Why Prenatal Yoga?

Yoga is an excellent way to "train" for the marathon of labor and motherhood. Practicing Yoga in pregnancy helps to strengthen and stretch muscles, release tension and maintain good posture. Prenatal yoga also teaches you to relax on command and keep a positive outlook while clearing the mind of the stresses associated with pregnancy and motherhood.

There are many benefits in attending a prenatal yoga class during pregnancy, benefits that are far beyond what you can receive in a regular yoga class. In our classes we teach yoga exercises that help prepare you for labor, delivery and motherhood as well as breathing techniques you can use in labor. Regular attendance assures that you will consistently practice these exercises for greater benefits.

When can I begin attending class?

Our classes are open to pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. We recommend that women take it easy the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy and allow their body that time to become accustomed to the changes of pregnancy. Beginners are welcome, no previous yoga experience is required.

If you practiced yoga before becoming pregnant this does not mean you have to stop your practice all together. Check out our information on yoga for the first trimester for guidelines in modifying your practice.

Program Safety:

Our Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga program conforms with the safety guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for exercise during and after pregnancy. The program also meets the prenatal fitness standards of reputable fitness organizations such as AFAA and AFPA. You can be sure that our instructors will offer safe postures and adjustments suited to your body and your pregnancy.

Teacher Training:

We offer a prenatal yoga teacher training course for Registered Yoga Teachers who want to become licensed in our method of teaching prenatal yoga. All of our teachers are Licensed in the Mamaste Yoga method and follow our guidelines in their classes. Check out our Teacher Directory to find a class in your area.

Karen combines a background in hatha yoga with her deep understanding of pregnancy and birth. She has worked with pregnant women since 1995, first as a prenatal yoga teacher then as a doula and most recently as a childbirth educator. A Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level, Karen currently runs Samatva Yoga, a state licensed vocational school that offers specialty courses for prenatal and postnatal yoga teachers under the brand, Mamaste Yoga. Karen has personally trained over 90 prenatal yoga teachers since the birth of Mamaste Yoga.

She received her initial yoga teacher training at Boustany Hatha Yoga Studios. Karen has since studied at The Center for Yoga of Seattle; at Kripalu in Lenox, Mass; with Jyothi Larson (author of Yoga Mom, Buddha Baby); has completed Levels 1 & 2 Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist Training; is certified to teach both the Radiant Child and Indigo Yoga programs to children; and holds certifications from Integral Yoga in Postpartum Yoga and Laughter Yoga. Karen has studied with Judith Lasater and is a certified Relax and Renew Restorative yoga teacher.







Karen is an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor and has completed training/certifications in prenatal/post natal fitness through NDEITA, AFPA, AAFA and Moms in Motion. Karen is the former owner of Yoga for Women studio in Houston, Texas and Samatva Yoga in Dallas, TX.

Karen practiced yoga in her own pregnancy, right up until a few hours before the birth of her daughter. Karen has an extensive knowledge of therapeutic uses of yoga, nutrition and prenatal fitness. Karen is on the advisory board of Natural Family Online, where she answers monthly questions on breastfeeding, nutrition and Yoga.

Her non-fitness related credentials include being a Certified Doula through both DONA and CBI, she holds a childbirth education diploma with Childbirth International and is a Certified Happiest Baby Educator.

Karen is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, a member of DONA and the Doula Association of Central Oklahoma and a retired La Leche League Leader.

Karen currently teaches prenatal yoga at Art of Yoga in Oklahoma City and postnatal yoga at Studio-MidDel.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Karen Prior

E-RYT 500, CD(CBI), CD(DONA), CHBE, Dip CBEd (CBI)

(405) 474-3302