Byron Pregnancy Retreats

"bringing a baby into the world is a sacred experience, make time to be prepared"

Attending a Byron Pregnancy Retreat is the ultimate pregnancy pampering experience in a creative, relaxed and supportive environment.

It is an opportunity to completely focus on your pregnancy, your body and to connect with your baby with no interruptions.

Often we fit the pregnancy in around work and family; read a book and hopefully attend a few childbirth classes. Then, hope for a great birth.

Byron Pregnancy Retreats offer something more! They are 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.

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. Or you can choose free time to relax, sleep or explore the beautiful beach and bush walks that Byron Bay has to offer.

Some of the delights you may experience at our retreats include:

An abundance of Lush Organic meals
Daily Pre-natal Yoga and Meditation

• Childbirth Information and Planning with Childbirth Educators
• Sharing with other pregnant women and couples
• Pampering Massage and Beauty Treatments
• A menu of pregnancy support sessions to choose from, including hypnobirthing
• Beautiful and relaxing accommodation with access to bush and or beach
• Free time for sleeping, bushwalking and swimming
• Belly Dancing, Drumming and Celebration

At all our retreats, the primary theme is personal empowerment. We believe a balanced combination of education, body preparation, storytelling and self-empowerment allows a woman and her 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 retreat.

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 this retreat feeling celebrated and acknowledged with a clear understanding of what you personally need to birth joyfully. Our luscious food, exercise, massage and meditation program will assist you to maintain a positive program once you return home.

Which of our Retreats is right for you?

WOMEN'S RETREAT

What is it that you really need right now in your pregnancy?

• Want to connect with other pregnant women in a soft and feminine environment?
• Need some time out just for you?
• Are you having your baby without a partner present?
• Want to address any personal issues you have around your pregnancy and birth?
  THEN THE WOMEN’S RETREAT is for you.

COUPLE'S RETREAT

• Not wanting to leave your partner or key support person behindWant an opportunity to really focus on your roles as a couple, in the birth experience?
• Need a shared understanding of the birth options available to you?
• Looking to really celebrate together?
• Want to connect on issues where different opinions have been at play?
  THEN THE COUPLE’S RETREAT is for you.

ONE DAY PREGNANCY PAMPER

• Only have one day to spare and need a top up?
• Need some help to focus on what is important for you, either alone or as a couple.
• Want to build your retreat into existing Byron holiday plans?
• Want to take time to acknowledge yourself and your growing baby with pampering and yoga?
• Want a fun day with other pregnant friends?
  THEN THE ONE DAY PAMPERS are ideal

PERSONALISED PACKAGE

• Want all of the above but in a discreet location where your privacy will completely respected and protected?
• Need a program that caters to your specific needs?
• Have a group of friends who wish to share this journey together?
• Want us to arrange beautiful accommodation for you in an environment of your choosing and bring the retreat to you!
  THEN SELECT THE PERSONALISED PACKAGE

For a detailed information package on the retreat that interests you
email us at pregnancyretreat@natureschild.com.au with your contact details
or phone us Toll Free on 1300 555 632.

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.

ACCOMMODATION
Our women’s and couples retreats are held at Sangsurya, Old Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay. It's an exquisite retreat centre only 5 minutes drive from the town centre and beaches. Sangsurya is set amongst magical rainforest and has stunning ocean views.

Sangsurya provides beautiful bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a large dining/lounge room, swimming pool, bush walking tracks, plus group rooms. All group and most individual sessions are held at the centre.

There is a range of sleeping arrangements, including single, double and triple share rooms. Whatever the combination, each person will have plenty of privacy, provided by the discreet placement of curtains and screens. Couples have their own private room on couple's retreats. All rooms are beautifully appointed with exquisite fabrics, beautiful colours and atmospheric lighting.

Our one day pampers and personalised programs can be brought to you at your own accommodation. Or if required, we can arrange accommodation and venues to suit your needs. We have access to beautiful contemporary accommodation with easy access to the beach.

If you would like to arrange your own accommodation or would like to extend your stay in Byron, go to www.byron-bay.com/ or check on our Family Accommodation Page on this web site.

MEALS

In acknowledgement of the special dietary needs of pregnant women, we have had our menu designed by a specialist nutritionist in collaboration with our chef.

At the women’s and couples retreat, you will receive six meals over the day including: breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper. All meals will be nutritionally balanced and made from organic food, where available. The same is available for personalised retreats if required.

Our one day pamper includes a similarly, organic, balanced and delicious brunch.

All special needs will be catered to and we invite you to indicate your needs on the registration form.

TRAVEL

There are many ways to travel to Byron Bay: 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

GROUP SESSIONS AT ALL PREGNANCY RETREATS

Birth Preparation exercises

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 – for Women

Some Arab women traditionally belly dance in labour. The movement of the 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!

DRUMMING – for Men

Drumming is an ancient art form traditionally performed by men. It is a powerful way to understand the importance of rhythm, breath and dance. A man has many roles in childbirth but one of the most important roles is support of the birthing woman and ensuring a safe environment for mother and child. Drumming is a wonderful way to connect with your inner rhythm and therefore the fundamental rhythm of your baby and partner, affirming trust with each other and enabling you to respond to any situations that may arise.

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.

CREATING A BIRTH PLAN
In this session, you have an opportunity to create your own birth plan. You will explore options and establish a clear blueprint for your birth. Done with your partner or support team, this exercise serves to create a shared understanding and vision for all players involved.

BLESSING WAY
This is a ceremony and celebration. It is a place for deep acknowledgement of the intention for the birth, for the pregnant woman and for the support team (if present). Some simple and profound rites are enacted to invoke support, love and unity for the birth.

Speakers

We have available, specialised childbirth educators to come and inspire you with their experiences, stories and empowering approaches to pregnancy and childbirth. 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.

Empowering you
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.

Planning for birth
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 effect how you may feel about your experience, your baby and yourself as a mother. In this humorous and informative session, midwife, Anne Bernauer explores 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.

'Birth stories' is an audiovisual slide show that will take you on a profound journey through the ecstasy and intensity of pregnancy, labour, birth and bonding. A profoundly touching experience. There are many birth stories woven throughout the whole weekend.

INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
HERE IS A SAMPLE OF TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FROM OUR MENU

Pregnancy Massage
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.

Oceanic Bodywork
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.

Childbirth educator
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.

Hypnobirthing session
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.

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.

Photo shoot
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 and printing costs. A proof sheet will be sent to you after the retreat and you will have the choice of a series of 14 ~ 5x7inch b&w or colour prints

Would you like to attend the Byron Pregnancy Retreat?

We can send you a full program, menu of activities and registration form
for the type of retreats that interests you
email us at pregnancyretreat@natureschild.com.au
with your contact details
or phone us Toll Free on 1300 555 632.

International enquiries welcome

The Byron Pregnancy Retreat is proudly brought to you by
Retreat Hosts
Jannine Barron - Nature's Child
Susan Basser - Byron Renewal

Click Here to Read Women's Birth Stories

" bringing a baby into the world is a sacred experience, make time to be prepared