Valley Independent Sentinel

Q&A: Mothers Embrace Yoga

by Jodie Mozdzer | Jul 19, 2010 8:11 am

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Posted to: Shelton, Q&A

Mothers Embrace Yoga Studio has taught prenatal yoga and other yoga courses out of a studio in downtown Shelton for four years.

This month, owner Linda Antignani packed up and moved operations to a new studio in the White Hills shopping plaza on Route 110.

The Valley Independent Sentinel recently chatted with Antignani about the move, pregnant women and yoga.

Valley Indy: Why move to White Hills?

Linda Antignani: I’m hoping to draw new students from that area, as well as Trumbull and Monroe, without making my current Valley students have to travel too much further. 

Valley Indy: Tell us about the new studio space. What makes this location unique?

Antignani: Oh! The new space is beautiful! It is bright, sunny and welcoming. I felt like I was home as soon as I opened the door for the very first time!  That’s the feeling that I want for my students.

Valley Indy: You specialize in prenatal yoga. A lot of women can’t reach their feet to tie their shoes when they’re pregnant. Are they really able to do the complicated yoga exercises?

Antignani: Yes! Prenatal yoga is not complicated at all: It’s modified. My moms-to-be are always asked to be guided by their own comfort. The postures offered are gentle and safe yet effective. Prenatal yoga is not traditional yoga watered down. It is very focused yoga.  We gear everything towards strengthening the muscles needed for childbirth to give the mom her best shot at a quicker delivery.

Valley Indy: What are some of the benefits of yoga for pregnant women?

Antignani: As mentioned, strengthening of the childbirth muscles.  Also, stress reduction and education on what’s normal during pregnancy.  The ladies are able to hear about childbirth experiences from those in the class who have already given birth before.  The classes are a safe, non-judgemental place to discuss any subject regarding pregnancy and beyond.

Valley Indy: Ever have a woman go into labor during a class?

Antignani: Not yet, but I have had two ladies show up in labor!  Both delivered their babies within 24 hours of the class!

Valley Indy: Two people actually showed up to a class while already in labor?

Antignani: One didn’t know for sure, and the other one, her midwife told her it was OK. We had them bounce on a ball a little bit, do relaxation exercises, nothing too difficult. We were honored to be with them the last day.” 

Valley Indy: You don’t only focus on prenatal yoga. What are your other offerings? 

Antignani: We offer Gentle Hatha yoga for those who are brand new to yoga or suffer from physical disabilities, Mixed Level Hatha yoga for those with some experience on up to seasoned yogis and Vinyasa Flow yoga for the more athletic folks out there. I am also specially trained as a Yoga of the Heart teacher, which is yoga for those who have cancer or cardiac issues.  We have postnatal support groups, Mommy’s Time for new moms and infants and Storybook Yoga for toddlers up to 4 yrs of age.  In the fall, a brand new Breastfeeding support group is coming to the studio.

Valley Indy: Will you move all your classes to White Hills, or operate two studios?

Antignani: All of our classes will be located at White Hills as of Aug. 1.  The Howe Avenue studio will be closing in August. 

Valley Indy: What is your background?

Antignani: Prior to becoming a full-time yoga teacher, I was a medical office manager for 23 years.  When I left the medical field, I wanted to continue to work with the public and to help them deal with stress in healthier ways.  Having taken yoga for a few years myself, I knew that it was something that I felt passionately about and something I could imagine myself pursing for the long haul.

Valley Indy: What type of training is necessary to become an instructor?

Antignani: Certification is not necessary but is strongly suggested.  I have certifications in Hatha Yoga, Yoga of the Heart and Two separate certifications in Pre and Postnatal Yoga.

For more information about Mothers Embrace Yoga and for class offerings and schedules, visit the studio’s website at www.meyoga.net.

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