The first time I gave birth was in a birth pool in hospital. It was a fairly disempowering experience and I just felt relieved not to have had any complications. When pregnant with my second child, my midwife suggested home birth and this set me on a life-changing path. I had not been aware of the potential choices within birth, and as I began to discover more about options such as Active Birth, Hypnobirthing, home birth and having the support of a Doula, I realised the importance of sharing this as widely as possible. I have since had three calm, positive water births at home and my passion for empowering oth-ers to learn more about their bodies and birth has grown.
In 2008, I trained as a Doula and Childbirth Educator with Olivia Seck of Birthing Wisdom, and in 2011 I completed Olivia’s Hypnobirthing training. I believe that Hypnobirthing has many useful tools to offer families preparing for birth and works well alongside Active Birth preparation. As part of my training, I learned to work with Birth Art in preparing for birth and overcoming birth trauma and I have found this to be another very helpful tool for families.
In 2011, I set up Exeter Home Birth Group with a colleague and helped to run the group for eight years. This space enables families to explore their options and learn more about all aspects of birthing and parenting. The births I attended during this time taught me many amazing lessons. I also ran Exeter Sling Library, working with many new parents in the postnatal stage, helping to ease the transition into family life.
Yoga is an essential part of my daily life and I believe the benefits of yoga during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal months are profound. I have practised for more than twenty years and trained with the Devon School of Yoga (500 hours), as well as taking a decolonising yoga course with Sofya Ansari in 2020 and further training in yoga for pregnancy.
I am delighted to be part of Birthwise, offering weekly Active Birth and Yoga classes, couples workshops and postnatal groups.
I also run women’s circles and yoga workshops that combine gentle, restorative yoga with delicious, nutritious food.
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Instagram: instagram.com/soulyogadevon