Programs
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OmMama, LLC, offers two on-going Prenatal Yoga classes, and a weekly Postnatal Yoga class. - Evidence-based childbirth education classes for pregnant moms and their birth companions.
- Itsy Bitsy Yoga® classes are offered in five-week series throughout the year.
- Special workshops and events focusing on specific aspects of prenatal and postnatal, and early parenting experience are offered on a regular basis. Check our schedule for current offerings.
- All classes are currently held at the historic Lewis Ginter Recreation Association building, 3421 Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond's Northside Ginter Park neighborhood. Click here for a map and directions. Please call (804) 612-6366 to register or click here to register on-line.
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Prenatal Classes:
Prenatal Yoga
Deepen your awareness of your changing body and mind as you prepare for the life-changing events of birth and parenting. You'll learn stretching, breathing, and relaxation techniques to offer relief from the common discomforts of pregnancy, and practice down-to-earth, pragmatic methods for coping during labor.
The beginning of each class provides time for discussion of pregnancy-related concerns and for connecting with other women in various stages of pregnancy.
Schedule:
- Tuesdays 6:00–7:30 pm
- Thursdays 6:00–7:30 pm
Cost:
- 4 class pass $56 (2 month expiration)
- Single class $15
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Register on-line here or call 804-612-6366.
“Taking the prenatal yoga class with Leslie was the best thing I did during my pregnancy. I learned more about my pregnant body, what to expect during labor and delivery, and how to deal with aspects of each than in any book I read or labor class or I took. . . . Being new to the Richmond area, it also allowed me the chance to meet other women, and I have been a part of a wonderful group of moms, post-pregnancy for "mom groups" and now "playgroups" for our over one-year-old kids.
Postnatal Classes:
Baby & Me Yoga
Bring your baby to a class that offers gentle yoga poses to help you regain abdominal tone and body strength. This class addresses common postpartum concerns such as neck, shoulder, and pelvic strengthening and provides a forum for mothers to share information, support, and parenting tips. For moms and babies, from 3 weeks (6 weeks with a Cesarean birth) to approximately six months or crawling madly.
Thursdays: 10:45-12:00 pm
Cost:
- 4 session pass $56 (3 month expiration)
- Single class $15
Register on-line here or call 804-612-6366.
“I loved it, wish I could have kept going! I looked forward to Thursday every week. The friendships my children and I have made in the classes I took with my daughter (who is now two) and my son (six months) are priceless.”
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Expecting the Best: Informed and Empowered Childbirth Preparation
Be a part of a new birth education movement in Richmond. OmMama is debuting a new childbirth education class – Expecting the Best. Are you looking to be an active participant in your pregnancy and birth experience? Be a part of a new birth education movement in Richmond. Designed with input from health care providers, birth attendants, and parents, OmMama's six-week highly participatory program provides intensive, evidence-based preparation for pregnant women and their partners who anticipate a low intervention birth. Join us as we:
- Learn breathing and relaxation techniques designed to decrease fear and increase comfort in labor.
- Make sense of possible medical interventions that could affect your delivery and learn a process for informed decision-making.
- Explore the specific roles partners play in labor.
- Increase confidence in your body’s ability to give birth.
- Experience a “Mock Labor.”
- Celebrate and embrace the joys of pregnancy and birth.
Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Wednesdays, November 2 - December 14, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Instructor: Mary Toombs, RN, LCCE
Cost: $225 fee covers registration for the expectant mother and her partner or support person. Pre-registration required. Register on-line here or call 804-612-6366.
"I would recommend the "Expecting the Best" class for any couple who wishes to be empowered with knowledge. This class gives you insight into the process of child birth on so many levels. Maura and Leslie are able to help couples explore the known and unknown issues of childbirth as well as any misconceptions about the process. As an expecting father I would recommend this class to all fathers. It is one of the few times that you feel you can actually help your partner through this incredible journey."
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Itsy Bitsy Yoga® for Babies
(3 weeks - Pre-crawling)
Baby Itsy Bitsy Yoga classes contain dozens of unique yoga postures designed to support baby’s development. Each class is filled with calming, nurturing ways to enhance bonding and improve baby’s sleep.
During a Baby Itsy Bitsy Yoga class, babies enjoy yoga while on their backs, tummies, or held in loving arms. For parents, this class is a special opportunity to meet other moms or dads, receive support, and learn about baby's emerging personality. Most of the yoga we do in Itsy Bitsy Yoga is for baby, but you will also learn breathing and relaxation techniques as you practice a bit of yoga yourself.
No yoga is experience required.
Itsy Bitsy Yoga® for Tots
(Actively crawling - 24 months)
Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Tots is a supportive, fun-loving, and active yoga class. As tot’s mobility increases, classes offer tot-centric poses that encourage and support their physical explorations. Tots become more confident in their moving bodies as they practice yoga both in and out of class.
During a Tots Itsy Bitsy Yoga class crawlers and walkers playfully practice yoga postures while they are standing, sitting up, walking, and jumping. Parents also get to do a little yoga, but no yoga experience is required. You'll also find support from other parents with children of a similar age.
Baby & Tots Itsy Bitsy Yoga® was created by Helen Garabedian, an Infant Developmental Movement Educator, yoga teacher, and mother. Each class is taught by a trained facilitator.
For class schedules or further information call (804) 612-6366 or register on-line here.
"Wonderful chance to just enjoy, explore with baby, and allow me to find time during the day to just play."
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Upcoming Workshops and Events:
Conscious Birthing: A Workshop for Couples
More like a date than a childbirth class, our highly acclaimed half-day workshop offers pregnant couples an opportunity to deepen their relationships though yoga, mindfulness practice, and focused inquiry. Share questions and concerns, learn poses to strengthen, open, and relax both of you, and practice effective pain-coping techniques. Partners will learn comfort measures to support pregnant and laboring women. Snacks provided.
Sundays, Jan 23, Mar 20, May 15, July 17, Sept 18, Nov 13 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Cost: $110 per couple. Pre-registration required. Early registration discount available. To register call (804) 612-6366 or register on-line here.
Expert Speakers Series:
OmMama is pleased to offer a forum for local experts to speak on topics of interest to expecting and new families in Richmond. Please visit the Workshops and Events page of our on-line scheduler for upcoming speakers.
The Conscious Birthing workshop was more like a retreat than a class. Not only was I empowered by the birthing knowledge of the instructors and the tool kit of pain management techniques and labor positions that they taught, but I was reawakened to what it means to me to give live. My husband and I bonded in a unique way that is usually not possible in just four hours. The workshop is a rare opportunity for any woman and her birthing partner to center themselves on the adventurous and amazing journey of parenthood that is about to unfold.
— Ann Rasmussen
“The whole workshop was fantastic—wonderful opportunities to soul-search, reflect, and get out of my head and into both my body and my heart/soul.”
—Katie Adams Parrish
"I just wanted to thank you again for the session and to let you know that your class gave us the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in having a natural childbirth. Our healthy baby boy Samuel was born without any pain medication at all. It was a wonderful birth experience, the labour was quick and we arrived at hospital just in time to deliver Sam."
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