1. Learn self help measures to relieve many physical discomforts associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period.

2. Learn healthy ways to reduce stress and anxiety before and during labor.

3. Practice effective pain coping skills.

4. Develop confidence and trust in your body for birth.

5. Acknowledge and integrate your pregnancy and birth as a rite of

passage into motherhood.

6. Bond with your pre-born baby/babies.

7. Make supportive connections with other pregnant women.

8. Address the emotional concerns of pregnancy, birth and motherhood.

9. Calm the central nervous system, bring a harmonious state of peacefulness, balance and renewed energy.

10. Strengthen and tone the entire body.

11. Improving flexibility, posture, concentration, endurance, balance, focus and clarity of mind.

12. Medical benefits which may include enhancing the immune system, lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure, alleviating symptoms of diabetes, asthma, back and joint problems.

13. Honor the difficulties and celebrate the joys of pregnancy and life.

14. A chance to just enjoy being pregnant.

15. Learn to trust your own instincts.