AQUANATAL OXFORD
Fun, water-based exercise for pregnant women in Oxford
Please note: No Aquanatal over half-term!
See Daily Info for all upcoming classes! Thank you.
"My aim is to offer enjoyable and healthy exercise in the water for healthy pregnant women from 16 weeks onwards in the Oxford area.
Thanks to the support of the water, this exercise is less stressful on your joints, and the resistance helps muscles to work more efficiently.
It feels really comfortable to exercise in water, especially in pregnancy - and it's good for your baby too!"
AQUANATAL CLASSES EVERY THURSDAY EVENING
from 6:00-7:00 pm
PLEASE ALSO CHECK FACEBOOK FOR REGULAR UPDATES
Barton Leisure Centre
Waynflete Road, Oxford, OX3 8GA
ADVICE AND INFORMATION
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE JOINING?
Please complete the confidential water fitness screening and informed consent questionnaire (below) - this is part of safety procedures. You will need to print, sign and return it to me before your first class.
DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM?
No, you will be able to stand up in the water, but if you are a non-swimmer or are unsure of your swimming ability, please tell me before entering the pool. There will be a lifeguard on duty throughout the class.
WHAT IF I HAVE PARTICULAR NEEDS?
Please discuss any particular needs with me before committing to a class.
CAN I ATTEND AFTER I'VE HAD MY BABY?
Yes, post-natal mums are welcome (without baby), once bleeding has stopped. This is around 6 weeks after birth (10-12 weeks after Caesarian section), but does vary depending on your individual situation.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE CLASS?
* A support bra to wear under your swimsuit
* A large towel or dressing gown for waiting by the pool
* Socks to help you grip the bottom of the pool
* A bottle of water (not glass) to keep by the poolside
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE CLASS?
* Eat something light beforehand so you don't feel sick, but avoid big meals less than 2 hours before a class
* Drink fluids to keep yourself hydrated
* Shower before entering the pool, to remove deodorants, oils, or perfumes
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I ARRIVE?
Please try to arrive 15 minutes early to give yourself time to discuss your well-being with me (unfortunately I cannot allow latecomers to join the class if you have not previously been screened). It is important to tell me of any change in your well-being, however insignificant it may seem.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CLASS?
The class is an exercise class for healthy pregant women. It includes warm-up, aerobics, toning, and cool down/ stretching.
We may sometimes use floats or props to support you.
WHAT IF I FEEL TIRED?
Please work at your own pace - you should not be exhausted and it's not a competition! If you feel tired, please decrease your exercise intensity level or stop at any time. If you feel dizzy or too hot or cold, please stop and let me know.
WHAT IF I NEED TO LEAVE OR GO TO THE TOILET?
You may well need to go to the toilet more frequently than usual - this is a normal effect of being in the water. This may last for several hours after the class. If you need to leave for any reason, please do not run!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CLASS?
Please feel free to come to the leisure centre reception area afterwards, for a drink and an informal group chat about pregnancy, labour and birth.
SCREENING FORM
WATER FITNESS SCREENING & INFORMED CONSENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Important: please download this form, fill it in, print or email it back to me at katja@shipp.org - it is really important that I have this information before you can start your first session with me, as I need to make sure you are suitable for this class. Thank you!
PRICE LIST
£ 10
per session
You can either transfer the money to me beforehand (please email for bank details), or pay in cash on the day, if more convenient.
No block booking required.
RESOURSES
Useful pregnancy related links and tips
THE POSITIVE BIRTH BOOK BY MILLI HILL (2017)
Work out what kind of birth you really want, and learn how to maximise your chances of getting it, in this refreshing, warm and witty guide to pregnancy.
Highly recommended.
CANADIAN GUIDELINE FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY (MOTTOLA ET AL, 2019)
The outcomes evaluated were maternal, fetal or neonatal morbidity, or fetal mortality during and following pregnancy.
Very interesting, proves just how important exercise during pregnancy is.
EXERCISING THROUGH YOUR PREGNANCY BY J. CLAPP, C. CRAM (2012)
Examining the effects of exercise on women and their babies, this book presents case studies of women who exercised regularly before, during, and after pregnancy.
Updated to include the latest scientific information on staying fit during pregnancy and emphasize appropriate exercises, this edition thoroughly describes the changes that happen to the mother while she's pregnant and how both she and the child can benefit through exercise.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME
Hi, my name is Katja Shipp and I am an experienced midwife. I've been working mainly on the Delivery Suite and Spires, at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. I am really aware of how important it is to do exercise during pregnancy (Mottola et al, 2019) and how hard it can be to find the right class!
When I was pregnant, I went to an aquanatal class and loved it - the effortless movement, the friendships of other mums-to-be, the chance to ask pregnancy questions after. Even just the way the water supported my body felt incredible, and I felt so much better after the exercise!
So I decided a while ago to train as an aquanatal teacher, and I am now offering this great form of pregnancy exercise to women in the Oxford area.
Additional information:
~Originally from Germany
~Qualified Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife
~Currently working as Research Midwife in the Women's Centre, Oxford
~worked as a Volunteer and lived in Cambodia for two years
~ Certified Baby-carrying Healthcare Professional
~Co-Facilitator of 'Positive Birth Movement Oxford' in the past, now it's 'Birth Space Oxford'
~Passionate about breastfeeding
~Birth Choice Clinic Midwife in the past
~I live in East Oxford and I have two boisterous children, who keep me on my toes
~Two years ago, I have moved back to Oxford after living and working in Germany for one year