Dee Yergo wants to help pregnant women relax, calm their fears, and enjoy the entire experience of childbirth. So, the founder of Prana Yoga and Meditation will be offering a prenatal yoga class, beginning this weekend, at White Plains Hospital. We talked to Yergo about the class, a first for WPH.
What exactly is the program and what does it entail?
We offer Prenatal Yoga, Meditation, Yoga for Labor, and a program that I developed called Pranabirthing, which prepares the mind for birth using systemic relaxation tools. We currently offer classes within a midwifery clinic called Full Circle Women’s Health. This Sunday [June 4], my associate, Judi Checo, will begin teaching classes at White Plains Hospital, which is the first time they have offered a prenatal yoga program.
How do you feel the program aids the birthing process?
From a physical perspective, prenatal yoga opens up the hips, groin, and pelvis, and encourages better positioning for babies. Yoga and meditation also calm the mind, which leads to a more easeful birthing experience. We also receive the feedback regularly that birth becomes a spiritual experience as a result of our program, and many partners experience deeper connection within their relationship as a result.
Is it endorsed or supported by an OB/GYN?
Yes. We have the full support of the Full Circle midwives, and many OB/GYNs in the area give out our flyers and promote our program because they are aware of the extensive physical and mental benefits the practices of yoga and meditation offer to women.
How did you come up with the idea and start the program?
After running the program at Full Circle for a year and realizing what a strong and positive impact it was having on the birth experiences of so many women, I reached out to WPH and asked them if they would like an in-house program. I felt we would better be able to reach more women
How is your birth prep class different than other yoga programs?
We prioritize a woman’s intuition and self-agency. We help women leverage the power of the mind to create a more easeful birth experience. We are also very focused on building community. We offer a safe space where women can connect with each other in a judgment-free zone. Many students form long-term friendships as a result of meeting in our classes. This is particularly important after the babies are born. Our program makes it easy for women to form their tribe!
What is the date/time/location of the class?
We run 12 classes a week, which can all be found on our website. Specifically the classes at WPH will be on Sundays. 9:30 a.m. for Prenatal and 11 a.m. for “Mama and Baby” (which is a postnatal class). As the hospital completes renovations we will be adding at least five additional options beginning in January 2018.
