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The Couples Workshop: Preparing for Childbirth with Movement & Breath will be offered again in 2011.
Clearlight Gerald will be on maternity leave beginning May 2010, and will resume teaching this birthing workshop for couples in either the spring or fall of 2011.
The Couples Workshop is an opportunity for expectant parents to prepare for labour and childbirth together. During the afternoon, couples learn and practice movements, breathing and relaxation in order to cultivate a greater understanding, enjoyment and confidence in pregnancy, labour and childbirth.
Couples will learn and practice together:
• breathing techniques for labour and delivery
• birthing positions to facilitate labour and childbirth
• specific ways partners can best support moms in labour and childbirth
• relaxation together
The presence and encouragement of a woman's partner is a powerful aid to labour and delivery. This workshop will give both parents specific tools and techniques to encourage a supportive and positive childbirth experience.
The Couples Workshop is designed to complement other childbirth education classes by more specifically exploring the role of breathing and movement in labour, and by providing adequate time for both parents to learn, understand and practice these essentials.
This workshop is recommended for couples anytime during either the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Prior experience of any kind is absolutely not necessary.
A detailed and illustrated booklet will be provided to each couple for home practice. This workshop is approximately four and one-half hours in duration.
Instructor
Clearlight Gerald, MA, RYT
Fee
$150.00 per couple (includes applicable taxes, GST & QST)
Registration Details
Enrollment is limited, please register early to secure a space. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of payment in full. Workshop fee must be received within 5 days of registration to reserve your space. Workshop fees are refundable only if your space can be filled.
Contact Clearlight for more information or to register, by email or by phone (514) 933-8671.
Location

Workshop Testimonials
"The best prenatal course we took in preparation for our little one's arrival! Not only was it informative but also relaxing, allowing us one more day to connect as partners in body, mind and spirit before we become a family of three!”
- Jonathan Stein & Cara Webb
"The workshop helped me and my partner to reconnect on a different level. We left the workshop feeling like a team. We now feel ready for the 'big day.' No matter how it unfolds, we know we will work through it together.”
- Genevieve Martel & Chad Barrington
Read Gen's birth story.
“I want to thank you for the enriching and valuable workshop that you offer couples like us. Although you covered many topics and techniques, the only thing I could remember while in labour was how to breathe. It helped me stay calm, open up, work with the contractions. You also gave my husband tools to work with that gave him a certain confidence during this new and intense experience. I am happy to say that the experience was wonderful and turned out better than ever imagined!”
- Angela Papadakis
Read Angela's birth story.
"It was our best prenatal class by far. We spent some very good quality time together that day and keep it in good memory. We had a wonderful birth, very much thanks to your course, which I highly recommend to everybody. I didn't need to use any drugs and had a very positive experience. Thank you!"
- Lisa Bendixen and Marc Fortugno
"The workshop was a great opportunity for us to take time together and be centered on the pregnancy. Since we want to try a vaginal birth after caesarian, it's important for us to be well prepared physically and mentally. We feel now that we are on the same wave length about birth experience.”
- Solène & Yvan
Read Solène's birth story.
"We absolutely loved the workshop. Neither of us are really into yoga, so we weren't sure what to expect or whether we'd think it was too 'strange' for us, but were delightfully surprised by how much we liked it. Clearlight, we especially liked your style. On the ride home, Jeff kept saying, "she was amazing". You managed to be intense and yet relaxed, goofy and yet serious. I will recommend this class to all of my friends and I hope to come back for the mom and baby yoga, too!"
- Elena and Jeff
"Un atelier très informatif, qui rend la mère et le père plus confiants face au travail de l'accouchement. Le tout se déroule dans une douce atmosphère qui favorise le contact entre les partenaires du couple. C'est une occasion privilégiée pour réfléchir, en couple, à la naissance que l'on souhaite pour notre enfant."
- Julie Ouellet et Clovis Gouaillier
"As a healthcare professional, I enjoyed the non-medical emphasis of the workshop. The value of the medical model and medical technology was not diminished. Yet, alternatives to mainstream practices were offered that were more patient-focused. It was also helpful that Clearlight validated some of the things I'd already taught my husband."
- Jennifer & Darren Huskisson
While parents certainly must be prepared for the unexpected, the "Preparing for Childbirth" workshop brings Mom and Dad closer together by strengthening their knowledge and, albeit indirectly, shaping the 'expectations' scene at the time of birth. Subsequently taking away many anxieties around this wonderful and unique event."
- Nat and Fil
"We loved this class it was the first opportunity for my husband and I to really stop and connect with one another, let the wonder of what we were about to experience take hold and settle in and around us. Clearlight not only shared a great deal of helpful technical information, but led us through the physical steps, positions, etc. to consider during the birth. Highly recommended!"
- Winona & Patrick McCarthy
"Spending just a few hours bonding with my husband, and discussing with likeminded people at the same point in their pregnancy, alleviated stress and made me feel more excited and less anxious about the birth process and labour. The best part was for Mike and I to feel connected and it reminded me that I am not in this alone."
- Nicole Lévesque
"We so enjoyed the workshop and the opportunity to tune out the world and focus on us and bringing this baby into our family. We really appreciated the practical elements of the workshop such as breathing techniques and comfort measures for labour. But we were pleasantly surprised by the unexpected and deep reconnection we felt over the course of the afternoon."
- K & D
"Both Stéphane and I were very impressed with the workshop. It was designed to make daddies feel special and to better understand their role during labor. Par une approche humaine et une ambiance calme, Clearlight enseigne aux couples des techniques de respiration qui les aideront durant durant le travail et la naissance de bébé."
- Nicole Bertrand and Stéphane Bédard
"At first, my husband was somewhat reluctant to attend this workshop because he thought there would not be any other partners present. However, when all was said and done, we both thought the setting was very relaxing and inviting for couples and there was noticeable effort put in to make all partners feel at ease. The subjects that were covered were very helpful for both mommies and daddies, and the hand-out is especially useful because it's a clear summary of what was discussed at the workshop and an excellent tool to refer to prior to the delivery. We both feel more at ease, more prepared and comfortable with the delivery process. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this workshop!"
- Tania and Enzo
"The content of the workshop was well presented in a comfortable atmosphere. We both felt that the material was helpful and the manner that it was presented made us feel at ease.
Clearlight's Couple's Workshop gave us reassurance before the birth that we have what it takes to deal with labour and delivery together. The breath and movement techniques are very empowering.
- Genevieve Cloutier & Iain Ingram
"We think it is a must for all couples. The material was be very helpful especially for my husband. I will have complete confidence in him when the time comes to assist."
- Karen Teolis & Pierre Ricard
"Both myself and my partner enjoyed this workshop very much. It provided plenty of useful information, a relaxed and non-threatening atmosphere, and a chance to talk with other couples and ask questions. We highly recommend this workshop to any couple, especially if you did not have a chance to take prenatal yoga classes with Clearlight."
- Sasha & Alex
"This workshop definitely eased whatever fear I had about dealing with the pain."
- Nathalie Vierra & Vincent Romero
"I was not a quiet laboring woman, but the breath, sound breath, and hot water got me through 20 hours of labor without pain medication, which is what I had hoped for."
- Jessica L.
"Even for people who might be more reserved or conventional, this workshop presented less conventional ideas and options in a way that was very accessible and applicable/modifiable to suit different personal styles.
- Monica & Richard Preuss
"A must for anyone going through the birth experience. We learned a lot even though this will be baby #2!"
- Leanna & Jean-Marc
"This workshop has been an important step in our preparation for a (hopefully) natural birth and in our coming closer together as a couple.”
- Siham Barakat & Jean-Mathieu Potvin
"Les positions de travail et d'accouchement nous ont été bien expliqées pour qu'on puisse bien saisir leurs utilités. Ça été très rassurant pour nous 2 et nous aborderons le travail avec plus de confiance et plus d'outils pour répondre à nos besoins.
- Genevieve Fagnon et Benoît Poirier
"I'm thankful I took this workshop - it gave me and my husband the chance to connect and share while learning valuable material. The massage, positions and breathing will help us both through childbirth.”
- Kirsten Bjorn
"The approach to childbirth in this workshop is simply wonderful.”
- Etienne Bergeron
"I have learnt not to be so shy in trying to help my wife with the delivery of our first child - thank you!”
- M. Grigat
"I loved the emphasis on the importance of the husband/partner in the labour process. The best part of the workshop was coming out with concrete ways he could help prepare and support me in labour and birth. My husband especially appreciated the effort made to make the men/non-yoga participants feel comfortable. He loved the massage section, and liked knowing there were things he could do to help me and be more than a by-stander.”
- Krystyne Blaikie
"This workshop really made us feel more prepared for childbirth, and gave us the confidence we needed. Thank you!"
- Nadia Sourial and Jimmy Vienneau
"This workshop really helped establish the partner's role in a hands-on, practical way. It was also a great bonding time. Clearlight is very welcoming and knowledgeable."
- Krystyna and Nitai
"Clearlight est fantastique! Elle sait nous rassurer sans pour autant nous cacher les risques ou 'challenges' qui peuvent survenir pendant le travail."
- Karenne LaFleur et Danny Levesque
"We greatly appreciate all you have given us. This will definitely give us a different, positive and loving experience. Thank you."
- Terry and Marco Crivello
"We get so caught up in our day-to-day living, caring for our 4 year-old son, working on our house (renos), preparing or nesting for our new babe, that I feel as though we (Devin and I) hadn't really connected together with the child growing inside me. The workshop allowed us the time and space away from home to do that."
- Christy Thompson and Devin Scott
"Very effective presentation of tools for labour. I very much appreciated the opportunity for my husband to learn about breathing techniques and ways to assist me in the delivery of our child. I have a sense, now, that we can be on the same page - we will no longer be deer caught in the headlights!!"
- Jaime Kirnan and Sam Grainger
"Great teacher, loving group and people. A very well invested time, and I am leaving extremely relaxed. Thanks a lot."
- Fabien and Silvina
The couples workshop is a great way to prepare physically and emotionally for labour and bond with your partner in preparation for your new bundle of joy. Highly recommended!
-Ilana and Perry
"Very professional, excellent set-up, very clear presentation of the information.”
- Jennifer Banton
"An excellent workshop, promoting the unity and the harmony of a couple through the experience of pregnancy.”
- Sarah Shea
"The workshop was comfortable, comforting and made me feel more secure in my up-coming job.”
- Al Gurhan
"We are very glad we took this class, as it gave us a chance to connect with ways to handle/experience labour and childbirth as a couple.”
- Kristin & Anthony
"It was very open and inviting, not intimidating - especially for the partners! Thank you, we'll be thinking of you during labour!”
- Julie & Mike
"Being a first-time mom and being totally green to the whole birth experience, I found this workshop very informative and expansive. Thank you!”
- Ilaini Scholl
"This is a great opportunity to bond with partner and baby during a very busy time. Great for partners who don't have the time to read up and learn about what their wives are going through and how they can help them. Shows them how to be effective in thier 'helping' intentions.”
- Michelle Van Houtte
"It was a beautiful occasion for us as a couple to share breathing, warmth, strength and peace to better prepare for the arrival of our child into this world.”
- Rachel
"This workshop is a relaxing, calming preparation for childbirth that gives techniques of breathing and useful positions. It intesified the bonding of myself with my husband and baby."
- Sue Zinck
"All the information is very solidly based and all the links are made obvious which made it more easy to share with my partner. The balance between practice and theory was excellent."
- Robert & Christine
"This workshop was really great because my partner got to experience what we do in pregnancy yoga and put it to use. We really appreciated Clearlight's open attitude - it wasn't too 'zen-yoga' so not so scary! Everyone can find something to use in the workshop."
- Gilbert & Philippa
"Great experience. It definitely complements the whole 'intellectual' learning process to giving birth we went through. We feel we are now equipped with the right tools to giving birth and becoming parents."
- Mathieu Robitaille
"Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. It was refreshing to attend a workshop in which the father is included and in which the focus is on birth and the couple."
- David & Barbara Vyncke-Wilson
"The workshop is lots of fun, and a perfect occasion to get four and half hours of undivided attention for both of you - some quality time away from the usual hectic lifestyle preceeding the arrival of baby. Thank you Clearlight, the workshop is amazing and a brilliant idea."
- Christina & Mounir Bashour
"Excellent for the body, mind and soul of expecting mothers and their other half, not forgetting the baby!"
- Fanny Héraud & Nicolas Rudloff


• Yoga Fundamentals: Alignment Principles for a Safe Practice
Special Sadhana Intensives


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