Who is this course for?
This course is only available to holders of the Birthlight Perinatal Yoga Diploma - Part 1.
Perinatal Yoga Diploma
The Birthlight Diploma is the full teaching qualification recognised by Birthlight and submitted for accreditation by national and international professional boards. It can be obtained no sooner than 6 months and no later than two years after completing the Part 1 course.
The Diploma consists of the following elements:
- Two case studies
- Coursework
- Book review(s)
- A weekend course including a practical assessment with an external examiner.
Case studies
Two case studies are required, which should follow the development of either two different pregnant women or one woman and a class as a whole, over a period of at least six weeks (six weekly sessions). The later is preferred if at all possible. Twelve sessions are therefore documented for the Diploma. Standard sheets are available if required.
Observe, make notes and write comments on the subject's progress as well as documenting what you know about the subject's background, home environment medical circumstances, etc. When studying a class, write lesson plans, observe group dynamics over time and notice how the teacher responds to both the group's needs and the needs of each individual. Include as much feedback as possible from each woman.
The ability of a teacher to respond to both the group and individual parent's and baby's needs is something we value highly within Birthlight.
Three sessions (at least one in each of your case studies) must be attended by your 'watchdog' who is either a peer from your course or a yoga teacher with experience of teaching Perinatal yoga (ideally Birthlight trained but this is not an absolute requirement) who practises in your area. Watchdog report sheets are also available.
It is important that the watchdog and the instructor agree on points that are picked up during observed sessions, so that positive changes can be implemented in following sessions. Working with others in an open and constructive way is something we particularly value in Birthlight training.
Course Work
There are two options for coursework. You may either write four short essays (of about 1000 words each) selected from the five topics listed below or select one of the topics and write a longer essay (about 5000 words - including a bibliography).
We encourage applicants to write a longer essay as we have found from experience that this is often more beneficial, particularly if the essay relates to their personal area of expertise and we can offer support in the form of references and advice to those who choose this option.
However, we understand that some candidates find a long essay very daunting and prefer a diversity of topics and you will certainly not be penalised for choosing to write the shorter essays.
All coursework is carefully read and annotated. A list of the main issues and points requiring clarification, based on the coursework prepared before each Part 2 course weekend, is then established and addressed on the course. As a result, although there are common points that are always covered during the weekend, each course has specific content based on the attending candidates work.
Topics for coursework
- Introduce your new Perinatal Yoga classes to your local surgery or maternity hospital. Introduce Yoga, yourself, and explain the benefits of Yoga during pregnancy and after childbirth. Present a programme for a ten week course, outlining possible links with doctors, midwives, health visitors and other health practitioners. (short essay option only)
- Childbirth has long term implications in a woman's life. Explain how Yoga can help improve not only the quality of particular pregnancies but also the well being of women beyond childbirth.
- Perinatal Yoga requires an adaptation of classic Hatha Yoga postures but the philosophy of Yoga is well suited to the needs of pregnant women. Comment on these needs and explain how you have adapted classic postures in teaching Yoga to pregnant women or new mothers or both, while using established yoga principles.
- Yoga is movement and breath combined. Explore the benefits of deep breathing (pranayama) in Perinatal Yoga. Drawing on techniques you are familiar with and in relation to anatomy and physiology, comment on the part breathing plays and how best to teach it in held poses, movements, centring and relaxation. (for this essay you may choose to focus either on preparation for birth and labour, or on the postpartum and postnatal phases).
- Comment on the possible application of Perinatal Yoga in midwifery practice (either in the hospital or in the community or both) and alongside complementary health care practices, in particular Massage, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy.
It is important to present your own understanding of the topic, based on what you have read, your own background and experiences. A literary masterpiece is not required.
Book Review
Diploma candidates are asked to write at least one relevant book review. Standard sheets are available. Book reviews are presented during the Part 2 course weekend and so benefit all participants.
Coursework must be submitted at least four weeks before the first day of the course.
All the forms necessary to help you complete coursework and practicals are available in our Members area. Please submit two copies of your coursework for assessment (the second copy can be a photocopy) along with a photo of yourself.
Read about Part 1 of the Diploma.
Read about the Full Course Overview.
For more information please contact the Birthlight office.
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