Experienced, and passionate about pregnancy yoga and childbirth. As a fully certified Birthlight level 2 pregnancy yoga teacher and FEDANT accredited antenatal educator, Rachel has over 14 years of experience as a midwife. She also holds a degree in Sports Science and is a mother herself, which gives her a unique perspective and understanding of pregnancy and birth.
Rachel's particular interests lie in physiological birth, birth biomechanics, and helping women achieve a positive birth experience. She personally experienced the benefits of pregnancy yoga during her own pregnancies and witnessed its positive impact as a midwife, which has fueled her passion for teaching and sharing the benefits of yoga practise during pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy Yoga classes with Rachel are suitable for women from 14 weeks of pregnancy onwards. She teaches Birthlight yoga, which incorporates adapted classic yoga practises specifically designed for pregnancy benefits. The classes are small and friendly, welcoming women of all levels of experience, including those who have never done yoga before. It's worth noting that Birthlight is one of the few exercise providers approved by the Royal College of Midwives.
In Rachel's classes, expect gentle stretches, effective breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises that help prepare your body and mind for birth while easing any discomforts associated with pregnancy. The flowing sequences taught in class are originally designed for pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Rachel aims to not only focus on birth preparation but also on the enjoyment of pregnancy and the journey all the way through to labour and beyond. Her classes combine movement, breath, relaxation, and awareness to provide comprehensive support for pregnant women.
The atmosphere in Rachel's classes fosters a sense of community and support among the expecting mothers. She ensures that each group of expectant mothers receives individual attention and offers a nurturing environment that encourages the formation of friendships and support networks.
Rachel also provides 1:1 pregnancy yoga sessions tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each individual. These sessions can take place in the comfort of the client's own home. Additionally, she offers birth preparation and breastfeeding workshops, which can be attended in groups or in a 1:1 setting.
The venue for Rachel's pregnancy yoga classes is the Earley Crescent Resource Centre in Reading. The classes take place on Saturdays from 09:00 to 10:00 am and 10:15 to 11:15 am. The centre provides ample free parking and access to toilets and a café. It is recommended that participants bring their own mat, but mats and bricks can be provided and are disinfected after each use.
Participants are also encouraged to bring a pillow/cushion and a blanket for the relaxation portion of the class. It is advisable to bring a bottle of water as well.
To book classes, interested individuals can email Rachel or call her using the provided contact details. Classes can be booked as a 5-week block for 59 or paid as-you-go from 36 weeks pregnant for 13. It is advisable to email before attending to ensure availability. Once booked, participants will receive an enrolment form and payment details for a bank transfer.
Payment is required before the first class. Please note that missed classes are non-refundable, but classes can be rolled over with more than 48 hours' notice.
Testimonials from previous participants speak highly of Rachel's expertise, knowledge, and ability to provide a supportive and energising experience. Ella, one of Rachel's students, describes attending pregnancy yoga taught by a midwife as “fantastic,” with each week offering new knowledge and leaving her feeling re-energised and ready for the weekend.
For a comprehensive and supportive pregnancy yoga experience in Reading, Rachel Fairweather, also known as the Yoga Midwife, offers classes that cater to the unique needs and concerns of expectant mothers. With her extensive training, expertise, and personal experiences as both a midwife and a mother, Rachel provides invaluable guidance and support throughout pregnancy and birth, empowering women to have a positive and fulfilling birth experience.