Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training

85 Hour Program

This comprehensive training program is intended for yoga teachers that have completed a 200-hour training program with a Registered Yoga School, who are interested in teaching Prenatal Yoga, addressing needs of the postnatal students, or who simply want to gain more confidence and assurance guiding pregnant students that join their regular yoga class. Students that complete our 85-hour training will be qualified to offer yoga to pregnant and postpartum women and will be eligible for the RPYT (Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher) designation with the Yoga Alliance.

This course has been designed to provide yoga teachers with in-depth practices, concepts and other traditional and authentic yoga teachings to be able to support a pregnant woman both physically and emotionally throughout her pregnancy. Teachers will be able to empower pregnant students with the skills of mindfulness, endurance and adaptability, and to offer a supportive environment of a community of other pregnant mothers.

The demand for professionally trained prenatal yoga teachers is on the rise, as health professionals and childbirth educators continue to recognize and experience how the prenatal yoga practice contributes to the well-being of pregnant women. This training creates an opportunity for teachers to become a bigger part of this movement and provides the tools to ease and empower women going through their most incredible and transformative journey - the first stage of motherhood. As a prenatal yoga teacher, you will experience the rewards of your invaluable guidance for moms-to-be as they connect to their deep inner wisdom and intuition.

The curriculum in this course amply covers the practices and concepts needed to effectively lead expecting mothers in a Prenatal class setting or enhance a teacher’s ability understanding of prenatal requirements in a traditional class. The following topics will be covered in alignment with the standards set by the Yoga Alliance.

Anatomy & Physiology for Prenatal Yoga

Anatomical, physiological and psychological changes during pregnancy by trimester, and during postpartum.

Common pregnancy discomforts, complications and high-risk pregnancy sign.

Deeper understanding of the anatomical structure of the pelvis, common pelvic area discomforts, importance of correct alignment and posture, optimal fetal positioning.

Physiological and emotional changes during labor and childbirth, common complications and medical interventions.

Students will be tested on their understanding of normal pregnancy anatomy, physiology and usual physical discomforts during pregnancy.

The Art of Teaching Prenatal Yoga

Learn and practice modified and safe prenatal poses and movements for beginner to more intermediate prenatal yoga students, including trimester-specific yoga techniques, and relaxation and stress management techniques.

Develop sequences that are accessible, inclusive and appropriate to your prenatal yoga students.

Understand postpartum, issues and needs of the postnatal body, and appropriate yoga practice that facilitates in the physical recovery process.

Learn to create a positive, nurturing, supportive and safe environment for group or private prenatal classes.

Discuss professionalism in teaching prenatal yoga and how to establish a successful career as a prenatal yoga teacher. Understand the prenatal yoga teacher’s relationship with health care professionals, midwives, and doulas.

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle & Ayurveda for Pregnancy

self-care tips for dealing with imbalances in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum from the perspective of Ayurveda and practices to feel balanced and nurtured in the body and mind.

Review of the 8 limbs of yoga and how they integrate to lifestyle and well-being during pregnancy

The training includes observing four prenatal yoga classes taught by the lead teacher and written homework summarizing the observation, sequence, and review of the class. It also includes practice teaching prenatal yoga to other training students.

Students will be given a written exam and a final practicum exam taught to the entire training group with evaluation and feedback from the lead teacher. This practice will deepen the trainee’s understanding of the class structure, sequencing, safety of postures and modifications, and art of teaching in the prenatal class.

Each Yoga Shakti Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training student is supplied with the Yoga Shakti Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Manual as a valuable resource for the training and afterwards.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive an Yoga Shakti Prenatal Yoga Teacher Certificate registered with Yoga Alliance at 85 hours. To apply for Yoga Alliance Certification Credentials with the RPYT designation, you must meet the following criteria:

Completed your 200-hour training program with a RYS 200

Teach at least 30 hours of prenatal yoga AFTER completion of your prenatal yoga certification program. Once you have taught 30 hours of prenatal yoga, you can submit your Yoga Shakti Prenatal Yoga Teacher Certificate and application with registration fees to Yoga Alliance.