Pregnancy is a reverential time. It often acts as a catalyst for physical, emotional and spiritual development. Born from the experiences of being a mother and a midwife, Yoga and Bodywork for Birth weaves ancient practices with modern knowledge to support the transition to motherhood.
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During pregnancy the physical body undergoes phenomenal changes at a rapid rate. Our bodies are perfectly designed to nurture new life growing in our wombs and bring our babies into the world. Yoga and bodywork during this time assists the body to return to natural alignment, easing discomforts and preparing the body for birth.
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Yoga and Bodywork for Birth is a merging of disciplines to work with the whole being - body, mind, and spirit. The modern world is full of both physical and emotional stressors. A dual pathway exists wherein emotional states affect our physical body and physical stressors or discomforts will affect our emotional state. Physical postures and gentle bodywork during pregnancy are complemented by the breath, tethering you to your body, nourishing your baby and resetting your nervous system.
Bodywork
In complement to yoga practice, hands on bodywork can guide the body to return to natural alignment. Over the course of our lives, sitting in chairs and cars, injuries, stress and traumatic events can disrupt the alignment of the body and pelvis. Bodywork in pregnancy various assisted stretches, fascia releases and soft manipulation of the tissues. “Pelvic Balancing” uses soft manipulation of the tissues to guide the body to its innate intelligence to realign. Each session is individualised to the needs of the woman and baby using midwifery based assessments of baby's position. Sessions also include options to teach partners to assist and care for you during pregnancy. All care is provided in your own home, at your own discretion.
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For more information click here or contact me.
Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga
Yoga is the perfect complement to pregnancy when practiced in a mindful way. Although the majority of yoga postures are “safe” during pregnancy, many classical poses can disrupt the careful alignment of the pelvis. When this alignment is disrupted, your baby can find it challenging to navigate their pathway for birth. Using the wisdom of pregnancy bodyworkers to carefully choose asana (physical postures), yoga classes are designed to protect the natural alignment of the pelvis and provide softness and flexibility where opening is required for birth.
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In the postnatal period (after your baby is born), specific exercises and yoga asana will assist healing and the return of the womb to its original position within the pelvis. Great care must be taken to allow the body to settle and heal after pregnancy and birth. Coupled with this healing, are new challenges to the body based on the demands of caring for a newborn baby. A soft and thoughtful practice at this time lays the foundation for a long lasting return to health.
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Group classes are taught weekly in The Inner Health Centre at Organic Feast in East Maitland. Pregnancy yoga is taught on Sunday afternoon at 3pm and a Mums and Bubs class is on Monday mornings at 10am. Pay what you can between $15 and $25, cash or direct deposit. Book here on this website. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any concerns or questions.
Together in Birth Workshop
March 2, at The Cosmos Cabin
Pregnancy workshops are designed to empower you with knowledge about how your body is designed for your transition to motherhood. Drawing together the disciplines of midwifery, bodywork and yoga, we work through the elements of self-care pelvic stabilisation, preparing for birth and addressing common discomforts. Workshops give you take away skills to nurture your physical, emotional and spiritual being into parenthood.
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The Together in Birth workshop is a half day offering for pregnant women and their partner or birth support person. Specifically designed to enhance connection, the day will consist of:
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- Education about the mechanics of birth and how a woman’s body is perfectly designed to birth her baby
- Hands on ligament, muscle and fascia release to bring the body into natural alignment, easing discomfort in pregnancy and navigating labour
- Breathwork during pregnancy and for labour
- Time to get to know one another and chat over afternoon tea
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The Cosmos Cabin is located at Purple Pear Farm, a Biodynamic Permaculture farm and education centre located in Maitland, NSW.
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Don't hesitate to get in contact with any questions you may have.
* Traditional woven Mexican rebozos and fajas available for sale on the day
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