About Soul Mama Yoga

Kelly Thompson created Soul Mama Yoga with the aim of helping women to experience a positive empowering birth regardless of whether everything goes to plan or not and to help build on a strong and beautiful bond with their baby.

Soul Mama Yoga helps women prepare for birth and beyond through breath-work, movement and relaxation. During the specialised classes you will gain confidence to know, listen and understand your body, to trust in it and go with the flow whilst having a clear focus on your role during your pregnancy, through your birth and with your new baby.

Soul Mama Yoga, the heart and soul of mother-of-three Kelly Thompson, offers weekly yoga classes that focus on enjoying a safe, healthy form of exercise, receiving support and encouragement and creating invaluable friendships with like-minded mamas to help you embrace, thrive and survive pregnancy, birth and beyond. The more women Soul Mama Yoga can nurture, nourish and empower through this precious life changing journey the better.

About Me

Kelly’s Story

Kelly is a mother of three now living on the Gold Coast after emigrating to Australia from the UK back in May 2016 and life has been quite a ride! Having previously held a career in criminal law defence Kelly chose to leave this behind to marry, start a family and spend those precious early years with her children. With a new Australian adventure on the horizon, Kelly saw this as an opportunity to carve out a whole new meaningful path. Realising how much she missed making a difference in other people’s lives, Kelly searched her soul for new meaning, purpose and passion as her children grew.

Having attended pregnancy classes herself during each three of her own pregnancies, Kelly strongly believes these classes empowered her to be confident during each labour and birth. At the start of 2016, before leaving the UK Kelly embarked on a specialised teacher training course for Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga with Yoga Gro. After arriving in Australia Kelly went on to complete a full 350hr yoga teacher training course with My Health Yoga. Eager to bring forth her new purpose and passion Kelly created Soul Mama Yoga specialising in yoga for pregnancy, birth and beyond.

The Beginning…

“Within a few months of being newly married we discovered I was pregnant, much to our surprise and delight it happened quickly. We were incredibly excited but sadly it was not to be and unfortunately I miscarried a short time after. The following year I was lucky enough to fall pregnant again. With instant joy came instant worry and anxiety… just because I’m pregnant does not necessarily mean I’m going to have a baby! However, albeit with trepidation, I progressed through those first 12 weeks without any drama with the exception of terrible nausea and extreme tiredness. My midwife suggested trying some pregnancy yoga classes, having never done yoga before I thought to myself well, I’ll give it a go… little did I know it would unfold into what it has now! The yoga helped to ease my anxieties and gave me a sense of empowerment throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. I no longer felt scared, I felt ready and prepared.

When my labour started I was excited but relaxed. I progressed comfortably by using breathing techniques learned during the classes I had attended as well as practiced movements to help keep things moving forward. Remaining calm, relaxed and focused was my aim and it was working. I was able to have a full conversation with the hospital and they only decided to have me come in because I had caught shingles and was full of cold. Well, it was a good job they did because the 45 minute journey to the hospital became a little hair raising and I wasn’t sure we were going to make it in time. Luckily we did but my bag and all my belongings never left the car. I was taken straight into a delivery suite by a midwife to be examined, I was already 9cm dilated. The midwife even asked me if this was my second baby as she noted how together I was… this was definitely down to the yoga and techniques I had learned!

Up until this point I had no pain relief save for a couple of paracetamol so I tried gas and air but unfortunately my first born decided to come down sideways and get stuck so this was taken off me. His heartrate had dropped off the chart and I needed to get him out immediately. This was not quite what I had imagined nor planned, well, you know what they say about best laid plans and all that haha! Despite the franticness of the situation I was able to maintain control and composure by simply taking a moment and breathing and I safely gave birth naturally to a beautiful 9lb 10oz (4.4kg) baby boy, yes… ouch!! Although many professionals view my first birth as traumatic, I do not see it that way at all and strongly believe that I experienced a positive, empowering labour and birth.” 

 

Kelly Thompson, the heart and soul of Soul Mama Yoga

Soul Mama Yoga Services

Soul Mama Yoga Specialises In

Pregnancy Yoga

Yoga designed to prepare both the mind and body for pregnancy, labour and birth effectively as well as connect with their baby and enjoy a positive and empowering entry into motherhood.

Postnatal Yoga

Yoga designed for Mama's to help reconnect with themselves, help clear, calm and heal the mind and body providing some well earned and well deserved Mama 'Me time'.

Baby Yoga & Massage

Yoga and massage designed to build parental confidence and connection with their baby whilst supporting infant mental health and boosting their physical, emotional and social development.

Testimonials

What my clients say

Camil – Gold Coast

“I felt Kelly’s pregnancy yoga classes were significant in assisting me to have the birth I hoped for. The classes provided a great balance of education, practical strategies and mindfulness and differed from many of the other yoga classes I previously attended. Kelly’s classes provide a sense of empowerment and control that we all hope to bring into the birthing world. Kelly is personable, genuine and nurturing.

Thank you for making my pregnancy journey a positive one. I am grateful.”

Shay Doring – Upper Coomera

“I absolutely loved my Pregnancy Yoga classes and now Postnatal Mama & Baby Yoga classes. Kelly creates such a welcoming environment and really looks after her clients. Classes are well balanced and every aspect is covered with yoga for mum and baby massage through songs, toys for babies to play with, refreshments after class, well prepared classes and most of all; a teacher who genuinely cares and has a fantastic knowledge of yoga, massage and its benefits. 

I highly recommend Kelly and Soul Mama Yoga.

Jacinda Kidd – Parkwood

“I have just completed an 8week block of pregnancy yoga with Soul Mama Yoga and cannot begin to explain how great it has been. Having previously only done the odd yoga class with years in between, I’ve always struggled to feel in touch with my breathing. After 8 weeks of Kelly’s Pregnancy Yoga I have learnt not only to be able to focus on my breathing but also feel more in touch with my body and my baby. Attending classes on a Friday evening has been a great way to release everything from the week. There have been numerous weeks when I get home from work and just feel meh!, but after getting myself up and off to class I am always so refreshed and ready for the weekend. It really has been a truly amazing experience and having the opportunity to interact with other pregnant ladies. 

I am looking forward to my next 8 weeks and continuing until baby comes and beyond.

Danielle Brown – Upper Coomera

“We attended the ‘Daddy & Me whilst Mummy has Tea’ Baby Massage Workshop and absolutely loved it. Kelly is so calm and knowledgeable and goes above and beyond. My partner was quite nervous about attending thinking he wouldn’t know how to massage a baby but walked out totally enjoying it. The Daddy & Me thumb print key rings Kelly helped them make at the end was just an amazing little gift and an example of her kindness and how she goes above and beyond. 

Totally recommend!!

Sarri Coles – Gold Coast

“Kelly you are amazing!  We did it.  Our little man was born at 12.30 today. My waters broke at 7am this morning and I was feeling great. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your text messages, your wisdom and support the past month!  So thankful you came into my life when you did. 

Thank you, thank you xxx.”

Alyssa Irwin – Gold Coast

“I first met Kelly at one of my antenatal classes at the Gold Coast Private Hospital. Kelly did a relaxation meditation session and it left me feeling completely calm and present with my changing body. I knew her classes were for me and I can honestly say they prepared me for my labour.  Utilising the breathing techniques and labour positions and movements I was able to progress through 8 hours of labour without any pain relief. 

I am now looking forward to attending Postnatal Yoga with my son.”

Katie-Jane – Coomera

“Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your classes. I really learnt so much! I feel so calm and relaxed about labour thanks to all the techniques, the breathing, and the love and laughter. 

Kelly is such a special person and I cannot wait to attend postnatal classes with my baby.

Laura Kerry – Labrador

“What a beautiful teacher and a beautiful soul. Kelly makes sure you feel welcome and leave relaxed. Inviting, calming and judgement free environment where you can feel safe and taken care of.  

Thank you so much.

Laura Crompvoets –Pottsville, NSW

“My daughter and I participated in the 1-1 baby massage and yoga classes via Zoom. The baby massage course was excellent, I highly recommend it. Fantastic handouts to use in an easy format to follow. Kelly’s kind and caring nature enabled the classes to flow easily and be adapted to meet the needs of the baby and mother. The yoga classes were also fantastic as it gave me a chance to connect with other mums and their babies. Kelly was quick to adapt the yoga moves to cater for all. 

Overall Soul Mama Yoga is incredible, thank you for a great experience Kelly.”

Andrea Baker – Currumbin

“Kelly’s class was very soothing. I also liked her anatomical knowledge and her ability to modify the exercises with this knowledge, particularly when accommodating beginners like myself.

I felt very tranquil by the end of the class.

Rebecca Berger – Miami

“Kelly’s classes are soothing, supportive and catered to your needs. My pregnancy hasn’t been the easiest and Kelly has taken the time to listen and give out personalised, practical advice. I’m sleeping better and my anxiety and pregnancy aches & pains have reduced significantly. I particularly enjoy the ‘bonding with your baby’ aspect to the classes and the tips on breathing and positions to use in labour.

I only wish I’d found her sooner. Thank you Kelly.”

Carri Robinson – Southport

“I’ve been taking prenatal yoga classes with Kelly, they are fantastic. I’m so glad I found these classes to help me prepare for labour. They’ve helped throughout my pregnancy with both mind and body. This is my third pregnancy and I only wish I’d found Kelly with my first.

Great classes, Kelly is very personable & knowledgeable, highly recommended.

Rebecca Resuta – Labrador

“Kelly’s classes are fantastic, much more than just yoga. Heaps of information relevant to pregnancy and birth and the chance to connect with other women in small classes. I have found the online classes really useful in maintaining some normality towards the end of my pregnancy during Covid19. 

Highly recommend, especially for first time mums.

Pam Foster – Upper Coomera

“Have you ever met those people who radiate love and compassion? Kelly, Soul Mama Yoga’s founder is that and so much more. Kelly creates a safe and inclusive environment that nurtures mother’s-to-be. I love that she takes time to offer emotional and physical support during the program. If you’re looking for nurturing support during your pregnancy journey and want to learn some yoga along the way – there’s no need to look any further. 

I can’t wait to bring my newborn along to Baby Massage classes once he is born.”

Natacha Kishtoo – Maudsland

“Kelly you are amazing at what you do. I love every minute of your classes. The music, the daily inspirational quotes, the adjustments to our classes to fit in with our babies. 

So happy to have found you!

Pippa Coe – Gold Coast

“Very calming and supportive environment. I attended the postnatal yoga and baby yoga and really enjoyed both of them. 

Would highly recommend and the classes are a lovely way to connect with your baby.

Fiona Wright – Molendinar

“I had the most amazing natural birth and despite my initial scepticism in the early yoga classes I really did breathe my baby out. Afterwards, my student midwife said she found it really empowering, it made her want another baby! 

Thank you Kelly for equipping me with the skills for a great birth.

Rebecca Daniels – Ashmore

“I am a midwife and joined Kelly’s yoga classes from 25weeks into my second pregnancy. This was my first time trying yoga throughout a pregnancy as I never attended any with my first. This time, getting my mind and my body prepared for birth was something very important to me. I can honestly say that Kelly truly goes above and beyond in her classes. It doesn’t just stop at yoga itself, she encourages friendship building, sharing of invaluable information in a safe space, bringing in a physiotherapist for discussions and her continued to desire to grow to include as much packed into her classes. You genuinely get a sense of how much she enjoys it and loves seeing all the pregnant mums each week. 

I will definitely be continuing my yoga journey with my baby in the postnatal group”.

Susannah Kinny – Mudgeeraba

“My son and I absolutely loved our baby massage classes with Kelly. It has been an excellent opportunity to really connect and bond with my baby through massage. Thank you Kelly for sharing your expertise and knowledge with us. Kelly is incredibly passionate and so caring and supportive. We are very grateful. 

I would definitely recommend this to other mums and bubs.”

Faye Logan-Shuttleworth – Labrador

“Kelly is such a caring & giving soul! She’s dedicated to providing support during her pregnancy yoga & postnatal “mum & bub” yoga classes. Pregnancy yoga was instrumental to my positive birth experience as Kelly provided breathing techniques, yoga/birth positions & the most beautiful affirmations for us to “breathe our baby out”!  Kelly supports all styles of birth, it’s not about having a drug free birth, it’s about having an empowered birth & that’s what Kelly’s classes helped me & my partner have. The postnatal mama & baby yoga classes are heavenly. Perfect to connect with other mums while being able to do something for myself & my body. The baby yoga has been amazing for my daughter with tummy pains & reflux. My partner also attended the Daddy & Me Baby Massage Workshop which he absolutely loved! He felt so connected to our daughter & feels much more helpful at home knowing he can massage aches & pains away from our little girl. I can’t thank Kelly enough for empowering me along my motherhood journey. Kelly goes above & beyond & genuinely cares about each of her clients – you are never just a number. 

This is not just yoga, this is connection, empowerment and love!

Holly Newton – Nerang

“I love Kelly’s classes. I really look forward to them each week. I have little to no yoga experience, but I was super comfortable and felt great after each session.

I’m really looking forward to labour and birth. Thanks Mama!

Jasmin Young – Coomera

“I look forward to Kelly’s class every week! It has made such a difference to my mindset around labour and birth. 

Kelly is amazing and I feel truly prepared to have a positive birth.