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.

"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

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

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

2012 SCHEDULE

Please contact Rebecca Sullivan to register early interest for workshops to be held in 2012 to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

Who are the workshops for?

The workshops are designed for women in their second or third trimester 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 8 hrs - including 1hr lunch break

A general outline is as follows:

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

  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)*
• picnic lunch (tea, coffee and light snacks are 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 or bean bag so that we can provide one for you.

Investment

$125 per person (concession available upon genuine need).

Payment options:

• $50 deposit per couple is required upon registration to confirm your place
• balance due on the day (cash) or prior to the workshop via direct debit
• EFT account name: Allison Berry BSB: 063791 Account #: 1039 6244

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

Feedback from our latest workshop - 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