Whole Birth Yoga Classes bring together elements of hatha yoga postures, meditation, self inquiry, and group support adapted to engage women in developing their own authentic understanding and trust in the birth process. Whole Birth Yoga Instructors provide a warm and open environment for women to support one another and to inquire together as to what it means to be bringing life into the world.

Whole Birth Yoga is rooted in the foundation of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a way of being fully present in our lives that cultivates self-understanding, acceptance, compassion and wisdom. Mindfulness practice is non-secular, does not conflict with any belief or religion, nor does it necessitate adherence to a new ideology or belief system. Those interested in attending this training should be prepared to commit to an ongoing daily practice of mindfulness meditation.

Doulas, Labor and Delivery Nurses, Childbirth Educators, and Midwives can empower their patients/clients with new and effective tools for coping with labor and skillful ways to enhance their comfort in pregnancy. Whole Birth Yoga Classes also create and strengthen a needed sense of community and friendship among the participants and a forum for discussing issues pertinent to pregnancy, birth and family making. This training will also provide a rich understanding of the body/mind dynamics of the childbearing year and how to encourage a woman's trust in her own resources for birth and mothering.

There is currently a growing demand for prenatal yoga classes taught by qualified instructors. As yoga has entered the mainstream of healthy activities, pregnant women, both in the United States and internationally are finding that yoga is a perfect match for their perinatal fitness needs. Yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and balance without overexertion. With it's emphasis on relaxation and body and breath awareness it dovetails nicely into childbirth preparation as well.

The Whole Birth™ Yoga Teacher Training course includes a balance of experiential and didactic learning. Topics will include:

• The Body/Mind Dynamics of the Childbearing Year
• Anatomy and Physiology for Prenatal Yoga
• Teaching pain management yoga skills for labor
• Group Facilitation Skills
• Themes for Group Inquiry
• Teaching from the Heart
• Teaching from the Body
• Teaching in the Moment - Mindfulness-Based Education
• Yoga Postures for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum
• Poses to avoid & poses to suggest for specific symptoms

There will be time each day to observe Robin teaching a class to pregnant women and for participants to practice giving instruction as well.

This training is being held at a lovely retreat home on a lake. There is lodging available at varying rates depending on the room. They will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. Also, because our meeting room here is smaller than usual, we are limiting this training to 12 participants.

Payment Schedule

A deposit of ($250.00) is due upon commitment to attend the training. This will hold your place in the training that is limited to 12 women.

The full amount for the training of $500.00 is due by Sept. 9, 2002.

A late registration fee of $50.00 (for a total of $550.00) is assessed if the complete balance is received later than Sept. 9. A non-refundable cancellation fee of $25.00 is charged up until Sept. 9th, after which time the deposit of $250.00 is non-refundable. A materials fee of $50.00 is payable at the training. See materials listed above. Please make checks payable to Whole Birth Resources.

Send payment and registration to:

Whole Birth Resources
600 Graham Hill Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Directions to the training will be mailed or emailed upon receiving payment. For hotel lodging information and for general information please contact: Whole Birth Resources at wholebirth@earthlink.net or call 831 425 7731