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Pregnancy and Ante-Natal Care

The Alexander Technique is a marvelous ante-natal preparation. Not only can a woman explore how she can use her changing body well during pregnancy but she can also have time to prepare for labour. And then after the baby is born, when all the focus tends to be on the baby, it is vital for a mother to be able to look after herself physically and mentally. The following are some of the things that we explore during Alexander lessons:

Habits and Use

• Developing good habits from early on, in particular to prevent back pain;
• Daily activities such as sitting, standing, walking and bending;
• Positions and movements to encourage the optimal foetal position for birth and those which take pressure off the back;
• These ways of using oneself also help with balance which is important when the ligaments start to loosen, as women can turn their ankles whilst pregnant.

Preparation for Labour

• We start working reasonably early on with positions and movements for labour so they are very familiar by the time the baby is due;
• Breathing, mental control and focus;
• What the birth partner can do to help.

Post Labour

• Breastfeeding and mother’s own use;
• Picking up/putting down baby, carrying baby;
• Looking after self (physically and mentally);
• Pram pushing. (These things are also useful for dads who can also get back problems from looking after children.)

Feedback From Pupils

• "I had no back or neck pain in third pregnancy. My back felt absolutely fine due to my Alexander Technique lessons unlike during my first two pregnancies and I bounced back much more quickly after giving birth. I thought about myself more and generally felt better. I am more aware of how to look after my use when pushing the pram." SL
• "I didn't feel heavy, even when I was very large." RW
• "I found lessons to be really practical. It was good to be aware of how I could sit, stand and get out of bed. It also really helped with my breathing, especially when I was breathless." KD

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