Q: Where are you located?
A: We are in Shelton Place, on Richmond Road in Lexington. Shelton Place is the wooden building with the funky white roof located in front of Lowe's and directly behind the Sunshine Grow Shop. (Other landmarks: We are in between Chili's and Krispy Kreme.) Baby Moon is on the first floor, on the side of the building. You will see our sign as you pull in to park. Our address is 2891 Richmond Road, Suite 103, Lexington, KY 40509.
Q: How much do classes cost?
A: All class, series, and workshop prices are listed with the class descriptions on our website. Yoga classes are $12 drop-in, or 5 classes for $50, 8 classes for $75, or 12 classes for $100. Class packages are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Prenatal classes not used during pregnancy may be carried over to Postnatal yoga classes.
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Q: When should I start Prenatal Yoga classes?
A: Our prenatal yoga classes are open to all trimesters. You are welcome to start as soon as you feel ready. Some moms are too sick and exhausted to begin in the first trimester, others can't wait to start. Starting early, when you feel ready, means you can get a jump start on preparing your body to adapt more easily to the increasing demands of pregnancy. It also means you have more time to practice the breathing and relaxation techniques that will help you through your labor. Ideally, you will have begun your classes by 12-16 weeks, but if not it's never too late. Even 3rd trimester mamas are welcome to begin a prenatal yoga program. If you are experiencing any abnormal bleeding, pain, or have other medical concerns at any time during your pregnancy you should check with your doctor or midwife before beginning this (or any) exercise program.
Q: How late in pregnancy can I continue Prenatal Yoga classes?
A: Prenatal Yoga can be continued--and is very beneficial--throughout your pregnancy and up until the birth of your baby. Some moms have even been in prenatal yoga class during early labor (although they didn't know it at the time)! You will use what you have learned in class during your labor--moms tell me that their prenatal yoga practice helped them more than anything else they did to prepare for labor!
Q: Do I need to register for yoga classes or can I just show up?
A: You can just show up. We do not run in sessions, since women are constantly getting pregnant and constantly having their babies! You're welcome to join us any time. Yoga classes are ongoing, but may be very occasionally cancelled for major holidays, illness, or if the instructor is called to a birth. Please check the Class Calendar for holiday schedules. In the rare event of a cancellation, our voice mail message at 859.420.MAMA (6262) will reflect that information. (Drop-ins are also welcome at Mama & Baby Yoga.)
Q: I've never done yoga before. Is that OK?
A: Most of our students are new to yoga when they begin Prenatal Yoga, so you will fit right in. This is a beginning level class and no yoga experience is necessary. Pregnancy is a wonderful time to try yoga, since it is so easily adapted to the needs of pregnancy and has so many benefits for you and your baby.
Q: I heard that you shouldn't begin an exercise or activity during pregnancy that you weren't doing before. Is that true?
A: This was the advice given to pregnant women in the past...however we now know that the benefits of exercise to women and their unborn babies far outweigh any of those outdated concerns. If you haven't been exercising prior to pregnancy, now is the time to start! Choose an exercise that is considered "safe" for pregnancy (yoga, swimming, walking, and belly dance are some of the most beneficial), and then get moving! Listen to your body and trust your instincts about what feels right, and consult your midwife or doctor about exercise guidelines when choosing aerobic or high-impact programs. Exercise improves your health and vitality before, during, and after pregnancy, helping to prevent common aches and pains and speeding recovery time. Your baby benefits, as well, from the increased oxygen and bloodflow. After birth, your baby benefits by observing the example you set as a healthy, active mom. If you have any medical or health concerns at any time during your pregnancy, remember to check with your doctor or midwife before beginning (or continuing) your exercise program. For more information on exercise guidelines, visit this Pregnancy Fitness page.
Q: Are there any exercises that are not recommended for pregnancy?
A: During pregnancy the ligaments holding your joints together soften as hormone levels increase, and the joints become increasinly unstable as your pregnancy progresses. This is a good thing, because a loose pelvis means that plenty of space can be made during labor to birth your baby. But high impact exercises (like jogging) can put too much stress on loosened joints and can cause problems that do not correct themselves after pregnancy. This is not much of a concern during the first trimester, may become a concern during the second trimester, and is definitely a concern during the third trimester.
Exercises done while lying on your belly are contra-indicated after the first trimester, or sooner if it becomes uncomfortable. Exercises done flat on your back for more than a few minutes at a time may be contraindicated after the 5th or 6th month, when the weight of the baby could cut off blood flow through your major artery, the vena cava. Any time you are lying on your back during mid- to late-pregnancy, be sure to stop and roll to one side if you feel nauseous, dizzy, or uncomfortable, or if your arms and legs are falling asleep.
During pregnancy the abdominal muscles are subjected to strain as your belly stretches and grows. Separation of the vertical abdominal muscles may occur (diastasis recti) when those muscles are overstressed. For this reason, I do not recommend intensive abdominal work past the 4th or 5th month (this includes sit-ups, double leg-lifts, and pilates-style ab exercises). Once past this point of your pregnancy remember to roll to one side when sitting up or lying down to prevent undue strain on the recti muscles.
Water aerobics is a great exercise for pregnancy, because the buoyancy of the water reduces or eliminates stress on the joints. Be aware, however, that this type of buoyancy late in pregnancy could contribute to malpresentation of the baby in your pelvis as you approach your due date. Babies normally settle into a head-down position in the pelvis between 32-34 weeks of pregnancy, and gravity is an important part of this process. Water aerobics deweights the baby, making it easier for baby to turn into a funky position. My experience has led me to recommend that women discontinue water aerobics by 34 weeks (or sooner, if you know baby is persistently breech), and switch to another exercise that encourages baby to be in a good position for birth. Swimming (or just paddling around the pool, as the case may be) is a good substitute for the upright bouncing of water aerobics. If you love it and choose to continue water aerobics, just be sure baby is head down by 34 weeks and continue to keep abreast of your baby's position as your due date approaches. (There are specific exercises that can be done in the pool to help turn a breech baby, as well.) For more information on exercise guidelines, visit this Pregnancy Fitness page.
Q: What should I wear to a yoga class? Do I need to bring anything?
A: Please dress comfortably, either in loose fitting clothes (sweatpants, T-shirt) or stretchy, tight-fitting clothing (leggings/exercise pants, tank tops). You need to be able to sit on the floor and move comfortably as we stretch and strengthen. A yoga mat is recommended, and they are available for sale at Baby Moon ($20). A few "loaner" mats are also available if you are just coming to try out a class or have left your mat at home. Please be sensitive to pregnant moms' sensitive noses and avoid perfumes and strong scents when coming to yoga class.
Q: How much do the yoga classes cost? If I don't use up my classes before I have the baby, can I use them afterwards for postpartum classes?
A: Drop-in is $12, if you would like to pay for one class at a time. We also have class packages available: 5 classes for $50; 8 classes for $75; and 12 classes for $100. You can use them up whenever you like--for one, two, or three classes per week--within 1 year of the purchase date. If you do not finish your package before the baby is born, you can absolutely use them afterwards for any of our postpartum yoga classes.
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Q: When can I start Mama & Baby Yoga?
A: Moms with an uncomplicated vaginal birth may begin as early as 4 weeks when they feel ready (please check with your doctor or midwife). Moms with a cesarean birth should wait at least 6 weeks and be medically cleared for exercise before beginning. Mama & Baby is a gentle exercise class and can be modified to suit individual needs. Babies are welcome until they start crawling circles around you--after that you may find it difficult to get much yoga done! You've graduated to our Mamas & Movers class for our active crawlers through early walkers.
Q: When can I start other, more vigorous postpartum exercise classes?
A: Please wait at least 6 weeks postpartum before beginning any of these exercise classes, until you feel ready and have been medically cleared for exercise. We recommend that moms who have given birth by cesarean wait 12 weeks before doing intensive abdomincal exercises (such as pilates, sit ups, double leg lifts, etc.). It is important to allow plenty of time after major surgery for the body and the fascia to heal. This can help to prevent problems later on, such as scar tissue adhesions. Our postpartum yoga classes are modified to allow for this recommendation.
Q: If I still have classes leftover from my prenatal package, can I use them up on postpartum classes?
A: Yes, you can use any classes from your prenatal package on postpartum yoga classes within 1 year of the purchase date.
Q: What should I wear to a yoga class? Do I need to bring anything?
A: Please dress comfortably, either in loose fitting clothes (sweatpants, T-shirt) or stretchy, tighter-fitting clothing (leggings/exercise pants, tank tops). You need to be able to sit on the floor and move comfortably as we stretch and strengthen. A yoga mat is recommended, and they are available for sale at Baby Moon ($20). A few "loaner" mats are also available if you are just coming to try out a class or have left your mat at home. Please be sensitive to others' noses by avoiding perfumes and strong scents when coming to yoga class.
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Q: When should I take my childbirth classes?
A: Ideally you want to complete all your classes by around 36 weeks. This means that you should be planning and registering for your classes by about 25-26 weeks of pregnancy to insure your place in the appropriate session. Ideally, Breastfeeding Classes and Labor Workshops are completed towards the end of pregnancy, after your childbirth series has already begun, and should also be completed by 37 weeks. HypnoBirthing classes may be completed earlier in your pregnancy when possible, to allow for additional practice time.
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Q: What can I do if I have a breech or transverse baby?
A: 32 - 34 weeks of pregnancy is the time when most babies settle into the position they will be in for birth. Your OB may not check the position of your baby until later--usually around 36-37 weeks (your midwife will typically confirm position earlier). It is important to ASK for confirmation of baby's position by 34 weeks or earlier, to allow time to move your baby while there is still lots of room for turning. It can be difficult for moms to tell which end of baby is up, but if your baby gets hiccups, notice if they seem to be coming from down low or up high.
If you know you have a malpositioned baby at 34 weeks or later, now is the time to act. We recommend that you begin special exercises to encourage baby to turn ("breech tilt"), and avoid deep squatting until baby's position is resolved. Make your low belly exciting by playing music down low, having your partner talk to baby down low, shining a flashlight down low. Babies are curious and many people believe they will turn towards the stimulus. During breech tilt exercises, try placing a cold pack at the top of your belly and a heating pad down low.
Hypnosis has been shown to have an 86% success rate in turning breech presentations--69% higher than standard obstetrical treatment. These sessions are available at Baby Moon, see our Hypnosis page for more information or to schedule your session. See this section of the FAQ's for more on exercise and baby's position, including why water aerobics may be contraindicated. Please also visit our Links page for more tips on encouraging your baby to turn.
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Q: What is your cancellation / refund policy?
A: A refund or transfer can be made only if requested at least two weeks prior to the start date of the class in which you are enrolled. This is due to our commitment to small class sizes and because our staff commits to each class based on a minimum enrollment. Last minute cancellations or no-shows would leave empty spots other families could have taken, which impacts our patrons as well as our instructors, whose time and expertise is valuable.
We are sorry, but we cannot pro-rate the cost of a series if you must miss one or more sessions, again due to small class sizes and an appreciation for the instructor's time. Our overhead remains the same even if you must miss a class.
In the event of an emergency or unexpected early arrival of your baby (prior to 37 weeks), an exception may be made at the discretion of the Director, and your credit may be transferred to another class or service offered at Baby Moon.
Yoga class packages expire one year after purchase, and are non-refundable. Class credits may be transferred to another student at your discretion, with the original expiration date still valid.
We require 24 hours notice for cancellation of Massage and Hypnosis appointments, out of respect for the therapist's time and our other patrons, who are often waiting for an opening. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance and no-shows will be charged the full fee for the session.
Please make your class choices and appointments carefully and mark them on your calendar right away!
Privacy Policy: Baby Moon uses your registration and contact information only to process your registration and to contact you regarding classes for which you have enrolled. We may also send periodic (low-volume) emails to our mailing list, you may opt out by sending an email to Office@, or by logging in to your Baby Moon account and changing your account preferences. We do not sell or share any of your information to any other person or entity for any reason!
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