Pregnancy Yoga Classes in Enfield/Winchmore Hill??

[Galmum]

Dear all,

Desperately trying to find pregnancy yoga classes in Enfield, Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green, Southgate area?? I have managed to get one number from my midwife, but no answer yet. This is my second child and I'm really keen to do yoga to help me deliver labour as much as possible. Can anyone help?

www.birthlight.com/

Have you looked on this site?

Galmum, no idea but will see if I can find anything for you. I'm in Winchmore Hill too. Not really into yoga but if I could find a class I might give it a go.

How many weeks are you? And where do you plan to have the baby? I'm hoping for a midwife-led birth at the Ridgeway Birth Centre (part of Chase Farm hospital) and I'm also considering a home birth.

Birthlight does have classes, but nothing less than 8 miles away. If I can't find anything local, I have got details for classes in Crouch End which is nearer. I was just hoping to met some local pregnant ladies!

CurrantBun - I'm due at the end of Jan - what about you? and I'm also planning to have the baby at the Ridgeway Birth Centre. I've only heard good things about yoga in pregnancy. Apparently it can really help prepare for a more natural labour. I managed an epidural free labour last time in a different hospital...but was n't able to go to their midwife-led unit as my waters broke with meconium in them! The best laid plans often get changed, but I'd love to try a water birth.

Hi Galmum

Can you please let me know the details of the Crounch class as that's quite close to me and i have also been looking for yoga classes. Thanks

Galmum, you're due before me (I'm due 26/02/07). I'm hoping to be able to go to the Ridgeway Birth Centre - had my first midwife appointment yesterday and ticked all the right boxes in terms of previous medical history etc, but there's a slight question mark over my weight as I'm very small and the birth centre won't accept a BMI of less than 18.5. Mine is 18 so I've been referred to the consultant for a second opinion. Midwife thinks it will just be a formality though as it's obvious I'm just fit, healthy and petite, not anorexic. She also really encouraged me to consider a home birth - her eyes really lit up when I mentioned I'd be up for the idea. Will look into it in more detail but I'm keen on an active, natural birth without an epidural.

Yoga in pregnancy is meant to be excellent. I have never done yoga but I'm a marathon runner so very fit, which I'm sure is going to be a big asset when the time comes (and also for getting back in shape afterwards). I'm still running 5 time a week and feeling great, so hoping to keep it up as long as I can.

Whereabouts do you live?

Hi N1sexyting & CurrantBun

Have got 2 contacts for Crouch End Pregnancy Yoga Classes:
Anna Wise at the The Haelan Centre (on The Broadway apparently) www.haelan.co.uk
and Julie Tortora see www.lifelongyoga.co.uk.

I found nothing locally yet, so I'm planning to start in Crouch End and if something comes up,then I can always swap.

Dear CurrantBun - you sound super fit - you've got the stamina and core strength needed for labour well covered!!! I have to admit that I'm less on the active side, so it's good for me to commit to regular classes. I've been going out for a good stomp for the last couple of weeks and feel much better because of it.

If this is baby no 1 for you...are you planning to do any classes - NCT/hospital..I would really recommend them. I did NCT classes in N.West London, as that's where we living at the time. I hope it goes ok with the consultant...my petite friend in the S.West was n't allowed to labour at home, but then it was 45 mins atleast to the nearest hospital and her scans were showing a biggish baby. It depends on the individual. PS I live near the Cricket Club/Masons Corner.

Thanks Galmum - not sure I'll go for the yoga but planning to book some antenatal classes through Chase Farm. This is baby #1. They do classes for couples and DH is keen to come with me (bless him, he is so supportive and enthusiastic!) so need to get booked in quickly before they all fill up.

Yes, hopefully I'll be able to maintain the stamina and core strength! Had to test out the pelvic floor muscles the other day as midwife wanted a mid-stream urine sample. She said that if I could turn off the stream mid-flow and hold it without dribbling, I had good pelvic floor muscles. Managed this easily but will work on them during pregnancy too otherwise I will pee myself when running afterwards!

You live quite near me - I'm in Highlands Village at the top of Green Dragon Lane.

Hi Galmum and Currant Bun

I thought I would say Hi as I also live in Enfield and was searching for Yoga classes and the search came up with your conversation thread.
I'm 14 weeks pregnant, due on the 24th Feb 07, so just before you Currant Bun! It's my first so very excited and nervous at the same time, I'm with Chase Farm hospital, had my first midwife appointment last week and my scan the week before.

Did either of you find any other classes in and around Enfield, as Crouch End is a bit far to go for me?

Hope to hear from you soon, Emandbob x

Hi Currant Bun and EmandBob!!

Sorry EmandBob......not found any yoga classes around here. Am starting yoga today in Crouch End - bit of a pain to go that far but will stay on the look out locally ...please let me know if you have any luck as well. I have also rejoined the NCT...having let my membership slip and hope when my stuff comes through there might be something in the local newsletter. I'll let you know.

Let's keep in touch on progress and ....it might be nice to meet up for a coffee before the babies are due. I've got my 20 week scan in a couple of weeks. I'm having my scans at UCL, but baby at Chase Farm....must do the visit/tour thing as I have n't been there yet! I'm thinking about going to The Baby Show (website available) this Autumn...never went to one when I was pregnant with my son...is anyone else planning to go??

Have a good bank holiday everyone....off for a few days but back next week!

Ooh, another Enfield person - hi Emandbob!

Yes, my first too - also excited but nervous!

Galmum, also thinking about joining the NCT. Wondering whether to do antenatal classes through them or the hospital? Obviously hospital ones are free, but so far haven't been overly inspired with Chase Farm. Had my scan done at the Fetal Medicine Centre in Harley Street - we decided to have it privately as we felt that we'd get longer and not feel rushed. To be honest, I'm glad we did. The information sent to me by my midwife explained that the scan would be done at UCL, and that if I received an appointment from Chase Farm I should cancel it as only one scan was needed. So I duly cancelled the Chase Farm appointment, and waited for the UCL one. In the interim we decided to pay for the scan which meant I got to choose which date to have it. I'm now 13+4 and never heard a thing from UCL! Obviously if we hadn't decided to go to the FMC I'd have been on their case but still think it's pretty poor.

When I had my booking-in appointment on Monday, the midwife arrived at my house armed with a sheet of sticky labels with my name and address details as well as hopsital number etc. which had been printed by Chase Farm for her to use for my medical records, bloods etc. Both my name and address were incorrectly spelt, even though the midwife had the original form filled in by my GP (from which the details were entered into the hospital database) which was correct. For some reason this made me inexplicably angry. The midwife had to amend every label, which took ages. She rang the hospital and asked them to amend the details. Three days after her visit I received my 20-week scan appointment - now my title is incorrect (Miss instead of Mrs) and there's a different error in the address. GRRRR!

Now thinking of having 20-week scan done privately too (at FMC there is no need for a full bladder) but midwife told me that 20-week scan appointment is when I'll finally be given my hospital notes. So if I don't go for the scan at Chase Farm, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to get my notes.

Sorry for the rant, just frustrated by administrative incompetence! Galmum, great idea to keep up with each others' progress and perhaps meet for a coffee at some point before babes arrive. Think hospital tours are currently on Sundays - we'll probably try and do one in the next few weeks.

Hi Currant Bun,

I would recomment NCT classes....they tend to get booked up very quickly. It's a good way to meet other local Mum's due at a similar time. I did my classes in a different part of London, so can't talk about what the local NCT are like. Some people find them a bit over the top on the natural labour thing...but they are a good way to get informed and I found them helpful. I have joined the local NCT but, this being my second baby I won't be doing classes.

I would actually really recommend having your 20 week scan within "the system". I know the NHS bureaucracy can drive you mad (my god I had my fair share of admin nightmares), but it's a good way of making sure any issues/info that Chase Farm need is available and that they look at the scan information.

Also it's a good way to get familiar with the local hospital.....if you're not having the baby privately, then it's good to come to terms with the realities of the NHS! Like waiting an hour or so to be seen! I have to defend the NHS though - the system has really looked after me and my family. I'll explain more at a later date.

I had my son at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea....it was one of my local hospitals at the time. I was normal NHS Mum (well did n't have a lot of choice!) and things went pretty well all in all. It was a great hospital.

I think my friend went to the same place as you for her first scan and really raved about it.

P.S. Let me know how the tour goes!!

Hi Galmum

Just wanted to know if you started your classes yet, been trying to contact both Anna Wise and Julie to no avail!

Hi there,

Also living in Enfield, looking for yoga and due date is at the end of January. I am with Chase Farm Hospital and curious to know if you need to request for the Ridgeway Birth Center and/or does it cost extra?
My midwife has said nothing to me about it.
I also have had no luck with Yoga other than Julie and Anna in Crouch End.
Its great to meet others in the area!!!

Hi Galmum,

Thanks for that and I appreciate what you're saying about having the 20-week scan "within the system". I think my biggest concern is the need for a full bladder for the scan. It states categorically on my appointment form that the scan will not be carried out if you do not comply, but I have a thimble for a bladder at the best of times and there is no way that 1.5 pints of water drunk an hour before the scan is going to stay in there, especially if I have to wait any length of time for the appointment. I honestly don't see how I can hold it if I'm really desperate to go - and it's not good for you to do this anyway. If I have the scan privately there's no need for a full bladder - why would that be? But I do agree that Chase Farm is more likely to pay attention to the scan notes if I have the scan done there. Not sure what to do really. I loved the Fetal Medicine Centre as the atmosphere was so relaxing and it felt really professional and reassuring - so far my experience of the NHS has just been to leave me confused with a load of unanswered questions. I don't have a lot of choice but to have the baby via the NHS though so I suppose I'll just have to get used to the endless frustrations!

mrsbg, talk to your midwife about the Ridgeway Birth Centre. You have to be having a 'normal' pregnancy (no complications) but if you are then there should be no reason why you shouldn't be able to have your baby there.

Hiya all

I'm also an Enfield mum-to-be this is no2 for me though.

I was just wondering what NCT is?

I'm 9weeks plus and have chose North Midlesex hospital as my aunty works there and I have to have an NHS hospital.

Thanks for the info Currantbun. Appreciate it.

Bubblez: NCT is National ChildBirth Trust
www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/

I am still surprised there is no yoga closer than Crouch End.
What about swimming classes in the area?

mrsbg, my midwife gave me information about aquanatal classes held at the David Lloyd Centre in Enfield. As I'm a runner and do enough exercise already (!) I didn't pay too much attention to it, but will look it out for you and see what it says.

I hate swimming with almost as much passion as I love running, so will not be venturing near a pool while pregnant! The only time I actually enjoy swimming is in the sea on holiday, or an open-air pool. The chlorine in most pools makes my eyes red and sore, and I find the loud echoing noise gives me a headache. Not for me I'm afraid!

Hi All

Was looking for antenatal classes too and your chat came up. I'm in Bounds Green and due on 12th Feb - my first. Nice to find others who are due at a similar time. My neighbour recommended the Julie Tortora yoga classes. Have not been yet but will do soon. I am hoping it is not too gentle. Still want to feel like i am getting a workout. Anyone been who can advise?

My scans have been at the Whittington and they seem pretty efficient - not too long a wait and no need to have a full bladder Currant Bun. Am very impressed that you are still running 5 times a week. I am a keen runner but felt so sick in the first few months that i gave up exercise altogether. Now i feel so unfit (and have already put on a stone!) that i don't think running would be possible (hence the yoga search)!

Wonder why my hospital insists on a full bladder for the 20-week scan when nowhere else seems to do so? Seems unfair to demand that level of torture if it's not necessary!

Landie, sorry to hear you had to give up exercise. I was horribly sick for about 2-3 weeks, but the worst of it coincided with the height of the July heatwave, and I wouldn't have risked running in those temperatures at such an early stage of pregnancy anyway. I've decided this week to cut back to 4 runs per week, as I was finding that running on three consecutive days was becoming a bit much, but I'm still playing about with options. At the moment I've fixed on 4 runs per week of 6 miles each, but it might work better to do more runs of a shorter distance each; can't quite decide.

Paula Radcliffe is still managing to train twice per day and doing 70 miles per week - having read that I now feel a complete wimp for cutting back to 4 runs a week and around 25 miles!

Thank you Currantban for the info on swimming. As for your scan, I am also at Chase. My last scan, I went to the loo about 45 minutes before my appointment, because like you, there was no way I could hold it. Well, they ended up taking me half an hour early as well as.. and I had no problems. There was no hour at all, maybe 15 minutes. My dh was with me and I was abit worried but it was fine. I also hate that you have to hold it for an hour. I drink so much water and wee all the time!

Good Luck.

mrsbg, thanks for that - it's reassured me! If I can't hold it, I can't hold it - simple as that. They should realise that pregnant ladies need to empty their bladders more frequently and that being made to hold it when you desperately need to go can result in urinary infections.

I was thinking that maybe there is a way to organize prenatal yoga in Enfield if there are enough women willing to join?

Maybe we could speak to the two women in Crouch End?

Any thoughts?

Dear all,

I'm back after a break! Glad to hear we've got a growing number of pregnant ladies. I am definately still interested in local yoga classes. I have started in Crouch End on a Friday eve with Anna Wise. I'm enjoying them, but would love to do something more local. I could meintion it to Anna tonight, but I have a feeling she is away for October anyway. Have meintioned the lack of local classes to my midwife again, and she's going to ask around as well. Will let you know if I get a result.

I have had my 20 week scan and all is well - what a relief. I remember them insisting on a full bladder at Queen Charlotte's with my son, but at UCL where I'm being scanned this time, it was never mentioned for the 20 week scan. In fact my bladder was so full for the 12 week scan this pregnancy, that the doctor asked me to go and empty it!!!! Best of luck CurrantBun - let's hope we don't hear stories of an exploding bladder!!

Dear mrsbg,

Asked Anna Wise last night if she was interested in starting a pregnancy yoga class in our area. Unfortunately she's away from mid October to Christmas time. Her classes are being taken over by a colleague.....when she starts I'll ask her as well. I have a feeling that by the time I get anywhere with this ...it will be too late for me!

Off on hols for the week.

don't know if it's too late to add to this but i can really recommend Julie's classes in CE. In home environment, very chilled out (as you'd hope!), and there were people from other parts of north london too. she also does classes for mums with new babies (up to crawling) which is brilliant. I've now moved out of town and am hoping to find something similar here. There are also classes in the Hidden Space on Falkland Road, N8, Harringay Ladder, never tried them but it's a nice venue. good luck