Yoga, Birth Education and Doula Support for a Conscious Birth
Welcome!
Conscious Birth is the result of Nadine O’Mara’s passion for supporting women and their families from conception to birth and beyond. As a senior yoga teacher and doula, Nadine has spent many years guiding women through the pivotal choices and experiences they have during pregnancy, birth and postnatally, helping them create the families of which they have always dreamed.
Moving one step further from Gandhis’ famous quote, she realised
“we can be the change we want to see in the world, one child at a time”
The way we birth our children can be the one of the most important experiences we will ever have. Nadine hopes that via labour support, guidance & yoga, women and their families are able to find faith in their own abilities to create, birth and love.
“I first discovered Nadine during my pregnancy when I started pregnancy yoga, and was so lucky I did. I loved my pregnancy yoga classes, and found them very healing for me. It was such a lovely time to connect with my baby and my body. Once my baby came along I couldn’t wait to get to Mum’s and Bub’s yoga with Nadine. Tuesday’s became our favourite day. It was such a great time to just focus on baby without the daily distractions. Nadine is such a wonderful teacher, with her background as a She Birth(R) educator and mother. We feel truly blessed to have had her support, guidance and knowledge. I would like her to be my doula for my second baby! ” Sarah, Midwife
Bliss Baby Yoga In Person Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training Bellingen 2024
Friday 28th October – Sunday 3rd November 2024
Join Bliss Baby Yoga Owner, Lead Teacher & Doula Nadine O’Mara for this 6 day in person Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training Immersion in beautiful Bellingen NSW Australia from the 28th October – 3rd November 2024. This course will provide yoga teachers, yoga teacher trainees, and women’s health professionals with the skills and knowledge to safely and confidently teach yoga to students during pregnancy and postnatally.
Consider this training a retreat while gifting yourself with knowledge. Set in a private space amongst the trees with the opportunity to swim in the salt water pool on breaks accompanied by wonderful meals, this training is not only an opportunity to educate yourself but also a retreat from the rigours of day to day life.
And if you are the someone who needs to be in the room with others face to face for your training, then this is for you!
Nourishing lunches are included, you might even be inclined to pick some herbs from the garden to accompany your meals.
You will gain so much on so many levels. Nadine shares the knowledge of her 16 years supporting birth as a Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Teacher, birth educator and doula so what you will learn goes so much further than just the curriculum and manual (which is already comprehensive).
You may be a midwife, doula or birth keeper who needs some inspiration and some time with others who are passionate about birth in a supportive space, this immersion isn’t only for those who want to learn to teach Prenatal &/or Postnatal Yoga.
You will also gain 12 months complimentary access to our online Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training content that you can either start progressing through as soon as you enrol, or use it to deepen your knowledge once you start teaching.
This course offers RPYT certification under Yoga Alliance. You will be required to progress through our online course content (included) for certification (and will need to be a RYT Certified Teacher). RPYT is an 85 hour course.
This course includes 48 hours of face to face training plus online content to make up to 85 hours.
Please note: this training has a maximum of 12 participants so you will receive a lot of personal attention. However this also means with limited spaces, this course will fill quickly so book your place now!
Dates & Times*
Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
Monday 28th October – Wednesday 30th October 9am – 5pm
Thursday 31st October – own day for exploration & relaxation
Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training
Friday 1st November- Sunday 3rd November 9am – 5pm
Modifying the postures for the various stages of pregnancy
The four trimesters: overview of physiological changes for mum and baby
Perinatal Anatomy & Physiology
Postural alignment for pregnancy
Working with props for pregnancy
Restorative Yoga for pregnancy
Sequencing and the 5 Prenatal Posture Groups
Yoga Nidra and Visualisation for pregnancy
Partner Yoga for pregnancy and birth
Benefits & applications of squatting and pelvic floor toning during pregnancy
Sounding/Chanting for pregnancy and birth
Benefits & applications of squatting and pelvic floor toning during pregnancy
Special sequences for pregnancy: ‘Pregnancy Pawanmuktasana’ & ‘Pregnancy Salute to the Sun’, and sample classes (stabilising & restorative)
How to use a chair in your Prenatal Yoga classes for extra stability & support
Applied Anatomy for Prenatal Yoga: back or pelvic problems & other common complaints
Overview of Stages of Labour and Birth
Yogic tools for labour.
Active Birth and Yoga
Pelvic floor work and connection with the breath in Prenatal Yoga
POSTNATAL COURSE CONTENT:
Postnatal Yoga: Needs of the new mother: first 6 weeks and beyond;
Physiological changes including diastasis recti & prolapse
Postnatal safety guidelines
Sequencing and the 5 Postnatal Posture Groups
Restorative Yoga for new mothers
Diastasis Recti, diagnosing and how to support
Perinatal Mental Health—an overview of postnatal depression
Birth Trauma – how to approach and support
Mother and Baby Yoga: benefits and applications
Incorporating baby in the yoga postures
Yoga sequences with baby in a sling/baby carrier
Baby yoga, songs and rhymes for baby
Simple baby massage techniques
Establishing and running a ‘mums n bubs’ yoga class
Attend and support a mother and baby yoga class
2 X Comprehensive course manuals included.
Bliss Baby Yoga is internationally renowned for offering quality Yoga Teacher Training courses, with over 15 years of training hundreds of yoga teachers in this specialist field of yoga for women.
Nadine O’Mara (E-RYT 200, RPYT, YACEP, Yoga Australia Lvl 3 Teacher, DONA Certified Doula, B. App. Sc.) is a senior Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher, certified Doula, and director of Bliss Baby Yoga, who is passionate about supporting women’s health, especially around birth.
In addition to sharing her knowledge through contributing content to Bliss Baby Yoga online courses, Nadine provides doula support and yoga for women and their partners around Bellingen on the NSW Mid-North Coast, as well as birth education, self care and restorative yoga workshops for mothers, facilitates mother’s circles, family yoga and retreats for women and/or families. She greatly enjoys facilitating teacher trainings and workshops that help educate yoga teachers around pregnancy and birth so that they can take this knowledge to pregnant women everywhere! She believes that a gentle birth and the creation of a positive family life helps shape a more peaceful planet.
Options available with or without accommodation included.
The Bellingen Shire is a rare and special place, host to a plethora of creativity, with an engaging culture.
The town of Bellingen has a vibrant spirit and soulful character .and is nestled amongst some of the world’s most majestic and precious natural environment. Come for a couple more days to allow yourself time to explore this beautiful region on either side of your course!
The beautiful Bellingen river is the soul of this area with the township nestled on it’s bank. The very special Promised Land lies just west of town while a trip up Waterfall Way to Dorrigo is not to be missed. Untouched beaches lie only 15 minutes the other way, the Urunga boardwalk as well, and there is also the village of Sawtell with an art house cinema and restaurants 25 minutes away.
ACCOMMODATION IN BELLINGEN
There are many wonderful places to stay in and around Bellingen town. Following are a few recommendations.
The Belfry Guesthouse is central, affordable and great value with share rooms if required.
NB: The studio for the training is currently in the area of Fernmount in Bellingen Shire, 8 minutes drive from Bellingen. Should you need transport from accommodation in central Bellingen, this can be arranged. Please let Nadine know on the information form you will receive once you have booked.
Prenatal Yoga
A more comfortable pregnancy and preparation for birth and parenting
From 12 weeks after conception until birth – under an experienced doula and birth educator.
“Prenatal yoga has been scientifically proven to create shorter labours, less complications, less pain relief and babies with better birth weights”.
If you’ve never practiced yoga before, pregnancy is a wonderful time to start. Prenatal Yoga is accessible to all mothers to be, allowing you to access the benefits on the level that you feel comfortable with. It can help you experience the joys and adjust to the challenges that pregnancy, birth and motherhood present. From reducing the physical discomforts of pregnancy such as aching lower back, fatigue, gastric reflux and fluid retention to containing the emotional challenges like fear and anxiety about the birth and motherhood, yoga can help.
As an established doula and birth educator, Nadine teaches techniques and active birth movements that she knows work in labour. Using real life experience, Nadine shares positive birth stories and tools to help you create a better birth.
The basic movements practiced during pre natal yoga are designed to strengthen, improve physical stamina and increase flexibility while simultaneously encouraging the baby into a better position for birth hence increasing the chances of a natural delivery. Attention given to toning pelvic floor muscles and lower back help both during labour and aid an easier post partum period. Complimentary breathing techniques facilitate labour physically and encourage the presence of mind required to create a calm birthing experience. As a result a more intimate connection with baby, both before and after birth is possible.
Nadine gave birth to two girls while living in the UK and practiced prenatal yoga regularly throughout both pregnancies. She attributes the calm water births she had to the physical and mindful practices she was taught by the experienced women caring for her and her unborn children throughout both pregnancies. Nadine is the Director of Pregnancy Teacher Training Company Bliss Baby Yoga, has completed extensive training under DONA International, She Births®, the British Wheel of Yoga and the Birthlight Trust. She is a Level 3 Yoga Australia and YACEP® certified teacher.
Nadine is offering private classes only at this time. You may also like to gather a few interested mamas to be for a private group class. Please contact her for further details.
“Thanks for all your care & support throughout my many months of attending prenatal yoga. It was by far one of my favourite parts of my pregnancy and I looked forward to it each & every week. I will never forget how bonded I felt with my baby at that time and I know my pregnancy & labour benefitted immensely, and Liam is now benefitting too. He is very alert and calm & placid in nature, an amazing feeder & sleeper. ” Penny
Nadine is not currently running group Prenatal Yoga classes. Contact her if you would like private classes or have a group gathered for a block of classes.
You can find online pre-recorded classes with Nadine to purchase and download at Bliss Baby Yoga.
Doula
I have been supporting women in and around birth for many years now and I never stop feeling deeply moved by the experience of guiding a couple during one of the most important days of their lives.
Using a sound knowledge of birth and birthing techniques via training under DONA International, The Birthlight Foundation, and She Births (R) , I am able to support you and your partner throughout your birth. While midwives and obstetricians attend women during labour they are not available for continuous care (unless they are a home birth midwife). This is where the role of a doula can be highly beneficial in supporting a couple during birth.
The relationship between a doula and pregnant woman is very important. Unlike all doulas, you have the unique chance to create a solid foundation with me via weekly yoga classes before you give birth. We will also have two lengthy appointments with you and your partner to discuss your wishes for the birth.
If you are unsure of the role of a doula you can read more via this link. It has been found that continuous support during labour reduces a chance of C-section by 50%.
Please contact me if you would like to know more. Choosing who supports you in your labour is a very individual decision so please contact me so we can talk or come along to one of my yoga classes to get a better feel for our fit.
“Nadine. There are no words that could express my thanks to you for helping me get through my natural, drug free, conscious, and supported labour. You and Andy were amazingly strong and positive and thank you also for the 5 years of yoga, 6 months of pre-natal yoga and the birth education course to prepare. We all deserve an award!” Amy
“Having Nadine as our Doula was the best decision we’ve ever made. Our birth didn’t start as we’d planned with Charlotte’s membranes rupturing at 31 weeks, but the minute Nadine arrived we knew everything was going to be okay. And it was – we had the birth of our dreams despite the odds being stacked against us, and that would not have happened without her. Her knowledge, experience and serenity were invaluable. Thank you Nadine from the bottom of our hearts – you are amazing!” Charlotte and Gabby (Read more )
Private Birth Courses & Birth Mentoring
Mentoring Sessions
I offer private birth courses for first time couples in my home studio in Bellingen.
These courses cover (but are not limited to)
Hands on tools your partner can use to support you including acupressure, massage and rebozo techniques.
Active birth positions and optimal fetal positioning
How to use the power of your breath and sound during labour
The stages of birth
How our thoughts and beliefs can have a profound impact on the way we birth
Choices around intervention and pain relief
Breastfeeding
Knowledge for mindful parenting
You will learn the skills your partner needs to support you in birth and a more in depth understanding of labour and birth than is ever offered in a hospital birthing course.
A 5 hour private birth mentoring session for you and your partner is $450.
You will receive resources to support you in practicing the skills you learn at home.
A three hour “refresher” session is ideal for couples or mums in preparation for their second or third birth especially if you have done a previous birth education course and would like to refresh your skills for this birth. A mentoring session can also be the perfect adjunct to completing online course so that Dad can learn practical tools for birth like massage, acupressure, rebozo and more.
A minimum 3 hr booking is required.
If you need to plan for a Family Centered & immune supportive caesarean section then a 2hr mentoring session is also ideal.
A private course or mentoring session allows couples to ask specific questions about their birth, debrief from previous births and be able to work with their individual needs, at a time that suits them.
Refresher sessions are $250 and are held at my peaceful home studio in Bellingen. You will also have resources to support your practice at home.
An extra consult closer to your due date is sometimes chosen by couples and can be scheduled face to face or on Zoom.
