Explore the Holistic Phases of Labor and how they might influence your birth as a rite of passage to and through parenthood. All workshops will be facilitated by local holistic birth + postpartum doula and perinatal yoga teacher, Nora Seilheimer, of Mindful Matrescence. Individual workshop descriptions are below.
$75/workshop
$200 for the whole series
Prices include the Mindful Matrescence Pregnancy + Birth Resource Guide, Local Perinatal Provider List, Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Prep Guide, and a 1-hour doula consult.
Workshop 1: Holistic Phases of Labor 101, 8/11/25, 6PM-8PM, The Vine Barn (311 Wall St.): In this workshop we will explore the Holistic Phases of Labor as observed, storytold, and written by elder midwife, Whapio, of The Matrona Institute. The Holistic Phases of Labor is a comprehensive blueprint that illustrates the internal experience of the person giving birth. This blueprint provides universal mile markers one might traverse throughout their labor experience that create a rites of passage.Studying the Holistic Phases of Labor benefits the birthing person and partner alike, foreshadowing their transformations ahead. Birthing people and their support partner can expect small group discussion, quiet reflection, and hands-on activities that help deepen their understanding of this lesser known birth model.
Workshop 2: Holistic Birth Partner + Space, 8/18/25, 6PM-8PM, The Vine Barn (311 Wall St.): In this workshop we will dive deeper into the specific roles of Birth Partner and Birth Space as critical components of the Holistic Phases of Labor. Birth Partners will identify what they need in order to hold the container for a holistic birth. Birth Partners will also receive direct coaching on a series of hands-on supports while Birthing People practice providing clear feedback. Birth Teams will identify what they need from the Birth Space in order to arrive in each of their roles with confidence and a sense of safety. Birth teams will also create an action plan for building out said Birth Space in the weeks to follow.
Workshop 3: Holistic Postpartum Prep, 8/25/25, 6PM-8PM, The Vine Barn (311 Wall St.): In this workshop we will explore how to prepare the body, mind, and home for the sacred window of the Fourth Trimester. This will be a focused, practical container designed for Birth Teams to clarify up to three of their postpartum intentions to anchor their collective experience. Birth Teams will explore a blend of healing modalities (Ayurvedic-inspired nourishment, pelvic‑floor care, guided movement and mindfulness) as well as a collection of care models (postpartum doula support, Seven Sister for Seven Days, the 5-5-5 rule) and develop a personalized roadmap rooted in time-tested wisdom and modern support. Birth Teams will also have access to a list of recommended local postpartum care providers and resources.
Questions? Ideas? Insights? Email Nora at
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