Mana Health Practice

22/11/2025

Our first Pregnancy Circle at Mana with Jo + Sue ✨

What a rich, nourishing evening.
We gathered, we breathed, we shared, and we held space for all things pregnancy — the fears, the joys, the unfolding stories
There’s something really special about sitting in circle… soft cushions, warm tea, open hearts, and the feeling of being witnessed by other women on this path.
Thank you to the beautiful women who joined us for our very first circle.
We can’t wait to continue creating this gentle, supportive space over the summer. 💛



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06/08/2025

Intelligent movement for powerful birth.

Here’s a tiny glimpse into our latest birth prep workshop at Mana, where movement meets meaning, and the body becomes the guide.

- We explored the power of big figure 8s to release the lower back

- Practised abdominal lifts to guide baby into the pelvis

- Used counter-pressure on the top wings of the pelvis to create more space for descent

- And flipped the script on pain — with a 7-minute partner challenge that brought breath, mindset and mutual support into sharp focus

This is what embodied preparation looks like.

Thank you to everyone who moved, breathed, and softened with us.

Join us on our upcoming workshop on 13th & 14th September where you’ll learn:

- What needs to happen in your body for your baby to be born
- Movement and positioning strategies for every stage of labour
- Partner support techniques for pain relief and progression
- How to push effectively and protect your perineum
- Pain coping tools grounded in breath, voice and nervous system regulation
- Acupressure for labour and birth
- How to navigate detours like induction, dilation stalls, and epidurals
- Early breastfeeding guidance from a lactation consultant
- How to prepare for your postpartum recovery and mental health

We’d love to see you there.

10/07/2025

Did you know we teach Pregnancy Massage here at Mana?

Our most recent training just wrapped and it was bliss ✨

Across the weekend, a room full of passionate practitioners came together to deepen their knowledge, expand their toolkit, and learn how to truly support pregnant bodies with skill, confidence, and care.

Here’s what they had to say:

“The course truly offers a unique way to support and connect with mumma’s throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys - going far beyond just providing physical relief”

“Sue and JodyAnn bring such wisdom, warmth, and insight to every moment.”

“I walked away with several new tools for my toolkit and a very full cup.”

We teach from the body and the heart, blending over 20 years of technical skill, hands-on learning, and deep respect for the journey of pregnancy and birth.

Would you like to learn with us? Reach out to join the waitlist and hear about our next training.

05/05/2025

Today, on International Day of the Midwife, I want to honour the steady, skilled, deeply human presence of midwives, and reflect on what it means to walk beside them.

As a birth doula, I’ve witnessed the way midwives show up: with grounded care, quiet advocacy, deep trust in the birthing body, and unwavering presence through intensity, uncertainty, and joy.

They don’t just monitor, they hold. They don’t just guide, they honour.
And when I work alongside them, I’m reminded that birth is not a task to manage but a rite to protect.

This year, it feels even more personal. My daughter is studying to become a midwife. Watching her begin this journey, with heart, humility, and strength fills me with pride and hope for the future of birth.

To midwives everywhere: thank you.
For the hours you give, the space you hold, and the quiet courage you carry.

We see you. We honour you.

17/04/2025

12/03/2025

Amy’s photo is magic, fist in the air, holding her baby—radiating pure power. 💥

There’s nothing we love more than hearing your birth stories—each one a testament to the power, intuition, and resilience of birthing women.
*”It was an amazing birth, much smoother than my first. We only just made it to hospital where she came flying out in a couple of pushes in the birth pool, after a special day labouring at home. She made a grand entrance and shot to the other side of the birthing pool!

Thank you so much for the wonderful yoga sessions, which were a saving grace in those later stages of pregnancy, and for all the tips and insights you shared from your own experience. I always left the classes feeling rejuvenated and relaxed, Amy”*

And Ellie’s journey reminds us just how transformative movement, breath, and rest can be:

*”Just wanted to let you know that I had my baby, Roy, on 15/2. I’m so in love with him.

I was able to labour at home for 7 hours using the TENS machine, breathing, stomping, the spikey ball and a few hours of napping in between contractions towards the end (to my absolute surprise!). When I got to the hospital, I was 7cm dilated. I had a physiological birth with only 4 hours of pushing. Feeling extremely fortunate.

I cannot thank you enough for your classes—they were so educational and insightful. They were such a significant part of my pregnancy journey. Ellie”*

Birth preparation is more than just movement—it’s about feeling resourced, connected, and confident in your body’s wisdom. Sue brings together knowledge from years of experience in the birth space, weaving hands-on tools, breathwork, movement, and physiological understanding into every session. Whether in class, in the birth room, or beyond, she is deeply passionate about supporting women through this powerful transition.

Mummas-to-be, if you’re looking for a space to prepare, connect, and embrace your journey, we’d love to have you in class. 💛

21/02/2025

What is Pelvic Release Work?
Your pelvis is more than bones—it’s a dynamic space where soft tissues (muscles, fascia, ligaments) support your organs, movement, and flow. When tension builds up in these tissues, it can create pain, restriction, and imbalance in your body.

Why Does Pelvic Tension Happen?
Pelvic tightness can be caused by:
🌀 Posture & movement habits
🌀 Birth & pregnancy
🌀 Scar tissue & surgery
🌀 Trauma (physical & emotional)
🌀 Chronic stress & bracing patterns

Tension in the pelvis isn’t just physical—it can store emotions and experiences, often called “issues in the tissues.”

Who is Pelvic Release Work for?
If you’re preparing for a transformative birth experience, this work is for you.

- Ideal for expectant mothers experiencing pelvic discomfort or tightness.
- Especially beneficial between weeks 32-39, when supple, responsive ligaments are key for a smoother birth.
- Designed to help you release tension, create optimal pelvic space for your baby, and support your body’s natural strength during pregnancy.
It’s a nurturing, supportive approach to prepare your body for the beautiful journey ahead.

What Happens in a Session?
A 90-120 min session includes:
✨ A discussion on pelvic anatomy & your unique history
✨ External release work as needed
✨ Internal pelvic release through gentle touch
✨ Breath guidance to support softening & awareness
✨ Tools for self-care & partner-supported release at home

Every session is guided by you, for you. Nothing is forced—only supported.

Ready to Explore This Work?
Your pelvis holds more than just your organs—it holds your history, your strength, and your ability to move through life with ease.
💫 Give your body the space, softness, and support it deserves.

14/02/2025

Join our HypnoBirthing International course at Mana Health Practice! ✨

Are you preparing for a calm, confident, and empowered birth? Our HypnoBirthing International course is here to guide you and your birthing companion through a gentle, evidence-based approach to birth.

🗓 Dates: 25/3, 1/4, 8/4, 22/4, 29/4
⏰ Time: Tuesdays, 5pm – 7.45pm
📍 Location: Mana Health Practice
💰 Fee: $700 (Includes all course materials + one makeup session if needed)

Over 5 immersive sessions, you’ll learn powerful techniques for deep relaxation, breathwork, and birth preparation in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Spaces are limited! Contact JodyAnn for enquiries and bookings at jodyannvk@gmail.com / 0407253721