A relaxing and nurturing weekend retreat for pregnant women and their babies in utero within the beautiful surroundings of Croydon Hall, Somerset Friday 16th - Sunday 18th March 2012

“The weekend gave me a real boost in my confidence to be a mother in the way that works for me. I also (still) feel strongly that women need support like this – I will be spreading the word” - Layla 

Join prenatal yoga teacher and pregnancy, birth and parenting educator Laura Gilmore for a nurturing and inspiring weekend of yoga, relaxation,stillness, time for sharing and creative exploration of the pregnancy journey.  Plus! Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic pregnancy massage with Marinella Benelli.

With the depth of her experience Laura is able to help women feel more comfortable in their bodies and minds during pregnancy, encouraging them to share and celebrate their journey through pregnancy, as well as recognising and helping them to release fears and anxieties about birth and motherhood during this time of transition and life change.

 “Weekend felt “just right” and seemed to be well thought through with plenty of flexibility based on what came up through the group" - Sarah

The Venue Embraced by the rolling hills of Somerset and with sweeping views across Exmoor, Croydon Hall combines country house grandeur with welcoming hospitality and accommodation. It is a place where you will feel truly nurtured and nourished, with delicious and nutritious meals catering to all diets, a heated open-air pool, and gentle strolls or longer walks on your door step. Many of the warm, friendly staff live at Croydon Hall as part of a community and take care of their guests as if they were inviting them into their own home. The comfort and relaxing atmosphere of the venue provides the opportunity for coming together with other pregnant women, as well as finding time for quiet, peace and solitude as you wish.

"The tuition was excellent – and came from the heart. Loved the style of Laura’s Yoga practice. Pelvic work and birthing tips extremely helpful” - Joy

The practice
Laura Gilmore has taught yoga for more than 10 years and practiced for more than 20. Throughout her pregnancy and postnatalperiod with her son Madoc, Laura found her yoga practice to be invaluable in helping her balance and manage the new challenges; and in the stillness available through the yoga to celebrate the joys. It is her hope and pleasure to share this work with women during pregnancy and beyond. She has qualifications from Yoga Alliance, Birthlight, and Sitaram Yoga in Hatha yoga, pregnancy yoga, postnatal yoga and family yoga- for parents and young children together. She is also an experienced meditator and enjoys sharing work with "maitri"- kindness to oneself and "metta bhavana" loving kindness. 

Massage available with Marinella Benelli discovered the Ayurvedic way of living while travelling throughout Northern India at the end of 2008 and embarked on a new journey to become an Ayurvedic massage therapist. As a holistic medical system Ayurveda puts emphasis on both emotional and physical caring practices for the pregnant mother and her unborn child. She has recently qualified in pregnancy yoga and feels her lifes work is with pregnant and postnatal women.  

 

Booking

Cost for the weekend is £325 sharing or £425 single accommodation (does not include transport or massage)

If you prefer to transfer funds via BACS (no fee) contact us for account details

Or send a cheque made out to Laura Gilmore for the full amount to "Celebration pregnancy", Bristol City Yoga, 16 Backfields Lane, Bristol BS2
8QW. 

"Accommodation was Clean, cosy and comfy. Quiet and peaceful, plenty of pillows!"

"Excellent food and lots of it – very impressed. Lots of variety and flexibility. Loved it!"

The schedule

Croydon Hall

4.30pm Arrive, cup of tea, welcome, settling in
5.30-7.00pm Yoga
7.00pm Supper
8.00pm Intro to weekend and each other
8.45-915pm Mummy-baby mini meditation/ relaxation!
Then Bed!

Saturday
8.30 Breakfast
9.30-11.30 Sharing circle & Yoga
11.30-1.00 Massage &/or walk/ rest
2.00-4.00 Massage &/ or walk/ rest
4.00 Tea
4.30pm-5.30pm Ayurveda for Mum & Baby
5.30-7.00pm Yoga
7.00pm Supper
8.00pm-8.45 The pregnancy journey- exploration of emotions & preparation for baby (babies)
8.45-9.15pm relaxation- preparing for sleep
Then bed!

Sunday
8.30 Breakfast
9.30-11.30 Yoga and relaxation
11.30-1pm Massage or walk
1pm Lunch
2pm Sharing circle & Closing session
245pm Walk or Massage or head home
4pm tea available

"The weekends schedule was well timed, taking in to account our feelings and energy levels. The variety of activities was good too - spacious enough unrushed but in depth enough so it felt like good value. They struck a very good balance.”

"The teaching was excellent. Well considered and clear. Having 2 people who clearly know each other worked well. I felt safe and secure and got some excellent tips. Felt they went the “extra mile”