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: @yourbrightbeginning

Website: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/

Resources

Yoga for Homebirth: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/yoga-for-homebirth

Practical Yoga Philosophy for Conception, Pregnancy and Parenthood: https://blissbabyyoga.com/yogaphilosophyforparenthood/

Free webinar "Plan Your Dream Homebirth":  https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-plan

Free homebirth community catchup details (in-person in Perth and online coming soon): https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth-community

Research 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.aspx

The 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/download

Spiritual Awakening through the Motherhood Journey, by Aurelie M. Athan and Lisa Miller:   304987363.pdf

See Blyss and Stu become Frodo & Gandolf on Patreon

In This Episode

Exploring the Layers of Yoga in Pregnancy

Autonomy and Empowerment

Breath Awareness and Personalization

Guided Breathing Exercise

The Importance of Personal Awareness in Labor

Yoga Philosophy and Practical Application

Creating Space in Labor

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care 

This show is supported by

• WeNatal | 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 Blyss

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• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com