Pregnant yoga teacher from Leeds launches online classes for other expectant mums

Jal Kamal Hilson, 37, is 14 weeks pregnant and following medical advice to stay in isolation at her Horsforth home for at least 12 weeks.

As a self-employed yoga teacher, specialising in pregnancy and mother and baby classes, she was faced with losing her job and giving up the support she offers to other pregnant women.

Jal, who also has an 18-month-old son, said: “The day they announced I should isolate I had a little cry.

"Pregnancy represents a time of great change and uncertainty, which is both physically and emotionally demanding, requiring huge adjustments to women's lives.

"During this time, especially with the added pressures coronavirus is putting on expectant mums, the community and comfort my classes provide are more necessary than ever.

"So to know I might not be able to support women during this time was terribly upsetting."

Jal turned her upset into optimism by transforming her spare bedroom into a studio space, quickly pulling together a plan with her husband to get her the classes online.

Using Facebook Live and group video chat app Zoom, Jal will host three pregnancy yoga classes each week, as well as two mother and baby classes.

Jal will also be running regular classes for three to seven-year-olds.

She added: "Young children are very sensitive and can pick up on parents’ emotions and the anxieties the country is facing.

"My kids classes, grown ups welcome, will be designed to offer some respite and an opportunity for groups of children and parents to ‘be in the moment together virtually’ – having some fun, while utilising Yoga to nourish the mind, body and soul.”