by Toni Curtis, Certified Ma Yoga® Instructor, Certified Doula and Founder of Birthwise
For the past three years, I’ve had the joy and privilege of teaching prenatal yoga.
This work has been deeply fulfilling, as I’ve witnessed firsthand how yoga can transform not only the pregnancy experience but also the birthing journey. My clients often report feeling better physically and emotionally throughout pregnancy. Many experience fewer complications, reduced stress, and a lower likelihood of interventions during labor.
Prenatal yoga offers more than just movement – it provides a sacred space for connection, support, and preparation. Through gentle poses, breathwork, and intentional body awareness, students learn to tune into their changing bodies and growing babies. I also integrate a variety of bodywork modalities, supporting each individual’s unique needs as they navigate the physical and emotional shifts of pregnancy and labor.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the doula center I founded in North Carolina, BirthWise, is the Saturday prenatal yoga class offered to all our doula clients. This class is more than a service. It’s a community. We make space for pregnant people to slow down, be seen, and feel supported. It’s a time for reflection, release, and replenishment. Whether it’s a first-time parent or someone preparing for their third birth, everyone is given the opportunity to feel comforted, grounded, and empowered.
In every class, my intention is to create a space where students feel safe, held, and encouraged to grow. I believe that when we nurture people through pregnancy with presence and care, we help lay the foundation for confident, connected birth experiences.
Teaching prenatal yoga is more than a job… it’s a calling that continues to inspire and humble me every day.
