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Journey to Mother

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This was me...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On my pregnancy journey, feeling like a foreigner in my own body, battling pregnancy symptoms ranging from all-day nausea (even being sick in the dunes at Shelly Beach) to lightning crotch (yah, that’s a thing). Having recently moved to the Central Coast, I found myself completely void of a support network, feeling pretty nervous, entirely unprepared for the Bubba I had dreamed of, and of course, bloody excited!

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What could have really helped me at that time? A group of other expecting Mamas in the same boat. Connection. Validation. A sense of belonging.

 

We were never meant to do this alone. It takes a village, right? Start building your village here.

 

Look no further, Mama, I got you. Welcome to your Journey to Mother—a four-week series of intimate gatherings for you to meet other Mamas on the journey, not only to connect but to learn valuable things along the way, setting you up for ease and joy in the fourth trimester and beyond.

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Find Your Village

Each gathering is dedicated to a different facet of this wild journey, from the experiences in pregnancy, to navigating new parenthood with your partner, to the profound moments of cradling your little one in your arms.

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Week 1: Pregnancy Symptom Support

From the tiniest poppy seed beginnings to a bulging belly, let's unravel the less talked-about aspects of pregnancy. Every Mama’s journey is different, every pregnancy is different. For me, I experienced every symptom under the sun, was very focused on the birth experience, and was watching a lot of “Day in the Life of a Newborn” vlogs as I had no idea what to expect. This gathering is an opportunity for you to share your discomforts, your fears, and your joys with others who are treading a similar path. This is where the journey unfolds, and your village of understanding and support begins to form.

 

Resources:

• Meditations crafted to alleviate common pregnancy symptoms, spanning from nausea to insomnia, will be provided. Additional practices are geared towards calming the nervous system, fostering confidence and tranquillity as you approach this next chapter of your life. Specific meditations will also be available to aid in connecting with your little one growing inside.

• Techniques for regulating the nervous system.

• Ideas for incorporating simple and safe movement.

• Local clinician guide to help support you through your pregnancy.

• 42-week step-by-step checklist with everything from appointments and milestones, to registering for day cares, to when to plan your baby shower!

 

Week 2: Birth Intentions

Intentions allow us to visualise and get clear on what kind of birth we want to experience with our Bubba while leaving room for something even better than we could have imagined. For those fearful about birth, this gathering will hold space for you to safely explore any vulnerabilities so that you can move forward not only calm but ready. Whether it's your first time or you've danced this dance before, we’ll create a safe space to explore your desires about birth, your negotiables and non-negotiables, your fears, opportunities to repair, safeguards to mitigate trauma and learn how to lean into the unexpected beauty of childbirth.

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Resources:

• Meditations: These sessions will assist in preparing your mind for delivery, fostering feelings of safety, security, flexibility, and trust in the face of the unknown elements of childbirth.

• Birth Intentions Template: If you already have a birth plan, fantastic! Your Birth Intentions can support this or you may choose to offer it as your primary guide for clinicians.

• Hospital Bag Checklist: Whether you're preparing for a hospital birth, caesarean, or home birth, having a well-prepared go-bag ensures peace of mind and keeps your partner less flustered when it's go time.

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Week 3: Postpartum Prep

Okay, so I did not understand what the fourth trimester was going to ask of me, and Mamas, this is the gathering to get prepped! So much focus is placed on the birth, but this period is vital to your health and the health of your sweet pea. We'll talk about the real challenges – both physical and emotional – that lie ahead. Dive into practical tips, emotional well-being, and the absolute necessity of building a robust support network. This is where honesty meets courage, and we navigate the unfiltered reality of what postpartum truly entails.

 

Resources:

• Meditations: Various meditation practices are available to strengthen your intuition during those early parenting days. Some are designed to aid in rest, recognising that sleeping when the baby sleeps isn't always possible. Additionally, there's a meditation practice to help you carve out time to fill up that cup of yours.

• Support Network: Receive tips on optimising your support networks, learn about setting boundaries with family and friends during the early days, and discover logistical planning strategies. These preparations not only alleviate immediate pressures but also create space for healing and connection.

• Epic Postpartum Checklist: This comprehensive checklist covers essentials for you, your baby, and your partner.

• First-Year for Your Baby: Everything your baby might need in the first year, from a child seat to bibs. (Pro tip: This list is exceptionally useful for a baby shower registry.)

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Week 4: Relationship Readiness

Bring your fella/lady to this one, Mamas! By this point, you’ve made some wonderful connections, so why not bring your partner in on the fun while setting yourself up to not just survive the first year of parenting but give yourself the opportunity to be stronger. According to a study presented by John Gottman, about 67% of couples see their marital satisfaction plummet after having their first baby. Do not fear! Setting some safety nets up, planning, and having strategies for relationships robustness that you are practiced in will put you leaps and bounds ahead.

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Resources:

• Connected Meditations: Meditations you can do together fostering a profound sense of connection and reminding you that you're a team and have each other’s backs.

• Partner Preparedness: A resource aimed at equipping the non-birthing partner with an understanding of the significant expectations placed on the birthing partner during the first year of the Bub's life. The non-birthing partner is encouraged to take an active role, not only by providing substantial support but also by initiating protective actions to safeguard both Mum and Bub.

• Communication Strategies: Strategies to practice and lean into when things get tricky after strains like sleep deprivation are taking their toll. Guides for non-violent communication, how to get your needs met and practical domestic planning. These communication tools aim to strengthen your partnership and enhance your ability to overcome various obstacles together.

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The resources offered in these gatherings are a blend of meditation therapy, holistic counselling, and life coaching. Epiphany is a trained meditation therapist on the Central Coast, and these resources are evidence-based.

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Event Details:

Four-week series of intimate gatherings, Journey to Mother. 

Dates: Four Sunday's | 10:00am-12:00pm - Next Intake March 17th.

Location: The Landing Space.

Time: 10:00-12:00am

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What to Bring:

Water, notebook, (bolsters, mats are provided).

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Whether you're at the poppy seed stage or feeling the weight of a watermelon, this is your safe haven. Get ready to find your village, embrace the messiness, and discover the profound wild beauty of motherhood.

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Learn more about Epiphany below…