“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge”

-Albert Enstein

The workshops to train professionals began in 1995. With a passion for knowledge, Mother (and Baby) Wellness goals were designed to educate and empower practitioners with skills and wisdom that can enrich the lives of women, their families and the community. Workshops are modified to suit the needs of the group requesting training, anything from 1/2 day to 9 days. Choose from the workshops listed below or request a group specific design.  A wide variety of professionals from all around the world have participated in these workshops since 1995. Our well qualified teachers have been working as experts in the field for an average of 20+ years each. 
​Some workshops are recognized as CREDENTIALED TRAINING, CONTINUING COMPETENCY or PRIMARY HOURS CREDIT.
​Please consult your professional association for verification of recognition of specific workshops.
Contact Marina at motherwellnessnz@gmail.com

Some manuals are available for purchase without attending the workshop for $50.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING SCHEDULE 2026

NEXT Workshops

TESTIMONIAL:
“the course definitely met my expectations. The instruction was excellent, and I appreciated the depth of knowledge that Marina Locke brought to the table. Her years of experience and holistic approach to pregnancy and postnatal massage made the learning both meaningful and inspiring…The most valuable aspect for me was the integration of holistic, mindful, and gentle techniques. It helped me shift my mindset around therapeutic massage, especially when working with pregnant and postpartum clients. I now feel more confident and excited to incorporate these new techniques into my practice, and to support clients during such aspecial time in their lives with more presence and care.”  P.P. Canada 2025
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Mother Wellness trainings:

NEW ZEALAND
23-26 January, 2026 Tauranga, NZ 
Introduction to Prenatal Yoga teacher training 
Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage
Birth Prep Skills
NEW: Baby Wellness Massage training
Understanding the Female Pelvic Floor

30 January-2 February, Rangiora, NZ 
Introduction to Prenatal Yoga teacher training 
Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage
Birth Prep Skill
NEW: Baby Wellness Massage training
Understanding the Female Pelvic Floor
​
May 2026 Canada

EARLY BIRD prices in effect until 1 December.
For registration please email: [email protected]
​or call (61) (0)455 661 786

I have specialised in pregnancy massage since 1994 when together with a partner I opened a clinic within Calgary's Peter Lougheed hospital’s maternity floor and offered pre/postnatal massage, birth support/doula service, infant massage and later prenatal yoga. We worked from the clinic and in hospital rooms treating pregnant and postnatal women. We also did mobile service, especially for postnatal. The Mother Wellness courses began in 1995 with training staff from the hospital based clinic. In 1996 it became a professional training that I eventually took coast to coast in Canada, and overseas, educating participants with what was learned and practiced in clinic. I have worked with thousands of pregnant and postnatal women.

20+ years ago we emigrated to New Zealand. Earlier this year my husband and I moved to Adelaide, Australia. I continued to hold courses throughout NZ and Canada.
 

Mum and bubs Yoga

A delightful class for everyone; yoga for mums, infant massage for babies.

Birth Support Skills for partners

An evening to explore skills that have been scientifically proven to decrease the length and discomfort of the birthing process. Simple, effective skills using positioning, breath and touch to facilitate a more relaxed birthing process.  Bring your partner along for an evening of techniques to assist the birthing process. 
25 January Tauranga
​1 February Rangiora
​6:45-8:30pm

Pregnancy and PostNatal Massage Training (2 day workshop)
or
 Pregnancy, the pelvic floor and so much more (2.5 day workshop)

Designed for massage therapists and other professionals with a good understanding of anatomy and physiology and understanding of basic massage strokes. Courses vary depending on location and level of training of those attending. Past participants include RMTs from across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, etc. 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. Client safety enhanced through knowledge of contraindications, cautions and complications that arise in the childbearing year.
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 /cautions/ contraindications during pregnancy
- Stress during pregnancy / why massage ...
- Guidelines for pregnancy massage
- Pregnancy massage techniques and basic format using over 60 techniques
- Massage on pregnant volunteers *(optional)
- Alternative techniques
​- Self care techniques
- Preparation for the birthing process
- Pelvic floor recovery
- Coccydynia, pelvic pain and instability (optional)
- Post partum: Emotional, psychological impact
- Practical methodology 
- Contraindications for postnatal massage
- Normal birth massage
- Post surgery massage
- Self care techniques
- IASTM for pregnancy and postnatal 

THE SUBJECT MATTER IN THIS COURSE WILL DISCUSS SEX/FERTILITY ISSUES AND MISCARRIAGE, BIRTH TRAUMA, THE BIRTHING PROCESS (BIRTH VIDEO MAY BE SHOWN), POSTNATAL RECOVERY, PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION. IMAGES SHOWING THE BIRTHING PROCESS, PELVIC FLOOR, SURGICAL/MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS MAY BE SHOWN. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THESE SUBJECTS CAN BE A TRIGGER FOR SOME.


Bring: 4 full size pillows, 2 large towels, one small towel, 2 sets of massage sheets, unscented lotion or oil, table, hygenic products (hand sanitizer, mask), blank copy of health history form that you use.

24-25 January in Tauranga OR
31 January - 1 February in Rangiora
8:30-5:30pm

“It was a pleasure taking part in this course and I feel as if I have made some lifelong friends from it. Such an empowering course too! Marina is an awesome kaiako/teacher and thanks to her I have some new tools in my kit to integrate into my mahi.

Marina has a wealth of knowledge and experience and it shows, both in her course content and her expert techniques. Her teaching style is patient yet firm and she is incredibly humble.
I attended the Pregnancy and Postnatal course this year in Auckland and found the content rich with detail and backed by research. The course is perfect for established therapists wanting to expand their skillset and fine tune their techniques in regards to Pregnancy and Postnatal massage.
Marina also makes these courses accessible, both in price-point and locations.
I took her course as, come next month, I will be working in a local (Tauranga) Midwifery clinic as a Kaimiri/Massage Therapist. The majority of my clients will be Pregnant and Postnatal mama and their families. Doing the Mother Wellness Pregnancy and Postnatal massage course helped expand my skillset and introduce me to the specific nature that is Pregnancy massage. I highly recommend taking this course up.”
-Alisha Matthews, massage therapist, participant in Auckland training

'If we hope to create a non-violent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life.  For that is where our deepest patterns are set.  From these roots grow fear and alienation or love and trust."      -Suzanne Arms, birth author
​

RECOGNISED for up to 6 Primary Continuing Education Credits with most Massage Therapy Associations across Canada and some
Yoga Associations

Understanding the (Female) Pelvic Floor
Yoga for the Pelvic Floor

An exploration of fundamental core functions.

 The pelvic floor supports us in posture and function.  It is the base of our core strength and affects us on the emotional, mental and physical levels. Strengthening this area helps to control bladder/bowel function and may also alleviate some cases of back pain.  Did you know that it is not normal to wear pads for wetness as you age? 1 in 4 Kiwis suffer from this and other pelvic floor weaknesses.  This short, practical workshop will teach you how to engage the different layers of the pelvic floor and how you can use this in everyday life.  Weak function can be regained through simple exercises.  Using diagrams, medical models, visualization and exercise techniques participants are better able to understand the unique function of the bony pelvis and the surrounding soft tissue structures.  Learn techniques for life.  Understanding the pelvic structures will also greatly assist any woman at any stage in life.

There is no nudity in this training.  Please wear yoga style clothing and bring a mat, pillow and blanket. 

TESTIMONIAL:   The pelvic floor class offered by Marina Locke is both informative and experiential. Marina uses her knowledge as a birth expert to bring clarity to the anatomy of the pelvis and uses experiential exercises to bring awareness to one's body. The class is great for anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of their body.  Verlyne N. M.Sc., R.Psych.

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26 January Tauranga
​2 February Rangiora

Includes:  Prenatal Exercises for the Childbearing Year
RECOGNISED for up to 18 Primary Continuing Education Credits 

Mother wellness Introduction to Prenatal Yoga Teacher  Training

 Prenatal Exercises for the Childbearing Year

 Mother Wellness Prenatal Yoga is about nurturing the Mother aspect.  In pregnancy, a woman is immersed in the creative energies.  It is important to acknowledge and honour this.  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 natally.

Includes:
- 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
- Re-establishing the core (optional)
- Correct posture techniques for positive births / asanas for common problems
- developing heart intuition (Anahata)
- Optional topics may include: partner work / designing classes, case histories, etc./the effects of sound, 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.

*MW4 certificate: Yoga teachers and Massage therapists need to attend MW4, MW2a MW2b and complete and practical teaching assignment before certificate is sent out. Massage therapists’ certificate reads “Exercises for the Childbearing Year”.

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

23 January, 2026 Tauranga, NZ 
30 January Rangiora, NZ 

TESTIMONIAL:  “I  truely loved the class and the way you shared your love and passion about prenatal yoga is very inspiring.  You have given me the knowledge and I'm feeling confident that I could teach a prenatal class based on the Anahata prenatal yoga.  I really appreciate the way you encourage ahimsa, as I feel this is very important aspect of my own yoga practice, I also try to teach this in all of the yoga classes I teach, but unfortunately I can see the ego getting it's way occasionally.”
Thanks again Marina and I'll see you on Friday.  My daughter Lyndsey and I are looking forward to attending your class on the pelvic floor.”  Deb P.

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“When we as a society begin to value mothers as the givers and supporters of life, then we will see social change in ways that matter.” 
Ina May Gaskin, Midwife, educator, author.

RECOGNISED for up to 36 Primary Continuing Education Credits with most Massage Therapy Associations across Canada and some Yoga Associations. Recognised by CAPPA for doulas who wish to belong to a professional organization.

Birth Support, Massage and Doula Skills

"Attending births is like growing roses. You have to marvel at the ones that just open up and bloom at the first kiss of the sun but you wouldn't dream of pulling open the petals of the tightly closed buds and forcing them to blossom to your time line." -Gloria Lemay

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 training 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 to 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.

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

25 January  Tauranga OR
​1 February  Rangiora
6:45-8:30

RECOGNISED for up to 18.5 Primary Continuing Education Credits with most Massage Therapy Associations across Canada and some Yoga Associations.

Baby Massage Professional Training

"Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant; food as necessary as minerals, vitamins, and proteins" ~ Frederick Leboyer

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

26 January Tauranga
2 February Rangiora

RETREATS
Retreats allow for an integral re-connection to one's self.  During the course of each retreat there are periods of silence (free time) to allow for self reflection. Sitting or slowly moving silently through nature is encouraged.  Explore the therapeutic effect of the hot springs or ocean, the tranquility of nature, the exhilaration of the alpine and the renewal effects of integrated yoga practices daily.

The intensive weekend allows for a mix of active movement and quiet reflection in nature rich surroundings.  Small group with personalized daily practices.

Retreats are frequently held at the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre near Lewis Pass and the St. James Walkway. This allows for quiet surrounds in an alpine setting.

For those who are flying in to Christchurch or Westport, there is a shuttle to BROEC and Hanmer Springs from the airport.

other Workshops

Dynamic Stone Therapy and Cupping for Self Care
Introduction to Pregnancy Massage
Advanced Pregnancy/Postnatal Massage Skills
If Your Back Hurts, It's Your Butt's Fault!
Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier
 Shoulder Health
Couples Massage