Gently Strong Yoga

I started going to Marie's classes when i was around 14 weeks' pregnant and continued up to having my baby, then to the mum & baby classes and I'm now going to the regular yoga classes with Marie.Going to these classes has had such a positive impact on my life. I'm so grateful for the support the classes offered during pregnancy. Marie is incredibly knowledgeable, but also so generous (and an unbelievably talented baker!); on the day my waters broke and I was in a bit of a frazzle due to some minor complications, she gave me the gentle pep talk I so needed. My husband had joined me for a partners' night in preparation for labour and he too was struck by the positive energy he felt from this class and how helpful it was. I have no doubt that the classes - the yoga techniques coupled with Marie's wisdom and encouragement - helped me to approach my labour calmly and with courage so that despite things not going 'to plan' I look back on that time as a positive and even somewhat serene experience.The mum and baby classes were then a lifeline during those crazy first months of motherhood. Again Marie's calming presence and experience was a boon. The yoga and the feeling of being in a safe space with other mothers going through the same thing were a haven for me at that time.Now, almost 2 years on from my first pregancy yoga class, I go to the weekly classes and I also try to go Marie's yoga retreats. Marie's passion for yoga is infectious. Her knowledge and experience, along with the supportive atmosphere make these classes seriously special.

Highly recommend Marie's classes. I attended pregnancy and mother and baby yoga. For both births midwives commented on my breathing techniques and calmness. Marie is a fantastic yoga teacher whose approach is kind, nurturing and knowledgeable. As mentioned in previous reviews - words really cannot do justice on how grateful I am to her for helping me both mentally and physically at the start of my motherhood journey.

I started yoga with Marie whilst I was pregnant expecting Twins. In short, this class was the best preparation I could have done for childbirth. I delivered two healthy little girls on gas and air and lots of yoga breathing. It set me up mentally and physically, and helped my partner coach me through a tough labour too.I started baby yoga when the girls were only a few weeks old. Marie could not have been more helpful - giving me the confidence and support I needed as a new mum to come a long each week and get some mental strength, peace and physical recovery.I have now started having private 1-2-1's with Marie and have been impressed with her scientific approach to yoga. She has a great understanding of biology and physiology and has created some fantastic practises for me to follow. She is down to earth, extremely knowledgable and has a wealth or personal experiences to draw on.Above all that, Marie is a top lady - I think you can guess I am quite a fan!! :)

Marie is amazing!I first went to her at 20 weeks pregnant through a recommendation of a friend. It was such an intimate class with only 5 other ladies attending and I felt immediately at ease.So much so that I booked her as my doula for the birth of my first child. I honestly could not have done it without her, her calming presence yet assertiveness and knowledge took a huge strain off my partner and me.I have since been attending her mother and baby yoga and love it just as much. A great place to meet like minded mothers and to be treated to a cooked lunch is the icing on the cake!Thank you thank you thank you!

I feel incredibly lucky that I found Marie and Gently Strong Yoga during my pregnancy. Marie has an incredible depth of knowledge about pregnancy, labour, and having a newborn. Her yoga sessions are fantastic exercise during pregnancy and prepare you for labour. The atmosphere that Marie creates is very special. With a maximum of 6 people per class she really gets to know you and your journey and it also lets you bond with the other mums and support each other.As well as building an environment to make pregnant women feel strong and supported, every few months she also holds a partner night, one of which my husband and I attended. He found the evening very useful and it made him feel more confident and equipped for the labour too.I am now attending her mum and baby yoga sessions and they are equally as valuable. I did not use her as a Doula, but have no doubt that she would make the perfect birth partner if that is what you are looking for.

Marie is so wonderful - I always feel so good after attending one of her classes. I started with the pregnancy yoga and now attend her mother and baby yoga sessions. I’ve enjoyed both hugely and Marie has helped me in so many ways. She also makes DELICIOUS healthy cakes and lunches! Amazing value and also a lovely way to meet other new mums.

Marie is amazing! I started attending her pregnancy yoga class when I was 15 weeks pregnant and it was honestly a huge part of why I felt so well, both physically and mentally, throughout my whole pregnancy. Marie is so kind, gentle, calming and of course knowledgeable and skilled! I have scoliosis and she expertly guided me through caring for my back throughout the pregnancy, and now postnatally. I attend her mum and baby yoga classes now with my little girl and we love it. Highly recommend!!!

Marie’s classes were a massive support through my pregnancy (all the way to week 42!) and postnatally - they gave me confidence for the journey to motherhood and what always felt like a well needed warm hug and reassurance, as well as some much-needed space to look after myself as a new mum. Thanks so much Marie, wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others.

I really enjoyed Marie's classes when I was pregnant and postnatally too. She is a supportive and knowledgeable teacher. I always found her empowering, she is an advocate of pregnant persons rights and choices. I think having a yoga teacher who is also a doula makes a huge difference to preparing you for birth (however you decide to bring your baby into the world) and repairing your body afterwards.