Classes and workshops are designed as an additional support for women during their pregnancy or postnatal seasons.  They focus on nourishing movement, developing interoception, mobility, mind-body connection, practical carryover into life, and lots of education.  

Classes are for women from anywhere in the world who are:

• pregnant (2nd trimester and onwards) or
• postnatal (6 weeks and onwards)

They are 60 minutes in length and offered virtually. 

Workshops are for pregnant women and their birth partners. They are hands-on and usually offered in person. 

As classes are open to an international audience, you’ll see pricing reflected in U.S. Currency. 

Classes and workshops are led by moi, Ibukun Afolabi.  I’m the owner of The Mama’s Physio, an experienced pelvic physiotherapist, a doula, a pre and postnatal exercise specialist, a childbirth educator, and a mom of 5 (all of whom I birthed at home). 

I can confidently declare that the knowledge and skills you’ll learn in The Mama’s Physio classes and workshops work! How do I know? Because I’ve received positive feedback from literally hundreds of women who have been my clients over the past decade.  And because I’ve had a chance to test it all out on myself. 

These classes are not about getting flat abs, fitting into your skinny jeans, bouncing back from birth, or getting a beach body.  It is not about perfectionism, doing it “right”, looking a certain way, or achieving certain poses.  They do not feed into your fears, insecurities, or shame around your body.  They are intentionally anti-hustle culture and embrace a softer, more relational approach to the body.  

These classes are an invitation to know thy body, accept yourself as you are right now, explore your centre (pelvis), and move from there.  They are inspired by Feldenkrais, Franklin, and somatic movement approaches.  They use imagery to help you connect and are mindful, slow, and deeply nourishing.  They target the nervous system and help you change your experience in your body in real time. The classes are meant to be interesting and refreshing to your system.  They help you get comfortable being and feeling in your body so you can be embodied during your birth and during life as a mom.

Each class has an education component, a movement component, and a challenge to integrate into your week ahead.  Each class builds on the previous one.  

Physiotherapy is one-on-one, individualized, focused on specific rehab goals, and typically lasts longer than a class series lasts. It’s for those residing in Ontario, Canada. 

On the other hand, classes are designed to be more generalized, are cost effective, and are offered in a small group format via a virtual platform.  Classes are open to women around the world, and thus have the advantage of building community.  I like to think of them like a small sister circle.  

Both are great and done for different reasons. You could do physio AND also take a class. Or you could start by taking a class then do physio afterwards if you find that you need something more customized for your unique body.

When you register for a class or workshop you will be given a list of things to bring.  It’s likely that you already will have some of the items at home.  

The classes and workshops offered by The Mama’s Physio should not be viewed as physiotherapy, even though they are led by a physiotherapist. 

In order for an exercise class to be considered ‘physiotherapy’ by regulatory bodies and by most insurance companies in Ontario, a claimant must undergo an individualized assessment from a registered physiotherapist and be given a plan that recommends that specific group exercise class as part of physiotherapy treatment.

Because there is no requirement to have an individual physiotherapy assessment to attend these classes and workshops, they cannot be billed as or considered physiotherapy.  I am unable to modify your receipt to make it seem as though the class is physiotherapy treatment as this could be seen as insurance fraud (no bueno mi amiga).  Therefore the receipt you receive after paying for the class or workshop will simply reflect that you’ve paid for a group class or a workshop – similar to a yoga or pilates class taken at a community centre, for example.

You could always try to submit your receipt to your insurance company and see if it’s accepted.  If you have a healthcare spending account perhaps you can get some money back from that category of funding.  Please contact your insurance company to find out more details of your unique plan. 

If your insurance doesn’t cover classes and workshops, perhaps consider creative ways of investing in your own health such as placing the workshop/class of interest on your baby registry list.

If you have a low risk, normal pregnancy then no, you do not need clearance from your healthcare provider to attend these classes.  If it is safe for you to attend a prenatal yoga class, go swimming, or exercise, then you can definitely attend these gentle, mind-body-movement classes.

If you’re unsure, please ask your health care team. During the class/workshop, everything you’re invited to do is optional and should remain within your comfort level.

The Birth Embodied class can be taken anytime during 2nd or 3rd trimester.

The Labour Lab workshops require you to be at least 20 weeks pregnant and upwards. 

The group classes (offered virtually) are recorded and the recording link will be available for one week before it expires. This will allow you to review/repeat the class another time during your week, or catch up on your own if you missed the live class.

The workshops that are offered in-person will not be recorded. 

Matta fact, I do. Lol. 

Please check out Hesed Birth which is my childbirth education company and doula collective. We offer in-person group, private, and online prenatal class options.