Pregnancy can be a roller coaster ride. For some, pregnancy can be filled with contradicting feelings: excitement, fear, anticipation, exhaustion, elation, preparedness, confusion…
This escape away to nurture the mother will feature: yoga, meditation, mindfulness, Pilates, active birthing, hypnobirthing techniques in the idyllic surroundings of the elbowroom escape.
When you’re not in the studio you’ll have the option to take a refreshing mountain walk, to breathe in the relaxed and rugged surroundings of the Glen of Imaal, have a massage or simply take a nap.
The retreat will be facilitated by 2 of Ireland’s most experienced birth educators; Melissa Curtis and Emily McElarney. Between them they have given birth to 6 babies (3 at home, 3 hospital births) as well as being qualified and experienced prenatal yoga, Pilates, hypnobirthing and active birthing teachers.
Expectant mums will be able to relax and let go of the stresses and strains of life and give some extra special time and attention to themselves and baby. They will also learn how to keep calm and in control throughout labour and birth by using relaxation, visualisation, breathing, yoga and mindfulness.
Accommodation has shared and private options and delicious organic healthy food and snacks will be provided.
Whether it’s your first time or third, there is no better time to escape, than in the lead up to becoming a mother – go on, take some time to breathe.
Event Details
- Start Date: Friday 3rd February 2017
- End Date: Sunday 5th February 2017
- Time: 17:00 - 14:00
- Duration: 3 days
Schedule
Friday
Check in from 5pm: Arrival. Relax and have a cup of tea and a tour of the centre
18.45 -19.15: Welcome chat/circle time/meditation before dinner
19.30-20.30: Dinner
21.00-21.30: – Pregnancy Nidra for a good nights sleep
Saturday:
09.00-10.00: Breakfast
10.30-11.30: Forest walk/treatment or go back to bed for a nap
11.45-13.00: Pregnancy Yoga and Pilates Class with a focus on pelvic floor, how to maintain balance in the pelvis, toning, breath and relaxation
13.00- 1415: Lunch
14.30 – 16.00: Breastfeeding workshop
16.00-16.30: Cup of tea and very light snack
16:45 – 19.00: Calm Mama workshop. To include circle time/a check in with yourself
19.00: Dinner and relax
Sunday
09.00: Breakfast followed by free time to breathe in the fresh mountain air, relax with a book or talk with other mothers to be
11.00-12.15: Pregnancy yoga class, focusing on baby bonding, neck and shoulder release and relaxation
12.30-13.30: Departures or option to have a treatment at this time and light lunch
14.00 – Depart feeling energized and relaxed, ready for the amazing future you have ahead of you
What's Included
Welcome drinks and nibbles
2 nights stay
2 breakfasts
2 lunches/packed lunches
nutritious snacks
2 evening meals
All yoga & workshops
Guided walks
Prices
Twin Room €400 per person sharing
Shared Room €365 (up to 4 people)
Team
Melissa Curtis

Melissa Curtis is a mum of 3 that has been working with pregnant women for over 14 years and has taught at The elbowroom for 13 of those years. Melissa teaches pregnancy yoga, pregnancy Pilates, baby massage, mum and baby yoga, active birth workshops, hypnobirthing and is a Cuidiu trained breastfeeding counselor.
Melissa created and is lead teacher at The elbowroom - Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training, Mum & Baby Yoga Teacher Training and co teacher on the Children's Yoga Teacher Training.
Melissa has trained as a Doula and Post-Natal Doula with DONA International.
If Melissa is not running around after her 3 children or teaching pregnant women or new mums, she is on her mat also teaching yoga and Pilates.
Emily McElarney

Emily McElarney is a mum of 3. She has been teaching hynobirthing for the past 4 years and also teaches prenatal and Mum & Baby yoga through her business naturalbirth.ie. She teaches antenatal courses and prenatal workshops at The elbowroom.
Emily is PRO of AIMS Ireland and facilitator of Positive Birth Movement Dublin.
A former journalist, Emily writes on the subject of birth and post natal life here at the elbowroom and for various blogs and media outlets.
Emily also teaches yoga to children in play-schools, creches and national schools around Dublin.