More and more studios around the country are offering prenatal yoga classes and I wanted to know more about it. I interviewed Deb Flashenberg, owner of the "Prenatal Yoga Center" in New York City to find out more. Thanks to Deb for allowing us to interview her! I hope that this interview is also motivation and encouragement for mom-preneurs who have their own businesses out there. 
What made you decide to open up a prenatal yoga studio?
I had been teaching Bikram Yoga for about a year. I was getting quite bored with Bikram since it doesn't change from class to class, and I felt like there was no space for the individual's needs. One day as I was lamenting about this, a co-teacher mentioned she was interested in prenatal yoga. The idea struck a chord with me. Soon after completing my certification in prenatal yoga, I started teaching. I was renting a small room out of the Bikram studio where I taught. About 6 months after I started set up these prenatal yoga classes, I was informed that my small room was being remodeled into a dressing room. Naturally I just figured I would just rent a bigger space.
Upon finding that space, I found I had the flexibility to offer more than just prenatal yoga classes. I wanted the studio to create a sense of community. That led to all of the different classes and workshops for new and expectant moms. From that point on, everything just grew organically.
I read that over 3,500 women have come through the door of your yoga studio. What do you attribute to your success?
At this point, I am thrilled to say we have had close to 4500 moms and moms-to-be in attendance with us. Sometimes I step back and look at what the PYC has turned into and I just laugh to myself, saying, "I have a degree in musical theater, not business – how did this happen?"
I run the studio based on a few key principles.
I try not to get too concerned about competition or strategize based on fear. I know there are competitors out there, but as long as I offer the best service I possibly can, people will respond to it.
Part of offering "the best" has been to become as much of an expert as I can be in this field. That has led me to getting certified as a labor support doula, a Lamaze teacher, and recently inspired me to take a trip down to The Farm Midwifery Center to study with Ina May Gaskin and The Farm Midwives. Based on all of these experiences, I can better relate to and teach the students.
I have also surrounded myself with very like-minded, supportive teachers and facilitators. Many of our teachers are childbirth education instructors, labor support doulas, and mothers.
I also believe that you cannot be 'led by the dollar'. I offer the best service possible backed by strong integrity, and people take notice, and the income takes care of itself.
I know many women who take yoga and are not pregnant and I'm sure this is something they'd like to continue with as they become pregnant. For those new to yoga, what do you think are the best reasons to start taking prenatal yoga?
I think there is a sense of community that can be found in a prenatal yoga class that differs from an ordinary open yoga class. In class these moms all have a common bond and really have the opportunity to relate to someone else that is going through a similar experience.
The class is also geared specifically towards alleviating the common aches and pains of pregnancy while helping to educate and prepare the moms-to-be for labor. We focus not only on the physical preparation for labor, but also the emotional and spiritual aspects. Throughout class, the teachers try to instill a sense of confidence and capability, so the expectant moms feel strong and empowered when making choices about how they wish to birth.
What benefits does prenatal yoga offer to mom and baby?
Prenatal yoga helps the mom-to-be get more comfortable with her changing body and eases the discomforts that can accompany pregnancy. We also focus a lot on breathing. Many moms come to me concerned they do not know the proper breathing technique to use during labor. I tell them that the breathing they are learning in class will be the same breathing they will need during labor. We also focus a lot on dealing with the sensations of the yoga poses and how to breathe and work through the feelings and melt into them – and how that relates to labor. I think the moms gain a sense of confidence that they have the tools to cope with labor.
The mother-to-be also gets a chance to relax and be focused on her baby. This is especially important for second-time moms who are already raising a child. It helps them to spend some "alone time" with this baby.
What can a mom-to-be expect at her first yoga class?
If she has never taken a yoga class, she may be a little surprised by the names of some of the poses and the new ways to move her body. I joke with new students that it may feel a little like a game of Twister. "Move your right foot here and your left arm over there…." 
She may be a little sore the next day if she has not been exercising in awhile. But hopefully she can expect to feel a little stronger, limber, and more comfortable and relaxed upon finishing her first class.
How should a mom-to-be prepare for her first yoga class?
I would suggest getting clearance from her doctor if she is brand new to exercise. Other then that, just bring a mat and water (if the studio she is attending does not offer these things) and dress comfortably. She should also eat a little something about an hour or so before class to prevent a drop in blood sugar.
**If you are in the New York City Area, The Prenatal Yoga Center is located at 251 W 72nd Street
