
Sarah Hawley
5 Google Rating
I feel like Susan has been a large part of my pregnancy and early motherhood journey, having been to
I feel like Susan has been a large part of my pregnancy and early motherhood journey, having been to her pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing course, baby massage and mum and baby yoga. I would highly recommend her if you’re pregnant, a new or new-ish mum and in or near York, and I have done so to as many people as possible. To me, Susan is incredibly supportive, empathetic and knowledgeable, and possesses an amazing ability to create safe, warm and accepting spaces every class. I found that these qualities allowed me to share concerns, get advice and become part of a community of mums, which has been so important to me. Pregnancy yoga offered me time every week to slow down and really check in with my growing baby and body. Susan was so helpful and provided advice and adjustments for me to help with the pregnancy related heartburn and sciatica I experienced, and she also gave me information on some additional poses I could do at home. One of my favourite aspects of the class, was the time spent at the beginning when we would all get to introduce ourselves and discuss how our week had been or ask a question. It was lovely to get to know other pregnant women, get advice or support and hear about other’s experiences. I always left the class feeling refreshed and relaxed. My baby also seemed to love the meditation at the end and would kick. The hypnobirthing course helped me feel more confident about giving birth and empowered me to develop a birth plan that felt right for me. The resources Susan provided were excellent and very helpful to look at during and after the course. The relaxations worked and Susan has the perfect voice to deliver them (she’d be great for audiobooks), they were nice to listen to on an evening and go to bed feeling zen. The breathing techniques covered on the course and during the pregnancy yoga classes were fantastic during labour, with my partner coaching me through what we’d both learnt I felt more in control and focused. Plus, the snacks provided on the course were yummy, Susan is also a great baker (is there anything she can’t do?!). Baby massage was a lovely experience to share with my baby, the techniques Susan taught me allowed us to have some great mum and baby bonding time at home as well as help with his reflux through some of the stomach massage. Mum and baby yoga is wonderful, I highly recommend it! It was lovely to do some yoga which enabled interaction with baby, as well as meet and get to know other mums. It was a brilliant to do some gentle exercise post birth and pelvic floor work. Again, Susan starts the class with introductions and how your week has gone or questions, and at the end there’s time to have a drink and snack together (which Susan provides) giving you the opportunity to make friends. There’s no pressure or judgement if baby cries, or if something else happens, and it’s all very relaxed. If baby needs a fed or nappy etc you can do it as and when needed and re-join the yoga when able. The class also includes a couple of songs with babies, so it’s the perfect mix of mum and baby time. If you’re pregnant or a new or new-ish mum I would recommend giving one (or more) of Susan’s classes a go. York is very lucky to have Susan!