About Vida Rye

Kia ora! I’m Vida Rye

I am a passionate advocate for physiological birth whether it be at home, in hospital or in a birth centre and am very active in my local birthing community. I worked as a birth and postnatal doula (a trained birth companion and supporter after birth) in England in the community and was a founding member of www.doula.org.uk. I also volunteered in Holloway Prison in London with women who were facing pregnancy and childbirth whilst serving their sentences / on remand (see www.birthcompanions.org.uk).  This was all before moving to Wellington, New Zealand in 2002 where I continued doula-ing and facilitating infant massage classes (certified with www.iaim.net) until my children were born.

I have observed how unique every birth is and how differently women approach their labours and the birth of their babies. I was often amazed at the women from other cultures (e.g. Jamaican) who seemed to labour and birth so effortlessly. This is because they trusted their bodies and felt relaxed and not fearful. In November 2004 I gave birth at home, in water, to my first child, Zoe, with the wonderful support of my two homebirth midwives and my husband, Graham. Prior to the birth we had traveled up to Waiheke Island to take a Calmbirth® course.  The techniques we learned meant that I was very relaxed and by the time we called the midwife, to our joy, I was already fully dilated! In January 2009, I gave birth to my second daughter, Phoebe, just as calmly, again in water at home with my family and wonderful midwives supporting us.

We so underestimate our body’s ability to give birth naturally if only we would let the “thinking” part of our brain have a rest! I feel absolutely privileged that I am now in a position to encourage others to tap in to the powers of their subconscious mind, so that they can experience a positive birth experience like I, my husband and babies did, it is such a wonderful gift to share with them. I also feel that offering Calmbirth® classes is very special because it means that partners can truly feel involved in the experience and have practical techniques to be able to support the birthing mother.

See below for brief details of my courses.  To contact me for more information click here or phone 04 589 7802 or just book now.

 

Vida’s Calmbirth Classes in Wellington and via Zoom

View below for Vida’s Calmbirth classes in Wellington and via Zoom during Covid-19 Restriction Levels

Wellington

It is best to do the Calmbirth® course some time between 24 – 36 weeks so you have more time to practice and consolidate what you learn, but those who have been as early as 20 weeks gestation, or as late as 39 weeks gestation, have still gained great benefit from attending this course. The course goes over one weekend and includes both days.

In-person, at-venue courses in Wellington happen when we are in ORANGE or GREEN (NZ Govt COVID-19 Protection Framework).  Zoom courses are offered when in RED.

Venue: Petone or Central Lower Hutt (Wellington region)

Times: Sat & Sun 9:15am-5:15pm 

Cost: Early bird is $445 (payment before 4 weeks of course start) or full cost is $495. At least the deposit of $100 is required to secure your place on the course. One booking includes your partner or chosen birth companion attending too, plus a Calmbirth® class handbook and access to download of guided relaxations which you will receive at the end of the weekend. Group size is limited to 6 bookings.

Bring your lunch or visit the local cafes.

Morning/afternoon tea and healthy snacks provided.

Vida also operates a “pay-it-forward” scheme whereby if you choose to pay the full cost $495 at least 4 weeks before the course start, $50 of your payment will go towards supporting another person/couple who would not ordinarily be able to afford to attend a course.

Vida’s Zoom Courses

Vida is offering Zoom Courses in Wellington for those who are birthing and their chosen partner whilst NZ or the region is under Red Restriction (NZ Govt COVID-19 Protection Framework).

It is best to do the Calmbirth® course some time between 24 – 36 weeks so you have more time to practice and consolidate what you learn, but those who have been as early as 20 weeks gestation, or as late as 39 weeks gestation, have still gained great benefit from attending this course. The course is split in to 3 sessions.

Session Times : 

Day 1 on Sunday : 9:15am-5:15pm  (after 10am – 10:30am Test Zoom day before)

Day 2 on following Saturday: 9:15am-5:15pm

Follow-up session – at a time mutually arranged so is convenient for participants and Vida 

Cost: Early bird is $445 (payment before 4 weeks of course start) or full cost is $495.   At least the deposit of $100 is required to secure your place on the course.   One booking includes your partner or chosen birth companion attending too, plus a Calmbirth® class handbook and access to download of guided relaxations which you will receive at the end of Day 2. Group size is limited to 7 or 8 bookings.

Please be reassured that there are rest breaks and relaxation during Zooms to keep you engaged.

Vida also operates a “pay-it-forward” scheme whereby if you choose to pay the full cost $495 at least 4 weeks before the course start, $50 of your payment will go towards supporting another person/couple who would not ordinarily be able to afford to attend a course.

Private Courses & Refreshers in Wellington

Calmbirth Private Courses: 12 hours of education split over 2-3 sessions at mutually agreeable time.

Cost: $795

Location: Your Home

Calmbirth Refreshers: 5-6 hour session at mutually agreeable time.

Cost: $350

Location: Your Home

Vida offers Calmbirth Private Courses or Refreshers in your own home. 

 

Refreshers are only offered if you have previously completed a Calmbirth course (either with Vida or with another Calmbirth Educator).