TESTIMONIALS
Hazell was fully supportive of all of our choices through pregnancy, birth and postnatally and offered non-judgemental guidance. She helped both my partner and I to put together a birth plan that we felt confident with. During the birth, Hazell calmly held the space for me to fully let go and offered support to my partner in supporting me, even with some curveballs thrown in. I believe my birth was so smooth because of her support. She provided advice during pregnancy, birth preparation sessions, pre and postnatal yoga, and access to a brilliant range of books (including a children's book to help prepare our daughter). On top of all this we were treated to regular drop offs of nourishing treats in the postnatal period - Hazell's brownie is the best I've ever eaten! I wasn't sure what a doula was for my first birth, but since having Hazell there for the birth of our second, I would recommend one to everyone and wish Hazell had been there through my first experience! Laura - November 2024
Ah hazell,
Your postpartum offering are beautiful! I keep meaning to write you a love letter of gratitude, but they always end up left in my head.
The women of the valley are truly blessed to have you support them through their matrescene, tenderly supporting through their vulnerability, without judgement, and with the occasional nudge that it's ok to sleep with your baby all night, and that there is no need to rush this phase x
It's really beautiful to watch and experience on a weekly basis and to talk to mother's with older children who lovingly remember your classes and the cake with such warmth....
Thank you, thank you x
Hazell- A beacon for all women journeying this path x Wise Matrescence mentor of the valley xx
FB, 2023
Joining Hazell’s classes was the single best thing for my mental and physical health during pregnancy and postpartum.
Her classes are nurturing, inspiring and empowering. Hazell creates space for mothers to be themselves whatever that may be on the day. She’s also a baby whisperer!
I’ve made great friends through attending the baby classes and this is the highlight of my week!
Miranda Roszkowski and baby Jessie, 2023
I adored Hazell’s pregnancy yoga classes which helped me to relax and feel rejuvenated every week. The relaxations and visualisations stayed with me through pregnancy and preparing for birth and as a usually very anxious person I found this feeling and focus invaluable, and it helped me connect to my baby and body. I also found the classes quickly dispersed any day to day aches from both pregnancy and working from home. Postnatally, I was very glad that I had worked on my pelvic floor and had an awareness of how the body changes in pregnancy (what it does to your feet - who knew?!). Learning to concentrate on the breath helped me immensely in labour to sail through the contractions and go with the flow! Hazell is a knowledgeable, approachable, attentive and inclusive teacher and I loved that the classes allowed the class to connect together and that everyone and every experience was welcome.
I found the early postnatal period really very difficult so to feel heard and held in these classes was a huge help. Physically, the classes helped me regain confidence (and at 9 months when I left the class, really noticed after a break how much they had been helping!). Of course, it is also great to be able to bring your baby, be in a space with other postnatal mamas, share experiences, and enjoy the delicious cake and tea. 14 months on and I’m very glad of the impact of the classes physically and mentally (even if I wish I had listened more about the way you sit to feed your baby/fitted in more yoga somehow!). Baby loved the classes and is certainly better at yoga than me!
The birth preparation class was a very positive experience - perhaps the best part of it was it allowed my partner to become involved in a different way too and to come away feeling much more included in the pregnancy, birth and the upcoming life changes.
Kat, 2022
I attended pregnancy yoga, postnatal yoga and the birth preparation class and am happy for the feedback to shared.
Of course we absolutely loved the classes. I think I started pregnancy yoga at around 14 weeks pregnant and finished postnatal yoga when Jools was 9 months!
I loved that the classes focussed less on being in the perfect yoga position etc and were more about finding what felt comfortable. I felt really relaxed during and after the classes. During pregnancy I’d always sleep better on a Wednesday evening after yoga than I did the rest of the time.
Of the various classes I took Jools to, yoga was the one where I really felt “safest” - I could show up with unwashed hair, Jools in his pyjamas, 10 mins late and just feel welcomed.
You were also brilliant at remembering so much about each person - you’d always ask about specifics I’d mentioned the previous week and I have no idea how you remembered! You’d always ask after Indie too.
My favourite thing about all the classes was your great advice. During the birth preparation class, you gave us ideas on how to use the birthing ball more effectively which came in really useful. During the yoga classes, there were so many useful things you said that really stuck with me. I always remember you saying, before xmas, that it’s really important for children to see their parents exercising self-care so we should ensure we prioritise finding some time for ourselves. That encouraged me to find time to exercise and meditate each day and it’s made such a huge difference to how I feel.
I honestly wouldn’t change anything about the classes.
Scarlett, 2022
I began yoga with Hazell when I was 12 weeks pregnant. I now have a 5 month old baby and practice at her gorgeous postnatal class. My time with Hazell has been invaluable. I honestly can't imagine my journey into motherhood without her. Her classes are Covid safe and her care and dedication for what she does is second to none.
Simona, 2021
I absolutely 100% recommend attending Hazell's classes. I did antenatal yoga which was so good for me before labour. I now do postnatal mum and baby yoga. Such a wonderful way to connect with other mums and babs, all very covid secure, fun, relaxing, no pressure and amazing cake!!
Jess, 2020
I did pregnancy yoga online throughout lockdown with Hazell and loved it. It’s a great way to virtually meet other mums to be and share pregnant experiences. Hazell was good at taking into consideration each individual’s situation, aches and pains in the yoga session to make it benefit all. I felt great after each session
Nicola. October 2020
I would highly recommend Hazell’s pregnancy yoga classes for any mums to be. I was not a yoga person pre pregnancy but Hazell and everyone else in the class made me feel really welcome. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t done yoga before. The classes are a great way to relax, take time to yourself, stretch and learn breathing techniques. The exercises were great at helping to prepare for birth. I really enjoyed the meditation part at the end, followed by chocolate!
A great chance to meet other new mums too. Looking forward to joining her postnatal class. Thanks Hazel. Xxx