At first glance, the Mommy and Me yoga class at 310 Wellness looks much like any other postnatal program — yoga mats in a circle, soft voices, gentle movement and the rhythmic soundtrack of infant coos. A closer look, however, reveals what makes this session stand out: four sets of twins, all sharing the space at the same time.
With 18 babies in total — including two sets of fraternal twins and two sets of identical twins — instructor Heather McDermid said the current session is unlike anything she has experienced before.
“I was so surprised when I saw how many sets of twins would be joining us,” McDermid said. “I’ve been facilitating pre- and postnatal programs for 20 years, and while I’ve had families with twins before, having four at once is definitely a first for me.”
The program, which runs once a week with seven sessions remaining, welcomes children from newborn to six years old and is funded through the provincial government’s Family Connector program administered out of Selkirk. The funding allows families to participate at no cost, removing a barrier for parents seeking connection, wellness and support during the early years of parenting.
Led by Stonewall yoga instructor Heather McDermid, the current session has drawn an unusually large and lively group. Mats are arranged in a loose circle, creating space for movement, conversation and shared experience as mothers navigate everything from sleep regressions to feeding routines.
“We start every class with a sharing circle,” McDermid said. “I feel it’s so important for moms to connect, especially since being at home with a new baby can often feel quite lonely. Having that sense of community is more important than ever. It gives everyone a chance to be seen and heard in a space where others truly understand what you’re going through — which is so validating and encouraging.”
To help support the growing class size, McDermid said the program benefits from the help of local youth.
“We’re very lucky to have some wonderful local teens who help us with childminding,” she said. “They assist the parents with whatever they need, and I have a feeling they’ll be extra busy this session.”
For twin mom Nadia Tataryn, joining the class felt like a natural step.
“One of my friends who is also a new mom was attending with her baby and invited me to go along,” Tataryn said. “Then when I heard some of the other twin moms were going, I knew I had to be there too. The fact that the class was free to attend and close to home made it a no-brainer.”
Each class begins with introductions. One by one, moms share their names, their baby’s age, and a snapshot of daily life — a simple ritual that quickly reveals common ground. For some, it is their first baby; for others, their third or fourth. One participant, originally from Sweden, spoke about the challenge of raising a child without extended family nearby, while others nodded in recognition.
McDermid said the intentional opening helps set the tone.
“It creates community right away,” she said. “Everyone comes in carrying something — exhaustion, joy, uncertainty — and once we hear each other’s stories, the room softens.”
For parents of twins, that sense of shared experience is especially meaningful. Tataryn, mother of twins Zoey and Stella, said seeing other twin moms in the room was reassuring.
“Today was the first class, but seeing how the other twin moms balanced the needs of two babies was so helpful,” she said. “Having people who are experiencing the same thing as you, whether it be another first-time mom or a twin mom, is priceless.”
She said the connections extend well beyond the studio.
“The other twin moms have really helped me navigate this chapter of life and all its challenges,” Tataryn said. “From product recommendations to feeding help, being able to lean on them through my pregnancy and now into this stage has been amazing.”
The class blends gentle yoga for parents with infant movement, massage and play, all grounded in child development. McDermid draws from evidence-based infant movement education and resources she has used personally while raising her own children. Movements are slow, repetitive and adaptable, recognizing that babies — and parents — arrive with different needs each week.
“My approach throughout the class centers around going with the flow,” McDermid said. “I balance the class between postnatal recovery for the moms and movements specifically for the babies’ developmental stages. I stay tuned in to the energy of the room — if the babies are content, we focus more on the moms. If the babies need us, we shift our attention to them.”
She said parents are always encouraged to respond to their babies without pressure.
“I always encourage moms to prioritize their babies’ needs,” McDermid said. “It’s a completely supportive space for feeding, changing or simply snuggling whenever they need to.”
Between stretches, babies are soothed with song, touch and rhythm. Parents are encouraged to breathe deeply, release tension in shoulders and backs, and simply be present.
“In every class I teach, I share the message that it’s not about perfect poses; it’s about how your body feels,” McDermid said. “The first year after having a baby is a time for healing, not for pushing expectations or forcing positions.”
Tataryn described the atmosphere in the room as “safe and welcoming,” adding that the relaxed structure helped build her confidence as a mom of twins.
“Knowing that I didn’t need to be right on time, that it was close to home and that other twin moms would be there really built my confidence in going out with both Stella and Zoey,” she said. “Having twins means everything is double — including the effort and planning that goes into leaving the house. This was a really supportive and motivating atmosphere.”
Access to the program at no cost also made a difference.
“It means there’s one less barrier to attending the class,” Tataryn said. “It’s accessible both physically and financially, which can be a big factor, especially when you’re on maternity leave.”
Week by week, McDermid said she sees relationships strengthen.
“I see the parents opening up to one another and finding a real sense of belonging,” she said. “It’s beautiful to watch them get more comfortable in their bodies and truly enjoy that bonding time.”
She added that infant movement and massage support early development.
“When a parent massages their baby or moves with them, it stimulates the baby’s nervous system and helps with digestion and sleep,” McDermid said. “Through touch and eye contact, the parent learns to read their baby’s subtle cues, and the baby learns to feel safe and secure. Doing this in a group setting reminds parents that they aren’t alone in this journey.”
McDermid said keeping the program free is essential.
“I truly believe that accessible, no-cost programs are so important,” she said. “The early years can be a challenging time financially and emotionally. Keeping these programs open to everyone ensures that we’re reaching all parts of our community and supporting those who need it most.”
As the session winds down each week, mats are rolled up, babies bundled and conversations continue as parents linger — reluctant to rush back to the day.
“If people feel calm, supported and connected when they leave, then we’ve done what we set out to do,” McDermid said.
The Mommy and Me yoga class continues every Thursday at 310 Wellness for the next seven weeks.
McDermid’s other group classes can be found at: www.heathermcdermidyoga.com/group-classes
