| Byron Pregnancy Retreats
 "bringing a baby into the world is a sacred experience, make time to be prepared"
Often we fit the pregnancy in around work and family; read a book or two and attend a few childbirth classes. Then, wish for a great birth. Many women feel that this is simply not enough.
You can have the time out that you need.
Attending a Byron Pregnancy Retreat "Celebration of Birth" weekend is the ultimate pregnancy nurturing experience in a creative, relaxed and supportive environment.
There is a Byron Pregnancy Retreat to suit all timetables and budgets. It is the experience that is most important, choose an option that best suits you!
Click Here to Read Testimonials from previous women, couples and midwives who have attended our retreats.
Which of our Retreats is right for you?
-"Celebration of Birth" weekend, combined with your choice of treats from our ‘Retreat Menu’
- Personalised Packages for couples, singles or groups of friends
- "Celebration of Birth" an opportunity to completely focus on your pregnancy, your body and to connect with your baby without the usual daily distractions.
The Celebration of Birth weekend is completely about you. It is a chance to learn more about yourself, tune in with your baby and to create the time and awareness to focus on the pregnancy experience and prepare for your birth. Either for yourself, or as a couple.
Experienced facilitators and childbirth educators will guide you through your retreat. You can fill your time with treats from our Menu of 'pregnancy specific' pampering and support sessions.(see below) Or you can choose free time to relax, sleep or explore the beautiful beach and bush walks that Byron Bay has to offer.
GOOD IDEA!
If you are passing Byron Bay, at least treat yourself to a pregnancy massage with our specialist masseurs. Or book a photo shoot to capture your pregnant beauty. Call us on 02 6684 4429.
The “Celebration of Birth” weekend has been developed by Anna Watts, Childbirth Educator. Anna has been guiding women and their partners through the journey of pregnancy and birth for the last 15 years.
The weekend is designed to celebrate your pregnancy and supports any other childbirth classes you may be attending. It is a perfect opportunity for those having their second or subsequent child to create the time out to focus on this pregnancy and birth.
This fun, nurturing and empowering weekend includes -
• ‘Empowering You’ - Creating Your Birth Vision
• Oceanic Aqua Session in a beautiful heated pool
• Yoga and Meditation for Pregnancy
• Relationship Changes - growing together in pregnancy
• Belly Painting - celebrating the pregnant body
• Support, Healing and Practical Tools for birth
• ‘Blessingway Ceremony’
We believe a balanced combination of education, body preparation and self-empowerment allows a woman, her partner and support people to embrace and respond to any journey of childbirth that may transpire. It is this joining of body, mind and spirit that will take place during the weekend.
A healthy baby is one happy outcome of childbirth; a mother's personal satisfaction with her birth experience is equally vital for a healthy post-natal period for mother, baby and the whole family.
Ultimately, our intention is to support you on your personal journey of discovery.
To find serenity, grace and to realise the choices that are available for you and your baby. You will leave feeling celebrated and acknowledged with a clear understanding of what you personally need to birth joyfully.
Give to your self and your baby! Join us for the "Celebration of Birth" weekend - price includes all sessions and a delicious healthy lunch each day - $250 for you or $395 with your partner. (Your partner may be the father or a friend/support person/mother etc)
For a detailed information package on the retreat that interests you email us at anna@celebrationofbirth.com with your contact details or phone us on 02 6684 4429
Byron Bay has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets - from luxury beach houses to hinterland hideaways - visit www.byronbayguide.com.au or www.byronbayaccomm.net for a comprehensive range of what's available.
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OUR RETREAT PROGRAM
The following program provides you with a taste of some of the facilities and activities available at our retreats. For a comprehensive program and menu, we ask that you request the detailed information package that we will email or post to you.
Our one to seven day personalised programs are held at our Healing Centre or, if you prefer, can be brought to you at your own accommodation.
GROUP SESSIONS AT OUR CELEBRATION OF BIRTH WEEKENDS
Here is an outline of some of the sessions that may be included in the weekend, program may vary to suit Group needs.
 PREGNANCY YOGA AND MEDITATION
Pregnancy is a time in a woman's life when you want to feel most connected to your body. With your baby in mind, you can feel stronger and more relaxed, both physically and mentally. Yoga is the perfect way to achieve this because it can be incorporated not just into a fitness program, but also into your daily life. Yoga helps you increase your energy, circulation and helps to open up the pelvis.
In these classes, through gentle stretching and breathing, you can learn how to move your body gently helping you to find good positions for childbirth. Yoga is equally important for men as it really connects you to your body and spirit. The meditation session following the yoga will help you to focus on your inward journey, allowing your to use breath as a powerful tool for healing and relaxation, letting go of any fear and anxiety. You will leave pre-natal yoga and meditation in a state of deep relaxation and joy.
 BELLY DANCING
Some Arab women traditionally belly dance in labour. The movement of your belly and body with this dance form is ideal as a natural birthing technique. Physically, it can help your baby to move gently through the pelvis. For your own empowerment, dancing is a powerful way to feel some physical control and spiritual ecstasy during the birthing process. This introductory class will help you explore the roots of belly dancing as a useful and joyful tool for your birthing. It's a lot of fun too!
 BELLY PAINTING
Belly Painting is a way to celebrate your pregnancy body, feel luscious and have a lot of fun! Together, we create a mandala for you and your baby or simply have fun creating a beautiful design in your favourite colours. Bring your camera as this session is a lot of fun and a great way to rejoice, celebrate and remember your beautiful pregnant body.
BIRTH STORIES
'Birth stories' are woven throughout the whole all weekend with the option of viewing our inspiring birth videos that will take you on a profound journey through the ecstasy and intensity of pregnancy, labour, birth and bonding.
CREATING A BIRTH PLAN
In this session, you have an opportunity to create your own birth plan. You will explore your birthing options and establish a clear blueprint for your birth. Done alone, with your partner or support team, this exercise serves to create a shared understanding and vision for all players involved. Our midwife has over 20 years of experience with hospital, birth centre, cesarean, waterbirth and homebirth, allowing her to support you with the information and advice you may be craving for the birth you desire.
No two births are the same, however, the physiology of natural birth is a blueprint that can be protected, enhanced and encouraged. Knowing what options are available to you can make a difference to possible birth outcomes and subsequently affect how you may feel about your birth experience, your baby and yourself as a mother. In this humorous and informative session, we explore the importance of non-biased information and how we can make informed choices about our bodies, which can lead to empowerment through any birth option.
There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and continue the discussion over supper and around the fireplace in winter or on the verandah in summer.
DEVELOPING STRONG INNER GUIDANCE
This group session supports you to look at ways that you can access, develop and utilise your own wisdom during the pregnancy and the birth. You will participate in visualisations that connect you with your baby as well as finding inner guidance for issues that you are facing relating to the pregnancy and birth.
 EMPOWERING YOU
In this session, Mother, pregnancy support person, CEO of Nature's Child, and retreat host, Jannine Barron focuses on your central and active role in pregnancy, birth and post birth. Together, we will explore the idea of 'inner guidance' and 'outer guidance'. Outer guidance is collecting knowledge of our bodies, birth options and the birth process. We look at where this information comes from and how it influences our ideas about birth. Inner guidance involves trusting our intuition and learning techniques that can enhance this vital process. Together, the balance of these two brings us a harmonious preparation.
Whether you need some massage, sleep, relaxation or healing, Byron Pregnancy Retreat can help you.
photo by Katrina Folkwell
TOP TIP!
Invite your midwife or childbirth educator to your house for the day to have chance to focus on your birth plan in a relaxing environment. Make a day of it, invite your support people, your doula and friends who have birthed before. You will learn so much from the day and feel more empowered as your approach the birth.
 GIFT VOUCHER
Select any value of your choice from $75 for one session or any amount in between that will assist with costs for your friend attending a Byron Pregnancy retreat. Phone 66855780 to order or post us a cheque to Byron Pregnancy Retreat, PO BOX 1040, Byron Bay, NSW 2481, with your details and your friends name.
MENU OF PAMPERING AND HEALING
Choose any of these sessions from our menu if you:
- want to add some extra treats to your group program with us.
- wish to create a personal retreat in Byron Bay at a time that suits you
- are coming to Byron Bay and simply wish to have a pregnancy massage or other sessions from this menu while you are here without the group retreat. You come to us, or we'll come to you.
CHOOSE FROM ONE OF OUR THREE MENU'S
- PREGNANCY PAMPER
- HEALING AND SUPPORT
- BODY CELEBRATION
PREGNANCY PAMPER
In pregnancy, your body needs a lot of attention as your baby grows and in your preparation for childbirth. A pamper session will help to relax and comfort you as well as releasing aches and pains. Do something that just makes you feel special!
Wanting to take more time to relax and go within? A pregnancy massage is a perfect way to reduce stress and promote general wellbeing. During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes, some of them stressful and uncomfortable. The intention in a pregnancy massage is to support and nurture both you and baby. Focussing on your utmost care and comfort, you and your baby will be enveloped with nurturing touch. You may wish to combine your massage with a mini facial or spiritual healing. Massage for partners and support people are also available.
In this session your birth support person will learn to massage you the 'right way'. You will be introduced to pregnancy specific techniques, oils and creams and ways to relieve common backaches and body pains. Your partner will be guided to connect with the baby in utero and the mother and will learn a technique that can be used in labour. This fun and interactive session will leave you feeling informed and relaxed.
Needing to take the weight off your feet? In this session you will experience a unique and powerful therapeutic massage while floating in a pool of warm water, 35C. Supported by the practitioner, you will have the experience of freeing your body from the weight of childbearing. Weightlessness is experienced as a welcomed relief, felt in your muscles and joints easing the general aches and pains of childbearing. An oceanic bodywork session supports a deep inner space of meaningful, even soulful, silent meeting with your baby. For this session you will be driven to a local heated pool. Bring a bathing suit and towel. Also available to partners and support people.
Rejuvenate your hands or feet in this exquisite treatment. We start with a nail clip and file...then a scrub with sea salt, poppy seeds, almond oil and essential oil ... followed by a special cuticle treatment involving pushing back, clipping and massaging your cuticles in oil...then we apply an aloe Vera mask ...a steam...a head massage while you wait...hot towels...hand/foot and arm/leg massage ...finishing with a polish (French if desired)...mmm
This facial will take you into another dimension, with a gentle cream cleanse, a mild exfoliation, then massaged with aromatic oils, and removed with hot towels. A plant extract or aromatherapy mask will be applied while your hands and feet are massaged. Followed by rejuvenating skin toner and moisturiser. The journey will be finished with a stimulating scalp massage.
HEALING AND SUPPORT
Being pregnant and facing the prospect of birthing your baby can bring up a lot of questions, issues or even fears. A pregnancy support session can help you to explore and address those issues making way for clarity and a more positive outlook on the birth. Creativity, sacred space and surrender to the unknown are often awakened and necessary during pregnancy.
Energy healing through pregnancy offers a powerful and nurturing way to help you adjust to the changes your body is undergoing. Energy healing helps your changing body deal with the minor and major complications of pregnancy eg exhaustion, heartburn, morning sickness and hypertension. At the same time it can assist with balancing the emotions, bringing calmness into your life. Once energy blocks are cleared, energy flows unhindered through to your baby, bringing a heightened connection enabling you to love and know your baby before birth.
Hypnobirthing is based on the belief that when a mother is prepared physically, mentally and emotionally, she can experience birth in a calm, comfortable and joyful way. Explore natural ways to remove fear, tension and fatigue during childbirth. This personal session with a qualified practitioner is an introduction to the Hypnobirthing programme.
Confused by contradictory birth information or unsure about where to give birth? A personal session with a childbirth educator is like a counselling session. You get to talk about your concerns and ask questions about specific issues around birth including anatomy, pain management, birthing techniques and choices, coping with lifestyle changes, breastfeeding and caring for your baby. Niggling worries or upsets can usually be resolved by educating yourself and a personal session means the focus is completely on you. Hospital, birth centre and homebirth practices can be explained and our educator can assist you to find a supportive network in your local area once you return home, or provide continued care from a distance.
'Birthing the Spirit' sessions create a safe, nurturing space to enhance the spiritual essence of conscious pregnancy and birth. Using the 'Birthing the Spirit' cards a deeper connection with your baby and your inner wisdom for giving birth is encouraged and supported. Every pregnancy is a unique and individual experience, from the discovery of conception to the labour and birth. In this session, you can explore the different options for birth from a spiritual perspective and gain clarity on the right choices for you and your baby. The session incorporates vibrational healing to assist with the gentle release of fears, clearing the pathway to becoming a parent with confidence and joy.
The journey of pregnancy can be joyful and exciting; it can also be a time of enhanced emotions and reflection on your own birth and early childhood years. On a deep, subconscious level we can remember our own time in the womb and the experience of our own birth. From the moment of conception we begin to learn patterns of behavior from our family of origin. This session combines counseling and vibrational healing tools to help you identify those family patterns that are no longer appropriate in your life, supporting you to release these before giving birth to your own baby. This is also an opportunity to heal any trauma from your own birth and to approach labour with a clear vision.
Have a session with a naturopath who specialises in women's health and infant care. During this personal consultation you will explore natural remedies that can be used during pregnancy and throughout labour. Deal with discomforts and receive good dietry advice. Dietary considerations for breastfeeding mothers an remedies to aid a quick and comfortable birth recovery will also be covered. The outcome of the naturopathic session will be to create a natural birthing kit designed for your unique experience of labour and motherhood.
Are you feeling worried, uncertain or unclear? A life reading can assist you to gain insight into core issues impacting on your life and your pregnancy, which may currently feel foggy and surrounded by doubt. During a life reading, the practitioner serves as a connection between you and your higher guidance. You may ask questions that are relevant to your life and pregnancy right now and whatever arises on a psychic level is communicated. You are supported to: become more aware of underlying life patterns; explore and make clear decisions; and identify possibilities and direction for the future.
A tarot reading can assist you to gain insight into issues impacting on your life and your pregnancy. During a tarot reading, you select cards that are laid out in a formation that tells a story about who you are, your and your life purpose. You may ask questions that are relevant to your life and pregnancy right now and whatever arises on a psychic level is communicated. A tarot reading can help you resolve issues and make clear decisions affecting your future.
Feeling emotional blocks around your pregnancy and birth? This profound process will support you to access the root cause of the emotional distress. Using a guided visualisation process, called The Journey you will be supported to go deep within, accessing the wisdom of the body and its ability to restore and heal even the deepest wounds. Once the disturbing emotional patterns are released, and you have re-connected with your source, healing can happen spontaneously. The release of these old cellular memories can leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and at ease
Are you having difficulty relaxing and finding peace? In a session with a meditation practitioner, you will be supported to find deep inner stillness through meditation. Using simple techniques you will be guided to find the right approach for you. Deep relaxation, an inner connection with your baby, and a feeling of trust and acceptance are just some of the benefits of meditation. It is also in this stillness that inner wisdom can be heard.
BODY CELEBRATION
 Belly Casting
Want a life size memento of your pregnancy? Belly Casts - are a great way to celebrate your pregnancy, are a first imprint of your unborn child and a way to create a keepsake of your journey to motherhood. Ideally done in later pregnancy, casting is a gentle and relaxing process in which layers of plaster bandage are applied to your belly. A cast can be made in less then an hour and is like a second skin peeled off for drying. Or as a couple you may wish to have your partner create your cast with guidance.
click here to go to belly casting shopping page
 Belly Painting
Craving a sacred initiation? In many older cultures, body painting and decoration has been a strong part of celebration, ceremony and initiation. Belly Painting is a modern derivative of this tradition. In this session you will experience joy, creativity and playfulness as you surrender your belly as a living canvas for artistic expression. Special Non-Toxic Australian made body paints are used to sponge, draw and paint your belly.
Throughout Asia and the Middle East, women have decorated their bodies with this natural plant dye for centuries. In this session, our Henna Artist will decorate your hands, or feet or belly with words and intricate, decorative patterns that will tattoo on your body, leaving a lasting memory for many weeks.
Looking to capture you pregnancy experience forever? In this extended photo session with our professional pregnancy photographer you will explore your relationship to your unborn baby and beautiful pregnant body through the eye of the camera. You may wish to do this as a group photo shoot, involving everyone at the retreat or just focus on yourself. Choose to use the beach, or the bush as your backdrop or use an indoor setting at your accommodation. The photographic session fee includes film, development printing and postage costs. A proof sheet will be sent to you after the retreat and you will have the choice of a series of larger photographs which w will be presented to you in a memorable album.
 Would you like to attend the Byron Pregnancy Retreat?
We can send you a full program, menu of activities and registration form
For a detailed information package on the retreat that interests you email us at info@spiritway.com.au with your contact details or phone us on 02 6684 4429
International enquiries welcome
The Byron Pregnancy Retreat is proudly brought to you by Retreat Hosts:
Jannine Barron - Nature's Child
Susan Basser - Byron Renewal
TRAVEL
Byron Bay is located in Northern NSW, Australia. It is well known as a centre of healing and natural beauty.
You can travel to Byron Bay by car, train, bus or air. For more information on your options, go to www.byron-bay.com/byronbay/gettingthere.html For those finding their way to Byron Bay, we will arrange a transfer from the centre of town to the retreat centre.
You can fly into Ballina airport or the Gold Coast airport at Coolangatta. For flights to Ballina, contact Qantas or Regional Express. For flights to Coolangatta, contact Virgin or Qantas. It is best to book early and via the internet for the best prices.
1. QANTAS - http://www.qantas.com.au/
2. REGIONAL EXPRESS- www.regionalexpress.com.au
3. VIRGIN BLUE - http://www.virginblue.com.au/
We will provide transfers to and from Ballina Airport at given times (TBA) You can arrange your own transfers to and from Coolangatta airport by calling:
1. Airlink Byron Bay Airbus 02 6684 3232.
2. Airporter 0414 608 660,
3. Airport passenger transfers (07) 5522 8087,
4. Byron Bay International 02 6685 7447,
5. Coolangatta/Tweed Tours & Transfers 07 5590 4428
click Here to Read Women's Birth Stories
click here to learn how to create a blessing way!
" bringing a baby into the world is a sacred experience, make time to be prepared "
GOOD IDEA!
If you don't have the time or money to attend our group retreats, take some ideas from the above sessions and create your own retreat at your house one weekend soon! Instead of a baby shower, organize a total pampering day for yourself and your baby. Include your partner too, s/he is part of your birth support team and the more involved they are, the more prepared you will both feel when the day arrives.
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