Bump and Baby Fit is a fully funded programme in Leeds that supports pregnant people and new parents to move more, feel supported, and thrive during pregnancy and early parenthood. early parenthood. Thanks to funding from Leeds City Council (Public Health), all sessions and resources are offered completely free to eligible participants.

It is delivered by Active Leeds, in collaboration with Leeds Maternity Care and the University of Leeds. The programme is especially for people who:

• Have a pregnancy BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more as calculated by your midwife at booking: Calculate your body mass index (BMI) for adults - NHS
• Have had gestational diabetes (GDM) before or type 2 diabetes (T2DM)
• Live in an IMD 1–3 postcode area, including:
  • LS1–LS21
  • LS25–LS28
  • LS88-LS99
  • WF3

The programme includes:

• Free yoga sessions at selected leisure centres and children’s centres

• A 12-month Active Leeds Bump & Baby Membership for free access to public swimming

  *Membership is valid from the date of registration for a period of 12-months or until child turns one years old or the funding comes to an end.

Classes run at Active Leeds leisure centres and children’s centres across the city, including Armley, Fearnville, Holt Park, Kirkstall, Scott Hall, and more.

Times vary, and we’re working to offer more evening and weekend options. Check the Active Leeds website or ask your local centre.

You can join if:

• You must meet one of the health criteria stated

  And

• You have received maternity care in Leeds
• You are pregnant (any stage)
• You have given birth in the past 12 months

Yes you can still join, the classes are payable per session at a cost of £3.00 per person.

Yes! Babies under 1 year are welcome at Mother-and-Baby Yoga sessions. Bring toys if you like - the space is baby-friendly.

Yes. All classes are designed with pregnancy and postnatal recovery in mind. Instructors are trained in pre- and postnatal exercise and will adapt movements depending on your stage of pregnancy or recovery,

Please let your instructor know about your health history and how you’re feeling each week. If you’ve had a C-section, or have any health concerns, it’s best to check with your midwife or GP before starting.

Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Yes, the classes are based on yoga, but they’re adapted for pregnancy and after birth. Some sessions may feel like gentle exercise. Instructors are trained to make sure movements are safe and helpful.

• Comfortable clothes you can move in (e.g. leggings, joggers, a t-shirt or vest)
• Mats are provided, but if you prefer you can bring your own
• A water bottle
• For mother-and-baby yoga: baby essentials and a few toys if you like

You don’t need special workout gear, just wear something stretchy and comfortable. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask your instructor before your first class.

Classes are small, usually around 5 to 10 people. This helps the instructor give personal support and creates a friendly, relaxed space.

People who’ve joined Bump and Baby Fit say they feel:

• Happier and less stressed - “It’s been quite reassuring and a positive experience where I feel happy about being pregnant.”
• More active and confident - “I want to be active with my baby once he's here because I didn’t really leave the house with my first one.”
• Better able to manage pregnancy or recovery - “I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and would not have managed without it.”
• More connected to others - “I just wanted to meet new friends… you can learn from me, I can learn from you.”

That’s okay, instructors can adapt movements. If you’ve had a C-section, wait until your 6–8 week check and get the go-ahead from your GP or midwife.

Totally normal! You can stop to feed, cuddle, or change your baby anytime. Classes are relaxed and baby-friendly.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll be able to book your classes online or by contacting your local centre. Booking is recommended to make sure there’s space, classes are small and can fill up quickly.

If you’re not sure how to book, just ask your instructor or the Active Leeds team for help.

Yes! You’re welcome to attend more than one class each week if there’s space available. The programme is flexible, join as often as works for you.

Everyone who joins gets a free annual swim card valid for 12 months. It gives access to public swims at all Active Leeds Leisure Centres.

To collect your card, visit a participating centre (e.g. Armley, Fearnville, Holt Park, Kirkstall, Scott Hall). Staff may ask for confirmation of your Bump and Baby Fit registration.

If staff aren’t sure, please let us know, we’re working to improve awareness across sites and make the process smoother.

Yes - lots of people feel that way. The groups are small, friendly, and welcoming. You can take things at your own pace - even just watch at first. Most people say they quickly feel at home.

Yes! Just come in when you’re ready. We know life with a baby (and pregnancy!) doesn’t always run to time.

Bump and Baby Fit is funded by the Leeds Integrated Care Board. This funding allows us to offer yoga classes, swim cards, and support resources at no cost to eligible

participants. Your feedback as part of the University of Leeds evaluation helps us show the impact of the programme and keep it running as a fully funded, free service.

The University of Leeds is helping to evaluate Bump and Baby Fit to understand how it supports people during and after pregnancy.

As part of the study, you may be invited to complete short follow-up surveys every 3 months, starting from when you sign up. These help us explore your experience, improve the programme, and secure future funding to keep Bump and Baby Fit running as a free, fully funded service for families in Leeds.

You may also be invited to join a small group discussion (focus group) with other participants to talk about your experience. If you take part, you’ll receive a £20 e- voucher. If you complete the surveys, you’ll be entered into a £20 prize draw.

Taking part is voluntary, and your answers are kept private. If you’re interested, ask your instructor or contact the research team: Dr Camilla Nykjaer, Principal Investigator, University of Leeds, C.Nykjaer@leeds.ac.uk.

You can sign up through your midwife, or directly on the Active Leeds website. If you’re not sure, contact Active Leeds (Louise.Walker@leeds.gov.uk).

When you join, you’ll fill in a short sign-up form. This helps us:

• Manage bookings and create your free membership
• Send you follow-up surveys about your experience
• Understand who is using the programme and how to support you better 

Some of your answers are shared anonymously with the University of Leeds for research. Your name and address are not shared. Your email is used only to send you a link to online voluntary evaluation surveys. Your anonymous answers help usunderstand how the programme is working, improve support for participants, and secure future funding to keep Bump and Baby Fit free.

Your data is stored safely. If you have questions, contact Louise Walker.

Yes. Bump and Baby Fit classes take place in a women-only environment to provide a safe and supportive space during pregnancy and after birth. We welcome women and new parents who identify with or feel comfortable attending a women-only space, including same-sex female couples.

Fathers and male family members cannot attend due to the nature and purpose of the sessions. Babies under 1 year are always welcome at the mother-and-baby yoga.

If you already have an Active Leeds membership, Bump and Baby Fit will automatically be part of your membership. You can request to have it frozen while you’re using the Bump and Baby Fit programme. This allows you to make the most of the free offer without paying for two memberships. Please speak to staff at your local centre for help with this.