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
Birthing the Mother
Join YogaBellies on the beautiful journey of pregnancy of birth with over 10,000 other women worldwide
"Birthing the Mother is the foundation of all YogaBellies practices and the first I created, 15 years ago. I created this programme for women who want to really understand and embrace the journey of pregnancy and childbirth- either as a mum-to-be or as a teacher. The YogaBellies Birthing the Mother is an empowering yoga and lifestyle programme that will guide you step-by-step through the beautiful journey towards becoming a mother. This programme doesn’t just look at prenatal yoga on the yoga mat but at using a whole range of Yoga and Ayurvedic tools to increase mothers' energy levels; stamina; cognitive function and positive pregnancy and birth mindset. We will also dive into bonding with the unborn child; preparing holistically for birth; dealing with caregivers and also vital tools such as birth hypnosis and practices to alleviate pregnancy aches and pains.
YogaBellies Birthing the Mother programe covers not only prenatal yoga and breathwork for the mother but nutrition and lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy. These combined tools can help us, and the mothers we work with, to approach childbirth positively. Modern media tells us to ‘stay slim’ and to ‘bounce back after birth but traditional literature explains why this is detrimental to women in the long term. We focus on healthy weight gain and building strength for mama - physically and mentally.
This programme also focuses on the YogaBellies BAP’s practices - exploring the relationship between the Back, Abs and Pelvic Floor - which play a major role in pregnancy and postpartum - to ensure that the mother recovers fully and in the longer term from birth, in safe and timely manner.
If we try to continue life ‘as normal’ when we’re pregnant we’ll feel exhausted, drained, demotivated and that we’re fighting a losing battle. I always say the most important lesson we learn when we become pregnant is that it’s not all about us anymore: Even if we feel we can do advanced yoga postures or run marathons it doesn’t mean that we should - or that it’s best for baby! Birthing the Mother will help you or your pregnant clients embrace pregnancy and overcome any challenges with comfort and ease.
This programme is fully accredited by Yoga Alliance International, and you will receive certification on completion if you wish to acquire the yoga teaching qualification.
Cheryl MacDonald, YogaBellies Founder and Master Yoga Teacher
What Does Birthing The Mother Cover?
-
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.
Meet The Teacher
Cheryl MacDonald, E-RYT 500
"I understand why women need yoga throughout life - and that it can benefit us as much in life as it can in class. I've practiced and I've taught women at every life stage - in fact, over 100,000 women in the UK alone, have come along to YogaBellies classes to balance their hormones; relieve stress; find their calm place for birth; chill with baby afterward and battle the symptoms of menopause.
Yoga is as important to women at 14 as it is 99, and over my 25 years of yoga practice, I have developed The YogaBellies Sadhana, to give women exactly what they need in a safe and therapeutic practice.
YogaBellies isn't just about pulling shapes: It's about loving yourself, on and off the yoga mat. Body positivity, Self-love, and Self-worth are all important elements of our practice and the EMPOWER™ journey.
Equally as important to me is empowering women to have a sustainable career as yoga teachers. The main thing that yoga teacher training lacks is someone who actually has the experience of creating a successful yoga business; I have this and I want to share it with as many teachers as possible!
I've personally trained and coached hundreds of YogaBellies teachers in my proven business systems and marketing practices that have made YogaBellies a global phenomenon. I've won several business awards over the years including but not only...
- LuxLife Most Inspirational Women's Yoga Teacher 2021
- The Great British Entrepreneur Award 2019
- The Scottish Edge Award for Enterprise 2013
- Woman of the Year Award 2014
- Mumpreneur UK Award 2012
- 3 x What's On for Little Ones Awards 2014
- Working Mums Top Employer Award 2015
- Mums Club Top 100 Businesses 2012
You may also have seen me featured in:
- The Huffington Post - talking about my yoga journey and YogaBellies® beginnings
- As a winner of BBC Dragon's Den (watch us in the video below!) - the Dragons loved the concept of YogaBellies®
- Appeared on ITV's This Morning - teaching yoga to women and children at various life stages
- All of the magazines, TV channels and publications you can see on this page, talking about yoga for women throughout life
- Been personal yoga teacher to celebrities such as Kimberley Walsh (Girls Aloud), Fearne Cotton and Catherine Tyldsley (check out some of the featured press below)
Book a Free Consultation Call with Cheryl
Discuss what EMPOWER can do for you and if this training is right for you
What Students Have Said About Birthing the Mother
Birthing The Mother Review
Kathryn Trillow
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 LessBirthing The Mother Review
Sharon Osu
I 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.
Sara Greig
I 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 LessBirthing the mother my favourite so far!
Samantha Hainey
This 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 LessAMAZING!
Fee Speed
I 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 LessBeautiful Module
Carol MacPhee
I’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 LessA wealth of information and community
Cherylanne Montgomery
The 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 LessUnbelievable Pregnancy Yoga Course
Abigail Sherlock
birthing the mother
Amy Brunt
There 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 LessThorough and Fun
Danielle Robbins
I 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 LessCan't wait to start teaching!
Rebecca Rawcliffe
Really 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 LessThe Full Course Curriculum
-
-
Welcome!
FREE PREVIEW -
Module 4 Handbook
-
How It Works and Where To Find Things
-
Your LIVE Empower Sessions Link
-
-
-
The Female Reproductive System
-
Overview of The Trimesters of Pregnancy
-
Contraindictions for Exercise in Pregnancy
-
Pre-existing Health Conditions and Pregnancy
-
An Introduction to Yoga and Pregnancy
-
SENSE in Pregnancy
-
BREATHE: Pranayama for Pregnancy and Birth
-
BREATHE: YogaBellies Breathing Practices for Pregnancy and Birth (videos)
-
MOVE: Practice Considerations Through The Trimesters of Pregnancy
-
MOVE: Adapting Yoga for Pregnancy: Discussion and Class Runthrough
-
MOVE: Adapting Your Yoga Practice During Pregnancy
-
MOVE: Therapeutic Asana and Modifications for Pregnancy
-
MOVE: YogaBellies for Pregnancy DVD Sequence Breakdown
-
MOVE: YogaBellies for Pregnancy Class walkthrough with Tara
-
MOVE: Asanas for Pregnancy Modifications: Quick Reference Guide
-
MOVE: Checking for Diastasis Recti (video)
-
MOVE: YogaBellies for the Pelvic Floor
-
MOVE: YogaBellies Pregnancy Yoga Sequences Quick Reference
-
SLEEP: Deep Relaxation in Pregnancy
-
Holistic Remedies for Common Pregnancy Complaints
-
BIRTH: YogaBellies Guide to Birth Preparation
-
BIRTH: Preparing for Birth (video)
-
BIRTH: Alternative Wellness Trends in Pregnancy and Birthing
-
Module 4 Live Recap with Cheryl
-
-
-
Female Anatomy & Physiology
-
The Female Reproductive System
-
All About the BAPs (Back, Abs and Pelvic Floor)
-
BAPs (Back, Abs and Pelvic Floor)
-
The Core and Back
-
YogaBellies for the Pelvic Floor
-
Working with Common Female Conditions
-
The Biggest Health Threats to Women
-
-
-
Module 4 Live Recap with Cheryl
-
Yoga Video Vault
-
-
-
OMWork and Further Reflections
-
50-Hour Module Assessment
-
Assessment Module 4
-
Assignment: Video Submission
-
Assignment: Review Module 4 Birthing the Mother
-
Assignment: Submit Reviews of YogaBellies for Pregnancy and Birth ROCKS Books
-
-
-
Birthing the Mother Pregnancy Community Forum
-
Becoming a Licensed YogaBellies Teacher
FREE PREVIEW -
Empower 300-Hour Syllabus
FREE PREVIEW -
Reading and Teaching Kit Lists
-
About this course
- £597.00
- 49 lessons
- 0.5 hours of video content
What's Inside?
View the actual contents of the training
About the BIRTHING THE MOTHER™ Training
What 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™
BONUS: YogaBellies Whole Pregnancy at Home
Exclusive programme included when you buy Birthing the Motherworth GBP129
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.
How is the training delivered?
Having had some pretty deplorable 'online' training experiences myself, I wanted to make sure that all of my courses provided as much as an in-person training BUT with the added benefits of having lifetime access to the resources and access them in your own time.
How is the training delivered?
LIVE AND INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
Birthing the Mother can be undertaken immediately online in your own time or you can join our live sessions (which run once a year) at no extra costs. The programme is a combination of live (or live online) yoga teacher training and guest expert sessions; daily interaction in our online forum with the YB team and your peers. Every week of training you will be engaged in a combination of these training sessions with home study too. We're constantly interacting with you to make sure you're on track throughout the training and if you can't make a session you can access it later in your own time.
HANDBOOKS AND RESOURCES
In addition to this, you have access to complete handbooks for the course; adaptions for the female life stage and conditions and more. You'll also be provided with pre-written YogaBellies class plans if you chose to become a licensed teacher too (optional).
ONLINE LEARNING
We provide pre-recorded live YogaBellies class videos for your review and learning; lecture and asana break down videos, all of which you have lifetime access to and can watch at a time to suit. You also get downloadable handbooks, Asana ‘Cheat Sheets’, slide shows, audio learning and more.
ASSESSMENT
For the 50-Hour YTT qualification, you must complete the online quiz to gain your certification. If you are just completing the training for personal reasons, there is no requirement to do this. If you wish to gain the 300-Hour Qualification, there are various other criteria that need to be met also.
You will receive a downloadable certificate from YogaBellies on completion of your mini-course and these can also be counted as credits towards with 300-Hour EMPOWER YTT within 3 years. If you require a paper certificate you can request this from Yoga Alliance International.