Workshops

Certificate Programs for Professionals Working with Maternity Clients

Examples of groups who have requested specially designed, half day to multiple day trainings include:

Obstetrical Nurses and Doctors conference
Nurse conferences
Massage Therapists conferences
Doula groups
Birth Awareness groups
Midwife groups
Yoga groups and conferences
Childbirth Educator groups
Perinatal Nurses groups
Corporate groups

The following professional trainings and credentialed courses are offered in cities throughout Canada and abroad. Contact: motherwellness@hotmail.com

MOTHER AND BABY WELLNESS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
SCHEDULE 2010

Anahata Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training Intensive
Dates TBA
Gentle Yoga asanas is an integral part of a healthy antenatal lifestyle. Knowing how to modify yoga for pregnancy and postnatal is essential. Learn in depth anatomy and physiology, why certain postures are more desirable than others, modifications for common problems that show up in classes, alignment, and pranayama. Techniques for a positive pregnancy, birth preparation and (core) muscle recovery post partum and baby yoga. Includes "Understanding the Female Pelvic Floor", Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga trainings. This course can be modified for 1-9 days of training depending on the needs of the group.
- Yoga for all trimesters / the unique experience of pregnancy in a woman's life
- Anatomy / physiology of pregnancy, birth
- Complications / contraindications during pregnancy / post partum
- Essential asanas for a healthy pregnancy/post partum
- Re-establishing the core correctly in post partum
- Correct posture techniques for positive births / asanas for common problems
- Partner work / designing classes, themes, case histories, etc./ understanding effects of sound
- Optional topics include: Asanas for conception, post natal and the systematic recovery of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, baby massage and yoga, touch techniques, labour and birth skills, sound, includes "Understanding the Female Pelvic Floor".

Bring: yoga mat, blocks, bolster, blanket and strap

Pre & Postnatal Massage
THIS IS A 36 HOUR CREDENTIALED TRAINING WITH NHPC and
RECOGNISED FOR UP TO 36 PRIMARY HOURS CREDIT with MTAA.
February 27 -28 in Calgary, April 17-18 and November 7-8, 2010 in Saskatoon.
February, June and October/November, Auckland, NZ.
Designed for massage therapists and other professionals with a good understanding of anatomy and physiology. Learn how to mother the mother with pregnancy massage bodywork skills. Techniques for common challenges occurring in pregnancy and postnatal, plus support skills for a positive pregnancy /birth. Massage practitioners who take this pre/postnatal massage training become more confident, and nourish a positive perspective to the natural process of pregnancy and birth. Topics include:
- Uniqueness of pregnancy in a woman's life
- Anatomy / physiology of pregnancy
- Complications / contraindications during pregnancy
- Stress during pregnancy / why massage ...
- Guidelines for pregnancy massage
- Pregnancy massage techniques and basic format
- Massage on pregnant volunteers*
- Alternative techniques
- Optional*: Stretches, diet and nutrition
- Post partum: Emotional, psychological impact
- Practical methodology
- Contraindications
- Normal birth and post surgery techniques
- Optional: Exercises for post partum

Bring: 4 full size pillows, large towel, 2 sets of massage sheets, unscented lotion or oil, table

Understanding the Female Pelvic Floor
(open to professionals and non-professionals)
February 27 -28 in Calgary, April 17-18, and November 7-8, 2010 in Saskatoon
The pelvic floor supports us in posture and function. It is the base of our core strength. Weakness in this area can affect us emotionally, mentally and physically. Strengthening this area can also alleviate some cases of back pain. This workshop was originally designed to help professionals learn to teach a better understanding of the pelvic floor to those who may have lost touch with that area and are experiencing weakness. Techniques are given to better understand the unique function of the bony pelvis and the surrounding soft tissue structures. Participants learn to isolate the musculature and how to instruct others to understand the pelvic floor with subtle exercises. Learn techniques for life. Ideal for all women, childbirth educators, doulas, RMTs, Yoga, Pilates or fitness teachers, chiropractors, physiotherapist or anyone working with women's health. Understanding the pelvic structures will also greatly assist in the post partum period and for any woman at any stage in life.

Bring: Pillows, mat to lie on

Birth Support, Massage & Doula Skills
A CREDENTIALED TRAINING WITH NHPC and
RECOGNISED FOR 16 PRIMARY HOURS CREDIT with MTAA
February 27 -28 in Calgary, November 7-8, 2010 in Saskatoon
Birth is a most sacred part of our human existence. Simply being with a woman (and her partner) before, during and after birth helps the mother (and partner) cope with the process and helps to nurture the new soul into this physical life. Massage applied skillfully during the birth process can diminish her sense of pain during active labour contractions. This course shows practitioners how to prepare and be professional in this privileged role. The goal of the training is also to create a safe environment to explore birth as a normal function; to relate current information and research regarding pregnancy, childbirth and lactation; to share stories and experiences; to create a community and a society that is comfortable with birth as a normal event and not as a pathology; and for breastfeeding and gentle birth practices to be respected. Develop skills as a professional birth attendant (Doula) and/or deepen your knowledge about the birth process. Lots of hands on skills that can enhance knowledge for Yoga teachers, Massage Therapists, Pilates teachers, etc.
CAPPA recognises our trainings if you are looking to join their association. Topics include:
- Touch effectiveness
- Anatomy / physiology of birth / tests in pregnancy
- Consultation / guidelines
- Doula kit / birth story / birth records documenting
- Professionalism / positive re-inforcement
- Comfort measures / positioning
- Alternatives/ hands on skills / observing gentle birth
- Medicated and non-medicated births

Bring: Pillows

Infant Massage Professional Training
March 2010 in Calgary and Saskatoon

Infant massage is an age old tradition that has almost disappeared in modern times. It has re-emerged through the work of dedicated researchers and instructors and is becoming a social "norm". Learn the importance of this method, its applications and benefits, and how to professionally teach parents to massage their babies. Techniques to calm & delight. Topics include:
- Benefits & purpose
- Preparation & application
- Infant massage techniques
- Teaching parents
- Understanding baby's cues
- Research studies
- Special situations

Bring: A doll or stuffed animal, vegetable oil, pillows and wet wipes

Couples Prenatal Yoga Workshop
Shanti Yoga Studio, Penticton, BC on August 29.

1 to 6 hours of practice and discussion. Time can be modified according to group requests
A holistic approach to partner assisted gentle stretching, breath exercises, visualizations, and relaxation. Yoga creates greater awareness and flexibility, enhances pregnancy, optimizes health, and prepares you for the birth experience. These classes are for second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

NEW TRAININGS
Chakra Balancing for Pregnancy
TBA
-learn to use energy awareness skills for clients
-Chakra balancing from pre-conception to post partum for the massage therapist or yoga teacher
-exercises for mother, baby and partner.

Bring: a pillow, blanket, exercise mat

Advanced Pregnancy Massage Techniques
Further skills to assist problems experienced during pregnancy and postpartum.
July/August 2010

Bring: 4 full size pillows, large towel, 1 set of massage sheets, massage table, unscented lotion or oil

Meditations and Visualisations for Postive Pregnancy and Birth
TBA
-exercises to develop intuition
-techniques to connect with the baby before birth
-pre-conception and fertility techniques.

Bring: a pillow, blanket, exercise mat

For information about trainings please e-mail: motherwellness@hotmail.com

Kia Ora! AOTEAROA Trainings

Understanding the Female Pelvic Floor
February 2010, New Zealand

Preparing for Pregnancy: A Preconception Workshop
TBA

Birth Support and Doula Skills
Coming in 2010

Pre and Postnatal Massage
October/November 2009

Advanced Massage Techniques for Pregnancy
February 2010
Contact by email:
motherwellness@hotmail.com

OTHER SUPPORTED PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Instructor: Peter Melnychuk, Certified Chi Nei Tsang Instructor, Senior CNT Practitioner (CNT Institute, Berkeley, CA), and Visceral Manipulation Teaching Assistant (Upledger Institute).
Level 1A and Level 1B "Unwind The Belly with Chi Nei Tsang"
Calgary February 19-22, 2010

Unwind the Belly with Chi Nei Tsang Level 3: Healing the Emotional Body, a 4+ day Retreat
St. Michael's Retreat Centre in Lumsden, SK (near Regina)
1.30 pm Wed 24 March to late afternoon Sun 28 March 2010
Contact: Peter at taopeter@shaw.ca or Laurelle at laurelle13@shaw.ca

2009 Ortho-Bionomy Classes with Cassie Caroline Williams, Ph.D.

Ortho-Bionomy® is an osteopathically-based modality of body work, using very gentle and non-invasive techniques to allow one’s body to self-correct. The body is placed in a comfortable position to spontaneously release tension. The practitioner acts as a facilitator. These techniques complement other approaches and are well accepted by the body.
Cassie Caroline Willliams, Ph.D., graduated from the University of Manitoba in Zoology/Ecology in 1984, has published over 30 scientific papers, and is an Advanced Practitioner and Advanced Instructor of Ortho-Bionomy. She studied with the founder of Ortho-Bionomy, Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, D.O., and has been in practice for 22 years and instructing for 15 years.

March 6-7: Post and Posture Techniques in Kamloops
Participants in this class re-evaluate their own postural habits and observe those of others. Methods to work with scoliosis are presented. Postural techniques are used to integrate work done in a session. Awareness of individual movement patterns helps the participants learn new balance approaches and gives them the opportunities to learn exercise techniques and movements to provide and suggest for their clients.

March 20-21: Phase 4 Spine, Pelvis and Ribcage in Kamloops
The history, philosophy and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy® are covered and provides an understanding of the basic release techniques for each major joint in the spine, pelvis and ribcage. It involves proprioceptive nerves and self-corrective reflexes of the body, changing discomfort, so that the body may do its own internal balancing by stimulating natural, self-corrective and neuromuscular reflexes. Pain and tension patterns dissipate, producing an increased range of motion, better circulation and an increased sense of well-being. The work is easy to learn, easy on the practitioner’s body, is very effective and blends well with other modalities.

April 10-11: Co-creating Ethics and Emotions in Vancouver
This class will have all OBAC instructors present with all participants for an exciting weekend. Check out the website at www.ortho-bionomy.ca or The Sand Dollar newsletter for information.

April 24-25: Phase 4 Extremities in Kamloops
This class covers the history, philosophy and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy® and provides an understanding of basic release techniques for each major joint in the extremities, arms and legs. It involves proprioceptive nerves and self-corrective reflexes of the body, changing discomfort, so that the body may do its own internal balancing.

May 6-7: Exploration of Movement in Radium and the OBAC AGM with a variety of instructors:
The practitioner introduces movement to the client at different joints to find restrictions, and then places the client in the most comfortable position to release them. This results in increased range of motion, while supporting preferred patterns; the client participates, so they may recognize their own patterns. Check the website or The Sand Dollar for information and/or registration.

May 29-30: Visceral Class in Kamloops
This manual work focuses on gentle palpation to connect with and address tensions between the abdominal organs and the body’s structure. By addressing the connective tissue attachment, possibly using sound as a vibrational assistance, congestion in organs can dissipate and allows everything to move fluidly.

June 19-20: Chapman Neurolymphatic Reflexes in Kamloops
The importance of using Chapman Reflexes for organ balancing and lymphatic drainage, as well as their application and influence on the endocrine system and emotional balancing area covered in this class. Identification of reflex points and techniques to stimulate them will be presented. This information is appropriate for experienced massage therapists and body workers, health care practitioners, and those with little or no background in health care. You will learn how to relate to the neurolymphatic system in an Ortho-Bionomic way.

These clases provide CE/PD credits with CMTBC, NHPC and MTAA.

The cost of a weekend course in Kamloops is $275 for OBAC members, $300 for non-members.
A deposit of $50 is required two weeks prior to the class to ensure a space; it counts towards the price of the course. For Kamloops courses correspondence may be sent to the coordinator Christine Karl, 7-231 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A1, or call 250-320-9960, or email her at fitnessandmassage@yahoo.ca.
Please refer to the website www.ortho-bionomy.ca for the classes held elsewhere.