Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Pregnancy & Birth Preparation in Exeter
At Birthwise, we believe in nurturing trust and understanding in the natural process of pregnancy and childbirth to enhance your experience. Our mission is to empower you with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions, fostering confidence and joy as you prepare for parenthood. We combine Pregnancy Yoga and Active Birth principles to align your mind-body connection, promoting a balanced approach to birth. Our team draws inspiration from leading specialists, including Janet Balaskas, founder of the Active Birth movement, and we are associate members of The Active Birth Centre. Since 2004, our founders, Karin Walters and Patricia Whitworth, have dedicated themselves to supporting families through transformative birth experiences.We collaborate with specialists like doulas, photographers, and sleep consultants to provide holistic care. Our approach emphasizes the spiritual and physical aspects of birth, offering practical skills for both parents. We are committed to continuous learning, attending workshops with experts like Michel Odent and Gail Tully. Our services extend across Exeter, East Devon, and Newton Abbot, with a focus on community and personalized support.
Services
Pregnancy Yoga
Active Birth Classes
Couples Birth Workshops
Doula Services
Placenta Encapsulation
Postnatal Yoga
Motherhood Gatherings
Prenatal Massage
Baby Sleep Consultancy
Childbirth Education
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in prenatal education and support.
- Our team are associate members of The Active Birth Centre, authorised to teach Janet Balaskas' workshops.
- We offer personalised 1-2-1 sessions and small group classes for tailored support.
- Our holistic approach combines yoga, active birth principles, and postnatal therapies.
- We collaborate with certified specialists in doulas, placenta encapsulation, and baby massage.
What people say
Positive and empowering experience
Wisest decisions we made
Amazing, special births
Fabulous doulas
Invaluable teaching
Services
Pregnancy Yoga
Our Pregnancy Yoga classes align your mind-body connection, preparing you physically and emotionally for birth. The practice enhances flexibility, reduces stress, and promotes optimal fetal positioning. Combining breathing techniques and gentle postures, it supports a calm, confident approach to childbirth and parenthood.
Active Birth Classes
Active Birth classes teach movement and positioning techniques to facilitate easier labour and reduce interventions. These sessions empower you to trust your body's innate abilities, whether birthing at home or in hospital. The approach is grounded in Janet Balaskas' internationally recognised methods.
Doula Services
Our certified doulas provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They help you navigate decisions, advocate for your preferences, and create a positive, empowering birth experience tailored to your needs.
Placenta Encapsulation
Placenta encapsulation transforms your placenta into capsules to replenish nutrients, boost energy, and support hormonal balance post-birth. This natural therapy aids recovery, lactation, and emotional well-being, offering a holistic approach to postnatal healing.
Couples Workshops
Couples workshops equip partners with practical skills to support during labour, including massage, positioning, and breathing techniques. These sessions foster teamwork, reduce anxiety, and build confidence in preparing for birth and early parenthood.
People
Karin Walters
Founder & Doula
Karin qualified as a Doula in 1998 and an Active Birth teacher in 1999. She has taught classes since 2001 and offers pregnancy massage and Zero Balancing. She is a nurse and massage therapist, running The Natural Health Practice in Exeter.
Patricia Whitworth
Founder & Yoga Teacher
Patricia trained as an Active Birth Yoga teacher in 2004 and a Doula in 2001. She offers prenatal classes, workshops, and postnatal support. She holds qualifications from the British Wheel of Yoga and has attended specialist training in baby positioning and sleep.
Claire Arnold
Yoga Teacher & Doula
Claire trained as a Doula in 2008 and a Hypnobirthing teacher in 2011. She offers Active Birth classes, postnatal groups, and women's circles. She has practised yoga for 20 years and trained with the Devon School of Yoga.
Janine Gassmann
Birth Doula
Janine is a holistic childbirth educator and birth doula trained with Birthing Wisdom. She supports informed decision-making and offers continuous care. She holds a counselling certificate and an advanced DBS disclosure.
Gaby Sweet
Birth Photographer
Gaby is a birth and family photographer with experience documenting over 1,000 births. She combines her doula background with photography to capture authentic, emotional moments during childbirth and early parenthood.
Questions
What services does Birthwise offer?
We provide Pregnancy Yoga, Active Birth classes, couples workshops, doula support, placenta encapsulation, postnatal yoga, and baby massage.
Do you offer doula services?
Yes, our certified doulas offer continuous physical, emotional, and practical support before, during, and after birth.
Are classes available for first-time parents?
Yes, we offer tailored classes and workshops for first-time parents, including Active Birth and Hypnobirthing techniques.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Exeter, East Devon, Newton Abbot, South Devon, and surrounding areas.
Can I book a private session?
Yes, we offer 1-2-1 sessions for baby positioning, postnatal support, and personalised birth preparation.
Do you provide postnatal support?
Yes, our services include postnatal yoga, doula support, placenta encapsulation, and baby massage to aid recovery and bonding.
