Business Details
26 Years
experience
Expert Yoga Teacher Training in the UK
Birthlight is a UK-based charity established in 2000, dedicated to supporting families through yoga and embodied practices from conception to early parenthood. Our mission focuses on inclusivity, offering pioneering training courses in Pregnancy Yoga, Aqua Yoga, Baby Yoga, Baby Swimming, and Well-Woman Yoga. With a global network of over 45 countries, we train teachers and healthcare professionals to deliver community-based classes that foster connection, continuity of care, and holistic well-being.Our work bridges medicalised care with traditional wisdom, addressing modern challenges like postnatal isolation through evidence-informed practices. Founded by Dr Franoise Freedman, an anthropologist and yoga pioneer, we combine academic research with practical expertise to empower families worldwide.
Services
Pregnancy Yoga
Aqua Yoga
Baby Yoga
Baby Swimming
Well-Woman Yoga
Postnatal Yoga
Toddler Yoga
Menopause Support
Diastasis Recti Yoga
Bone Health Yoga
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have trained teachers in 45+ countries since 2000
- Our courses combine medical research with traditional practices
- We offer flexible training formats: online, blended, and in-person
- Our graduates include healthcare professionals and yoga teachers
- We prioritise inclusivity and accessibility for all families
Services
Baby Yoga Training
Our Baby Yoga Diploma trains teachers to deliver classes that enhance parent-baby bonding through gentle movements and communication techniques. Designed for yoga teachers and childcare professionals, this course combines developmental psychology with traditional practices to support early childhood development. Graduates receive certification to teach globally.
Aqua Yoga
Aquanatal Yoga courses teach water-based practices for pregnancy wellness and postnatal recovery. Our training equips instructors to use hydrotherapy principles for pain relief and mobility improvement. The curriculum includes safety protocols and adaptations for diverse needs, ensuring accessible aquatic sessions for all families.
Perinatal Yoga
Perinatal Yoga teacher training covers prenatal and postnatal practices that support physical and emotional well-being. The course integrates medical research with yoga traditions to address pregnancy-related challenges. Certified graduates teach evidence-based classes that promote birth confidence and maternal mental health.
Well-Woman Yoga
Specialist yoga courses for women's health across life stages, including menstrual wellness, fertility support, and menopause management. Our training combines Ayurvedic principles with modern science to address hormonal balance and pelvic health. Practitioners learn to create inclusive classes for diverse women's needs.
Baby Swimming
Baby Swimming Diplomas train instructors in water safety and aquatic bonding techniques for infants. The curriculum covers developmental milestones and adaptive teaching methods for special needs babies. Certified teachers deliver classes that build water confidence while strengthening parent-child relationships through playful aquatic activities.
People
Dr Franoise Freedman
Founder and Director
Anthropologist and yoga pioneer who established Birthlight in 1980s Cambridge. Combines academic research with practical expertise to develop inclusive perinatal practices. Leads global training initiatives and conference programmes.
Kirsteen Ruffell
Training Coordinator
Senior Yoga Teacher with 25+ years experience. Specialises in perinatal and baby yoga instruction. Oversees land-based training courses and supports international tutor networks.
Carol Anne Procter
Baby Swimming Tutor
Aquatic specialist with decade of experience in water therapy. Develops baby swimming curricula informed by personal experience supporting children with disabilities.
Questions
What training formats do you offer?
We provide fully online, blended, and in-person courses with flexible learning options to suit different needs and locations.
Are your courses accredited?
Our diplomas are internationally recognised certifications for teaching perinatal yoga and baby swimming practices.
Can I find local classes?
Our global directory connects you with certified teachers offering baby yoga, aqua yoga, and perinatal classes worldwide.
Do you offer financial support?
We provide discounted memberships for low-income countries and voluntary workers to ensure accessible training opportunities.
What makes your approach unique?
We combine anthropological research with medical science and traditional yoga practices to create embodied, inclusive programmes.
