Introduction
Yoga and holistic birth support are potent therapeutic tools to empower the birthing journey from pregnancy to parenthood. This internationally recognized training program will ignite your journey to support healing and transformation during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Sacred Birth focuses on nurturing conscious pregnancy and parenthood while addressing the medical, political and spiritual considerations of birthing.
This 85hr hour dual-certification program and retreat promises to be full of transformation, learning and inspiration. Congratulations for choosing to become a part of a global movement of change-makers, working to empower, heal and restore birth.
Julia Forest
ASY Founder & E-RYT Lead Yoga Facilitator & RPYT
Awakened Spirit is a Yoga Alliance Registered Prenatal Yoga School.
Course details
Duration and effort
- 85 hours
- October 14-20: In-Person training
Mentorship
- 1 on 1 private mentorship with Julia Forest
Certification
- 85 HR Registered Prenatal Yoga Certificate (Yoga Alliance)
- 20 HR Postnatal Yoga Teaching Certificate (20 CEUs with Yoga Alliance)
Material
- In-person, live lectures and classes
- 2 Illustrated manuals (prenatal & postnatal yoga manuals)
- Guided self-regulation practices, meditations and healing practices
- On-demand prenatal yoga classes, videos about yogic philosophy and birth, and trauma education videos (required for certificate - watch on your own time!)
- Guidance around creating a sacred postpartum wellness plan
Talk to us
We offer free consult calls with our facilitators. Please schedule a Zoom or Whatsapp to speak with us!
Recommended for
Our program is holistically designed for those who are interested in learning a mind-body approach to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting preparation with a therapeutic focus.
- Yogis interested in learning about women’s health, pregnancy and conscious birthing
- Educators, counselors, midwives, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in reproductive health
- Yoga teachers seeking to develop a niche in prenatal yoga and to deepen their facilitation and community building skills
- Those who are on their pregnancy journey and seeking to connect more deeply through yoga and holistic birth support
- Those who are on their pregnancy journey and seeking practices and skills for a conscious pregnancy and birth
What our students say
about this course
“Julia is a fantastic teacher. She created a warm and community-like environment. I learned many skills and tools that I will use in my yoga classes, in my life and perhaps in my own pregnancy. I especially found learning her mindfulness and awareness based approach very valuable. This course is very thorough and addressed the various aspects of pregnancy: physiological, anatomical, psychological and spiritual. I highly recommend this course!”
-ML
Canada
“Awakened Spirit offers a well designed and presented training. Julia is incredibly knowledgeable and brings forth her expertise and experience in a thoughtful and nurturing way. I liked learning the changes that occur in each stage of pregnancy. In this course I discovered the value of living the life I want to live now, discovered my unique gifts that I have to offer to my students and how mindfulness brings about a deeper way of living an authentic life. ”
-NF
New Zealand
“Julia really cared about our personal growth as teachers. The environment that she created gave a feeling of community and intimacy that created a perfect foundation for our exploration of prenatal yoga. With years of experience as a yogi, yoga teacher, doula and prenatal teacher, Julia brings lots of knowledge and authentic care for each participant. She draws upon her real-life experience. I have learned more than I ever expected and feel so grateful for that.”
-LL
Germany
Goals of This Course:
- Teach prenatal yoga therapeutically to support a healthy pregnancy and birth
- Learn how to safely modify postures for pregnancy, with knowledge of modifications, contraindicated and beneficial postures for each trimester
- Understand anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, including western and eastern perspectives and the effects of pregnancy on the body, mind and spirit
- Gain a thorough understanding of birthing and pregnancy
- Learn skills that are immediately applicable to all of your classes
- Be mentored by a team of experienced and passionate teachers who are leaders in the field
- Explore the landscape of Birth in all its realms: physiological, psychological, sociological, historical, political and spiritual
- Acquire knowledge and tools to heal your own birthing stories
- Discover your authentic teaching voice and uncover the unique gifts that you have to offer through class exercise, the use of imagery, sequencing, birth art and facilitator support
- Learn practical Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine for birth and beyond
- Encourage the harmonization of hormones and energy levels using yogic wisdom
- Design skillful sequencing, positions for labour, asana for childbirth preparation and postnatal recommendations for recovery
- Integrate all aspects of the practice: asana, breath work (pranayama), vocal toning (mantra), relaxation, working with themes, massage and pain reduction techniques to help create a more positive and relaxed birthing experience
- Come to an embodied understanding of our innate wisdom and the miracle of birth
Everyone is invited, including those who are pregnant, postpartum, identifying as LGBTQ, and men. Babies in arms are welcome too! (Or if you are interested, this course is also offered ONLINE for a limited time only.)
What’s unique about our approach?
With deep roots in Northern India, our approach blends traditional Hatha, Vinyasa and the fundamentals of therapeutic yoga to support individuals in leading joyful, empowered lives.
Our alignment-based system incorporates mindfulness and traditional yogic wisdom with a modern understanding of the body. We believe yoga is for all people and create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for you to discover your own potential.
Our curriculum is developed around the three pillars of Mind, Body & Earth, believing that they are essential, interconnected aspects of the yogic path.
In this course you will
- Receive an internationally recognized certification in yoga teaching and leadership
- Learn the fundamentals of our holistic and interdisciplinary approach to yoga
- Discover the resources, inspiration, and community support you are seeking to create sustainable change
- Nourish your mind, body and spirit through daily yoga, meditation and living in harmony with the earth
- Return home with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, expanded community and heartfelt inspiration
Whether you’re a teacher, birth professional or yoga practitioner, you are embarking on a personal journey of self-reflection and healing. In this training you will be mentored to explore and develop your unique expression of teaching and facilitating sacred space for pregnancy and postpartum.
Curriculum
Module 1
Prenatal Yoga
- The stages of pregnancy and effects on body and mind
- The physiology of pregnancy and childbirth
- Pregnancy and childbirth as a journey
- Deconstructing and transforming our relationship to pain
- The benefits of prenatal yoga
- Modifications, contraindications and beneficial asanas for each trimester
- Postures to support a healthy pregnancy
- Sequencing and class themes
- Hands-on assisting in prenatal yoga
- Pranayama and sound techniques
- Relaxation and visualization for childbirth preparation and support of the birth experience
- Integrating mindfulness and cultivating awareness in your classes
- Incorporating imagery into cueing for breathwork and asana
- Massage, birthing techniques and laboring positions using yoga
- How to create a supportive community in your class environment
Module 2
Postnatal Yoga
1. Needs of the birthing person: first 6 weeks and beyond; physiological and anatomical changes
2. Perinatal Mental Health—including an overview of perinatal mood disorders
3. The benefits of postnatal yoga
4. Safe and effective strategies to support a healthy recovery and yoga practices for rebuilding strength and flexibility after childbirth
5. Foundation in infant development and benchmarks
6. Infant stimulation techniques you can incorporate into your classes
7. Pranayama and sound techniques
8. Integrating mindfulness and cultivating awareness in your classes
9. Incorporating imagery into cueing for breathwork and asana
10. Postnatal yoga for healing and beneficial asanas to support the body after childbirth
11. Simple infant massage and infant stimulation routine
12. Sequencing and the 5 Postnatal Posture Groups
13. Establishing and running a parent and baby yoga class & incorporating baby in the yoga postures
14. Advanced yoga techniques for pelvic floor health
15. Restorative yoga for new mothers including sample classes
This program includes
- Daily guided yoga practices
- 85 hour Yoga Alliance Registered Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Teaching Certification
- Two Zoom Sessions (date TBD, one before the in-person training & one after)
- Access to the recorded content to watch at your own pace which includes: prenatal/postnatal yoga posture clinics, yoga anatomy & much more…
- Luxury accommodations at Teravana Retreat Center
- Three delicious, organic meals per day
** Does not include transport (flights or shuttles). Once registering, the retreat center will provide support with shuttles.
R-PYT Eligibility
To gain Yoga Alliance certification as RPYT, a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is required. Others can participate but will not be eligible for registration as a Prenatal Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.
Sample daily flow
6.30 am
Yoga & Movement practice
8 am
Breakfast
9 am
Yoga Philosophy
10.45 am
Yoga Lab, Anatomy or Methodology
12.15 pm
Lunch
2 pm
Yoga Philosophy
4.15 pm
Yoga Lab, Therapeutics or Methodology
7.15 pm
Dinner
8 pm
Evening activity; meditation, circle, movie or reflection. (3 times per week)
*first day starts with dinner and last day ends after breakfast.
Participants also require...
- A minimum of 75 contact hours with Julia Forest (the training meets this requirement)
- 10 observation hours observing or assisting classes in your community
- Successful completion of teaching practicum with support of Julia, teaching team and peers
- 10 hours of homework readings to be completed after the course (this will be assigned in class)
Registration Information
Prenatal & Postnatal YTT Tuition: $1500
PLUS Accommodation(R&B) $1500-3000*
* Accommodation (R&B) collected by the retreat center Teravana upon registering.
You’ll reserve your preferred accommodation when you secure your spot in the training by paying your tuition.
Accommodation
Join us in California
Teravana Retreat
R&B costs include accommodation and all meals (first meal on the first day, breakfast on the last day).
Just two hour from San Francisco, this beautiful off-grid retreat centre in Sonoma County, California sits within 600 acres of pristine forest and rolling hills with plenty of space to explore, connect, and recharge in a serene setting.
Enjoy the endless vistas, truly luxury off-grid accommodation and delicious, organic farm-to-table meals during your stay here (meat and veggie options).
Accommodation Costs (includes all meals)
- Shared Room: $1500
- Twin Bed (2 people per room) : $1900
- Private Room (Queen Bed): $2100
** Inclusivity Scholarship opportunities are available for this training! Click here to see if you’re eligible to apply.
Meet your facilitators
Julia Forest
ASY founder , training director & 500 E-RYT® | Lead yoga facilitator
“Julia really cared about our personal growth as teachers. The environment that she created gave a feeling of community and intimacy that created a perfect foundation for our exploration of prenatal yoga. With years of experience as a yogi, yoga teacher, doula and prenatal teacher, Julia brings lots of knowledge and authentic care for each participant. She draws upon her real-life experience. I have learned more than I ever expected and feel so grateful for that.”
— LL, Germany
Talk to us
We offer free consultation calls to chat with one of our facilitators. If you have any questions, please schedule a Zoom or Whatsapp call by clicking the button below.
Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga and Doula Training
FAQ
The prerequisites for the prenatal yoga teacher trainings is only that you must be passionate and inspired to create a community of like-minded women who want to help support and guide other mothers safely through the practice of yoga. We only ask that you are dedicated and feel compelled to answer this very sacred call.
It is helpful to have prior teaching experience but isnt necessary. Much of the course and the postures are referred to in sanskrit and english terminology. It’s certainly recommended to have a previous practice of the asana or postures as the course content will flow with more ease and understanding and be able to assimilate the information more quickly. Please reach out if you have any questions regarding Yoga Alliance accreditations (info@awakenedspirityoga.com).
Yes! The Yoga Alliance has granted us temporary approval to lead a Virtual 85 hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. We are a Registered Yoga School (RYS) for the 200 Hour, 300 Hour, and 85 Hour Pre-Natal levels. Upon successful completion of one of the previously mentioned programs, you are eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), and will be certified to teach yoga internationally. Once you’ve met all the requirements of the 85 hr Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training you’ll receive the designation of RPYT (Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher) with eligibility to register with Yoga Alliance.
We do not offer funds for our online courses because we’ve invested a lot of time and energy into creating the course content and videos. Once you’ve had access to these files, as in all information, it holds value. Should you have a health concern and are otherwise unable to complete the program, please contact
We run different iteneraries for this course. Please check our schedule for more details.
Yes 🙂 Our course counts for continuing education with the yoga alliance and also you can upgrade your yoga alliance membership to registered prenatal yoga teacher (RPYT).
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