The Midsummer Pregnancy Retreat
A deeply relaxing and nourishing Retreat
for Pregnant Women
in the inspiring Devon countryside.
June 26th - 29th 2025
Eden Rise Retreat Centre, Devon
Pregnancy is often painted as a magical, glowing time.
And it can definitely be that !
And...for many of us, the truth is far more complex and our daily reality can also include anxiety. emotional swings, feeling stretched thin, disconnected or overwhelmed.
If you’re feeling like your nervous system is running on overdrive… you’re not imagining it.
And you’re not alone.
Many pregnant women feel like that.
Here’s why this season can feel so intense —
and why it’s not your fault:
🧠 Your brain is being rewired
Pregnancy literally reshapes your brain — especially areas tied to empathy, emotional processing, and connection. This helps you bond deeply with your baby… but it also makes you more sensitive, more alert, and sometimes more emotionally reactive.
💧 Your hormones are in flux
Oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol are all rising, falling, and surging. These changes can disrupt your sleep, digestion, stress response, and mood regulation.
It’s not "just hormones" — it’s a full-body transformation.
💗 Your emotional world is shifting
Underneath the daily tasks and decisions, big questions stir:
Who am I becoming? Will I be okay? Will my relationships survive this? What kind of mother will I be…do I want to be?
You’re in the matrescence journey— the physical, emotional and identity transition into motherhood — and it brings up everything.
🌍 Society doesn’t make space for you
Modern life expects you to keep going like normal — working, producing, functioning — in a body that is doing something extraordinary.
We live in a culture that doesn’t acknowledge the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of pregnant women.
There’s little space for rest, no rites of passage,
and few tools for emotional support.
💼 And the pressure of work? It’s real.
Many women feel torn between professional expectations and the deep, instinctive pull to slow down and turn inward.You might be working while exhausted, fielding decisions about leave or childcare, or quietly managing fear about how your role — or your identity — will shift.
Imagine .....
……being able to step away from daily demands, noisy expectations and the pressure to put others first…
……having time to stretch, breathe, journal and simply be
……being held, supported, and seen - within a caring community of pregnant women.
……listening inward, and connecting with this profound transformation
Picture yourself walking in the 7 acres of land surrounding the centre, discovering the labyrinth or splashing in the clear flowing river, and returning, renewed and inspired, to a delicious and healthy meal, especially crafted to nourish you and your baby,
What would it feel like to have the opportunity to deeply soothe your nervous system so the emotions and the questions that have been racing around your being can settle, and, with support and gentle guidance, create a win win plan for your matrescence journey?
What might open up if you gave yourself this time?
I am so grateful to be able to offer you this haven.
I have grown, birthed and raised 4 children and supported expectant mothers and families for over 2 decades so I know how needed it is.
Pregnancy is so much more than a physical journey—it is also an emotional, spiritual, and identity shift.
This retreat is a space to honour it all.
This is a haven for you if…
* You’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, stretched thin, or just wanting to be cared for
* You’ve begun to realise that becoming a mother is as much about who you’re becoming as who you’re growing.
* You crave space to reflect, reset your nervous system, and gather strength for what lies ahead.
What if you could feel more resourced, more centred,
and more connected to your path into birth and motherhood?
This retreat is more than just a break
—it’s also an opportunity to rediscover your inner balance,
envision the future
your heart and soul are calling for
and feel equipped to meet what arises
with presence and grace.
Step away from the noise and into yourself.
Return home rested, recharged,
with the clarity, capacity, and tools
to start creating a family life
where everyone can thrive.
Here's What Awaits You
Relax, feel calmer and at peace...
...with Pregnancy Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Release any tension and stress with Havening and other nervous system reset tools. Let go of your burdens and your doubts with our resident counsellor, Jolie.
Connect...
...with other mums to be and enjoy being in community, sharing meals, chats and activities like singing with Helen or making your vision board for your birth or mothering journey. You will have the opportunity to carry on connecting with this amazing community of mothers after the retreat.
Prepare...
...with Olivia’s Matrescence coaching, creating a future aligned with your values, your needs and the uniqueness of your situation ...and come out with a plan - your Matrescence plan.
Receive...
...massages to make your body sing and your skin tingle with delight, and counselling sessions to lighten your heart.
These are an extra cost. see price list below).
Eat...
... Seasonal and mostly organic, delicious, hearty and nutritionally balanced food, in great company. We know how much food can matter when you are pregnant.
Our menu has been carefully crafted, by nutritionist and cook Florence Seck, founder of "Deliciously Nourished". Florence has many years’ experience catering for special diets, so whatever your diet, you will be well cared for.
Retreat Schedule...
All activities are optional
At any point during the retreat, but especially during the free time sessions, you can wander around the stunning 7 acres of land surrounding the centre or enjoy a relaxing massage/treatment
Thursday
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4pm: Arrival, tea and snack
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4.30pm: Welcoming circle, introductions and practicalities
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6.15pm: Supper
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7.45pm: Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Friday
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Buffet Breakfast.
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9.30am-12.30pm: Creative Coaching circle with Olivia
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11am: Tea break
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1pm: Lunch
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Free time/River paddle/Walk /Massages/treatments/Counselling
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4pm: Restorative Yoga
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6.15pm: Supper
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7.45: Fireside singing/Massages
Saturday
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Breakfast
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8-9:15am: Yoga
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9.30am: Creative Coaching circle with Olivia
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11am: Tea break
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1pm: Lunch
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Free time/Foraging Walk /Massages/treatments/Counselling
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4pm: Creative session : Vision Board
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6.15pm: Supper
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7.45pm Social / Play time/Treatments!!
Sunday
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Breakfast
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9.30am: Final Creative Coaching circle with Olivia
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1pm: Lunch
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Tidying our beautiful space and gentle clean together
Packing our belongings. -
3pm: Labyrinth Walk followed by Closing circle
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4.15pm: Returning home, feeling nourished and excited about our life.
Beyond Your Retreat
Beyond Your Retreat
To support your transformation after the retreat, included is a follow-up group coaching call to help you integrate these changes and continue your journey toward thriving.
You will also have the opportunity to work one to one with Olivia or join her upcoming group coaching program, at an extra cost.
What's Included
-
Courtesy pick up from Totnes Station at a pre-arranged time and drop off after the retreat (also at a pre-arranged time)
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All meals, starting with dinner on the 26th of June and ending with lunch on the 29th, snacks and drinks.
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Accommodation for 3 nights.
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A Zoom call before the retreat to get us connected and clear on our intention.
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A follow up Zoom coaching call.
What's Not Included
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Your travel to the venue
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Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance
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Massages, treatments and counselling sessions.
What Our Guests Are Saying
"The most nourishing experience I've had in years.
I came home with a new sense of calm and energy." - A.H.
"The coaching sessions gave me clarity and focus.
I feel ready to take on whatever comes my way." - L.S.
Florence’s food was delish, and I would definitely go again just for the tasty veggie treats she made - especially the special chocolate balls! F.
"Olivia holds an amazing space, which has real depth, yet is permissive, gentle and extremely supportive. I find her reflections and guidance spot-on and the culture she creates around motherhood in these times refreshing and enriching." K.N.
"What an incredible experience... how motherhood was brought into my consciousness for the first time in a way that I hadn't connected with it before."~ Tamsin
Gorgeous setting
We are being hosted by Eden Rise....
“A place for inspiration, celebration and gratitude where visitors can reconnect to the earth and receive nourishment of body, heart and spirit."
Meals are seasonal, largely plant based and organic dishes.
Our menu has been carefully crafted, by nutritionist and cook Florence Seck, founder of "Deliciously Nourished".
"Working with Olivia since the On Becoming a Mother Pregnancy Retreat has been the most incredible support throughout my pregnancy, the birth of my son and early postpartum weeks. Her love, care and attentiveness to our journey is impossible to describe in such few words. Her skills as a coach are so intuitive, and so full of wisdom from the years of experience she has as a mother and Doula helping other mothers."
E.K
Bonuses
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1 x 60-Min intention setting group coaching call with Olivia before the retreat.
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One follow-up group coaching calls to continue your journey after the retreat.
Spaces are limited to 12. Book your spot today and take the first step toward a life where you and your family can truly flourish together!
"Olivia as a deep sense of connection and is able to grow and hold the space for effective communication in such a gentle way that you feel drawn to share and let go of what has been holding you."
Cancellation & Transfer Policy: We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair and transparent, balancing the needs of our participants with the commitments involved in organising the retreat. Cancellation Terms: If you cancel at any time before the retreat, and your place is filled by another participant, we are happy to refund your payment in full minus £50 admin fee. More than 8 weeks before the retreat start date: Full refund of all payments made. Between 6 and 8 weeks before the retreat start date: 50% refund of the total retreat cost. Between 4 and 6 weeks before the retreat start date: 25% refund of the total retreat cost. Less than 2 weeks before the retreat start date: No refund available but a transfer is possible see options below. Transfer Options: Alternatively, you may choose to transfer your booking to another event or apply the amount paid toward one-to-one sessions with Olivia Seck, subject to availability and agreement. Additional Notes:All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. We recommend that all participants obtain appropriate travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that may lead to cancellation. In the unlikely event that we need to cancel the retreat, a full refund will be provided. For any questions or to initiate a cancellation or transfer, please contact us at Olivia@oliviaseck.com.
Investment & Booking
This 4-day event includes all in-person activities, a variety of accommodations within beautifully converted barns, and delicious meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients (most special diets can be catered for).
PayPal Pay-In-3 Option Available
SPECIAL PRICE FOR
MASTERCLASS ATTENDEES
£50 OFF
-
Non residential, meals included (only 2 places - contact Olivia): £320 (usually £370)
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Screened "private" twin/double pod in large shared room: £400 (usually £450)
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Single bed in twin room: £425 (usually £475)
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Twin room, single occupancy: £480 (usually £530)
Massages and treatments are at an additional cost.
Booking is essential - contact practitioners to book.
If you would like to pay for the retreat over 3 monthly instalments, you can do so via PayPal Pay in 3
The Retreat Team
Olivia Seck
Your Retreat Host
Inspired coach, eternal student and teacher of woman wisdom, mother of 4 and havening practitioner, Olivia has supported women and families for over 2 decades, especially through transitions such as pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.
Having recently retired from her birth work and training holistic doulas, Olivia now focuses mainly on her practice as a Matrescence/parenting coach and havening practitioner.. She still offers healing birth trauma sessions as this is still something she is deeply committed to.
In 2011, she founded and still co-runs Radiant Mama (formerly the Totnes Holistic Birth Hub) a Devon project that offers info, emotional and practical support and education, as well as fostering a community of parents – all on a donation basis.
Being a woman and a mother has been a deep exploration in her personal and professional life.
Her intention now is to share what she has learned and offer her presence and the tools she has gathered along the way, in service to women, families and a more peaceful and loving world.
Thea Abbott
Yoga Teacher
Thea is a 200 hour qualified yoga teacher who has been practicing for over 25 years. She is trained in pregnancy and postnatal yoga with LushTums and registered with FEDANT, the regulatory body for Antenatal Educators.
Thea is a mum to two little boys. Yoga and breathing techniques were so beneficial in both pregnancies and in strengthening and reconnecting with her body afterwards.
She's passionate about sharing these wonderful practices with others and creating connections and support networks for women, for whatever stage of life they're at.
All classes begin with a few minutes of breathing or meditation, before moving on to movements and stretches. Modifications are provided along the way to ensure that everyone can safely and effectively participate in the class.
Most classes will enjoy a 10-20 minute savasana relaxation at the end, so you'll leave feeling rested, restored (and sleepy!).
Helen Yeomans
Singer & Musician
Helen Yeomans is the founder of Glorious Chorus. She writes and/or arranges all the songs that the choir sings and runs workshops around the UK and abroad teaching her award-winning compositions.
Helen is a mother of 4. Her dream when she discovered the joy of singing in her late 30’s was to bring it to her mother friends as soon as her youngest was at playgroup. Thus was born Thula Mama – a weekly group of mums and babies who meet and sing together with Helen. She teaches a wide variety of songs in harmony from lullabies to gospel. Thula Mama itself is a beautiful South African lullaby. https://helenyeomans.co.uk/thula-mama/
What sets Helen apart is being able to bring out the best in all singers – from the professional to the absolute beginner.
Her ability to infuse groups with her passion and humour is a joy to witness.
Helen will be leading the Saturday evening session, outside by the fire, weather permitting or in our lovely Albion hall.
Expect a lot of fun and joy, and to be moved.
Florence Seck
Founder of Deliciously Nourished
& Nutritionist
Florence is a Nutritional Therapist and Health Coach specializing in holistic hormone health.
At the retreat, Florence will offer her specifically designed yummy hormone-nourishing menu that also calms the nervous system, enhancing energy, mood, and gut health. She will also give a talk on holistic hormone balance, offering practical strategies for incorporating these changes into daily life with ease.
Her wellness journey started at 13 when she experienced severe period pain that she eventually healed through the transformative power of food. This personal experience led her to train in biomedicine and nutritional therapy to help other women facing similar challenges.
For the past three years, Florence has run a successful online clinic, where she observed the significant impact of stress and nutrition on women's health, as well as the difficulty of integrating these practices into busy lifestyles.
She also leads the Deliciously Nourished membership, which provides meal plans, recipes, and stress-relief practices to support sustainable wellness.
Learn more about Florence's work here: https://www.florenceseck.com/deliciouslynourished
Massages & Counselling Price List
We're happy to be able offer massages and counselling sessions at the retreat.
Please arrange your booking directly with your preferred practitioner.
Thea Henderson
Massage Therapist
Thea qualified from the Exeter School of Bodywork with a diploma in full body work and then added Myofascia release (MFR), which she now integrates in her massage.
She is able to use pelvic diaphragm release for helping mal-positioned babies turn into more optimal positioning for birth and have completed a pregnancy massage diploma.
£55 for 60 mins
£75 for 90 mins
Contact: 07599 079869
Kirstie O Leary
Massage Therapist
Kirstie has trained in a variety of massage techniques and brings her 20+ years of experience to the session to meet the needs of each individual.
She is also a qualified Craniosacral practitioner since 2010 and holds a gentle safe space for all, to rest in the stillness of ones being.
£25 for 30 mins (usually £60)
£50 for an hour
WhatsApp: 07825 447860
Jolie Compton
Counsellor & Mentor
Jolie is a compassionate listener and facilitator, supporting individuals through life's transitions with a focus on intimacy, relationships, and personal growth.
She draws on diverse therapeutic modalities and her experience as a birth doula to offer holistic, empathetic support both in-person in Salisbury and online.
50% retreat offer: £30 per 50 mins
Contact: 07794 381 447