Jessica Jennings, Founder of Ma Yoga

Hi, I’m Jessica Jennings, the founder of Ma Yoga for Pregnancy, Motherhood & Beyond. I started teaching Prenatal Yoga in 2001, but I didn’t fall in love with it for a while.

My prenatal training had a lot of do’s and don’ts – mostly don’ts.

It seemed to me that my pregnant students could do a lot, but there was so much fear and pregnancy exercise.

And they needed to stay strong so they could carry baby – inside and out.

I also saw a transformation happening in my mamas, from anxious and overwhelmed to powerful Mama Bear.

And started thinking: how does this happen for some, and not others?

I realized it was about getting just a little of the right kind of guidance, support, and inspiration to become the “Ma” we want to be. 

It was exploring our possibilities together at every step, making space in body, mind and heart for this new being within us.

This is what I see as the opportunity that pregnancy offers: to step in to our nurturing energy, wisdom, and power – together.

My New Mom Challenges

When I became pregnant, I was teaching prenatal yoga three times a week almost an hour away in traffic. 

I felt so lucky to be part of a community of mamas, and to be able to relieve my own aches and pains, de-stress, and enjoy this exciting adventure with my “Mama Circle”.

But when I became a mom, I felt depleted and isolated.

ma yoga for pregnancy by Jessica Jennings, motherhood & beyond is Ma love for MOMS

It was too hard to get all the way across the city with my baby to see my mom friends from prenatal yoga.

Plus, my body didn’t feel like mine and I didn’t have a strong enough home practice to really break out of my patterns to heal.

I realized that if it was hard for me, a prenatal yoga teacher, then clearly it’s not enough to provide prenatal yoga classes that help moms-to-be get out of pain, relieve stress and prepare for labor.

It’s vital to provide yoga, education and community for the entire journey to motherhood and long beyond, especially postpartum.

My Dream of Providing Yoga for Pregnancy and Postpartum for Mamas Everywhere is Born

In 2009, I founded Ma Yoga for Pregnancy, Motherhood & Beyond, a unique method of prenatal yoga and postpartum recovery that combined my Kinesiology background with the opportunity that prenatal yoga brings.

My vision: a “Mama Circle” in every neighborhood in the country.

More than 18,000 women received support, guidance and inspiration in our ten Mama Circles – prenatal yoga and mom and baby yoga classes in Southern California at non-studio locations like toddler music centers and Ob/Gyn offices.

And then… Covid happened and we went virtual.

Suddenly, moms and moms-to-be everywhere had the chance to hop in to an expert-taught, personalized class right from the living room.

ma yoga for pregnancy by Jessica Jennings, motherhood & beyond moves into your living room!

People joined us from every state in the US – and beyond!

My vision for a “Mama Circle” in every neighborhood was manifesting in a way I had never imagined.

It was the same with our teacher trainees – Ma Yoga for Pregnancy, Motherhood & Beyond is also an internationally-registered RPYT online prenatal yoga school, and suddenly I was able to train yoga teachers all over the world to start their own Mama Circles.

And we’re still growing…

Women need support during pregnancy and postpartum more than ever. One out of three women say their birth was traumatic, and one out of seven experiences some level of depression before or after birth. Yoga has been shown to reduce depression in pregnant women in many studies.

Find out more about the benefits of prenatal yoga and what makes Ma Yoga different by joining us for a free online prenatal yoga or postpartum yoga class!

Gary K.
Gary K.
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Jessica’s non-prenatal Saturday morning class is a joy! Her focus on alignment has gone a long way to improve my sciatica injury. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient, encouraging and fun. It is a great way to start the weekend.
Danielle S.
Danielle S.
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My class with Jessica has been the best thing in my life. I am now 29 weeks pregnant, and I know this class has made all the difference in the quality of my pregnancy experience. I feel healthy, strong and empowered; both mentally and physically. I have Ma Yoga to thank!
Linda E.
Linda E.
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Whether you've done Yoga a lot before, or you have never tried it, Jessica is very welcoming and an excellent prenatal yoga teacher. When I'm having a good day, or having a harder day, there's really no excuse to not go to Ma Yoga because it 100% makes me feel even better. If you're looking for a Prenatal class, do this one!
Keric
Keric
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LOVE LOVE LOVE my classes with Jessica at Ma Yoga!!! I've been attending since I was 21 weeks and I'm now 26 weeks. I feel more relaxed and calmer about the prospect of giving birth - it was VERY nerve-racking to think of it before I started my classes. It helps you breathe and strengthen and just feel more confident that "you can do this"!!!! 🙂
Saron O.
Saron O.
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Jessica Jennings is a talented teacher, and she comes with both nursing and [alignment] expertise- so you are in very good hands when you take her class!
Sarah T.
Sarah T.
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I googled around and found Ma Yoga. I went to the first free class and enjoyed it. It was harder than I thought it would be, but I left feeling better. My instructor was Jessica and I really loved her attitude and the class. Toward the end of my pregnancy, I was definitely getting better at all the poses and my balance.
Sara L.
Sara L.
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Practicing yoga with my baby next to me is such a rewarding experience – even if I only get to do a few poses, a little goes a long way. Jessica is an amazing yoga teacher, especially for pre and post natal women who need a little extra care from an experienced teacher. Her class is challenging, but gentle, and I leave feeling like I’ve had a spa day.
Heather K.
Heather K.
from our Google listing
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Jessica's extensive knowledge of alignment is evident in every class. Whether you're pregnant, injured, or just dealing with common aches and soreness, Jess will weave in cues to address everyone's needs without calling attention to anyone. Her warm and optimistic personality infuses her classes with uplifting inspiration. Because she offers variations and refinements in every pose, her class is right for anyone.
Sensei April
Sensei April
from our Google listing
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Jessica is such a wonderful teacher. The alignment based yoga she teaches coupled with her extensive knowledge from decades of teaching bring such depth and compassion to her teaching. I intend to take her classes for as long as she is teaching. Please give yourself the gift of taking class with Jessica.
Abby L.
Abby L.
from our Google listing
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Jessica clearly and gently moves her students through the poses. She cares about the well-being of her students and will tailor the poses to match the need of each student. I highly recommend her classes!
Kim P.
Kim P.
from our Google listing
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Had my first free class and it was amazing! Small group and Jessica helps you adjust your positions. Would definitely recommend! 😄
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Jessica Jennings, Online Prenatal Yoga Certification Instructor

Jessica Jennings, MS

Ma Yoga® Founder

Thank you for spreading the Ma love!

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