"The Alexander Technique makes a real difference to my often tense and busy life. Its thoughtful approach has made me calmer, improved my concentration and given me a clearer sense of my own well being."

Joan Bakewell
TV presenter and Journalist

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy is an exciting time for a woman, but it can also be exhausting and places huge demands on her body. The increasing weight of the baby shifts her centre of gravity, pulling her forwards. To compensate for this, the pelvis will probably be tilted and she will lean backwards. This puts great pressure on the spine and can lead to lower back pain. Then there is the breathlessness, pelvic pain, the roller coaster of emotions and the uncomfortable nights, caused by her growing and active bump!

Learning the Alexander Technique during pregnancy can help a woman to adjust to these constant changes and teach her how to sit, move and stand with minimal effort and strain on her body. By learning how to release through the spine and be more aware of her postural habits, the weight of the baby can be carried more easily and efficiently.

The Alexander Technique can also help during labour by providing tools to help counteract the natural tendency to tighten during painful contractions and breathe more effectively. Learning different movements and positions can also help with the pain, as well as working with gravity to help in the dilation of the cervix.