YAI Standards – PRENATAL YOGA TEACHERS PROGRAM

To register with Yoga Alliance International as a Prenatal Yoga Teacher you must have completed as part of your curriculum or as an additional component of the 200hr-500hr or above existing qualification the following training hours:

General Background in the Specialty Area (7 hours) 7 contact hours Pathologies of pregnancy,yoga therapeutic and alternative healing options. Understanding the yoga teacher?s relationship with childbirth educators, midwives, nurses. Knowing when to suggest that the student consult a health care professional regarding pregnancy issues. How to distinguish between high-risk and non-high-risk pregnancy.The physiological, emotional, and social considerations of childbearing and parenting giving support to mothers, assisting mother-infant bonding and fostering community among new mothers and parents.

Techniques Training/Practice (20 hours) 20 contact hours Appropriate asanas and pranayama, class observation and sequencing, childbirth preparation exercises, contraindicated poses, dealing with problem areas associated with pregnancy, yoga therapeutics for pregnancy, a prenatal yoga teacher”s responsibilities. Techniques include: alignment for the expectant mother, appropriate yoga techniques for each trimester, how to practice yoga techniques safely and relaxation and stress management techniques. Sequencing a prenatal class.Observation and teaching in prenatal yoga classes. Contraindication for practice.

Teaching Methodology (15 hours) 15 contact hours Plan a progressive programme of Yoga for expectant mothers,plan yoga class,plan a detailed lesson for the beginning and/or advanced student during each trimester.

Anatomy and Physiology (8 hours) 8 contact hours Anatomy and Physiology of pregnancy and birth, and the postpartum, how organs function during pregnancy, overview of the complications, including miscarriage, premature labor, hypertension, preeclampsia and biomechanics.

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Prenatal Yoga Teachers (5 hours) 5 contact hours Includes Medical and holistic models of care,traditional yoga philosophy as it may apply to lifestyle and well-being during pregnancy. Practicum (10 hours) 10 teaching
Total: 65 hours