Birthing the Mother YTT (Yoga for Pregnancy & Birth)
50-Hr Yoga Alliance International Accredited Programme on adapting your yoga practice, on and off the mat, throughout pregnancy and for childbirth
Unveiling the YogaBellies Birthing the Mother 50 Hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Course
Are you passionate about supporting women on their journey towards motherhood? The YogaBellies Birthing the Mother 50-Hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Course is here to provide you with the expertise you need to make a genuine difference in the lives of expectant mothers.
Created 15 years ago by Cheryl MacDonald, YogaBellies Founder and Master Yoga Teacher, this empowering prenatal yoga style was developed with a deep understanding of the unique needs of women during pregnancy and childbirth. Combining safe and therapeutic yoga postures and practices for women throughout pregnancy with key elements of a pregnancy yoga lifestyle OFF the yoga mat, YogaBellies considers the complete wellbeing of a pregnant mother. Whether you're an expectant mother or an aspiring yoga teacher, this comprehensive course offers a wealth of knowledge and practical tools to enhance the pregnancy experience.
YogaBellies Birthing the Mother programme goes beyond traditional prenatal yoga, incorporating Yoga and Ayurvedic principles to holistically support mothers' energy levels, stamina, cognitive function, and positive pregnancy and birth mindset. You'll explore crucial aspects of pregnancy, such as bonding with the unborn child, preparing for birth, navigating relationships with caregivers, and learning essential practices like birth hypnosis and alleviating pregnancy discomforts.
Recognising the importance of nutrition and lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy, YogaBellies Birthing the Mother places equal emphasis on these aspects, enabling a positive approach to childbirth. Our focus is on nurturing healthy weight gain and building strength for the mother – both physically and mentally.
Moreover, this programme introduces you to the YogaBellies BAP's practices, exploring the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Back, Abs, and Pelvic Floor, which play a crucial role in pregnancy and postpartum recovery. With Birthing the Mother, you and your pregnant clients can confidently embrace pregnancy and overcome challenges with comfort and ease.
Fully accredited by Yoga Alliance International, this course offers certification upon completion, allowing you to acquire a yoga teaching qualification and share your expertise with mothers-to-be. Join us on this transformative journey with YogaBellies Birthing the Mother, and let's work together to enhance the way women approach pregnancy and birth.
The unique, world-renowned YogaBellies for Pregnancy Sadhana or method, which helps mothers have an optimal pregnancy and comfortable birth.
Yoga practices, meditation and self-care that is not only safe but therapeutic for pregnancy and birth. YogaBellies only uses postures and practices specifically beneficial for pregnant women.
How to approach pregnancy naturally and give mum and baby the best possible chance for optimal health throughout.
Prepare for a fast and comfortable birth, free from fear and anxiety and learn positions and practices for natural birthing.
Find out about what to expect for mum and baby, the incredible journey of psychological and physiological changes that a woman travels , guided each step of the way by world-class experts in prenatal yoga and wellness.
How to pregnancy-related alleviate ailments such as morning sickness; SPD and sciatica and more, using your YogaBellies practice.
Anatomy and physiology during pregnancy, how organs function during pregnancy, an overview of the complications, including miscarriage, premature labour, hypertension, preeclampsia and body mechanics.
Examine the incredible journey of psychological and physiological changes that a woman travels during pregnancy and childbirth. Human anatomy and physiology (both physical and subtle body) related specifically to considerations during pregnancy.
Dive into the female reproductive system and the YogaBellies BAP's philosophy, that women must maintain the integrity of the Back, Abs and Pelvic Floor, during pregnancy and beyond.
Find out how holistic birthing practices, nutrition, and supplementary treatments can benefit your clients during pregnancy and birth
YogaBellies SLEEP practices (our blend of self-hypnosis, yoga nidra and nada yoga) for pregnancy, that will help relax and destress your clients from conception to birth
This is a guided deep-dive into living a yoga lifestyle for pregnancy and birth.
Cheryl MacDonald, E-RYT 500
"With 25 years of experience in the yoga world, I've been fortunate enough to work with incredible women at all stages of life. In fact, I've guided over 100,000 women in the UK, helping them find balance, embrace pregnancy, bond with their babies, and navigate menopause symptoms with grace.
Throughout my yoga journey, I've developed a unique approach called The YogaBellies Sadhana, designed to provide women with a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment tailored to their needs.
But let's not forget that yoga is more than just mastering poses—it's about learning to love and appreciate ourselves at every stage of life. My YogaBellies approach is deeply rooted in body positivity, self-love, and embracing our unique selves.
In addition to sharing the gift of yoga, I'm passionate about empowering women to build sustainable careers as yoga teachers. My experience in creating a successful yoga business allows me to share valuable insights, guiding aspiring YogaBellies teachers in building their own thriving practices.
As a result of my dedication, I've been honoured with awards such as LuxLife Most Inspirational Women's Yoga Teacher 2021 and The Great British Entrepreneur Award 2019. You may have even come across my work in ITV's This Morning, BBC Dragon's Den, or seen me teaching yoga to celebrities like Kimberley Walsh and Fearne Cotton.
So, if you're seeking a pregnancy yoga expert with a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for empowering women, look no further. As a dedicated pregnancy yoga expert and author, I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of women through yoga, empowering them to embrace their journey with confidence and self-love."
Cheryl xo
Let's Chat!
Are you feeling inspired and excited to embark on your own transformative journey as a pregnancy yoga teacher?
We know it's a big decision, and we're here to help you make the best choice for your future. To make sure you're on the right path, we're offering a FREE Yoga Teacher Roadmap Call with our expert founder. During this call, you'll have the chance to:
We understand that everyone's path is different, and we're committed to guiding you through every step of the way, ensuring your transition into the world of yoga teaching is as smooth and fulfilling as possible.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with a knowledgeable, empathetic, and experienced pregnancy yoga expert. Book your free Yoga Teacher Roadmap Call today, and let's start shaping your future together!
(Remember, this call is completely free and comes with no strings attached. It's simply our way of helping you determine if YogaBellies is the right fit for you and your unique journey. So go on, take that first step towards fulfilling your dreams, and let's have a chat!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this module, particularly as I am currently pregnant so I found that what I was learning was beneficial to me personally as well as prof...
Read MoreI thoroughly enjoyed this module, particularly as I am currently pregnant so I found that what I was learning was beneficial to me personally as well as professionally. Now when I speak to mums to be, I feel amazed that the knowledge I have learnt during this course is not common knowledge. This module was both insightful and practical! Thank you!!
Read LessI was so looking forward to this module. It was the topic that i thought i knew most about and also the one i wanted to learn more about. After teaching for ...
Read MoreI was so looking forward to this module. It was the topic that i thought i knew most about and also the one i wanted to learn more about. After teaching for over a decade, i felt that i was becoming a bit stale and needed to update my knowledge and this module ticked all of my boxes. I’m teaching in a slightly different way now and I really enjoyed having feedback from the rest of the ladies taking the modules with me.
Read LessI have really loved learning and practising this course. It feels good to have a robust and trusted qualification to add to my practice and what I can safely...
Read MoreI have really loved learning and practising this course. It feels good to have a robust and trusted qualification to add to my practice and what I can safely offer to families and their precious newborn babies. I have also really benefited from focusing on and understanding more in depth about women's health and keeping this respectfully in mind in my practice. The flexibility of the course and ability to access it whenever I could over the last 6 months has been invaluable to me. I am excited to see where my new learning takes me next! Thank you, Sara
Read LessThis module was my favourite so far. I really loved the language used to change the narrative of birth. The simple changes allow the experience of birth to b...
Read MoreThis module was my favourite so far. I really loved the language used to change the narrative of birth. The simple changes allow the experience of birth to be more positive and less intimidating. The whole module has really motivated me to learn more and try to be the best I can to the women I will be supporting. I have always loved pregnancy and babies, probably why I have so many. I can’t wait to learn more in the next module.
Read LessI wish I’d been able to join a Yoga Bellies class when I was expecting my two children but knowing I can bring all this knowledge to others will more than ma...
Read MoreI wish I’d been able to join a Yoga Bellies class when I was expecting my two children but knowing I can bring all this knowledge to others will more than make up for it! The content is excellent - extremely thorough, detailed and brilliantly delivered, covering all aspects of pregnancy and birth. Being given the tools to help Mums connect mentally and physically to the life being made inside feels extremely empowering! Thank you Cheryl and ALL the teachers for your insights, knowledge and experience.
Read LessI’ve gained so much fascinating knowledge from this module. Knowledge I can now share with not only my clients but friends and family also. It has been gre...
Read MoreI’ve gained so much fascinating knowledge from this module. Knowledge I can now share with not only my clients but friends and family also. It has been great learning how certain asana can alleviate common pregnancy ailments. This module as well as Having the coursework for life to further study has given me so much confidence to teach pregnancy classes.
Read LessThe course has been eye-opening and has brought to light much more knowledge to myself in regards to women's health. A welcoming learning experience with lot...
Read MoreThe course has been eye-opening and has brought to light much more knowledge to myself in regards to women's health. A welcoming learning experience with lots of support if required. Greatly love that you can take your time working through the module and that any questions asked are always promptly responded too. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
Read LessThere is a lot of information for this module and all of it is useful. Despite having had 2 pregnancies, there was a lot I didn't know and it will be great t...
Read MoreThere is a lot of information for this module and all of it is useful. Despite having had 2 pregnancies, there was a lot I didn't know and it will be great to share this with other women. There is still a lot to learn and I will continue to keep reading through the subject to gain more confidence in teaching this subject.
Read LessI loved this training I was already a birth educator when I began training but the content on pregnancy and giving birth was excellent. I really enjoyed the...
Read MoreI loved this training I was already a birth educator when I began training but the content on pregnancy and giving birth was excellent. I really enjoyed the process and having real time recorded sessions really help me establish the tone and style of class I wanted to teach. I'm really proud and looking forward to bringing these fantastic Yogabellies classes to my area
Read LessReally informative module really prepares you for teaching pregnancy yoga. Can't wait to start teaching!
Really informative module really prepares you for teaching pregnancy yoga. Can't wait to start teaching!
Read LessI’ve gained so much fascinating knowledge from this module. Knowledge I can now share with not only my clients but friends and family also. It has been gre...
Read MoreI’ve gained so much fascinating knowledge from this module. Knowledge I can now share with not only my clients but friends and family also. It has been great learning how certain asana can alleviate common pregnancy ailments. This module as well as Having the coursework for life to further study has given me so much confidence to teach pregnancy classes.
Read LessWhat is Birthing the Mother™ ?
I created this programme for those who want to become an expert in pregnancy and women's wellness. This is not dry teacher training course, we look primarily at YOU living and embracing your yoga - on and off the yoga mat - throughout pregnancy and even during labour and birth.
You will learn the YogaBellies practices, for each stage of pregnancy. You will be encouraged to embody each practice as you learn it.
This training is equal parts practicing and teaching yoga; personal development and empowerment skills. Birthing the Mother is a real game-changer and is going to make a huge impact on your life and on the lives of the pregnant women you work with.
How does the Birthing the Mother 50-Hour course work?
Each of our 50-Hour YTT are individually accredited courses on their own (or can be added together to qualify for the 300-hour EMPOWER™ qualification.) You can join in with our live online teaching sessions for the 50-hour YTT, or you can simply view the recordings and complete the assessment in your own time. Everything you need is available to you online instantly on sign-up and you will receive a 50-Hour YTT Certificate accredited by Yoga Alliance International on completion.
If you are simply joining this programme for your own personal wellness, there is no requirement to complete the coursework.
What do the 50-Hour Courses Cover?
With a focus on yoga for physical, emotional and mental wellbeing throughout pregnancy - in this course, we focus on prenatal psychology and mother and baby bonding pre-birth. We’ll cover yoga and wellness for the stages of pregnancy, pregnancy-specific illnesses and conditions - as well as preparing for birth using breathing practices and yoga postures; yoga for baby bonding pre-birth. We also look at nutrition, self-care, Ayurveda for pregnancy, alternative and holistic birthing practices and birth hypnosis and so much more :)
Cheryl will lead you on a deep, personal journey, no matter your level of yoga experience. Birthing the Mother™ will allow you to begin the journey to understanding and embracing the stages of pregnancy and childbirth and show you how to lead other women to do so too.
With more than 15 years of experience as a yoga teacher, and over a decade in training and leading YogaBellies® teachers, Cheryl is the visionary behind Birthing the Mother™
View the actual contents of the training
Welcome!
FREE PREVIEWHow It Works and Where To Find Things
Using the YogaBellies App To Access Your Courses and Classes
Module 4 Handbook
Your LIVE Empower Sessions
Key Learnings
Overview of The Trimesters of Pregnancy
Contraindictions for Exercise in Pregnancy
Pre-existing Health Conditions and Pregnancy
Why Yoga Is So Incredible In Pregnancy
SENSE: Awareness, Intention, and Embodiment in YogaBellies for Pregnancy Classes
BREATHE: Pranayama for Pregnancy and Birth
BREATHE: YogaBellies Breathing Practices for Pregnancy and Birth (videos)
MOVE: Adapting Yoga for Pregnancy: Discussion and Class Runthrough
MOVE: Practice Considerations Through The Trimesters of Pregnancy
MOVE: Rules for Adapting Your Yoga Practice During Pregnancy
MOVE: Therapeutic Asana and Modifications for Pregnancy
MOVE: Asana for Pregnancy Slides
MOVE: Asanas for Pregnancy Modifications: Quick Reference Guide
MOVE: Diastasis Recti - Detection and Management
MOVE: YogaBellies for the Pelvic Floor in Pregnancy
MOVE: Common Female Conditions Pointers for Teaching
MOVE: YogaBellies Pregnancy Yoga Sequences Quick Reference
SLEEP: The Art of Rest: Savasana and Deep Relaxation
CIRCLE: The Power of Connection: Community and Support in Yoga for Pregnancy Classes
TEACH: Structuring a Prenatal Yoga Class
TEACH: Choosing a Venue and Gathering Equipment for Prenatal Yoga Classes
BIRTH: YogaBellies Guide to Birth Preparation
BIRTH: Alternative Wellness Trends in Pregnancy and Birthing
Yoga and Holistic Remedies for Common Pregnancy Complaints
Birthing the Mother Live Recap with Cheryl
Watch YogaBellies Pregnancy Live Class Videos
MOVE: YogaBellies for Pregnancy Class walkthrough with Tara
MOVE: YogaBellies for Pregnancy DVD Sequence Breakdown
The Female Reproductive System
Female Anatomy & Physiology (Slides)
All About the BAPs (Back, Abs and Pelvic Floor)
BAPs (Back, Abs and Pelvic Floor)
The Core (Abs) and Back
The Respiratory Diaphragm
YogaBellies for the Pelvic Floor
Working with Common Female Conditions
The Biggest Health Threats to Women: A Yoga Teachers Guide
Discover the Full Empower Programme - Unlock Your Full Potential
Becoming a Licensed YogaBellies Teacher
FREE PREVIEWReading and Teaching Kit Lists
BONUS GUEST SPEAKER Joanne Shaw, Physiotherapist: Exercise and Activity for Women Throughout Life
50-Hour Module Assessment
OMWork and Further Reflections
Observing and Attending Yoga Classes as a Trainee Yoga Teacher
Your Teaching Yoga Video Assignment
Your Teaching Yoga Video Assignment
Assignment: Review Module 4 Birthing the Mother
Assignment: Submit Reviews of Books
Assignment: Video Submission
Assessment Module 4
Access Your Certificate
We know how important it is to have a top-notch training experience, especially when it comes to something as significant as becoming a pregnancy yoga teacher. Having encountered some less-than-stellar online training ourselves, we've made it our mission to ensure our courses provide the same quality as in-person training, with the added perks of lifetime access to resources and the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
1. Live and Interactive Sessions
You can start the Birthing the Mother programme online in your own time or join our live sessions (each 50-hour course runs live twice a year) at no extra cost. The course blends weekly live online yoga teacher training, guest expert sessions, and daily interactions in our online forum with the YogaBellies team and fellow students. Each week of training, you'll engage in a combination of these sessions and home study. We're always in touch, ensuring you stay on track throughout the course. And if you miss a session, you can access it later at your convenience.
2. Handbooks and Resources
You'll receive comprehensive course handbooks, adaptations for different female life stages and conditions, cheat sheets and more. If you choose to become a licensed teacher (optional), you'll also be provided with pre-written YogaBellies class plans.
3. Online Learning
Our online resources include pre-recorded live YogaBellies class videos, lecture and asana breakdown videos, all with lifetime access and the flexibility to watch at a time that suits you. You'll also have access to downloadable handbooks, asana cheat sheets, slide shows, audio learning materials, and more.
4. Assessment
For the 50-Hour YTT qualification, you'll need to complete an online quiz and submit a short video sequence to gain your certification. However, if you're taking the course for personal reasons, this isn't required.
Upon completing your course, you'll receive a downloadable certificate from YogaBellies School. These credits can count towards the 300-Hour EMPOWER YTT within three years. If you'd like a paper certificate, you can request one from Yoga Alliance International.
Exclusive programme included when you buy Birthing the Mother worth GBP199
Basically… this YogaBellies at home programme is everything I WISH I would have known before I had babies. I've included bumper guides on how to have a wholesome and healthy pregnancy and how to prepare for a beautiful birth - I've even included some awesome recipes for immediately post-partum to boost recovery (over 100 pages.) You also get my individual guide, yoga practice and meditations for each trimester, educating you on optimal health and living a yoga mama lifestyle for each stage of pregnancy.
Well, we've made it happen! We're thrilled to introduce our custom YogaBellies app, designed just for you.
We understand that our teachers are Busy: whether that's with careers or kids or one million other responsibilities and that this could be one of the things holding you back from making the commitment to your teacher training journey. Our new YogaBellies App means that you can say goodbye to rummaging through emails or juggling different platforms. With our app, you can access everything you need for your YogaBellies Teacher Training Course, whenever and wherever you want, right from your phone or any device. It's perfect for busy women and mums like you!
It has lots of custom features to make your life easier. You can submit your assignments directly from the app and complete your exams on the go. No need to switch between apps or devices. Plus, you can stream both live and recorded sessions and classes to your TV. Imagine that - your living room turned into your own personal yoga studio and teacher training classroom!
Staying in the loop is super easy with our app. You'll get all the important announcements, so you never miss out on anything. And the cherry on top? You can chat with Cheryl, and the senior YogaBellies teachers, as well as your fellow classmates, in the app community. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Why does this make EMPOWER stand out from other teacher training? It's simple - we've tailored every aspect of our training to suit your lifestyle. We understand how hectic life can be, especially when juggling multiple roles. That's why we've created an all-in-one platform that's efficient, easy to use, and flexible to your needs.
Our YogaBellies app makes learning and connecting effortless, so you can focus on what truly matters - your journey to becoming a wonderful YogaBellies teacher.
So, are you ready to make the most of your YogaBellies journey with our custom app? We can't wait for you to try it out!