Ann Kissel recently began practicing yoga, but she’s not doing it just for her own peace of mind.

Kissel, of Brookfield, and her 9-month-old son Nathan have taken up a class together.
Baby and Me Yoga began this month at Focus Yoga Studio in Brookfield and so far Nathan and mom have taken a couple classes together.

“It allows me a chance to not only help myself relax, relieve the stress and get some of that pregnancy stuff gone,” Kissel said. “It provides me an opportunity to go do something for myself without having to leave my baby somewhere else.”

The specialized yoga class is taught by Kristine Scott Schultz  and during the hourlong session she teaches moms, dads and caregivers how to engage in traditional yoga poses while incorporating their baby through bonding exercises.

“We utilize tools such as story, song, playful movement and infant massage. We encourage caregivers and moms to own their own style for caring for the baby,” Scott Schultz said.

Riverside resident Judi Harvin, owner of the studio, has practiced yoga for several years and is glad Scott Schultz jumped on board.

“I’ve known Kristine for years and when I opened the studio in March it was my intention to offer these special classes and she was the first person I called,” Harvin said. “I observed Kristine’s class and after that I felt not only is it a great way to let new moms bring balance and agility back into their bodies ... it is sincerely a good exercise.”

Scott Schultz, of La Grange Park, has been practicing yoga for 16 years and became interested in teaching prenatal and baby yoga classes while living with some physical discomforts during her own pregnancy in 2002.

“Tension can lie in your neck and shoulders from carrying a baby and nurturing for a baby that can be fussy,” Scott Schultz said. “(The class) allows them to engage with the baby but also allows the body to unfold and be able to focus on breathing.”

Harvin said one philosophy of the studio is to have something for everyone.

“We’re always trying to explore ways to bring yoga to specific groups in their interests,” Harvin said.