#425: Yoga Is A State Of Being with Claire Holloway

In this week's episode of the Birthing Instincts podcast, Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss Young are joined by Claire Holloway, founder of the Center for Bright Beginnings. Claire discusses the deeper philosophy of yoga, highlighting its relevance not just during pregnancy but as a preparation for home birth and beyond. She explains how yoga supports autonomy and personal sovereignty, guiding individuals to connect with their bodies, manage energy, and integrate spiritual practices into their birthing experience. The discussion goes into techniques like breathing exercises and space creation to enhance the birthing experience. Whether you're planning a home or hospital birth, this episode offers valuable insights into how yoga can profoundly impact the journey from pregnancy through birth and into motherhood.Guest Bio:Claire Holloway is the founder of the Centre of Bright Beginnings where she supports people throughout the journey of matrescence. She is an experienced yoga practitioner, facilitator and movement educator with a special interest in perinatal and pelvic health. Her prenatal, postpartum and parenting programs are informed by her own experiences of becoming a mother and her training as a Matrescence Coach and are designed with far more than stretching in mind. She holds space for women and parents to explore their own transformative journey, feeling supported and empowered towards autonomy in their perinatal care. Her latest online program is Yoga for Homebirth.Instagram: @yourbrightbeginningWebsite: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/ResourcesYoga for Homebirth: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/yoga-for-homebirthPractical Yoga Philosophy for Conception, Pregnancy and Parenthood: https://blissbabyyoga.com/yogaphilosophyforparenthood/Free webinar "Plan Your Dream Homebirth":  https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-planFree homebirth community catchup details (in-person in Perth and online coming soon): https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-communityResearch articles:Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy and Infant Influenza in the First 6 Months of Life: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2025/08000/influenza_vaccination_during_pregnancy_and_infant.18.aspxThe role of Spirituality in the lives of Women coping with Early Motherhood and Postpartum Depression, by Sandra Martins:https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstreams/ad923855-6e67-4bda-a81f-24f09dc74df0/downloadSpiritual Awakening through the Motherhood Journey, by Aurelie M. Athan and Lisa Miller:   304987363.pdfSee Blyss and Stu become Frodo & Gandolf on PatreonIn This EpisodeExploring the Layers of Yoga in PregnancyAutonomy and EmpowermentBreath Awareness and PersonalizationGuided Breathing ExerciseThe Importance of Personal Awareness in LaborYoga Philosophy and Practical ApplicationCreating Space in LaborPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byWeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.Pique Life| Go to https://piquelife.com/birthing to get 10% off for life on Pique's Herbal Teas!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyssWebsite: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com