Creative Birth Programme - starts September 2017

[creativebirth]

CREATIVE BIRTH, September - December 2017

A programme of four interdisciplinary workshops, taking place over a four month period, hosted by Zen Yoga?s Prenatal Yoga & Pilates teachers, artists, and local midwife. The programme includes yoga, dance, creative writing, food and craft to support your preparation for pregnancy, birth and mothering. No previous experience needed.

?180 for the full programme of 4 workshops at Zen Yoga, Camberwell, SE5 / [email protected]

BODY, 9th September, 4-7pm

An exploration of the remarkable changes your body undergoes during pregnancy through dance, yoga and drawing. This first workshop in the programme connects you to your body through conscious movement, breathwork, self-massage, and meditation. The use of these powerful practices draws the awareness inwards - encouraging you to explore the subtleties of the physical body and the effect the mind has on its functions. Learn how hormonal and physiological changes support the growth of your baby and how best to alleviate common pregnancy ailments through exercise, and postural considerations, as well as an understanding your pelvic anatomy through drawing with guest artist Helen Sargeant.

MILK, 7th October, 4-7pm

Explore perceptions of breastfeeding in our culture and how to empower your feeding choices with midwife Laura. Through a physical practice incorporating Womb Yoga and Well Woman Yoga Therapy, explore mantra (sound) and mudra (hand gestures) to connect to the cyclical rhythms of both your own, and the wider, nature. Chef Hannah will also be on site with recipes and nutritional information on how best to support & nourish yourself in the early weeks and months post partum. This session will also include vegetarian (or vegan) meal, designed by Hannah to support breast milk production, to be shared as group or as a takeaway.

BIRTH, 11th November, 4-7pm

Guest writer Eleanor joins for a creative writing session providing you the tools to envision, plan and adapt to decisions that will present during labour. We'll hold a safe space for everyone to discuss birth in an informal woman's circle setting, as well as exploring the use of movement and sounding during your labour. Birth partners are invited to join later on for some gentle partner yoga, as well as explore various birthing positions and breathing practices together.

MOTHERING, 2nd December, 4-7pm

Restorative yoga and a deep meditative Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) practice will close the four month programme; encouraging time out and self care throughout your pregnancy and preparation for mothering. Guest artist Fran leads a session on quilting alongside discussion on becoming a mother and the various meanings of Mothering: culturally, intuitively and socially. There will be time for sharing and feedback before we part, and an (optional) follow up gathering in February to meet the babies and continue the support of the network of mothers we?ve created together.

ABOUT CREATIVE BIRTH PROGRAMME:

Creative Birth Programme is a collaborative initiative devised by four south-east London women from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. The programme combines their multidisciplinary practices to produce a holistic and informative approach to prenatal support and women's wellbeing.

Workshop leaders: Corinne Allsopp (prenatal yoga instructor), Claire Horton (yoga instructor and arts producer) , Simone Muller (contemporary dancer and pilates instructor), Laura Godfrey-Isaacs (artist & midwife).

Guest artists: Fran Burden (artist), Eleanor Margolies (writer & poet), Helen Sargeant (artist)

For full bios and programme info, visit the Creative Birth Programme facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/creativebirthprogramme

Bookings via Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-birth-programme-tickets-35123405050