Welcome to the Active Birth Centre

 



Active Birth update. Over this summer I am taking a break from teaching classes after more than four decades since the Active Birth Movement began. At that time my colleagues and I were pioneers of a radical new approach to birth and to preparation for birth. Since then, we have seen great changes to maternity practises, with birthing centres designed to facilitate Active Births and an explosion of a more body centred way of preparing for birth with Active Birth Workshops, Yoga and Hypnobirthing.

Our next Professional Teacher Training Course will begin on the 21st September 2025.

We have trained many teachers over the years, and the suggested links below will lead you to them or to like-minded organisations I would recommend:
For details of Active Birth Teachers we have trained please use of these links: United Kingdom | International

Many of them also offer Pregnancy Yoga online or in person and more can be found at www.yogabirth.org

I wish you a joyful birth and welcome of your new baby!

Janet Balaskas
Founder of Active Birth, Pioneer of Pregnancy Yoga

Active Birth Film

‘Active Birth: Your Guide to Nature’s Plan’ is a feature length film by Janet Balaskas, which will introduce you to the essentials of Active Birth and provide a practical guide you can work with throughout your pregnancy.

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Antenatal Classes & Courses

Package Offer: Save 10% on both courses if you book an Active Birth Workshop
and a Hypnobirthing Course!

Best Overall Antenatal Course

Active Birth Workshop

Learn how to have an Active Birth in this iconic antenatal course, which offers everything you need to prepare for the birth of your baby. Janet guides you on an inspirational journey from the start of labour to first hour after birth. Learn how to work with your body, your breath and your baby.


Weekly Relaxation + Birth Preparation

Pregnancy Yoga

Relax, breathe, stretch and prepare for birth in the calm and meditative state of Yoga. Janet Balaskas brings her unique wisdom, warmth and experience to these inspirational pregnancy yoga classes which combine the benefits of yoga and preparation for your birth.


Deepen Your Birth Preparation

Hypnobirthing Course

Hypnobirthing works wonderfully with Active Birth. Now you can learn Hypnobirthing online, in your own home, with the guidance and experience of a gifted teacher. Janet’s unique approach to hypnobirthing draws on decades of experience as a birth educator to complement the benefits of Active Birth.


Private Sessions

Private Sessions with Janet Balaskas can be arranged if you prefer to work one-to-one or one-to-couple, or if the dates for a course don’t work for you. They are held on zoom, and can cover Active Birth and Hypnobirthing techniques, or advice and mentoring on specific topics you choose.

Professional Training & Postnatal Classes

Professional Training

Professional training for antenatal teachers, hypnobirthing practitioners, pregnancy yoga teachers, midwives and doulas. Janet Balaskas has been training birth professionals for more than three decades, influencing birth education and midwifery practice across the globe.


Postpartum Sessions with Lynn

The ideal follow-on from my classes! Discover Lynn Murphy’s amazing offerings from 1:1 sessions in your own home or via zoom for baby massage & support to her Mother Nurture Circle for new mums & babies. Lynn’s postpartum programme provides a trusted space where you can receive support, meet friends, and take time for you and your baby.

The Story of a Revolution

Discover the history of the Active Birth movement, which has transformed the way babies are born around the world

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