I found Amy from attending her prenatal yoga classes at Yogaview- they were the best. Unlike a lot of overly gentle prenatal classes, Amy's instruction allows you to safely practice yoga in a way that still feels energizing and demanding. I felt so grateful to have that class my entire pregnancy. When I found out Amy was a doula I was so excited. She took the time to talk to my husband and I and get to know what our hopes were for our birth. When we found out my baby was breech Amy came and met my husband and I at our office to teach us some techniques to help. When I had to eventually have a procedure to flip the baby Amy was encouraging and communicative. She remained supportive and helpful when I went past my due date and had to be induced. It wasn't how I envisioned my labor and she helped me find the positive. At the hospital she helped my husband provide comfort measures during contractions, played soothing music and diffused essential oils, asked the nurses questions to support my needs, advocated for me when I really needed it with both a midwife and an anesthesiologist, kept me hydrated, kept us moving, and beautifully captured the birth of our daughter with pictures I will always cherish. She made sure we didn't have to worry about our birth plan and seamlessly supported it and made sure things got done. She stepped back to let us experience the birth as a unit and was present and vocal when we needed her. She checked in with us in the days afterward as well to make sure we were adjusting to our new life. I can't recommend working with Amy enough. She is so thoughtful and supportive with her clients in what is one of life's most impactful moments. Thank you, Amy! read more

Double whammy review here... First, for Amy the prenatal yoga instructor: I dabbled in a couple prenatal yoga classes before attending Amy's Sunday class, but her class is different and the only one I consistently attended. For starters, the class is jam packed which creates an energy and community. You see people grow and you notice their absence and have a silent smile knowing they are on the other side of the pregnancy journey. Make sure you get their early because it does fill up. The class has a predictable cadence and flow and she provides lots of modifications for every stage and phase. I had heard that a consistent yoga practice makes for an easy delivery and calm baby and I was blessed with both, so I will leave it there.... Secondly, Amy the birth doula: As a first time pregnancy, I knew I wanted a professional to be my labor and delivery sherpa. I wanted someone that would provide me the cliff notes on what I needed to do to have the birth I envisioned. I was able to get a sneak peek at Amy's demeanor and energy while taking her yoga class and I immediately went home and told my husband we found our doula. Amy does a lot of listening in the early stages. She understood my fears and walked me through my options. I felt very empowered with information and resources at each step and decision. On the big day, Amy was great at walking me through what to do and even was a part of the terrorizing 20 min drive to Prentice that I completely blacked out of my memory. At the hospital, she was a pro at setting up the room and getting me comfortable. Several of the nurses commented on how amazing she was. My birth was exactly what I envisioned and I truly have Amy and Betsy to thank. She is exactly what you want when you are embarking on this crazy adventure. read more

Amy's prenatal class is not for wimps, which is appropriate because neither is childbirth. The woman has you doing squats, push-ups, in warrior positions (but is totally supportive if you're not really feelin' it that day and want to hang out in child's pose)- and sets aside time for Kegels to make sure even your lady parts are in strong condition. Amy's expertise and flow of her class is great- it moves but she's conscious of the extra time you need to get your pregnant self transitioning between poses, and she's always looking to incorporate positions to ease what ails you (aside from being the size of a small whale). Look at it as training up for labor- I was definitely getting my cat-cow on in the delivery room and it helped a lot. Looking forward to getting back in the studio for her post-natal and regular classes, even in my new-parent-sleep-deprived-zombie state. read more

If you're looking for prenatal support look no further than Amy. I was having terrible back pain starting around week 30 of my pregnancy, and had been doing yoga with another practice. A friend encouraged me to try Amy's yoga practice and it made a huge difference- this class was better than any other I'd attended throughout the pregnancy. As Someone that has done yoga irregularly before I found Amy's weekly virtual classes to be a complete game changer for me. She knows a lot about pregnancy, and was able to give me tips to reduce back pain outside of the yoga classes. I attended the classes weekly, and I have no doubt, and my doctor could even tell, that they had prepared me well for labor and delivery. She offers the classes via zoom, which is incredibly helpful to not have to leave the house during a pandemic, and if you can't make it to the class it's recorded for you to be able to access within 24 hours. I would recommend Amy to anyone who is pregnant, and I have come to appreciate that all prenatal yoga is not created equal - she is a top notch instructor - and I don't think there is a better class or teacher out there. read more

I wrote this same review on the Yogaview page for Amy Schatz, so I figured I would cross-post it here. After much prodding from my friends who were singing Yogaview's praises, I visited for the first time last Thursday night for Amy's class. As other reviewers have said, the space is gorgeous, but it can get rather crowded. I'd prefer a slightly bigger space or smaller class sizes. Still, it was a great class, I learned a lot and appreciated Amy's professional teaching style. I'll definitely be back for her class! read more

My sister recommended Amy Schatz as a yoga instructor, as she really enjoyed taking her prenatal classes last Fall. Amy's focus on breathe awareness was hugely valuable to her during her pregnancy, and up through the birthing process of my new baby nephew (Thanks Amy!) I attended one of her Vinyasa classes last week, and I can't wait to go again this Monday! I'm new to yoga, but moving forward, I definitely plan to integrate more of it into my routine. I'm a busy person, and I tend to always be on-the-go, but this class allowed me to slow down, and to take some time to focus on myself. I left the studio feeling more relaxed and stress-free than I've felt in a very long time! read more

I loved Amy's prenatal class at Yogaview so much! Her warm and calm demeanor combined with breathing and routine poses helped me feel clarity when my body otherwise did not. I definitely feel the class assisted me with my delivery. The nurses even told me they could tell I did yoga! I was just bummed that there weren't more prenatal classes offered. read more

I've attended Amy Schatz's prenatal yoga class for the last 20 weeks of my pregnancy and highly recommend it to all moms-to-be! Amy is so knowledgeable and helpful; she really takes the time to ask how you're feeling, discuss helpful topics (i.e. documentaries on various birthing methods, helpful tips for involving partners, poses to help various ailments) and customize the class on a weekly basis to best suit the participants. In addition, as pregnancy progresses and your muscles get sore and achy, yoga has been the most relaxing, helpful thing I've done. Overall, this is a GREAT class and great way to feel connected to other moms-to-be, as well as to yourself and your baby. read more

Amy is an unbelievable resource and friend for anyone who wants to feel confident and healthy during their pregnancy. Newly pregnant and also a very active person who loves to exercise and stay healthy I was referred to Amy's class from a close friend. I attended my first class at 12 weeks and made it my Sunday tradition almost every week. From that first class Amy made her class environment so incredibly comfortable and fun, as I was extremely nervous and anxious about this new adventure. Amy's calm, caring, and personal attention to everyone in her class is infectious making it a wonderful environment. I attribute so much of my feeling great through my entire term and healthy labor and delivery to the yoga and information I learned from Amy. I used so much of the practices and skills I learned from Amy every day, and would recommend Amy's classes to anyone pregnant looking to relax, feel healthy, and most importantly feel strong physically and mentally during your pregnancy. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Amy's prenatal classes. I started attending at 8 weeks and have gone every week since. She is so knowledgeable about pregnancy and the yoga positions that can relieve pain, or even move the baby. She has the most calming voice and I always feel so relaxed. It is my favorite hour of the week! read more

I love Amy's prenatal classes offered at YogaView! When I was pregnant, I tried many different prenatal yoga and fitness and classes. Amy's Prenatal Yoga was by far my favorite! Amy has a very motherly, gentle and nurturing personality that shines through in her teaching. During class, Amy shares insightful information and tips about pregnancy and labor. In the beginning of class, she asks if there is anything the group would like to bring up about their pregnancy and then customizes class to meet these needs. The Sunday morning class was my favorite way to close out the week. It offers an opportunity to get your body moving and surround yourself with other pregnant women! I was able to connect with women in my same stage of pregnancy and develop lasting relationships. Although I had practiced yoga before pregnancy, this class is tailored to all levels of yoga experience and stages of pregnancy. I always left class with a clear, invigorated mind and body. I enjoyed Amy's class so much, I used her as my Birth Doula and still take workshops that she leads at YogaView. I highly recommend her Doula services as I achieved a natural birth with her outstanding support and guidance along the way. I can't say enough great things about my experiences with Amy! read more

Amy is a fantastic prenatal instructor. I had been taking yoga throughout my pregnancy but found Amy's class at Yogaview in my 39th week. At 39 weeks and 2 days I took Amy's Wednesday night class, and she did an amazing job of giving me personalized instruction since I was so far along, even working on some squats with me and suggesting induction techniques (like dates!). The next morning at 1am, my water broke! I'll be forever grateful to Amy for helping my little guy make his way into the world :) read more

I was attending a couple different prenatal yoga classes around the city when a friend told me about Amy's classes at Yogaview. I attended one class and was hooked. For the remainder of my pregnancy, about 15 weeks, I attended Amy's classes as much as possible. I not only had a very positive experience with the physical aspect of each class but also found myself feeling more mentally prepared for the labor and delivery process. I looked forward to class every Sunday and during the week when I could make it. After completing the Great Expectations birthing class at Northwestern, I became interested in the possibility of an un-medicated birth with the help of a doula. A friend had spoken highly of Amy as her doula so I approached the topic with Amy after class about 6 weeks before my due date. I shared my concerns, including not wanting to feel pressured to go unmedicated if it turned out to be more difficult than I anticipated. Amy listened openly and acknowledged my concerns while still expressing encouragement and support for my "aspirational birth plan." I knew after our initial conversations Amy would be a great source of support, along with my husband, during my labor and knew she would not judge, but rather respect my decisions, regardless of the outcome. Amy offered support leading up to the day my water broke, including ideas to bring on labor once my due date passed. Amy met us at the hospital early in the morning and was there from the time of my first contraction to after our son was born (close to 12 hours!). Amy was a fantastic advocate and advisor throughout the day. She helped interpret medical questions and bring forward alternative solutions I didn't realize were an option. She brought comfort measures and asked the nurses for various items, many of which I didn't know existed, that made my labor more comfortable. She not only helped me physically throughout my 8 hour delivery with hands-on adjustments, she helped me stay focused and mentally strong. Additionally, my husband, who wasn't previously familiar with the concept of a doula, was grateful for her expertise and support throughout the day. I had an incredibly smooth (and unmedicated!) labor and delivery thanks in good part to Amy's coaching before and throughout. I can't recommend Amy enough as a yoga instructor and a doula. read more

I have known Amy for years but had never been to a yoga class of hers. I knew she taught a PreNatal class, so during my 20th week of pregnancy I decided to give it a shot. I assumed it would be good just because of Amy's naturally nurturing and warm personality. And was hoping it would be good so I would not have to come up with some awkward excuse as to why I never went back. I was impressed from the moment she began to the very end of class - My only complaint is that Yogaview does not offer more of her PreNatal classes! Amy is beautiful inside and out, her practice thoughtful & gentle, while leaving me invigorated & feeling strong. Going to her classes is now a requisite part of my pregnancy. read more

I owe so much to Amy and her incredible practice.  As a yoga newcomer, I was nervous about starting a practice (both that I wouldn't fit in to the Yogi world and that it wouldn't be "enough"), but I figured that the start of a pregnancy was a perfect time to try. I started Amy's classes (at Yogaview) right at 12 weeks and can only say that I wish I had started sooner. Amy not only made yoga accessible, she made it challenging. She made me fall in love with yoga and incorporate it into my life after pregnancy.  Like everyone else has already said, Amy helps prepare you for childbirth both because she teaches class with poses that strengthen all of the necessary parts for childbirth but also provides "doula" insight into birthing techniques. Her class made me physically and as importantly, mentally, ready for the birth of my second child.  Amy has a calming effect that is good for any person, but especially for soon-to-be mamas.  I can only imagine what an incredible effect she offers as a doula (my only regret is not having the correct timing to use her as a doula).  I cannot say enough positive things about Amy and my experiences with her.  THANK YOU AMY, for everything. You are an inspiration. read more

I am so glad to have found prenatal yoga with Amy. Amy is completely in touch with the ups and downs of pregnancy, is extremely knowledgeable about appropriate yoga poses for specific situations, and provides prenatal yoga classes that are both restorative and stimulating. I have been attending her classes regularly for several weeks and look forward to each and every one! read more

I attended Amy's prenatal yoga classes during my first pregnancy. I always looked forward to those yoga classes and felt renewed afterward. Amy made it easy to gain strength and confidence in preparation for childbirth. read more

I left my yoga view class with Amy feeling relaxed and wrung out! I have never slept better than after her evening class