Testimonials...

Feedback from our workshops -

October 2011

"This is our second pregnancy but first time attending a birth preparation workshop. I found it a fantastic way to spend a whole day focused on our new baby to be. The material was very inclusive of the father's role in the birthing process and I fell equiped with some simple and practical tools to assist my partner. Thanks Bec." Ed

July 2011

"The birth couldn't have gone better. I feel very thankful at how smooth everything went but know that we were also really prepared...All in all (birth) was an empowering experience which I wouldn't change at all. The best techniques I got from your classes were to remain relaxed and breathe through each contraction, change your perception of pain and face each contraction with determination. Daily yoga (which ensured Hugo was in a good position), swimming, walking, a great partner, rasberry leaf tea and a positive attitude were, I believe, key to a positive birth experience." Vanessa & baby Hugo - born Sept 2011

May 2011

'We learnt the importance of supporting each other. We were provided with a clearer understanding that the birth of our child, and the path we take, is our choice. A more thorough understanding of the body, hormones and the way we respond to pain allowed us to feel more empowered and less fearful of labour. In general, we feel more connected to one another adn more informed and prepared for the unknown journey ahead." Christine & Daniel

"Very warm and welcoming environment to feel we could share feelings or ask questions openly. Has been very useful to understand Dad's role and how much he will be a part of the birth and how much support he can provide. Also helped to articulate birth preferences that I had made assumptions about but will actually help us both to make it our experience. Very pleasant way to spend the day together." Hannah

"I feel that I have learnt a number of tools and techniques that I can take with me to help Hannah in our chosen path. I feel more confident and enjoyed hearing Al and Bec's own stories and experiences; further increasing my confidence and helping to allay some fears. Their experience is invaluable. It has also been amazing to take some time out of 'normal' life to spend time with Hannah and others and I feel quite invigorated after a peaceful and refreshing day. Thank you! " Greg

"For Dad, the workshop helped him focus on the emotional aspects of the birth experience and how to prepare for these, not just the "medical" and "physical" aspects. For Mum, it was helpful to support my reading by talking and hearing about different experiences. Although the simulation sounded scary or confronting, it was really helpful to try out positions and see what might or might not work for us. Thank you!" James & Alissa

January 2011

"This class completely changed my view and planning of the birth. I always pictured the day to be very clinical; being told what to do when. I now understand we have options, and I realise the experience can be sensual and on our terms. Great work guys, loved it." Scott & Melina

"Very practical advice. I've gained a lot of helpful tips and advice that will assist me, I'm sure, in our time of need (and excitement). Created a very open, comfortable atmosphere and environment for all aspects of labour and birthing to be explored. Thank You." Dean & Sally

"Great preparation to do together as a team. It was a special morning in which we both feel more empowered going into birth. Thank You both." Lee & Steve Ajzenman

"I went into the workshop very afraid and came out feeling more in control and finding a greater trust in my body." Veronica Troup

"It was great to go through the birth process and potential positions for a first time dad who doesn't know any of it." Mark Hopkins

"Good useful techniques and helpful information on what to expect. A great workshop not just for mums but for dads. It was really useful to know the positions that can be used together as couples and at the same time how partners can be active as well in labour."

November 2010

"This was a wonderful, calm and informative course to attend. It was very good to attend prior to birth classes at the hospital to give us more control and awareness of our options. Good to physically practice the techniques with supportive guidance." Kate & Corey

"Very useful and holistic workshop that takes you through the birthing cycle providing techniques; both physical and mental, to assist in the great unknown journey. Good mix of theory and practical allowing time to contemplate and reflect." Emma & Chris

"Informative workshop that has provided both of us with techniques that we can use to deal with the unknown as opposed to surrendering to the intensity of pain. Practicing positions was useful in identifying which ones I will pursue. Thank you to both of you!" George & Poppy

October 2010

“Very informative; I liked that we could ask questions/ talk throughout the entire session.  I loved that we did bits of mediation throughout.  It was very inclusive of partners and very thorough with the position we might like to try – dedicating a good amount of time to each position.  It gave me/us a lot to think about and prepare before the birth – more information about our options to take to hospital if that happens.  I am very confident now.  Thank You." Mary

"Very useful for the partner to focus on their role; with the intention of being on the journey with mum.  Practical exercises were excellent; much better to learn about in the flesh than to read." Adam

"I feel immensely supported, informed and inspired and relaxed about this exciting pending journey.  Thank Bec and Allison for a carefully considered and accessible workshop.  Beautiful balance of discussion, sharing and physical exploration.  You create a welcoming, warm environment together and there is clearly great knowledge and passion.  I shall spread the word!" Camilla

July 2010

“This Course has been a great learning experience and a positive and reasonable way to understand the processes and stages of child birth. I have really enjoyed it and would encourage other expectant parents to attend. As a supporting partner I believe it has helped define and make clear my role in the birth.”

“Fantastic workshop. I feel a lot more connected to the birthing process and feel more confident that I can have an active birth without intervention. I feel as though my partner and I will be able to work as a team and feel he gets the active birthing process better. All the positions practiced were really helpful and gave me confidence in finding a supportive and comforting position to birth my baby. Thank you!”  Sarah

“Becoming aware of the birthing process and way to help my partner to deal with the pain has been enlightening for me. Being able to be more a part of the birth excites me, I’m really looking forward to the day!”  Brendan

“I feel that I’ve just been handed some great tools to help with actively birthing the baby. Thanks for a lovely day of bonding with my partner”

“Learning the positions to use during labour was great. The emphasis on using partners to support through the process was really valuable. Feeling much more confident about the birthing process.” Melinda

“It was an absolutely pleasurable experience. I feel even more connected to Melinda and our new baby. I feel confident that our birth will be calm, and I am confident I will be a strong support. Thanks” Lisa

“I feel like many things I have read and naturally fell comfortable with (i.e. Positions) have come together beautifully today. I will walk away with greater confidence in myself, my husband and baby. Thanks” Daniela

“Great class loads of information and helpful tips. Thanks” Daniel

Adreanne, Simon and baby William Doing the birth preparation was one of the best thing we did during pregnancy. Not only did it prepared us physically, with some movements to practice in preparation for labour, but it also prepared us mentally, with ways to relax and focus. Doing some of the classes with my husband helped us to work as a team and to have similar expectations and goals for the labour and birth. Everything that we learned and practiced definitely came handy during the labour and helped us to have the natural and relaxed birth we were aiming for. Andreanne Greenland The YogaBelly classes have definately been an incredible experience for myself and more importantly, my wife during her pregnancy. Bec's ability to adapt the yoga sessions for a couple and each individual's needs was very much welcomed. Throughout the sessions Bec maintained a thorough approach to helping me understand the importance of being an integral support to my wife during pregnancy and of course, during the birth of our beautiful little boy. Our entire experience of the birth was enhanced greatly by Bec and I will be forever grateful to her. Simon Greenland

James, Laura and baby Elke Allison assisted my husband, James and I with developing some strategies to for the pending birth of our first child, Elke in March 2009. Allison was very attuned to the type of labour we hoped for; as active a birth as possible with minimal intervention. She built on my existing yoga experience to develop some very powerful tools for dealing with the early and active stages of labour. These included various physical positions to maximise comfort during and between contractions, breathing techniques, positive imagery and thinking and the making of sound. Allison demonstrated how James could assist and support me in positions that would encourage a faster labour while providing a physical closeness that was of great strength to me during my labour. Allison helped us to feel calm, in control and positive about our impending journey. Her assistance proved invaluable when the time came as we had practised the techniques with her and had some strategies for dealing with the labour sensations. Allison's techniques, coupled with yoga experience and research into active birthing assisted our obstetrician-led, home and hospital based labour and delivery in being an incredibly rewarding and satisfying experience. Laura Wilson

Prenatal Yoga feedback - 2010

"The Yoga Belly course has helped me with relaxation and meditation through my pregnancy. I feel more able to focus on my breathing and listen to me body. I have loved coming every week and always feel great after a session. Thanks, Laura"

"Absolutely brilliant. You've got such a lovely calming voice - a perfect tool to help me focus/ switch off. I feel so relaxed during the class in my body and mind and then afterwards also. Even when I think of the class during the week I feel calmer. I notice my breathing during the week a lot more also, nice deep breaths, and the gentle stretches that you've taught me." Mary