Empowered Birthing

Birth Preparation Workshops for Couples

Enhance Awareness 

Build Confidence 

Embrace Labour, Birth & Beyond

Combining the experience of a unique blend of tailored yoga practices, active birthing simulation and practical birthing information to empower you to create a wonderful, calm and joyous birth.

The Birth Preparation Workshops will help couples to create the optimal conditions for an empowered birth.

"Doing the birth preparation was one of the best things we did during pregnancy".... Andreanne

"The Yoga Belly classes have definitely been an incredible experience for myself and more importantly my wife during her pregnancy"... Simon Greenland

"The Yoga Belly workshop was invaluable and it helped create a magic energy between Conrad (husband) and I during labour"... Melinda

2010-11 SCHEDULE

Saturday 2nd/ 9th October (TBC) - 9:00am to 2pm, Padma Centre, Cnr Charlotte & Dalgetty Rds, Beaumaris

January 2011

April 2011

July 2011

October 2011

* Dates and venues to be confirmed for future workshops (all workshops are held in Melbourne metro region) - please register interest early to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

Who are the workshops for?

The workshops are designed for women in their second or third trimester (6 to 9 months) of pregnancy and their support partners (husbands, partners, sisters, mothers, friends etc). The workshops compliment both midwifery or obstetric care models.

What to expect

The workshops aim to enhance the connection between mother, partner and baby and empower couples towards the birth they seek.

Yoga Belly workshops will explore the following:

• birth options and choices
• active birthing principles
• hormonal support in labour
• the fear tension pain response and how to avoid it
• how to remain calm and centred throughout the birthing experience
• how to provide support to the birthing mother during labour
• how to accept support from loved ones during labour

Our unique birth simulation will allow you to experience:

•  breath awareness – establishing a connection with the breath and exploring practices to support the birthing journey
•  posture exploration – using each other and props to aid comfort and connection of mother, partner and child
•  sound practices – exploring the power of sound as an anchor for the body, heart and mind
•  meditation and visualisation – practices to foster awareness, openness, trust, acceptance, love and joy
•  massage – providing love and support through the sense of touch

 Workshop outline

The workshops will run for duration of 5 hrs

A general outline is as follows:

• registration (please arrive 5-10 mins early)
• welcome and open inquiry
• empowered and conscious birthing discussion

  BREAK/ LUNCH

• yoga of birthing "birth simulation"
• open discussion and closing circle

Please note that both Rebecca and Allison will be available for a short time at the conclusion of the workshop to answer any additional queries or concerns.

What you need to bring...

• please ensure that you wear comfortable clothing; footwear is not required as we will be practicing barefoot
• a fitness ball or bean bag (one per couple if you have one)*
• two pillows
• light snack and bottle of water (tea and coffee provided)
• feel free to bring along more than one support partner
• an open mind and loving heart

* Please let us know if you don't have a fitball/bean bag so that we can provide one for you.

Investment

$150 per couple (concession available upon genuine need)

$50.00 per additional support person

Payment options:

• cash on the day of the workshop ($50 deposit per couple will be required upon registration to confirm your place)
• cheque (please contact us for mailing details)
• EFT (Account name: Yoga Belly BSB: 063169 Account #: 1029 2891)

Pre-booking for all workshops is essential.  To secure your place, please contact us.

Feedback from our latest workshop - 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