Durga Baby, keeping expecting mommies fit!

We love shooting maternity photos. Not only are expecting mommies gorgeous, but it’s a precious time that we have the privilege of preserving for you and your family.

Last month, we worked with Cindy Vadacchino, founder and creator of Durga Baby, the artful integration of Pilates, Yoga and Garuda that foster a woman’s strength, grace and spiritual being. Read below to find out more about Durga Baby and how to stay fit and focused before, during and after your pregnancy.

What influenced you to choose a career in wellness? What was your own personal journey? 

After 12 years in the medical device corporate arena as an engineer and marketing manager, I realized that I could help so many clients before and after surgery to live a more active daily life. I decided to pursue my passion to teach Pilates and Yoga to help clients with various medical conditions.

By 2009, I completed my yoga, pilates and prenatal training. I use various philosophies from the different methods to provide clients with a total body workout in an environment to explore their whole being

In 2012, I traveled to London to learn the Garuda Method created by James D’Silva. The Garuda movements heal and rejuvenate, working intensely within the fascial lines of the body. This comprehensive movement system uses the breath as the principal guiding force which works to fire up the body with warmth and energy and calms down the nervous system. The movements encourage greater flexibility in the spine, giving free rein to the body to rediscover its natural desire to move, thus providing a complete, joyful and mindful workout. I am now the first USA based Master Trainer.

By 2014, I became the co-owner of Pilates & Company in NJ, to follow in the footsteps of my mother whom has taught me not only how to be a great teacher but also a compassionate leader in the Pilates & Garuda communities.

What inspired you to create Durga? How would you describe it?

I developed Durga Baby(TM) in 2011, a pre and postnatal exercise program, after several of my clients became pregnant around the same time and wanted to continue their exercise routines. Durga Baby is designed specifically for all stages of pregnancy and early motherhood using vetted methods. Each class is choreographed to encourage the baby to be in the optimal position for birth while caring deeply for the mother. Not only do we work on the physical body, we also focus on the mental and emotional body to prepare a woman for labor/delivery and early stages of motherhood. Durgababy.com is also a forum of helpful, non-judgmental information and community.

What can women expect from taking Durga Baby classes?

Women can expect a non-competitive, non-judgmental environment when she walks into class. We typically start with an intention for class, or theme, and begin with gentle yoga to help stretch uncomfortable and difficult areas of her body. We then build to a stronger segment of class using Pilates Reformer/Tower or Mat based exercises. Pilates is resistance based training with a focus on core work. By keeping her abdominals strong helps during labor, prevents pelvic organ prolapse, and faster recovery postpartum. We add a small bit of cardiovascular work using Garuda Barre or Standing Matwork as labor itself requires cardiovascular strength. Finally, we finish with restorative poses with a visualization meditation to help the baby to align in the optimal position for birth and allow the mothers to tap into their instinctual and whole being.

Can Durga Baby be dangerous? Are pregnant women more delicate physically?

NO! Not at all! It is vital to exercise during pregnancy not only for the mother but for her baby. You need to be strong! Labor and delivery is a lot of work and so are the first few months of motherhood (regardless if you had a vaginal birth or C-Section). Exercise helps relieve anxiety, nervousness, morning sickness, and discomfort. Durga Baby is much more than modifications!

Exercise also invokes a serotonin release in the brain, so she can truly be present and joyful with her baby. Durga Baby is a community and it is nice to know that you are not alone. 

You must have your healthcare provider’s clearance to exercise. If you do not have pilates or yoga experience, you must complete a minimum of 1 private session prior to class for your safety.

When is the best time to start participating in Durga?

Women typically begin once they learn they are pregnant as each class is modified throughout each trimester. If she does not have Pilates Apparatus experience then a minimum of 1 private session is required.

How can mommies find out more about you?

Visit durgababy.com

Classes are exclusively at Pilates & Company, Highland Park NJ

Wednesdays at 12pm and Sundays at 11am

Sign up is required.