Birth Balance - Postnatal Teacher Training Course

Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training Course Syllabus

This comprehensive course is designed for yoga teachers, fitness instructors, and healthcare professionals or those who wish to specialise in postnatal care. 

Participants will learn to safely guide new mothers and their babies in yoga, Pilates, and functional movements, incorporating techniques for core strengthening, baby yoga, massage, and developmental activities.


Module 1: Introduction to Postnatal Health (4 hours)

Objectives:
- Understand the physical and emotional changes after childbirth.
- Discuss the importance of postpartum recovery.

Topics:
1. Postpartum anatomy and physiology
2. Common postnatal issues (diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction)
3. Mental health considerations for new mothers

Activities:
- Group discussion on personal experiences
- Introduction to breathing techniques

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Module 2 : Foundations of Postnatal Yoga (4 hours)

Objectives:
- Teach appropriate postures for new mothers.
- Explore the principles of alignment and safety.

Topics:
1. Modifications and variations for postnatal yoga poses
2. Restorative practices for recovery
3. Introduction to baby yoga

Activities:
- Hands-on practice of postnatal poses
- Pair work to practice teaching basic sequences

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Module 3: Incorporating Pilates for Core Strength (4 hours)

Objectives:
- Integrate Pilates techniques into postnatal yoga classes.
- Promote awareness of core engagement.

Topics:
1. Principles of Pilates and its benefits for postpartum recovery
2. Core strengthening exercises with focus on pelvic floor
3. Modifications for beginners

Activities:
- Practical demonstrations of Pilates-infused yoga sequences
- Partner feedback on teaching techniques

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Module 4: Baby Yoga and Massage (4 hours)

Objectives:
- Introduce safe practices for engaging with infants.
- Teach baby yoga and massage techniques.

Topics:
1. Benefits of baby yoga and massage on infant development
2. Gentle stretching and movements for babies
3. Parent-baby bonding practices

Activities:
- Guided practice of baby massage techniques
- Group activities incorporating baby yoga poses

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Module 5: Developmental Activities for Babies (4 hours)

Objectives:
- Understand key developmental milestones for infants.
- Offer activities that promote growth and bonding.

Topics:
1. Developmental guidelines for infants
2. Play-based activities to enhance motor skills
3. Incorporating developmental prompts during classes

Activities:
- Design and present a class integrating developmental activities
- Role-playing to practice engaging parents with their babies

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Module  6: Functional Fitness Elements (4 hours)

Objectives:
- Introduce functional fitness to promote overall body strengthening.
- Equip instructors to design diverse workout plans for postnatal clients.

Topics:
1. Functional movements and their benefits for new mothers
2. Creating a balanced routine that includes yoga as well as some strength, flexibility, and endurance based exercises  
3. Safety considerations when introducing fitness elements to classes

Activities:
- Circuit training practice focusing on postnatal exercises
- Design a yoga class with added elements of fitness for  targeting postpartum recovery

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Module  7: Creating a Comprehensive Class Sequence (4 hours)

Objectives:
- Synthesise learned concepts into a cohesive postnatal yoga + class.
- Practice teaching full-length classes.

Topics:
1. Class structure and flow for postnatal sessions
2. Music and its role in enhancing a class
3. Importance of community and support for new mothers

Activities:
- Teach a segment of a class and receive peer feedback
- Collaborative group work to develop class playlists


Home Study (12 hours)

Components:
1. Reading Assignments (6 hours)
   - Articles on postnatal health, yoga, Pilates, and infant development.
2. Video Tutorials (4 hours)
   - Pre-recorded sessions on key concepts, techniques, and classes.
3. Practice Teaching (2 hours)
   - Record and reflect on teaching a mock class to peers or family.

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 Conclusion and Certification

**Final Assessment:**
- Submit a recorded teaching session to evaluate teaching ability.
- Complete a written assignment on postnatal care elements.

**Certification:**
- Participants will receive a Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training Certificate upon successful completion.

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Additional Resources
- Recommended Reading List
- Access to online community for continued support and learning

This syllabus provides a structured framework that combines various teaching methods and important knowledge areas to prepare participants for successfully teaching layered and compassionate postnatal classes.

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