NCT Relax, Stretch and Breathe (yoga based exercise) classes are held as a weekly drop-in. You can start coming to RSB any time after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Please contact your local teacher to check availability and register. The classes are held on Monday evenings 6.30pm to 8 pm.

The classes focus on gentle postures, breathing techniques, positions for labour and relaxation. The aim is for you to have an enjoyable and relaxing time, whilst improving your physical and emotional wellbeing and helping you feel more confident and positive about birth. The postures are very gentle, specifically designed so you can attend throughout your pregnancy (after 12 weeks) and can be adapted to individual needs.

The classes are suitable for all women, regardless of their fitness level. No previous experience of yoga is necessary.

Benefits of these classes include:

• Reduced back ache
• Improved quality of sleep
• Reduced anxiety
• Strengthened joints and muscles
• Increased flexibility
• Increased blood circulation
• Reduced swelling from fluid retention
• Improved posture and body awareness
• Strengthened abdominal and pelvic muscles
• Improved digestive system

NCT Relax, Stretch & Breathe and NCT Yoga for Pregnancy classes are taught by NCT teachers who have undergone extra training in teaching physical skills - a further year's training into the practice and philosophy of yoga enables the RSB teacher to graduate to NCT Yoga for Pregnancy. The teachers are passionate about enabling women to have a positive experience of pregnancy and birth.

For those who are already mothers, the class will be a time when you can relax, concentrate on the new baby, and think about your wishes for this birth.

For 1st time mothers, there will be lots of practical tips, opportunity to meet others and ask questions. Some words may be unfamiliar, please do not hesitate to ask if there is anything you are unsure of, no matter how small it might seem.

Everyone is welcome; you don't have to be a member of the NCT. We would like to make sure every parent can benefit from our courses. We therefore have lower prices for parents on lower incomes or in receipt of certain benefits. These concessions vary, from small discounts of 5% to a maximum reduction of 90% off the full course fee. Please ask about these discounts.

New to the Canterbury area, these drop-ins take place in an airy hall on the Barton estate off the New Dover Road (round the corner from the Barton Post Office). There is plenty of free parking on the street. Please bring a couple of pillows or cushions and a blanket to help make yourself comfortable. Refreshments will be provided at the end of the session.

Canterbury & District branch information

For more information or to request a booking on this course, please fill out the enquiry form below. You should expect a response within 7 days.

Completing the form will not commit you to booking a place or making any payment.