PYC is an absolute treasure!! I went to my first class at 26 weeks, felt it was a little early, went to another class at 30 weeks, and then started to really go regularly the following week. I am just over 37 weeks now and can tell prenatal yoga is helping me a great deal. Deb is wonderful, so compassionate, knowledgeable, loving, and grounding. I try to go to her classes twice a week and I will continue until I deliver. I have also taken classes with Ellyn, Lital, and Jessica, all of which are wonderful in their own way and bring different approaches to the classes. Every time I flip over in bed, I think about Lital's lesson on knees and how to use them to your advantage... such a gift! I have also taken some prenatal classes at PYC, including the Comforting Touch (Yiska is a dream come true and taught my husband and other partners to aid comfort in the prenatal and birthing process!), Childbirth Education (Ceridwen was a dream come true, as well, and I wish I could hug her right this second!!), Newborn Care and Lactation (this one was helpful, offering good insight and assurance of the choices my husband and I have made, -- natural / homeopathic / minimalist route -- but not as engaging as the other two), and then we are set to take Infant Safety & CPR this weekend! The community we have at PYC is so supportive, loving, exciting, and fun. Since it is an independent yoga studio, the clientele is of a similar mindset and all-around loving and tender with one another. I am looking forward to doing the postnatal and baby and me classes once this little nugget makes its debut!! read more

The Prenatal Yoga Center is just the most warm, supportive place to be when you're expecting a child. The teachers are caring, patient and so knowledgeable. You feel great at the end of class, both physically and emotionally. I'm not a particularly crunchy person (I'm all about the epidural, for example) and had been expecting to be put off by the general "woo woo" nature of the whole thing, but it was such a positive and happy experience that I found myself going back week after week and then again with my second child. I'd recommend any mom-to-be give it a shot. read more

The review is not for the prenatal yoga classes here, as a matter of fact I took several prenatal yoga classes here when I was pregnant and I really liked it. This two star review is for an Infant CPR/safety workshop I signed up for. On their website, they showed the workshop as taught by Vanessa Anton. I had a childbirth class with her at City Birth and loved her. That's the only reason I signed up for the class at Prenatal Yoga center. Additionally, I emailed them to double confirm the workshop would indeed be taught by Vanessa and they told me yes. Guess what, on the day of, it's NOT Vanessa! The workshop ended up being good and the instructor was good. But the point is, I would've never signed up for the class if I knew it was not taught by Vanessa. I don't want to call it false advertising but technically it is. Why would you show it on your website it's taught by someone and then it's not! Additionally, there was no communication whatsoever on change of instructor or an option to take it later when Vanessa would be teaching. Unbelievable. So take workshops here at your own risk. You see one thing on their website, but it may not be what you really get. read more

I attended in-person prenatal yoga from ~25 weeks until my due date, starting with 1 session per week, and ending with 3 sessions per week for the last 6 weeks or so. It was worth every penny! Class always starts with a group check-in, which creates such a strong community because you get to see the same folks every week and hear how they're doing and watch them progress. Then there's a meditation to get you "in the zone," followed by a thorough flow (vinyasa?), then a few minutes of pelvic floor work (also woven throughout the yoga), and ending with a longer restful meditation. During the 90 minutes, there is SO much birth and body education, it's like paying for a birth prep class! The instructors repeat a lot of the same principles class after class so it really sticks in your brain- I was able to use SO many of the tools from class during the unmedicated parts of my birth, including an epidural-free pushing phase. PYC is a super inclusive environment and supports birthing people of ALL journies, and I credit so much of my positive birth experience to the prep work I did with Deb, Victoria, and Hanna. I'm looking forward to coming back for postnatal yoga and hope to see some of the friends I've made from prenatal! read more

I seriously can't say enough good things about Prenatal Yoga Center. They offer in-person & online yoga classes for prenatal & postpartum. Love that they do the rerelease videos in case I miss the live. They also have all sorts of courses & the teachers are so knowledgeable. If you're pregnant and looking for yoga, this is the place! read more

I can't say enough positive things about the classes here. The instructors were informative, supportive and I always felt safe while practicing, up until THE DAY BEFORE my delivery! I went into labor/delivery (my first) using some of the coping techniques and breath work discussed at PYC and they really helped get me through. Each time I would take class in my third ttrimester I woke up really looking forward to getting on my mat, knowing I would leave class having learned something new, having received much needed support/comradery, and physically feeling so much better. Big shout out to Deb and Caprice who were yoga instructor angels during my final weeks of pregnancy. read more

After "yoga-ing" for most of my pregnancy, I decided to try the postnatal and mommy and me classes since they allow you to use your prenatal classes for postnatal classes if you go into labor. These classes provide the same calming environment as the previous prenatal classes...with the addition of screaming babies. If you can find your "Oms" through baby wails (my munchkin contributes), then it is a good class and this place provides a good class. P.S. It is nice to be able to go to a place where they know your name by heart...sorta like CHEERS but without the alcohol and of course not a TV series. They offer a drop in on your first time so why not just try it. If you don't like it or like their policy then don't join. It seems pretty risk free to me. read more

Space is cramped, find it a bit pricey, staff is knowledgeable and helpful but I was the only brown girl there --- Three stars and I'm being generous read more

I'm not a yoga person. I usually feel antsy during yoga and like my workouts to be a bit more intense. I was nervous about going to classes at the Prenatal Yoga Center because they seemed so long (90 min) on the schedule and I had no idea how I was going to be able to sit through a Yoga class that was twice as long as my Soul Cycle classes! That being said, classes at the PYC have become something I really look forward to attending (and even may 'work from home' for so that I can be sure to attend Deb's classes). I began at about 30 weeks because I just felt that I was getting so large that I needed to focus on stretching and moving in a different way and after my first class with Deb, my body felt so much more flexible and less achy. I had taken yoga classes before at various locations but always felt that they were a bit risky because one wrong move and you've pulled something in your back. In the past, instructors don't really take the time to walk around and make sure that you're doing the poses correctly and not injuring yourself. This is especially important while pregnant and the instructors at PYC really watch out to make sure everyone is being careful and doing the poses correctly. Classes begin with everyone going around the room and sharing their name, how far along and any issues going on with their pregnancy. If you're like me, and don't have many pregnant friends or friends with kids, this is a nice way to feel more connected and part of a larger community during your pregnancy. The mix of people who go to the classes is also nice. It's not one of those places where everyone is die-hard yogis who only eat organic and have their favorite ashram they visit in India. It's a place for regular Manhattan-ites who just need a little bit of yoga in their lives. Deb, the owner, is a great instructor who is always available after class or by email with recommendations and advice. The studio as a whole is very approachable, warm and friendly. Support classes are offered for a range of different topics and all are affordable. The PYC is a real community with instructors remembering your name after the first class and showing a genuine interest in how you're doing during your pregnancy. I'd highly recommend it to any pregnant woman. read more

I have given this place a few try's before writing a review.... First, the biggest reason they've lost 3 stars is the studio itself. It's way too crowded for starters. You can't achieve most posses without adjusting for mom's next to you or the wall. In my opinion, yoga is supposed to be relaxing and even more importantly, spiritual. When you're constantly having to shift about and be cautious of others space, it takes away from that. Also, the lighting, street noise and loud AC unit all take away from the experience. I neither have anything good or bad to say on the instructors themselves... I personally only experienced 2 of them and they're sweet but as far as prenatal yoga goes, I've had MUCH more personal experiences else where. They do offer the best prenatal scheduling that I've seen; compared to a lot of places only offering prenatal specific classes once or twice a week. And I thought their introductory monthly cost, as well as the regular monthly cost was very reasonable. Going 2 times a week only ends up being $15 a class! Before committing to this studio, I would recommend checking it out first. Good luck and happy baby days! :) read more

My wife and I recently attended childbirth education classes at the PYC and were very happy we did so. We both felt so much more confident about our upcoming experience afterward the classes, which were given over a Sat & Sun. While we had a unique birthing experience, so does everyone else! But the point, for us, was just feeling like we understood what was going on and where we would likely have opportunities to participate in decision making. When active labor is only a handful of minutes, you may not have all the choices you thought you may have! We had different instructors each day which was interesting and nice because everyone has different experiences. We enjoyed both instructors and felt the information was consistent between the two (where there was overlap, which there wasn't much of). There were 4 or 5 other couples in the classes and the instructors did a good job at getting everyone comfortable with each other, which I felt was important because the "good" questions/concerns may not be asked otherwise. We chose to attend classes at the PYC because the website for my wife's local prenatal yoga class listed the PYC as a great reference for more information, and after checking it out, we agreed...so the next time we were visiting friends in the city we attended class. read more

I just went back to the Prenatal Yoga center for POSTnatal classes. I have a 4 and 2 year old and even with all the other exercise I do, I just feel that they understand women's bodies and how much they change to make those cute babies. I appreciate being in the same room with other moms and the teachers know what they are doing. It's great to be back there. read more

I am a first-time mom. My pregnancy has been healthy, but for the first half of pregnancy, I experienced hyperemesis (extreme morning sickness). By about 14 weeks, I had lost almost 15 pounds from my already small, toned frame, and then was on IV fluids for a month. So I was grateful that baby was doing great, but as an expectant mom, I was feeling frustrated day to day. At that midway point of pregnancy, I started yoga, taking a prenatal class at both Pure Yoga and PYC. I hoped to regain stamina for labor, and felt unsure about what was possible with my rocky start. What occurred for me was about 100% more fulfilling and wonderful than that! While the class at Pure Yoga was just a yoga class, and I left feeling tired and indifferent, the class at PYC was the opposite. As I started, I could feel the tone of the place was focused on support for entering motherhood. Beyond the classes I took, PYC provides a network of classes on the relevant pregnancy topics, many of which I hadn't previously found time to explore: teaching your partner how to massage you during pregnancy,breastfeeding instruction, baby CPR, etc. Why would you go to a yoga center that JUST offers a yoga class, without any of the complimentary resources for the rest of your pregnancy experience? Over weeks,I found a treasure in the guided classes, a sincerely warm environment lead by knowledgable teachers. They are versed not only in yoga, but also a host of other pregnancy resources, from books to recommendations of colleagues, and some are even doulas, happy to dispense great advice upon your inquiry. I highly recommend, and I'm partial to Deb's classes- I will certainly do post-natal there. We also did the partner massage class which was nice. Read her blogs at the website, and give it a try (no matter how rough a time you may be having!) read more

This review is for the Childbirth Education class (though the yoga is great - but can get quite crowded!). We just had our 2 day intensive Childbirth Education class with Terry Richmond, and it was by far one of the best things we've done for ourselves since we found out we were pregnant. What's great: - Terry! She's incredibly personable, knowledgeable (has so much experience with every hospital and knew almost every doctor named in the room), open-minded, honest and non-biased. She fairly explained the pros and cons of all birth plans and choices - she never pushed any agenda. - Small, intimate class size - a very comfortable environment to ask questions - More information than you could ever read in any book, magazine or hear from any friend - You leave with a sense of confidence about your options and what is most important to you, your partner and your baby Tips: - Wear comfortable clothes - for women, if you can, wear yoga pants or leggings - Women, be prepared for some pretty uncomfortable sitting - any time you're sitting for that long, it gets a little painful, but you're sitting on bolsters, balls or portable seats on the floor for 2 hours at a time (Terry gave very generous breaks at the 2 hr mark) - so it can get quite uncomfortable. - Take the class once you're past the 30 week mark. We are only 21 weeks, and if we could do it again, we'd wait until we were closer to delivery to ensure that we retain all/most of the information. All in all - we're very happy we took the class! read more

The Prenatal Yoga Center is an UWS gem. I enjoyed the prenatal classes and think doing them regularly -- I went once a week -- helped with my birth and staying energetic during pregnancy. All the instructors were kind -- Deb was my favorite -- and went over any aches or pains students had at the beginning of class to be sure and help us where we needed it most. I also did the New Mom's Support Group at the Prenatal Yoga Center with Jessica who was excellent!. I'd really wanted to do the birth class, but it was full by the time I'd discovered it. Be sure to book that one early! I hadn't used up my entire package when my baby was born, so I used the rest for Mommy and Me Yoga. (They give you 6 months after the baby is born to finish up packages, which I thought was extremely fair.) The studio is very laid back. You don't have to worry about if you are good at yoga or have a "yoga body." This was my first time doing yoga and it took me awhile to get the poses right. At first I'd being doing left side, when I should have been on the right side and vice versa. The instructors were always helpful and I never felt self conscious about anything. As a transplant to Manhattan, with no family near NYC, I found PYC to an INCREDIBLY helpful and supportive place. All in all a wonderful resource with a super convenient location. read more

I really like the classes themselves and find that each instructor adds their own benefit to the class, but I feel like they are only catering to the demographic of those who live in that neighborhood or vicinity, which you can put together by their address. They, being Debra Flashenberg the owner, are extremely rigid with their rules; like drop ins only on Saturdays and no extensions on your series packages no matter what. If you don't use your classes you lose them. I don't object to these rules and can even understand them. However, we just experienced two snow storms almost back-to-back and the center remained opened during the storms and classes went on uninterrupted. She stated that many individuals actually showed up to those classes even while the snow was coming down, so she was not lenient on extensions due to the weather. What they don't realize, or realize and simply don't care as I suspect, is that probably everyone who showed up to those classes lived in the neighborhood or even in Manhattan, so it wasn't a difficult trek. For those of use who live further away, like the boroughs, commuting in a snow storm while very pregnant is absurd and risky. I tried to explain that my streets/sidewalks don't even get shoveled or plowed until the snow stops, making it very difficult to maneuver, but they simply would not budge. I honestly felt offended at this blatant bias and lack of consideration for the health of my baby and myself. I understand remaining open for those who can make it, but you should be lenient to those who cannot make it in severe weather! Because of my schedule missing those two classes meant that I either take evening classes, which would get me home close to 9pm, which for an exhausted pregnant woman working full-time just sucks, or lose the two classes. Complete rip-off. So, if you live in the city and don't foresee any complications in getting your classes in, regardless of weather, or you simply don't care about losing a couple of classes, then this is the place for you. But if, however, you live a distance away or are concerned about losing unused classes, you may want to reconsider joining PYC. A side note, Debra "Deb" Flashenberg is also a registered doula, so I'd keep her business practices in mind if ever considering hiring her as a doula. Although I do think she only accepts clients that are members of the yoga center. I'd originally given them 3 stars but then a further incident occurred and I posted an update, then Yelp removed my update at the request of PYC, so now they get 1 star. I find it interesting that there had only ever been one review on here prior to mine, over many months. On the same day that the owner, Debra F., comments on my review, they get another 5 star review praising them and disputing my review, and now a 5 star review every day since. Coincidence? I rather think if you're smart enough to be checking reviews before giving your business to someone, then you're smart enough to know that is likely a phony review instigated by PYC. That, to me, loses yet another star or two. For seven months there was one review, and now there is daily activity! As I said, I understand their practices and guidelines, but you have to be fair, even in successful business practices. I didn't expect them to make an exception for me, I expected them to do it for everyone in the same situation. I'm no novice to running a business, and am well versed on solid and satisfactory customer relations. Call a spade a spade; they're biased. Will Yelp sensor me yet again? read more

No good!!! I need a place that is serene, pleasant, calming... I need something that makes me feel encouraged and comfortable. Talk about obnoxious and pretentious! The owner, debra flashenberg, is just interested in one thing: herself. It's like her whole business is about self indulgence! They are strict but negligent to the customer. I'm sorry I spent any time and money at this place... I do not recommend it to anyone who wants their special time to be soured. read more

This place was my sanctuary throughout my pregnancy. I started coming at around 16 weeks, and went all the way through my pregnancy, which since overdue, meant I got an extra week of classes! I even did my best to structure my work and school schedules so that they would allow me to come to my favorite weekly classes. Coming here allowed me to find peace and centering during the transition into motherhood. It allowed me to find physical stability while dealing with the emotional, psychological, and life in general transitions of this time. The classes are so informative - Deb, the owner, director, and one of my weekly teachers, is a fountain of information about the pregnant body, yoga, breathing, birthing procedures...and basically anything you may want to know. Plus, everything she talks about in class is supplemented by her extensive and informative blog. She personally trains all the teachers in the studio, and so the philosophy and commitment is evident throughout. I can personally attest to class with Deb, Jennifer, and Tara, as well as a couple of the teachers in training/subs. The class environment is warm, friendly, and all aches, pains, questions, and concerns are welcome. In fact, each class is geared towards allowing the students to work through their physical changes and sensations. The studio says their tenets are community, education, and asana - and that comes through every class I took here. The most important and beneficial asset to note about PYC, however, is how helpful the classes are in preparing for labor and birth. Class is geared towards teaching how to manage and relax during intense sensations. During labor, I found myself turning repeatedly to the techniques, mantras, breathing exercises, and physical tools I learned through PYC. Beyond that - the most important tool to have for a pregnant woman is information- the more she knows about pregnancy, labor, birth, the pregnant body, her rights...etc., the more powerful and in control she will feel. Birth never goes as planned - mine certainly didn't- but all the information I had gave me a voice, allowed me to ask the right questions and make important requests that allowed me to have an experience that was beautiful and nurturing despite not being what I had wanted. The childbirth Ed classes and yoga classes at PYC were integral to my highly positive transition into motherhood. I am already counting down the days until I can come back and take postnatal and mommy and me yoga! read more

I am so glad that I signed up for their Childbirth Education class. They are one of the few that cover all birth processes and address topics a first timer wouldn't even know what to internet search. Also, my friends cost compared with me and this weekend workshop is very fairly priced and really enjoyable. The environment is really warm and supportive to all types of people. Terry and the staff are very well educated and amazing listeners. When I went to the hospital - everything they recommended to bring I really did use/glad I had brought it from home. Ultimately this workshop contributed to boosting my self possession in delivering. Thank you guys for helping us! read more

Before I started taking classes at this studio around month seven of my pregnancy, I had a bunch of false assumptions about prenatal yoga: as a longtime yoga practitioner I thought it would just be a slower class with modifications aimed at less active pregnant women whose doctors recommend they get some form of exercise. I wish I had started sooner. Unknowingly, I had been seeking out time and space to celebrate the incredible miracle of growing another human being, and to learn more about how to prepare for birth. I wasn't getting this through my regular doctor visits. And I was on that NYC treadmill that speeds from commute to work to gym and back home without pause for reflection or true self-care. I found that classes at the Prenatal Yoga Center did, indeed, move more slowly. But in ways that I craved. Class starts with every woman noting how far along she is, any aches or pains, and requests for specific poses. (It was so comforting not only to hear other women talk about cankles, tingly fingers and aching backs but also to get recommendations from the teachers on ways to help alleviate these ailments.) Teachers devote solid stretches of time to poses that will help the labor process. And they take time to talk about positive birth experiences. (Many of the yoga instructors are also doulas.) I can't recommend this studio - and community - highly enough. I say community not just because you get to know some of your classmates, but also because the studio acts as a true resource, offering classes and providing contact information for other pregnancy-related practitioners (acupuncturists, masseuses, lactation consultants, etc.). I'm currently 40 weeks pregnant and feel both more empowered and more calm about my imminent labor because of the classes I took at the Prenatal Yoga Center. read more

At 31 weeks I just got turned away from a class because the teacher won't take drop-ins -- she said I must pay $200 for an 8-class package. The class was pretty empty-- now I see why. I'd been there a couple of times before and the other teachers were welcoming. Anyway, won't be back and won't recommend to my pregnant friends. read more

My husband and I took the childbirth class with Terry and loved it. She's a great teacher- engaging, tells lots of stories, clearly has a ton of hands-on experience as a doula and extremely supportive. We feel much better prepared after taking the class and can't imagine NOT taking the class. I think a lot of it has to do with Terry's teaching style. If I didn't already have a doula, I probably would have hired her. read more

My favorite part of being pregnant (besides getting subway seats), was going to prenatal yoga. I looked forward to this class every week. I did some yoga and pilates before pregnancy, and I always felt like hour-long classes were too long. Here, the 90 minutes flew by every time. Why did I love it? 1. Pregnancy is tough on your body, and these teachers know exactly how to stretch and move to make the aches feel better. 2. The teachers are so knowledgable. I think they are all doulas, and they always had great tips and advice on labor--and they are happy to talk before and after class. Seriously the nicest women ever. 3. It's good to feel normal! To hear that others were going the same aches, pains, and emotions that I was helped me answer the persistent question I had all through pregnancy: Is this normal? 4. No judgments. While they teach you techniques to get through contractions, they don't judge if you do an epidural. And I share their philosophy of trying to make labor as natural as possible (like avoiding c-section) but overall just doing what's best for baby and knowing that your body will be equipped to handle anything. The only downside is that sometimes the classes got very full. But certain nights had a lot fewer people, so I tried to schedule around those classes when possible. I don't miss much about being pregnant, but I do really miss prenatal yoga. I have recommended this studio to all my pregnant friends. read more

Hands down the best studio for PRENATAL, POSTNATAL, and Mommy&Me YOGA. The instructors are all excellent and trained to teach under the tutelage of Deb herself (the owner/founder). The studio is also wonderful about getting back to you if you have a concern or question. Deb usually answers the emails herself. Deb's blog, is another favorite read of mine: http://prenatalyogacenter.com/blog/. read more

This is the only prenatal yoga center I found that offers so many classes daily and I have a hectic work schedule, so that is the reason why I signed up. The instructors are great and besides being crowded (wouldn't expect otherwise in New York), the classes are pretty good. However, there are just way too many downsides for me to recommend this place. 1. It's expensive, and you have to take a package for 8 sessions over 8 weeks. If you don't use them over those 8 weeks, you lose them. You can buy single classes, but then you have to come on Saturdays only. Pregnancy is full of strange things in your mind and body. The last thing you want to do is put pressure on yourself and feel like you HAVE to go otherwise they're screwing you. 2. They start every class with some "announcements". These announcements are usually about more packages that you can buy for other classes that they offer. Why start a yoga class with some commercials? It felt like watching TV! 3. There are things posted on the walls. I imagined a place with posters and fliers of pregnant mothers, or yoga stuff, or babies. Noooo. The fliers are all about more classes and packages to buy. More commercials, all over... 4. There is very often a strong smell of cigarette. I think it comes from outside where people smoke, but maybe it comes from the vent system in the building itself. It just doesn't go well with yoga. And with pregnancy... So this place was way too commercially oriented for me. I was looking for a place to relax, stretch, and to meet other pregnos. Not for my wallet to be targeted all the time. read more

I love the Prenatal Yoga Center on 72nd str! I've had several instructors but have sticking to the Wednesday sessions with Michelle. She is my favorite! I was new to yoga and had heard of the benefits so I started early, around my 13th week so I could improve before I got too big. Michelle has been wonderful! The music she uses is very relaxing and she does a great job of varying the poses and taking extra special care for people with specific issues. I really enjoy the flow of her classes, and I also appreciate how she weaves good tips into the exercises for what is great for contractions and/or alleviating aches and pains in certain areas. I have also been with 2 or 3 of the other instructors and they've also been great. if you're new to yoga, its perfect or even for the experienced person looking for modifications while you're pregnant. I highly recommend them! read more

I attended a free webinar. The presenter did not take the time to learn the basics of the technology. The webinar was a waste of time as it was a back door advertisement for a paid class. When asked a direct question about which poses were counter indictated she declined to answer and said you have to go to the paid class. I found this an offensive waste of time and did not feel like she actually wanted to help. read more

Not that great...... This relates to the birth/child education classes rather than yoga which I have not done at the center but a few comments. 1.) sitting on the floor is just not comfortable, esp when you're preg. I much rather sit in chairs for any type of birth/childcare class 2.) class was informative but went over the alloted time, again when preg sitting on floor during class seems like eternity so would have been happier if it was kept to allotted time 3.) instructor was nice but also slightly judgmental/preachy. She also did not really answer questions very well and provided no written handouts... we all were furiously taking notes when really the basics should have been written down for us. I took some classes at SLR too and was much happier with those overall. Would recommend over this center read more

Helpful and casual class Instructor was very relatable and easy going but also very knowledgable read more

Incredible community. Everything here has been an absolute blessing to my experience as a new mom. From the prenatal classes that equip and empower women with tools for a positive birth experience, to the postnatal/baby and me classes that ease and support new moms as they embark on this new journey, PYC has it all. read more

Great place for expecting mothers. Some of my clients where very happy with this place

I started here when I was about 16 weeks and it was a pretty instant game changer for me. I almost immediately started feeling a lot better, less achy and have learned a great deal of tips from the instructors. I find them to be extremely knowledgable and excellent instructors, all have a little different style which is also nice to experience. The only drawback is the space, some classes are very packed and as others have mentioned sometimes difficult to constantly adjust to make sure you have enough room to practice. A couple of times the classes were too full so I wasn't able to attend but if you get there early enough it shouldn't be a problem (especially on Saturdays). That and I find the studio to be a little on the pricey side but overall it's been so beneficial that it's been worth it to me to continue throughout the pregnancy. I would love to continue post pregnancy but I'm not sure I'll be able to afford it. read more

Great birthing class. Very objective and fact-based combined with the nurturing nature of doulas. My husband and I found it very useful. The instructors were knowledgable and funny. There were about 9 couples in our class which was a perfect size to engage in real conversations. No judgment about your birth plan, pain meds, questions and fears. We took the intensive weekend class. read more

I attended classes here during the entire second half of my first pregnancy. I felt like it was the source of my sanity and the reason I was able to avoid many of the aches and pains that many of my peers experienced during their pregnancy. I don't live on the upper west side, but I felt like it was completely worth the commute over there. I am now pregnant again and considered finding a new studio closer to where i live. However, no where was I able to find another yoga studio with as many class day and time options which actually allows me to make me, my body and my baby a priority. I was so happy there that I am now back for round two. The instructors are all fantastic, but my favorite is Deb. She really creates a supportive atmosphere where she checks in with every person's individual needs and explains everything along the way. She has her own baby and can relate to everything you are going through and not only looks out for you during your pregnancy but also helps to prepare you for what lay ahead. I also love that it provides an entire support system to help prepare you before baby arrives and after. I attended many of the workshops, including the childbirth education workshop, the breastfeeding workshop, the breastfeeding support group, and a new sibling workshop. All created a supportive atmosphere that was able to help me through my transition through new motherhood. I don't normally write reviews, but I was so shocked when I read some of the negative posts that I could not help myself. Yes, the space can be a little tight, but this is New York City...what do you expect? And they make the small space work when it does get crowded. Yes, they can be strict with the rules, but that's called running a business. If you can't make it to your usual class, there are many other options for when you can make it up. I do not think they only cater to the demographics of the neighborhood because I do not live in the neighborhood and happily trek there. No where else can i find a prenatal yoga class that can top it. Yes, it's a bit expensive, but during this brief period while I am pregnant, I feel like it's a great way to prioritize myself and splurge a bit on me and my baby. Moral of the story: I HIGHLY recommend the Prenatal Yoga Center and cannot imagine how I would have gotten through my first pregnancy and now my second without it. read more

I can't recommend this place enough. I started going to prenatal yoga weekly around 9 weeks, and went until our baby boy was born. The instructors (especially Renee) are awesome. Deb is great, and so are her podcast: yoga, birth, babies. More importantly, this center serves as a treasure trove of resources and information, which as a new mom I found lacking from the medical community when I visited my doctor. My husband and I took a variety of prep classes including breastfeeding, caring for your newborn, infant safety and CPR, partner yoga and massage, and the childbirth educational classes. We were extremely happy with the quality of instructors and the materials covered- we found the classes very valuable. The breastfeeding clinics are great. The lactation consultant Ayelet is absolutely fantastic and really helped us improve the breastfeeding experience. This is our first baby and I don't know what I would have done without the center and all the resources it has to offer. Highly recommend to any mom! read more

I signed up for the Tribeca session held at Mind and Body Builders. Altogether I was disappointed with several aspects: 1) the Mind and Body space is cramped with no windows and no circulating air (they have close to 14 pregnant woman stuffed in there - you're right next door to your neighbor or the wall, making movement very difficult. This is not the kind of environment anyone wants to practice yoga in), 2) the make-up class policy is way too rigid on expectant mothers (this is the only prenatal studio in NY i've encountered with such a rigid policy), and 3) the price - it's very expensive and the quality of the experience is very poor given the price. I did read the Yelp reviews below before trying it, but should have taken heed and avoided it altogether. It was not a nice introduction to prenatal yoga or to being in a community of pregnant woman - and there was nothing extra special about the classes either to warrant these hardships. Since then, I've tried other prenatal classes at other studios for a fraction of the cost and had an amazing experience in wonderful environments - try Yoga Vida NYC and you'll see what I mean! read more

I wrote a review several weeks ago. Recounting an experience in which my wife arrived at a class just to be turned away and told that it was full. Along with several other PREGNANT women. And it happened again today. One of the women turned away is due in TWO WEEKS. Several pregnant women, traveling in the freezing cold of NYC in Feb., and arriving at a facility to practice prenatal Yoga, just to be turned away. Let that sink in for a moment. When I wrote the review, I got what I would consider a fairly weak response. Indicating that sold out classes are "rare" (apparently not on Saturday), and that they chose not to offer pre-registration because they serve "a unique population" (you mean like pregnant women who shouldn't be traveling somewhere for no reason?) and that studios that offer pre-registration "also have a cancellation policy ranging from 1 - 24 hours advance notice without being charged" (this is at the discretion of the studio. They can EASILY offer an incredibly liberal cancellation policy for their "unique population". My trainer allows me to both pre-register AND cancel at my own discretion. Because he does good business with loyal clients. This facility should take notes....). So apparently they believe that their unique population is better served by NOT offering pre-registration, but instead by running the risk of traveling in the freezing cold while pregnant just to be turned away because their classes are full. But of course you're only made aware of this when you show up for no reason. Brilliant. Don't present yourself as an entity offering a service in the best interests of your "unique population" if you're going to inconvenience them to this degree. But I guess when you know your client base will likely only be with you for 9 months, you don't have to treat them well. They really need to get their act together here. read more

I never did yoga before I was pregnant and I found this to be terrific exercise, especially toward the end of the pregnancy. The instructors were great and totally non judgmental about your approach to childbirth. They were full of helpful advice and really made me comfortable - it was a nice compliment to the rest of my pregnancy which was a medical/hospital experience. I'll be back. read more

I took a class at the Appleseeds location in flatiron. A couple of things about the location: not conducive to relaxation (it's at a child center) and has fluorescent lights. The instructor was good (she knows the poses and knows modifications for each person) but was a little silly at times, but overall a very good yoga class. I would highly recommend this place for people who already have a small child (or two) and can have the spouse bring the kids to play downstairs while you do yoga. 3 stars mostly for the "space" and not class (4 stars for the class). 1 star for the cost -- thought the $30 drop in fee was a bit steep. read more

This is a review for the Breastfeeding Support Circle that meets at the Prenatal Yoga Center. I attended almost every session from the time my daughter was born until she was 7 or 8 months old and it really shaped the mother I have become, and am becoming. The support and love I received from Andrea (the lactation consultant who runs the group) and the atmosphere of trust and that she creating among the other mothers and babies was something that is truly special. As a new mom, trying to figure it all out as I went along, I found strength in the group and in Andrea. It was not just a place for advice, but a place to learn and grow as a mother. For that, I am grateful. read more