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
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
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
Yoga to regulate your nervous system ✨✨✨
Starting Wednesday the 6th of May, join me for a 6 week course* where we will deepen our practice using all the senses 🌀
A beautiful way to reconnect with your body and step out of auto pilot, whichever stage of life you’re in - I would love to have you in my class.
DM with any questions or book via the link in bio 🌸
*(not consecutive - check dates in bio)
Every doula is unique in how they support - here are just 3 reasons why you might be called to be held by me throughout your pregnancy, birth and beyond ✨
1. You believe birth is a sacred rite of passage - you’re wanting a doula who weaves holistic ceremonies into your support with love and care.
2. You know the importance of your birthing rights, high quality antenatal education and bespoke care - an how this will impact your birth experience.
3. You crave a calming presence, a gentle reassurance and a non-judgemental voice to walk alongside you on this journey
If you’d like to explore the other many reasons why having my support will benefit your experience, contact me today for a free connection call ✨
I currently have availability for June, September and beyond.
#doula #duein2026 #birtheducation #pregnancy
If you’ve been feeling like you’re constantly on auto-pilot, showing up for everyone else and holding it all together - but feeling unaligned and disconnected from yourself - this day is for you…
✨ Unwind & Align: An Empowerment Retreat for Women ✨
This is more than a self-care day.
It’s a space for all women, from caregivers to professionals, to pause, reset and come back to who you *actually* are underneath the pressure of who you’re expected to be.
Led by experienced & fully qualified practitioners in Yoga, Women’s Circles, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Human Design & Sound Healing, you’ll receive:
• A yoga class to release stored tension.
• An NLP confident workshop to break free from people-pleasing patterns & perfectionism, building confidence & clarity.
• Your personal Human Design map for deepen self-understanding.
• Ceremonial cacao & journalling.
• A powerful sound bath for emotional release.
- Sharing circle & meaningful connection with other women.
- Nourishing, locally sourced lunch & refreshments.
- Goody bag.
- A full day immersed in the beautiful Sussex countryside.
You will leave the experience:
✨ Clearheaded instead of overwhelmed.
✨ Confident instead of second-guessing.
✨ Connected to your inner voice again.
✨ Calm, regulated and back in your body.
Everything included in this day would typically cost £400+ when booked separately. We’ve brought it together into one powerful, accessible experience - because this experience should be available to all women.
We hold two supported-rate spaces at each retreat to support women who may not otherwise be able to attend. These are offered with trust whilst balancing the accessibility & sustainability of this work. If this resonates with your circumstances, you are warmly welcome to reach out to us for this option.
So - if you’re ready to stop performing and start feeling like yourself again, book your space via our bio now (limited spaces to keep this day intimate).
Date: Sunday 12th July 2026
Time: 10.00am - 4.30pm
Location: Sussex Yurt, RH12 3SQ
Payment options: Pay in three instalments available.
Step out of the noise.
Step into your power.
📣 NEW CLASS! Pregnancy yoga will now be on WEDNESDAYS as well as Thursdays! ✨✨✨
Due to my Thursdays having a hefty waitlist - I have decided to open up Wednesdays 🥹
Book via the link in my bio or send me a message with any questions or concerns you may have 💜
#birthdoula #pregnancyyoga #copthorne #doula #yoga
Did you know I am Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner and support women and families on their feeding journey?💜
In a world that focuses so much on the “how-to” of breastfeeding, I’m here to focus on the “how you feel.” As a Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner, trained by @mindfulbreastfeeding_with_anna , my goal is to help you move away from the stress cycle and into a place of confidence, connection, and calm. ✨
Whether you are currently pregnant and want to map out your intentions, or you’re in the thick of it and need some real-time troubleshooting, I offer two ways to support your journey:
✨ Antenatal Sessions: We’ll work through your feeding plan, practice relaxation techniques, and heal from any past experiences to prepare you for a mindful start.
✨ Postnatal Sessions: Practical help with latch, positioning, and supply, combined with relaxation to protect your peace while you navigate the early days.
📍 Serving families in Crawley and surrounding areas.
🔗 Link in bio to read more on my website or contact me via DM.
#MindfulBreastfeeding #CrawleyMums #BreastfeedingSupport #AntenatalSupport #postpartumdoula
Four simple movements to practice in pregnancy ✨
As a doula and yoga teacher, I support women to feel empowered and confident when giving birth - a major part of this is moving our body in a way that supports physiological birth but also your recovery.
You can find my classes on Thursday evenings at the Parish Hub in Copthorne, or if you can’t get to a class, my prerecorded yoga pack for just £25 is the perfect way to move your body in your own time and space 🙏🏻
You can find both via the link in my bio 💖
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#doula #pregnancyyoga #prenatalyoga antenataleducation
We are honoured to have @catarinaneves_photography , a portrait photographer, joining us for part of the afternoon at our next Pregnancy Retreat. Her work centres around celebrating women in all the seasons they move through, including motherhood. ✨
She will be gently capturing a few moments from the retreat, holding space for the natural connections and energy that unfold. She will also be offering mini photoshoots, if it feels right for you.
There is no expectation at all, simply an offering, should you feel called to be seen and held in this way. 🙏🏻
After the retreat, you’ll receive a private gallery where you can view your images and choose whether you’d like to keep any. One complimentary image will be included, with the option to purchase more if you wish.
Catarina will also be extending a special offering for future sessions, including maternity and newborn photography.
If you’d like to explore her work ahead of time, you can visit:
www.catarinanevesphotography.com
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#pregnancyretreat #doula #maternityphotography #pregnancyyoga #westsussex
Just a little reminder of what you can find over in my little corner of Instagram ✨✨✨✨
I am a birth & postpartum doula, yoga teacher and mindful breastfeeding practitioner 💖
I host pregnancy and motherhood retreats, empowering birth workshops and women’s circles ✨
I am a true empath and absolutely love supporting women and families in this way - I feel so honoured and lucky to have people choose me to walk alongside them on their journey. Be it through my yoga classes or 1-1 support - my clients are my world 🌀
Above all, I am a mother to two young boys - my everything - they are my reason and my inspiration always 💫
If you’re looking for support throughout your pregnancy, birth or postpartum, I am currently taking bookings for 2026 💖
Based in Crawley, and covering Sussex and Surrey, my yoga classes, doula support and retreat days are full of love and passion.
Photography by the incredibly talented @vanessagomes_photography - thank you always!
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#doula #yoga #pregnancy
JOIN US 🌀✨❤️🔥
A three part series of evenings where we craft, connect, and set intentions. Join us for an intimate evening dedicated to YOU.
As the months pass, we invite you to gather in a safe, warm space to reflect on what is present within you. This is more than just an evening; it is a “pause button” for your busy life—a chance to reconnect with your intuition and a community of like-minded women.
Our Evenings will consist of the following:
Mindfulness meditation
Guided journaling
Gentle Stretching
Sharing Circle: a space to be heard and held (always optional).
Creation, be that craft or intentions
Nourish, herbal teas and homemade cake included
Whether you are seeking clarity for the months ahead or simply a few hours of quiet peace, you are so welcome here. No experience in yoga, meditation, or crafting is required—just an open heart.
Link in bio to book ✨🌱
#sussex #womenscircle #meditation #yoga
A different pregnancy journey starts here✨
We believe pregnancy should be a time of diving deep into your divine feminine ~ a time to build trust in your ability to birth, the way you want to birth.
Our next Pregnancy Day retreat - the only one of its kind in Sussex and Surrey will be on the 17th of May at the gorgeous @the_sussex_country_yurt
This isn’t just a break from the noise, it’s a dedicated space hosted by an experienced Doula and Midwife duo designed to leave you feeling:
🌀 Empowered - through movement that honours your journey
🌀Relaxed - in a sanctuary built for deep rest
🌀Informed - with open discussions on how to navigate the system and knowledge to carry you through birth and beyond
Sunday 17th May, 10-4:30pm
RH12 3SQ
Option to pay in two instalments available
Spaces are limited to ensure every mama feels supported. Please DM me with any questions or book via the link in bio ✨
#pregnancyretreat #birthdoula #positivebirth #surrey
Appreciate feedback like this so much ~ it’s an honour and pleasure to hold space for women through such a special time in their lives ✨✨✨✨
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#doula #yogaretreat #motherhood #duein2026
