Pregnancy is a deeply transformative time. It is a time of profound physiological change, as well as psychological, emotional, and spiritual movement. Wisdom and information regarding the prenatal experience is not as pervasive or readily available as one would expect and, in many parts of the world, pregnancy and birth have become mostly medical events. Our bodies, however, hold a profound amount of innate wisdom to help guide us through this time of great transformation. While the changes emerge, many pregnant people may experience physical discomfort, emotional shifts, periods of overwhelm, and identity questions that need acknowledgement. Healthy coping mechanisms and skills are vital to a healthful pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Yoga as a tool for pregnancy and birth allows one to connect with the intuitive voice within. It provides appropriate and balanced movement and exercise for the body that helps to support better posture and uninhibited circulation during pregnancy. Prenatal yoga addresses many of the common symptoms of pregnancy–lower back pain, swelling, pelvic discomfort, feelings of anxiety, etc. Through pranayama (breathing techniques), one begins to focus inward, calm the mind, and develop tools that will help between contractions during labor and in birth. Prenatal yoga also provides a sacred time to connect with oneself and one’s baby, building that connection and confidence in oneself and with one’s child that will set a beautiful foundation for postpartum life and life in general.
We lead this retreat in order to empower pregnant people and offer techniques, skills, and space for the pregnant experience. We hope to supply our students with knowledge and tools that they can make use of in their own lives to make their pregnancies more than a medical event. We hope to create a container within which they may be in tune with the innate creative power within themselves and can sense the spiritual connection that is possible through birth and life creation.
Over the course of three days, we hope to take a look at the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy to empower our students with the knowledge of what is truly happening during the phase of pregnancy in the body, hormonally, physiologically, and energetically. We will practice yoga asana (physical yoga) each day while also learning breathing and meditation techniques to support a more mindful prenatal experience.
YOUR GUIDES
JULIA BIANGO
Qualifications:
500 hour RYT Dharma Yoga
200 hour RYT Vinyasa Yoga
85 hour Registered Prenatal Yoga Teaching Certification Integral Yoga
50+hour of Ayurveda learning
20 hour RYT Gravity Yoga
MERCY MUNGWADZI
Qualifications:
200 hour RYT Integral Yoga
165 hour Raja Yoga Mental Health RYT Integral Yoga
80 hour Stress Management and Yoga Nidra Deep Relaxation RYT Satchidananda Ashram
85 hour Registered Prenatal Yoga Teaching Certification Integral Yoga
SELENA WASHINGTON
Qualifications:
Licensed Social Worker - specializing in Perinatal Mental Health and Maternal Wellness
Certified Postpartum Doula
Reproductive Justice Advocate
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professional
200 hour RYT Integral Yoga
85 hour RYT Prenatal Yoga
LOCATION
The Yoga Room, 1 Hurworth Road, Highlands, Harare
The retreat takes place in the capital city of Harare, specifically in the Highlands in the northeast area of the city, boasting beautiful panoramic views of downtown Harare. The elevated suburb of Highlands provides the peace and quiet for our practice. Tucked away in The Yoga Room studio, we will have a sacred space for learning and growing in our practice.
BENEFITS
LEARNING
Attending seminars centered the benefits of full-birthing spectrum yoga
Accessing local supports for birthing and parenting people
Integrating healthy lifestyle tools for birthing and parenting people (diet, self-care, mental and physical health, support circle
Incorporating traditional Zimbabwean birthing practices
COMMUNITY
Intention Circle
Communal meals
Group yoga practice (including asana, meditation and pranayama)
Being part of a social network of other expectant and birthing people
PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT
Healing the body while rejuvenating mind and spirit
Increasing blood flow and healing + detoxifying oxygen to deeper places in the body
Correcting imbalances in muscle tightness that may be promoting stress
Cleansing the energy flow throughout the body
Creating calm in the body and quiet in the mind
Reducing stress by increasing awareness of the ways in which we store and create tension
SCHEDULE
DAY 1
10:00 Check in
-Refreshments-
11:00 Welcoming Circle/Opening
12:00 Antenatal Workshop with Doula Emma
Break*
13:30 Prenatal Yoga Asana Practice
15:00 Nourish + Workshop: Embracing Power, Strength and Joy in Birth (Intro to the Practice of Yoga in Birthing)
16:15 It Takes a Village: Intention Setting
16:45 Close
DAY 2
8:15 AM (Optional) Pranayama & Meditation
Break
9:00 AM Breakfast Workshop: Demystifying Pregnancy: Tuning in to Our Bodies and Their Processes with Nurse Tarisai
Break
10:15 AM Prenatal Yoga Asana Practice
Break
11:30 AM Stories of Motherhood: Testimonials of Birthing and Beyond with Guest Mothers
Break
12:15 PM Lunch
Break
14:00 PM Befriending Your Nervous System: Pathways to Self Empowerment Through Transformation in Pregnancy and Motherhood with Yoga Therapist Robyn
15:00 PM Close
DAY 3
8:30 AM Prenatal Yoga Asana Practice (Focusing on Partner Work)
9:30 AM Breakfast Workshop: An Exploration of Traditional Zimbabwean Birthing Practices
Break
10:45 AM Portraiture: Capturing Shakti
Break
11:30 AM Partners Nervous System Workshop: Techniques to Feel Safe and Connected in a Partnership Throughout the Journey of Parenthood with Yoga Therapist Robyn
12:30 PM Lunch
Break
13:45 PM Closing circle + Cacao Ceremony & Puja
15:00 PM Close
*Break times are also opportunities for reflection and journaling
**Subject to change
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Welcome and intention circle
- Three yoga asana classes
- Yoga mat and props
- Daily pranayama and meditation
- Birthing traditions workshop
- Puja Ceremony
- Cacao Medicinal Ceremony
- Free time (for reflection, journaling, etc.)
- Daily nutritious meals
OBSERVANCES
- The retreat will be taught in English.
- No experience required and all levels welcome.
- Please join only if you feel healthy. If you experience any covid-related symptoms prior to arrival, please get tested and let us know. We must ensure a responsible and respectful environment for everyone joining the program.
DISCLAIMER: Before participating in this retreat or any other program of exercise while pregnant, we suggest that you consult with their healthcare provider. This program is in no way intended as a substitute for regular medical care; rather, it is designed as a complement to the prenatal care program prescribed by your healthcare provider.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable clothing
Water bottle
Any cushions, blankets, and your own yoga mat if you’d like
EXCLUSIONS
x Travel costs and insurance
x Accommodation
DONATION-BASED ENROLLMENT
Minimum $20 USD for the entire program
*If you are experiencing financial difficulty but still want to attend, please let us know*
THE RETREAT SPACE
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Upon booking, a 50% down payment is required. You are welcome to pay the entire total upfront or split the outstanding balance into two payments due by OCTOBER 15, 2023 the latest.
PAYMENT DETAILS
For Zimbabwean citizens:
Payments can be made in cash. Please let us know if payments need to be made electronically (ex. Apple Cash or bank transfer)
CANCELLATION POLICY
-If you cancel on or within 60 days prior to the Arrival Date, the Down Payment will be retained by the Organizers and is non-refundable to you.
-If you cancel more than 60 days prior to the Arrival Date, you will be refunded for your down payment minus a $5 USD cancellation fee.
-There will be no refund for cancellations with less than 21 days notice, unless you get tested positive for Covid within 14 days of the retreat start. In this case we offer a full refund. This requires proof of a positive Covid test under your name.
-If you must cancel for any serious pregnancy-related health concern, you may request a refund at our discretion. This requires documentation from your healthcare provider.
If you have any questions, feel free to write us:
ZIMBABWE email: mercy.mungwadzi@gmail.com whatsapp: +263 77 290 6197
USA + abroad: email: julia@juliabiango.com whatsapp: +1 603 809 5176
NAMASTÉ