Directory of Prenatal Yoga Instructors

If you are pregnant and seeking a qualified prenatal yoga instructor, please note that this directory is organized by home location but many of these teachers/authors/speakers are available nationally and internationally. Please visit their websites for more information.

If you are a prenatal yoga instructor and you would like to be listed here, please send me your name and location, a yoga-themed photo of you, and a quote containing your best advice for pregnant women who want to practice prenatal yoga.

Prenatal Yoga in California
	Lisa Pedersen, Hermosa Beach, California, USA – Lisa says, “I have taught many a group of women who practiced yoga together when pregnant. They are the best of friends now, and many went on to have their next baby at the same time. Prenatal yoga allowed them the opportunity to build their village, their support group.”
	Annie E. Appleby, Hillsborough and Burlingame, California, USA - Annie says, "Tell your teacher you are pregnant at the start of class. It might be obvious to you, but as a teacher, we feel weird for asking and what if you just gained weight and are NOT pregnant? It puts us in an awkward position, so PLEASE let us know. ALWAYS practice your alignment. Alignment is always key, before and after the baby comes."
	Felicia Marie Tomasko, Los Angeles, California, USA - Felicia says, “Often, I've had students tell me after they've given birth that their yoga practice was one of the single most important things they did while pregnant. Practicing as a way to get quiet amidst the demands of everyday life and have time to focus inward, on your own body and the developing relationship with your about-to-be-born baby is a delightful and rejuvenating experience."
Prenatal Yoga in Illinois
	Stephanie Mansour, Chicago, Illinois, USA – Stephanie says, ” “If you are new to yoga and practicing for the first time while pregnant, you will focus a bit more on gaining flexibility and strength rather than simply maintaining it.”
Prenatal Yoga in New Jersey
	Archarya Sri Khadi Madama, Beachwood, New Jersey, USA – Acharya Sri Khadi Madama says, “If for any reason your doctor tells you that it is not in your best interest to practice prenatal yoga, you can ask about practicing calming yoga breathing, simplified movements in bed, meditation, and deep relaxation pose, visualizing a healthy, happy pregnancy.”
	Annie Martens, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA – Annie says, “Babies themselves are very present, and conscious about their needs and emotional well-being both when they are in the womb and once they are born. When a mother practices yoga while she’s pregnant, her child benefits from the release of emotional and physical stress.”
Prenatal Yoga in New York
	Kama Linden, Bronx and New York, New York, USA – Kama says, “It is OK to start….even if you never have…just make sure you choose a teacher who is certified in pre- and postnatal yoga.”
	Kelly Caraher, Ithaca, New York, USA – Kelly says, “Yoga gives you the opportunity to find a quiet space within to connect with your baby. In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, having the space and time to breathe together with your growing child is a priceless experience.”
	Doreen Foxwell, Monroe, New York, USA – Doreen says, “A baby’s first yoga poses are done in utero. Start practicing together from utero to birth to toddlerhood to preschool years to school aged and beyond.”
	Debra Flashenberg, New York, New York, USA – Debra says, “As teachers it is not our place to tell women how we believe they should experience their birth. Our job is to create a place where they can discover their own inner voice and confidence.”
	Charles Polanco, New York, New York, USA – Charles says, “When practicing yoga, go at your own pace. Every day the body is changing…accept where you are today, be present, and remember to have fun.”
Prenatal Yoga in North Carolina
	Ginger Garner, Emerald Isle, North Carolina, USA – Ginger says, “Yoga helps to prepare you for the immense changes which will occur as you enter into motherhood. Everything will be affected – your physical yoga practice, your psycho-emotional well being, your energetic being, your intellectual being (mommy brain!), and even your spiritual being. Your capacity to love increases, your heart opens, and all the while you are sleep deprived, overwhelmed with your new responsibilities as a mother and parent – yoga helps you to cope with all of the massive life changes you’ll experience.”