Who we are and what we do...
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Exeter and Ottery St. Mary Tel. 01404 813784 |
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Newton Abbot, Crediton and Plymouth Tel. 01363 777256 / 07989 595853 |
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Exeter Tel. 01392 438586 |
Patricia's interest in childbirth and Parenting began with the birth of her first child in 1988. She has since qualified as a Natural Active Birth and Parenting teacher, Doula, British Wheel of Yoga teacher and Massage Therapist. She is currently attending a meditation module with The British Wheel of Yoga.
Her inspiration to work with pregnant women came about through her personal experience of using active birth and yoga to prepare for her second birth. This awakened her to the inherent, instinctive and natural power that all women can access during the birthing process, thus greatly increasing the chances of positive birth outcomes for mother and baby, whilst enhancing women's self-esteem and confidence in their ability as parents.
Patricia currently teaches Pregnancy Yoga and birth preparation, Couples workshops, Mother and Baby Yoga classes and yoga and relaxation for adults. She also works as a doula and post natal doula.She is continually working on her personal and professional development, most recently attending workshops with Janet Balaskas and Pam England (Birthing from Within).
"I met Patricia when I was 30 weeks pregnant, she was the first person I met during my pregnancy who gave me the confidence to believe in my body's ability to give birth, which changed my whole perspective from one of fear, to one of faith and trust in my body." Jane
"Patricias classes have really helped me to feel more confident and relaxed during my pregnancy and have also helped me to prepare for the birth. I always feel energized and positive after the class. I was extremely anxious about the birth, but attending these classes has given me access to helpful information, practical suggestions and relaxation techniques. I can honestly say that I am actually exited rather than terrified about the birth now! It's been great to spend time with other expectant mums and to have the opportunity to share our experiences." Ali
Karin qualified as a Doula in 1998 and as a Natural Active Birth and Parenting (NAPAB) teacher in 1999. She started teaching classes in Exeter a year later. She is also a qualified nurse, now retired, and has worked in various areas of nursing for 13 years. She qualified as a Massage Therapist in 1993 and as a Zero Balancer in 1998. Together with her husband she runs The Natural Health Practice on Spicer Road in Exeter. Since qualifying with NAPAB she has done further training with Jean Sutton in Optimal Foetal Positioning and has attended "Yoga for Pregnancy" and "Teaching Active Birth" at The Active Birth Centre in London with Janet Balaskas. She is an Associate Member of The Active Birth Centre. She continues to work intensively with her personal and spiritual growth and has been committed to practising yoga since 2003.
Karin is originally from Denmark but has lived in Devon since 1992. She has two boys – one was born at Honiton Maternity Unit in 1996. The other one was born at home in 1999. Karin found Active Birth extremely helpful in her own pregnancies and births and therefore feel very passionate about teaching other women and their partners the techniques.
“Karin runs Active Birth Classes with a modest authority which inspires confidence and trust. The classes were fun and informative on lots of different levels; breathing, visualisation and chanting became ‘normal’, while sharing and hearing stories of pregnancy and birth helped to build up an overall picture. Karin’s response and advice was consistently calm and reassuring. By the time my baby was due I had a pretty good idea of what to expect and I felt well armed with an array of natural techniques and inner resources to deal with whatever nature was going to throw at me. I chanted and used visualisation throughout a very long labour but had an entirely natural home birth” ... Clare
"I attended Karin's classes from week 15 of my pregnancy. Karin's warmth and empathy helped enhance the joy of that special time in my life. The support and advice I received prepared me for what turned out to be a very positive natural birth. Now I have a beautiful baby girl and attend the Motherhood Gatherings, where the support continues. I feel that any pregnant woman would benefit from her relaxed and friendly classes" ... Hilary
Helen qualified as a Natural Active Birth and Parenting teacher in 2004 and as a Doula in 2002. She teaches Active Birth classes in Newton Abbot and works as a Doula when her family life allows it. Helen has a degree in Education and an M.A in Applied Linguistics. She has experience of working with both children and adults and loves teaching and facilitating the passing on of information. Helen has three young children – one born in hospital and two born at home.
A passionate interest in pregnancy and childbirth has lead Helen to working exclusively in this area. Helen says, “pregnancy, childbirth and parenting has been a hugely rich life experience encompassing some of the hardest work, biggest struggles, greatest joys and most intense personal and spiritual growth that I have ever experienced!”
" We found Helens Natural Active Birth Classes really supportive and inspiring in the run up to having our first baby. We always felt more confident about the birth after being at one of her classes and clearer about how to support each other. We thoroughly enjoyed the classes and would recommend them to any expectant mothers or fathers. Helen's passion for making birth a positive experience for both mothers and their partners made us feel honoured and respected. We feel that the love and devotion that she puts into the classes really comes out in the way that she teaches and how she is with people. All Helen's care and support during our pregnancy helped empower us to step into becoming parents - we love it - only we miss coming to her classes. Thank you, Helen!!"... Dominic and Heidi <top>
Birthwise Devon for pregnancy and birth, natural childbirth, natural child birth, natural birth, prenatal yoga, pregnancy yoga, natural active birth, pregnancy massage, empowered childbirth, pregnancy classes, antenatal classes and alternative birth. We run classes in Newton Abbot, Barnstaple, Exeter and Ottery St. Mary.
