Why Prenatal Yoga is So Great for Birth Prep (Especially with a Doula!)

Breathe, Move, and Feel More Ready

Prenatal yoga isn’t just about stretching- it’s a gentle, focused way to prepare for the intensity of labor and the transformation of birth. It helps build strength, deepen breath awareness, and foster a connection with your changing body, and your baby. It’s also a great way to connect with other parents on their pregnancy journeys. 

And when combined with birth doula support, it becomes even more powerful. As a Cleveland-based doula and yoga instructor, I integrate yoga into prenatal support, creating a holistic approach to birth prep that supports your body, mind, and heart.

How Prenatal Yoga Helps You Prepare for Birth

Builds Strength and Endurance

• Helps balance the body, strengthen, and soften

• Supports healthy alignment and pelvic mobility

• Provides safe exercises to practice being uncomfortable with intensity
  

Eases Pregnancy Discomforts

• Relieves common aches like back pain and hip tension

• Promotes better sleep and digestion

• Provides tips and tricks to be more comfortable during day to day activities
  
  

Encourages Mindful Breathing

• Teaches breath techniques you can use during labor, to create spaciousness in your body, and connect with your pelvic floor

• Helps reduce fear and anxiety, by activating the parasympathetic “rest and digest” aspect of our nervous system

• Combines breathing with visualization to encourage clarity and calm

The Mind-Body Connection in Labor

Creates Space for Reflection and Intuition

• Slowing down and tuning in helps you build trust in your body and with your baby

• Encourages emotional release and mindset preparation with affirmations and meditation
  

  Reduces Stress and Anxiety

• Movement + breath = nervous system regulation

• Helps manage overwhelm leading up to birth- having a safe space to move and connect with other pregnant people is so helpful

Doula + Yoga = Personalized, Holistic Support

As a Doula, I Integrate Yoga with Doula Support for My Clients

• I provice personalized movement and breath work guidance in prenatal visits

• We practice yoga-informed movement and positioning techniques that help baby make their way through the pelvis during each stage of labor

  Support That Evolves With Your Needs

• Whether you’re in your first trimester or days from delivery, prenatal yoga can be helpful

• Private prenatal yoga sessions are available for clients who want one-on-one movement and education

Pro Tip Box:

💡 Jena Ashwill is not only a doula but also a yoga instructor. Her clients get the best of both worlds, movement that supports labor, and guidance that supports the whole family. Jena’s classes are a safe space to come as you are. We can feel different day to day during pregnancy. Some days we just want to move, and other days call for more rest. Whatever you need to do to take care of your body in class is encouraged. There’s no comparison or “should” here.

Move, Breathe, and Prepare With Confidence

If you’re curious about how to feel more confident, calm, and connected as you prepare for birth, prenatal yoga might be your next best step.

Reach out to me to learn more about my doula and yoga offerings in Cleveland and how I can support your journey with expertise and compassion—on and off the mat!