Photo by Rachel Bradley
My Story
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to NYC in 1990. I am a mother of two, writer, prenatal yoga teacher, doula and enthusiastic childbirth educator and advocate. For 25 years I have had the honor serving mothers, partners and babies as both a labor support doula and postpartum guide. I feel fortunate to still truly love what I do.
In 2005 I created Shakti Ma in Maplewood NJ, where for seven years I directed the pre and postnatal yoga and childbirth education programs. I am a graduate of Integral Yoga Institute (2003); I received my advanced pregnancy yoga certification from Gurmukh at Golden Bridge NYC (2007) and my advanced doula training with Debra Pascali-Bonaro (2005). I am also a certified lactation consultant.
Initiated into yoga while pregnant with my first child, I am committed to continual exploration and evolution in my own practice. Both my teaching craft and my personal practice are fortified by the light of many amazing teachers on my path. I am especially grateful for sustained inspiration from the teachers of Kula Yoga Project and Prema Yoga Brooklyn.
Read a little bit more about my work in New York Magazine!
“When we met Gayle, we knew right away we wanted her to be a part of such a special time for us. She is kind, knowledgeable and comforting, and her confidence and years of experience proved invaluable to us. She made every effort to ensure we felt empowered in our decision-making throughout labor. ”
Motherhood
Small things grow…
Mia, 4 months
Mia, Age 4
Harry, 5 months
Harry, Age 3
mia, Age 25 & harry, age 21
mothers must mother
each other, too.
we must hold each other up &
surround each other strong &
in the ear
of every new mother
we must whisper,
you belong
you belong.
— Vicki Rivard, @bravenewmama