Teacher Training
*All trainings are entirely ONLINE until further notice.
Spring 2021 :
March 18-21 & April 15-18 ONLINE
Fall 2021 :
September 23-26 & October 21-24 ONLINE
Welcome to PYC’s Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training.
This comprehensive 85 hour, Yoga Alliance Certified training helps teachers enhance their skills to confidently and responsibly serve their prenatal and postnatal community while improving their marketability as a yoga teacher.
At Prenatal Yoga Center, we rely on our unique three pronged approach to prenatal yoga designed to meet the physical, mental and emotional needs of our new and expectant parent community.
The 2 WEEKEND INTENSIVE training offers both in person (via Zoom) and self-paced online, independent study. It’s the perfect match for the motivated teacher with limited time to spend in the classroom!
Best of Both Worlds
This training is a unique blend of “in-person” learning through Zoom and an extensive library of online videos and a handpicked selection of Prenatal Yoga Center’s Yoga | Birth | Babies podcasts with some of the world’s leading experts in pregnancy, yoga, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum.
The live “in-person” weekends allow you to get personal attention, interact with a hand-picked group of students, and have individual questions answered. With the online self-guided video feature of the PYC Teacher Training, you no longer have to frantically take notes during a live lecture or discussion. You can stop, rewind, and review the material as much as you need to ensure you fully comprehend the information.
Over the 3 months span of the training, you will be able to learn at your own pace with access to the full online library. All four Teacher Training Modules contain exclusive videos with Deb and Caprice intricately teaching you the material as well as four-hour long prenatal yoga classes. You will also receive our full teaching manual which will correspond with the videos.
No other prenatal teacher training provides this level of diverse insight in their program. We have proudly been providing training to over 300 new prenatal yoga teacher for the past 14 years.
” I am truly humbly grateful for the training and community. This training revealed so much truth for me that I am drawn to explore. I am so inspired to enter the world of this work”
-Leah Campbell, Yoga Teacher Training Graduate
Take a sneak peak at some of the videos from the Online Classroom!
Childbirth Education and Advocacy
Now more than ever women are being robbed of their choices about their bodies. As a prenatal yoga teacher, you have the unique opportunity to empower pregnant people to make their own choices in childbirth.
“We need to empower women to take an active role in their birth so they can emerge feeling heard, seen, understood and supported.”
~Deb Flashenberg, Lead Teacher Trainer & Founder of Prenatal Yoga Center
Did you know that 25 – 34 percent of women report that their births were traumatic? Studies show most people feel unsafe and fearful of the birthing care they receive. They also fear they receive routine (and perhaps unnecessary) interventions and feel unsupported the medical staff.
A massive part of the PYC Teacher Training is examining the current state of birth in our culture, including systemic racism in the hospital system. Teacher trainees learn how to present evidenced based information to students in a non-biased manner so students can make their own educated decisions regarding birth choices.
Community
During our program, Teacher Trainees immerse themselves in the prenatal and postnatal community by participating in classes and workshops. They learn first hand about the fears and concerns of new and expectant parents and observe how all different pregnant bodies move through a yoga practice. No more “practicing with pretend bellies” or theorizing about the pregnant body and mind, PYC boasts a robust community of people in all stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
Teacher trainees observe the community building aspect of “circle time”, a time where the students introduce themselves, say how far along they are, and discuss any aches and pains they would like to address in class. Pregnancy and postpartum periods carry such enormous physical and emotional changes; and this bonding time creates a springboard for long lasting friendships among students and is a rich learning opportunity for teacher trainees.
The Asana Practice
In order for a teacher to truly understand a prenatal asana practice with working knowledge of which poses should be encouraged and which should be avoided, you must have a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical and physiological of the pregnant body. Our training program moves beyond a memorized list of poses and unpacks the “why” pregnant and postpartum bodies benefit from some poses more than others.
The use of asana in class is multifunctional in preparing the student’s mind and body for birth. On a physical level, we use asana to alleviate common pregnancy aches and pains as well as we look at how each pose can create balance in the pelvis, pelvic floor and pelvic ligaments. When the body is well aligned, the baby may be better positioned leading to a more functional, speedy birth.
From a mental and emotional standpoint, asana practice is an amazing tool to lean into safe discomfort and find coping skills. Labor, birth and parenthood has emotional and physical challenges. We build essential lifelong coping skills to deal with these struggles.
The PYC Teacher Training Will Help You Confidently Integrate All Three Components Into A Well Rounded Class.
More than just asana!
Modifying asana for pregnancy is just the tip of the iceberg for a prenatal yoga teacher training program. It is important to speak the same “language” as the expecting parent and through evidence-based research and deep self reflection be able to guide them properly while supporting them as they transition into a new phase of life.
As a teacher, it’s your job to create a warm community for the pregnant person that extend beyond pregnancy, and through the often bumpy road of new motherhood, to a place of vitality, strength and confidence.
What they are saying…
“I have been practicing/teaching yoga for years. I have also had 3 boys now and have experience with childbirth and carrying babies! I truly loved the prenatal teacher training at the prenatal yoga center because I learned so much more about the entire process of pregnancy and beyond and it really deepened my ability to teach prenatal clients and student.”
~Kristin McGee, Peloton Yoga Teacher
As a midwife I found this training to be comprehensive and informative with regard to the pregnant body, labor and birth. It was the perfect combination of intense didactic learning and yoga teacher training. I loved the on line component, the required reading, the comprehensive exam required to gain certification- the whole training. Deb & Caprice have created the most comprehensive, evidence-based, pelvic-sound, prenatal yoga teacher training out there. At completion I felt prepared to teach and confident that I could keep my pregnant students safe and prepare them for an active labor.
~Julie Rauschenplat, Midwife, yoga teacher and PYC Graduate
This is an incredibly comprehensive program delivered by experts in the field of prenatal yoga who are also birth doulas and childbirth educators. I could not recommend PYC more highly – thank you!
~Clare Sandberg, Anesthesiologist, yoga teacher and PYC graduate
Here’s How It Breaks Down
Module One: Anatomy and Physiology and Birth Culture
You will start to explore the in-depth changes to the anatomy and physiology of the pregnant body. We place a particular focus on the abdominal changes and pelvic floor changes and how they can affect pregnancy and postpartum.
This solid foundation of understanding of the anatomy and physiology takes the guesswork and fear out of deciphering which poses will enhance the practice and which can be troublesome for the pregnant and postpartum student.
Module One also includes examination and discussion of the current birth culture and systemic racism found in the medical system in the US.
This module also includes interviews with Lindsey Vestal, Leslie Howard, Isa Herrara, and selected TED Talks and birth documentaries.
Module Two: Structuring Your Class
During this module, you will start to see which asanas and pranayamas to encourage and discourage and modifications of the different trimesters. These poses will become your building blocks for structuring your prenatal yoga class. There is a strong focus on stabilizing the pelvis and asanas that encouraging optimal fetal position to aid in the birth process. You will also be introduced to the Prenatal Yoga Center teaching template which will help you clearly organize your class and create a graceful vinyasa flow for your students
This module includes 4 one hour prenatal yoga classes to help you familiarize yourself with the practice.
This module also includes interviews with Dr. Randi Jaffee, Gail Tully and Deb Flashenberg
Module Three: Birthing the Baby!
In this module, we shift our focus to Labor, Delivery and Interventions. We will explore the different stages of labor including the emotional signposts of labor, pain management, and coping skills as well as common interventions and complications. We will also review therapeutic applications, assuring new teachers the information to help students with asanas and alternative modalities to common pregnancy aches and pain.
You will walk away with extensive childbirth education knowledge, an appreciation for the landscape of birth in the US, and trusting you can offer evidence based information and solid resources for your students.
This module also includes interviews with Terry Richmond,Dr. Sarah Buckley,Deborah Pascalli-Bonero, Tina Cassidy, Deb Flashenberg, Penny Simkin, Gene Declerqc, Dr. George Mussali, Dr. Rachel Reed, Dr Clare Sandberg, Dr Neel Shah, Henci Goer and Judith Lothian
Module Four: Postnatal and Baby and Me
Your students have now had their babies and are heading back for Postnatal Yoga or Baby and Me. We will breakdown the essential “7 areas for the postnatal mom”, Teaching Baby and Me Yoga, as well as covers general guidelines for helping support the postpartum parent and community. We also discuss PMAD- perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. This module will allow you to fully meet the needs of your postpartum students.
This module also includes interviews with 4th Trimester Bodies Project, Dr Michelle Canarick and Dr. Aurlie Athan.
Keep Track of Everything!
There are lots of moving parts to this Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training. To help you stay grounded and on track, we made a “Check List”. We advise that you use this as a guideline so you never feel overwhelmed and always trust that you’re receiving the best possible teacher training available.
And at any point, please feel free to email Deb if you have any questions that need attention before or between the long weekend intensives.
What to expect
- Participate in 2 LIVE Zoom weekends with Deb and Caprice.
- Receive the in-depth Prenatal Yoga Center teaching manual.
- Have 3 Months access to the Membership website
- Enjoy over 20 videos available of lecture and practice
- All teacher trainees will receive an 8 class yoga package
- Learn practical tools to teach a safe and comprehensive prenatal yoga class
- Discuss the current birth trends in our country
- Immerse yourself in the pregnant community by taking prenatal yoga with the PYC students.
- Deeply explore the anatomical and physiological changes of the pregnant body.
- Gain an understanding of why we encourage and discourage certain poses.
- Learn to confidently structure a prenatal class.
- Learn hand-on adjustments for the pregnant student.
- Receive instruction for How to Teach Virtually
- Practice Teaching! Teacher Trainees will teach two community classes.
- Receive an in-depth review of Childbirth Education
- Receive an in-depth booklist
Practicing what they learned!
Your Responsibilities
- Review modules 1,2,3, and 4 individually and watch the corresponding videos.
- Participate in the Intro Webinar with Deb or listen it at a later time.
- Be prepared to take the seat of the teacher and teach fellow teacher trainees as well as pregnant bodies in the two community classes.
- Complete reading from the book list.
- Must have a basic understanding of Google Drive and Zoom
- Complete written assignments.
- Complete both weekend intensives with Deb and Caprice.
- Audit a local childbirth education class in your community. (Many Childbirth Educators will allow you to do this for free.)
- Take or observe a minimum of 4 prenatal yoga classes either at PYC or in your community.
- Complete and pass final written exam.
- Complete the practical portion of your final exam, teaching a 75 minute prenatal yoga class with at least 3 pregnant women. This class must be recorded and shared with Deb and Caprice for grading.
Yoga Alliance Registered Prenatal Yoga School
All current Yoga Alliance members who complete the 85 hour training are eligible for the RPYT (Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher) designation from the Yoga Alliance.
If you have any questions regarding the RPYT application or designation with the Yoga Alliance please go to www.yogaalliance.org
Teachers
Deb Flashenberg, CD(DONA), LCCE, E-RYT 500
Caprice Abowitt CD(DONA). RYT
Terry Richmond CD(DONA), CCE
Yiska Obadia L.Ac CD(DONA)
Training Dates & Times
NEXT SESSION
Weekend One: March 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2021
Weekend Two: April 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2021
*These are “in person” weekends which will be conducted on Zoom.
- Thursday 8:00pm-9:30pm
- Friday 9:45am-7:30pm *second weekend the Friday session goes until 8:30pm
- Saturday 9am-7:00pm
- Sunday 9:00am-3:30pm **Second weekend, the Sunday session goes until 4:30pm
Partner Yoga and Massage Dates
Teacher Trainees, may attend ONE of the following workshops:
TBA
Class is from 4-6:15pm
Childbirth Education
ONLINE Teacher Trainees must attend a local Childbirth Education class that reflects the practices in your area. Virtual classes are acceptable. Many Childbirth Educators will allow you to audit their class for free.
Tuition
Online Training 2020
$1600
(NYC and ONLINE Trainings, take advantage of the ACTION TAKER DISCOUNT!)
*Payment plans are available!
*Application at the bottom of the page
We are excited to announce a scholarship and scholarship fund for BIPOC teachers for our NYC and ONLINE trainings. Learn more about it!
Pre-requisite
Applicants MUST already have completed a 200 hour Yoga Alliance Yoga Teacher Training.
Teacher Trainees are expected to already have obtained the knowledge of how to sequence a basic hatha yoga class, an understanding of alignment and be able to proficiently explain it, properly apply hand on adjustments and comfortably take the seat of a teacher.
Please do not apply if you have not completed a 200 hour training.
Teacher Trainees must have a basic understanding of Google Drive and Zoom
Policies and Guidelines
- Full payment is due access to the manual and membership website is given.
- A non-refundable deposit of $550 is required to hold your space in the program. The balance is due according to the tuition policy.
- We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Amex.
- We charge a $25 returned check fee.
- Refunds are available up to three weeks before the training begins minus your deposit. The beginning of the training is marked by receiving access to the membership website which contains the manual and corresponding videos. After this time NO refund or credit will be given if you decide not to attend. Should you cancel your spot, the $550 deposit cannot be applied to a future training.
Full payment is due access to the manual and membership website is given.
- Once the training begins, if you decide not to continue for any reason, no refund or credit will be given.
- We welcome pregnant students! However, if your due date falls before the final exam or if your current work or life leaves little time for extracurricular activities, we strongly urge you to take the training later, when you have more time to devote to the coursework. Due to the nature of the Teacher Training, we cannot accommodate missed modules. Both weekend intensives need to be attended to complete the program.
- All fees and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- To Be Eligible To Teach At PYC, You MUST Be Certified Through This Program.
Prenatal Yoga Center is available for an 85 hour training, a weekend training, and pre/postnatal retreats.