Hello, Im Maria
I am a qualified and recognised Doula and Yoga teacher with a passion and purpose to support and guide women before, during and after their pregnancy; assisting and honouring the process of matrescence. I believe mothers too need to be held, and it is my honour to be able to do so, enabling them to embrace their journey with confidence, power and knowledge.
I am blessed to be a mother to two beautiful boys and want to share the learning from my experiences for women to connect with their babies, honour their bodies, and above all, feel empowered to let go and trust in the process.
My Services
Doula
I have the privilege of supporting women through their birthing journey and during their postnatal period, providing quality care to both Mum and baby, at a time when having support makes a world of difference. My offerings are flexible, designed to suit your choices, providing comfort, safety and advocacy.
Retreats
In collaboration with expert guests, including qualified midwives and therapists, I co-host a variety of retreats aimed to inspire, nourish, connect and guide. With a range of carefully designed agendas, from confidence in birthing to honoring Matrescence, there’s a retreat for everyone.
Yoga
I teach Hatha, Pregnancy Yoga and a Mother & Baby yoga circle, weekly at the Holistic Hub in Copthorne. It is a joy to provide a safe-haven of calm and tranquility away from the pressures of everyday life. I also offer 1-1 private lessons at a location of your choice.
Doula
I have the privilege of supporting women through their birthing journey and during their postnatal period, providing quality care to both Mum and baby, at a time when having support makes a world of difference. My offerings are flexible, designed to suit your choices, providing comfort, safety and advocacy.
Retreats
In collaboration with expert guests, including qualified midwives and therapists, I co-host a variety of retreats aimed to inspire, nourish, connect and guide. With a range of carefully designed agendas, from confidence in birthing to honoring Matrescence, there’s a retreat for everyone.
Yoga
I teach Hatha, Pregnancy Yoga and a Mother & Baby yoga circle, weekly at the Holistic Hub in Copthorne. It is a joy to provide a safe-haven of calm and tranquility away from the pressures of everyday life. I also offer 1-1 private lessons at a location of your choice.
Pachamama Resources
I know first hand just how lonely that postpartum period can be and how having something to get out of the house for can make a world of difference. So, through years of collecting baby and toddler groups around Crawley, Horley, Horsham and surrounding areas, I have created this extensive list of things to do. Click below for your handy guide to the week.
Doula in Crawley, East Grinstead & surrounding areas
I truly believe that all birth is beautiful; be it a hospital birth or a homebirth, it is my duty as a doula to honour your desires and guide you in what’s best for you and your family. I know just how important the day you birth your baby will be and I am passionate about doing my upmost to ensure that you feel empowered, confident and held throughout your journey.
I will be your trusted and compassionate supporter, your female companion and confidant who will always have your back, should you need it.
As your doula, I will…
Locations I cover are: Crawley, Copthorne, Horley, Reigate, Redhill, Dorking, Horsham, East Grinstead, Forest Row, Southwater, Billingshurst, Brighton, Hove, Lingfield, Haywards Heath, Uckfield, Burgess Hill, Epsom, Lewes, Oxted.
“Maria brought such a calming, positive presence at the birth. Her encouragement and tips made all the difference during the more challenging moments. I truly couldn’t have asked for a more supportive partner on this journey and believe that I wouldn’t have had such a positive birth if it wasn’t for Maria.”
LAURA, DOULA CLIENT
Yoga Classes in Crawley
Yoga has been a part of my life ever since I became a young adult, it has held me and nurtured me through each rite of passage. In 2019, with a 1 year old in tow, I began my yoga teacher journey, graduating mid pandemic.
I continued to then specialise in pre and postnatal yoga, whilst pregnant with my second child. Practising yoga whilst pregnant both times gave me a deeper connection with my baby and the transition I was going through. Since then, I have had the joy of witnessing other mothers find that same connection.
I currently teach a mix of gentle Hatha, Pregnancy Yoga and Postnatal yoga classes weekly at the Parish Hub in Copthorne close to Horley, Crawley and East Grinstead. A safe-haven of calm and tranquility away from the pressures of everyday life.
I also offer 1-1 private lessons at a location of your choice.
“I love doing yoga with Maria. She pushes me enough to feel challenged but her classes are great for beginners too, where you don’t feel out of your depth”
AMY, HATHA YOGA CLIENT
Pregnancy and Motherhood Retreats
In collaboration with expert guests, including qualified midwives and therapists, I co-host a variety of retreats across West Sussex.
For thousands of years, women have been gathering in circles, inspiring, nourishing and connecting with one another. With a range of carefully designed agendas, my retreats aim to do just this.
See upcoming retreats listed below or head to my retreats page to find out more.
Confident Birthing Pregnancy Retreat
Sunday 17th May 2026, 10:30am til 4:30pm
Whether it be your first or your fourth child, we want to celebrate and honour the journey you have ahead of you. Regardless of how you may be planning to birth, this retreat is designed to make you feel confident and for you to move into your birth feeling calm, relaxed and empowered.
This experience will include:
• Prenatal yoga • Midwife led confident birthing workshop • Birth vision board creation • Ceremonial Cacao • Hypnobirthing Breathwork • Shamanic Drumming • Nutritious seasonal lunch • Take home goody bag •
Suitable for women from all stages of pregnancy, share the joys and challenges of your journey with a day full of nourishment, connection and peace.
“A remarkable and one of a kind pregnancy retreat. I left feeling empowered, knowledgeable, and extremely self assured following the experience”
JESSICA, RETREAT GUEST
Recent Reviews on Google
I left feeling restored and more connected to myself, which now allows me to serve my family and my clients with even more presence and care.
Thank you Maria and Nia!
The classes she creates are a perfect balance of gentle exercise, relaxation & breathing techniques, which have been incredibly helpful for me both physically and mentally.
Because of the uncertainty, we decided to hire a doula so we could have consistent support and someone to help us advocate for ourselves if our birth plans changed.
From the moment we met Maria, we knew she was the perfect fit! She has such a calming presence and is genuinely one of the loveliest, most caring people you’ll meet! During our three antenatal sessions, she took the time to get to know us and our birth preferences, helping us explore all possible options.
I also attended her pregnancy yoga classes, which I absolutely loved and already miss! They’re such a beautiful way to move and connect with your baby and these also helped build our relationship even further.
Maria was always at the end of the phone during pregnancy and was an incredible support throughout labour and birth. She helped get my birth space ready, contacted the midwives and helped protect our birth space when they were here, helped care for our toddler until family arrived and supported me through surges when our toddler needed my husband. She captured precious photos and videos and ensured everything was taken care of after the birth, so we could fully enjoy our post-birth bubble!
We’re so grateful we found you and can’t thank you enough! We miss you and I can’t wait to join your mother and baby yoga circles soon! ❤️
You can really tell she cares deeply about what she does. She shares helpful tips for pregnancy, birth and recovery, and nothing ever feels rushed or intimidating. I always leave feeling lighter, calmer and more confident about my body and the journey ahead.
If you’re pregnant (or a new mummy) and thinking about trying yoga, this is 100% the place to go 🤍
I am now attending her mother and baby yoga circle and from the very first session, I felt completely supported, safe and understood. Maria creates such a calm, welcoming atmosphere and really takes the time to check in with everyone individually, making sure movements are comfortable and adapted to each stage of your journey.
The sessions have been the perfect mix of gentle stretching, strengthening and relaxation. I’ve noticed such a difference in my back pain and overall comfort, but more than that, it’s become a highlight of my week — a chance to slow down, breathe and properly connect with my baby. Thank you!!
Other Services Available
“If a woman doesn’t look like a Goddess during birth, then someone isn’t treating her right”
INA MAY GASKIN
Birth & Postpartum Doula Support ✨
It’s noisy out there at the moment and I fear that those who don’t quite know what a doula does think they are adding to it. Quite the opposite. We are here to reduce the noise, to streamline the googling, to listen intensively, with curiosity and empathy.
We are not here to tell you what you should do, or to judge you, we are here to hold space for you and your family and to ensure you feel heard. ✨
I love talking all things birth and postpartum, if you want to know more about what this support could look like, my inbox is always open for you ❤️
Our first outdoor yoga and sound bath workshop was pure ✨✨✨✨
We gathered underneath the trees at the gorgeous @the_blendingstudio and were given the opportunity to pause, to ground and to be held by not only us but by nature 🌿
Getting to host these with the wonderful @wellness.withgrace really is the best feeling ~ it’s a bonus I get to call her my soul sister 🤍
We are planning our next event for October… reach out if you’re interested to be the first to hear! 🌀
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#soundbath #nature #soundhealing #yoga
Calling all expectant mothers 🫶🏻
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭✨🩷🤰🏽
Sunday 27th September, @theyogayurtuk , RH17 5JT, 10:00 - 4:30
ONLY ONE EARLY BIRD SPACE LEFT!
This day retreat is all about celebrating your transition to motherhood. Whether it be your first or your fourth child, we want to celebrate and honour the journey you have ahead of you. 🩷
Join us for a day of connection, inspiration and relaxation, helping you prepare physically, mentally and spiritually.
Included in your day:
🧘🏻♀️Pre-natal yoga class
👩🏼⚕️Midwife led workshop: birthing with confidence
🌀Doula led Postpartum Prep
🥙Nutritious homemade seasonal lunch
☕️Mindfulness & Visualisation
🎨Birth vision board session
📿Guided meditation
🥮Sweet treats and tea
🛍️Goody bag to take home
We welcome all mothers who are pregnant from 13 weeks right up until the end of third trimester.
No prior yoga experience is needed.
#pregnantin2026 #antenataleducation #pregnancyyoga #duein2026
The day we held mamas with love and solidarity. ✨
Thank you to everyone who came and surrendered to being held. You are all queeeeens ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Hosting this incredible day with @niafinlay at the stunning @theyogayurtuk was, as always, an honour.
Thank you @joyyogasurrey for participating and helping us capture the day!
Possible next one will be either in the Autumn or next year… comment below if this is what you need ❤️🔥
EMPOWER YOUR BIRTH WORKSHOP ✨
These workshops I started have been such a success, I thought I’d release another before the end of Summer!
Join me for this special masterclass designed to bridge the gap between pregnancy yoga and birth preparation.
As a Doula and Yoga Teacher, I’ve designed this evening to give you the practical “map” of labour—combining the wisdom of physiological birth with the calming tools of yoga.
This isn’t our usual yoga class; it’s an empowering deep dive into your body’s natural design.
What we will explore together:
The Biomechanics of Birth: We’ll look at how the pelvis actually moves and how you can create 30% more space for your baby using simple, effective positions.
Stages of Labour: Understanding the “rhythm” of birth from a non-medical perspective so you feel in control of your body.
Active Birth Tools: Hands-on practice with the birth ball and Rebozo techniques to manage sensations and support baby’s optimal positioning.
The Power of Release: We finish with a deep visualization and relaxation to anchor your confidence and calm the nervous system.
Who is this for?
Whether you are planning a home birth or a hospital birth, understanding your body’s mechanics and how to stay centred will be the difference between a birth that leaves you feeling euphoric or disappointed. For the experienced parent: A chance to debrief previous experiences, refresh your ‘body memory’ of labour positions, and dedicate 75 minutes of pure focus to this baby and this birth.
What’s included:
You will leave the session with a “Birth Toolkit” handout—a practical summary of the positions and tips covered in class that you can take home to share with your birth partner.
Spaces are limited to keep the environment intimate and supportive.
#doula #yogateacher #birthbiomechanics #antenataleducation #pregnantin2026
YOGA AND SOUND BATH ✨📿
Celebrate the arrival of Summer with a beautifully nourishing afternoon being completely immersed in nature.🌿
We will gather outdoors for a deeply grounding Embodied Yoga practice, moving with the rhythm of the earth beneath us, followed by a restorative, immersive Sound Bath under the open sky.
Held outside overlooking the Sussex countryside at the glorious @the_blendingstudio ✨
We’ll close our afternoon together connecting over a fresh, nutritious smoothie. It’s going to be absolute bliss!🥹🌺
Visit my yoga and retreats bookwhen page to book via the link in my bio 🌀
#soundbath #soundhealing #yoga #westsussex #mindfulness
WIN BEYOND THE BOOB 3 DAY WHATSAPP SUPPORT🤱🏽💤
To celebrate the upcoming launch of Bedtime Beyond the Boob, we’re giving one breastfeeding mum the chance to win Beyond The Boob — 3 days of personalised WhatsApp support with Stevie & Maria to support bedtime, feeding, and sleep in real time.
Bedtime Beyond the Boob is a supportive pre-recorded resource for breastfeeding mums who want to gently make changes to bedtime — without stopping breastfeeding or going against what feels right for their family.
✨ The winner will receive 3 days of WhatsApp support with Stevie & Maria to help implement these changes with responsive, real-time support.
We can support and give advice with:
- feeding to sleep
- bedtime battles
- creating more flexibility at bedtime
- feeding support & bedtime hunger guidance
- settling alternatives that feel right for your family
👶🏼Suitable for babies over 5 months.
WHO HOLDS YOU?
💤 Stevie from @mum_uninterrupted — Certified Sleep Consultant
🤱🏽 Maria from @pachamama_maria — Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner & Doula
TO ENTER:
✨ Like this post & follow both accounts
✨ Tag a friend — every comment counts as an entry
✨ Share to your story & tag us for a bonus entry
T&Cs:
➡️ Competition runs from 8th June–29th June
➡️ Winner announced shortly after closing
➡️ Bedtime Beyond the Boob launches at the end of June
➡️ Prize is not transferable to other services. However, if you win and don’t need it, you may gift it to a friend who has also entered.
The light always comes back 💫
Motherhood is a beautiful, sacred journey, but it can also be incredibly intense. It’s so easy to get caught up in the constant cycle of giving that we forget to receive.
If you are feeling poured out, overstimulated, or just deeply craving a collective exhale with women who truly understand, this is your invitation to pause.
Our Motherhood Retreat is coming up on Sunday, 28th of June. We have a brand-new, gorgeous, light-filled venue in Cuckfield (RH17) at the @theyogayurtuk ready to hold space for you.
What to expect:
✨ Deeply restorative yoga to soothe your nervous system
✨ A safe, honest women’s circle to share and connect
✨ Crystal Healing Workshop
✨ A nourishing, home-cooked lunch made with love
✨ & so much more!
Almost all of our spaces are already filled by a wonderful group of mums, from all stages of life - we keep these circles intimate so everyone feels seen. I only have 3 spots left 🥹
Will you be one of them?
💜 Click the link in my bio to read the full details and secure your space, or send me a DM with any questions. You deserve this time.
#matrescence #yoga #retreat #sussexmums
Exploring Matrescence - Motherhood Retreat for ALL mothers ❤️🔥
Matrescence is the transition that happens when we become a mother; a transition likened to that of a child becoming an adolescent, yet, it’s not given the same gravity, compassion and understanding. It is only in the past decade that the female brain has begun being analysed to truly see what happens during this transition.
So many of you asked for a day just for you - to switch off from the mum admin, the requests, the responsibilities. A day to relax, restore and connect with other mothers - @theyogayurtuk is the perfect location for this and we couldn’t be more excited to host there!
I am so excited that @niafinlay , a qualified Crystal and Spiritual Healer will be hosting this again.
Pay in two or pay in full available ✨✨✨
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#motherhood #matrescence #yogaretreat #surrey sussex
Pregnancy Yoga ✨
Wednesday evenings 6-7pm, Copthorne Parish Hub - with air con!!
Being pregnant for the majority of women doesn’t mean you can’t still build strength ~ being a doula means that my classes have a deeper layer of knowledge. We work with the body to create space for baby and prepare you for the birth you deserve 💜
Link to book via bio ✨
Three Supported Movements for your pregnant body ✨
Empower your pregnancy but moving your body in a kind and loving way. Yoga props are my favourite and I will ALWAYS lean on them! If you don’t have a bolster, using a yoga ball, or even the side of the sofa, yoga blocks or cushions can substitute.
I’d love you to join me Wednesdays at the Copthorne Parish Hub, 6-7pm or check out my pre-recorded 4 part pregnancy yoga series to practice in your own space and time 💖
#doula #pregnancyyoga #surrey #sussex #prenatalyoga
10 things you (may or may not) know about me 🥹
Any millennials recognise the actor on slide 10? 🙊 comment below if so! 👇🏼
Did any surprise you? ✨✨✨
My work as a doula is SO personal and I truly am an open book, so although I’ll keep certain things private on here, I think it’s important (and fun!) to know a little bit more about my journey to this point in my life so far 🌸
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#mindfulness #yoga #doula #birthwork
