations in a Prenatal Yoga Practice. Students will learn about the safety considerations of working with their pregnant students. They will learn to understand evidence-based data on possible vs probable risk and considerations of safety, as well as adaptive variations for each student as it relates to these considerations.

Anatomy of the Female Pelvis – AP
In-depth examination of the female pelvis and pelvic floor muscles and the influence of movement and yoga practice for strengthening, toning and providing support. Students will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the pelvis and the pelvic floor muscles. They will learn about birthing positions and preparatory exercises for strengthening and stabilizing the pelvic floor, as well as understanding the role of pelvic health in women's lives.

Stages of Labor – Prenatal
Stages of labor as seen through the anatomy and physiology of the mother's body and the baby's body. Students will learn about the physiological process of labor as defined by "stages of labor." Students will learn how yoga poses (asanas) and breath techniques can be used during labor and delivery.

Pregnancy Alignment and Posture, Pre/Postnatal Changes – AP
Understanding how all the physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum influence a woman's posture and structural alignment. Students will learn how hormonal and weight changes and growth of the uterus, alter a woman's posture and alignment. They will also learn how posture and alignment during pregnancy can influence birth. Students will learn how changes during pregnancy, the birth experience and lactation, can affect the postpartum body. We will explore how these physiological changes can be best supported with yoga.

Prenatal Practice Sequencing – TM
Creating Prenatal Yoga class sequences. Sequencing for each trimester and skills of students. Students will learn how to create class sequences for each trimester. They will understand how to adapt these class sequences according to the differing skills of students.

Creating Lesson Plans and Class Themes – TM
Creating lesson plans for Prenatal Yoga classes with themes. These themes may be related to anatomy and physiology, birth, relationships, motherhood, etc. Students will learn how to include within their lesson plans, themes that create the fully formed "Prenatal Yoga” class. Opening-up the time and space within classes to include mental, emotional and cultural considerations that parents-to-be encounter throughout their journey.

Supported Poses with Props and Partners – TM
Props such as yoga blocks, bolsters, blankets, chairs, the wall, and partners, are very helpful with pregnant students. Students will learn how to integrate these tools into class to best support pregnant women. 

Asana Practice for Each Trimester – TTP
Exploring and developing Prenatal Asana Practices for each trimester. Students will learn, practice and experience various Asana Practice for each trimester. They will also learn how to adapt Asana and Pranayama Practice for students with special considerations such as twins, diastasis recti, etc.

Pranayama, Visualization and Meditation – TTP
Pranayama Practice for Pregnancy, meditation and visualizations for pregnancy and birth. Students will learn the safe and appropriate use of pranayama, as well as breath work to prepare for birth. Visualization and meditation will also be learned to teach coping and relaxation skills.

Language and Cultural Awareness – TM  
Providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Exploring language and cultural considerations that may be present in teaching this community. Students will learn to become aware of possible cultural differences as well as language sensitivities in a prenatal class. Students will also learn to teach with inclusive language.

Birth Education in a Prenatal Yoga Class – TTP
Including birth education topics and educational tools within a Prenatal Yoga class. Students will learn to understand how to present and teach Childbirth topics within a class. They will also understand how to include Birth Ed tools such as props, birth education teaching materials and birth community resources.

Comfort and Coping Techniques – TTP
Massage, aromatherapy, and other relaxation techniques can be wonderful Comfort Measures and can be shared within a prenatal Yoga class to help pregnant woman prepare for birth. Students will learn how to include comfort and coping techniques like massage, aromatherapy, and positive affirmations within the prenatal class.

Common Pregnancy Discomforts – TM
Create classes and support pregnant women through common complaints related to pregnancy, like back, hip and pelvic pain, lack of sleep, heartburn and swelling. Students will learn about the most common physical and emotional distress that pregnant students have, and will learn the tools necessary to support them. They will also learn when they are no longer able to support a woman within the scope of practice as a Yoga Instructor, providing resources to refer their students to within the health care community. Students will also learn how to recognize when they are not able to safely work with a pregnant student.

Birth Stories and Sharing – TM
Including the sharing of birth stories from students within a Prenatal Yoga class can help build community, increase understanding and awareness of common birth practices and add additional support to women after their births. Students will learn how to support their students during sharing sessions in class. In addition, they will learn how to encourage their students to share their birth stories, and in doing so, the community within the yoga class will learn about the common birth language and practices within their own community.

Asana and Pranayama Practice for Postpartum – TTP
We will learn how the "4th Trimester" and into the first year after baby is born, Asana and Pranayama Practice can be safely supportive. Student teachers will learn about the various levels of support Asana and Pranayama Practice can provide. Students will understand the "4th Trimester" and how a Yoga Practice can be used to support fatigue, hormonal changes, birth recovery, and other aspects within the first year of motherhood.

Optimal Fetal Positioning Asana Practice – TTP
Certain postures can be practiced during pregnancy to support "Optimal Fetal Positioning." Students will learn about the series of postures that will allow for optimal positioning and balance within the woman's body. Students will understand how these poses influence the uterine ligaments and tone pelvic floor.

Postpartum Practice after Traumatic Birth – TTP
After birth, many women will require special support during their practice. These considerations, such as surgical birth, pelvic floor trauma, postpartum mood disorder or lactation difficulties will be explored. Students will learn how to best support their students after they have experienced trauma during or after birth. They will understand how to modify or avoid poses that could strain surgical sites or cause more discomfort. They will also learn which practices are most useful for women who are struggling with emotional issues or challenges with lactation, as these will often cause pain which certain yoga poses may aggravate.

Childbirth Education Class – Practicum
Students are expected to attend one additional Childbirth Education Class. Students will learn to reach out to and observe another member of the Birth Community and observe one of their classes.

Observation and Attendance at 6 Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Classes – Practicum (10 hours)
Students will be required to attend and observe 10 Prenatal Yoga classes within the community. Students will build on their classroom experience by attending and observing 6 Prenatal Yoga classes. 4 of these classes will be with the Lead Trainer. 6 will be with other teachers in the community.

Student Teaching – Practicum (10 hours)
Students will plan and teach partial classes to each other within the training, totaling 2 full hours of peer reviewed and Lead Teacher assisted teaching. They will then be expected to teach 3, 1-hour long Prenatal Yoga classes and 2 Postnatal Yoga classes for students in Sweet Pea's Studio (via our “Free Community Classes”) which will be observed and evaluated by the Lead Teacher. Students will then be required to teach 2 additional 1-hour long classes (either private or group pre/postnatal classes) which they will be expected to market and promote. They will clearly market that these are classes that are required for their certification, and they will have their students write evaluations which will be presented for completion of the Practicum Requirement. Students will begin to become comfortable with teaching the Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga curriculum by first teaching small sections of a full class within the teacher training classroom. With peer evaluation, discussion and revision, Student Teachers will begin to understand how to design classes, adapt teaching styles and language to best serve this specialized classroom, and learn how to safely support their pregnant and postpartum students. In the structure of our "Free Community Classes," Student Teachers will have the opportunity to facilitate their own classes while being mindfully supported by the Lead Teacher. This allows Student Teachers to share their new teaching skills to students that are also well supported by the Sweet Pea's Community and the Lead Teacher. They will also become comfortable with marketing and promoting their own classes, as they complete the required 2 hours of solo teaching.

Required Reading & Reflections
Students will receive required reading list once they are registered for training.

TTP = Techniques, Training, & Practice
TM = Teaching Methodology
AP = Anatomy & Physiology 
YPLE = Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers