Hapuutanga Workshop with Traditional Tūhoe Birthkeeper Te Kaha
Traditional Māori Birth Practices for Couples, Birthkeepers and Midwives
Thursday 13th - Sunday 16th October 2022, in London
Photography by Quentin Dubois
Hapuutanga can be translated as 'the way of pregnancy'.
"My people always understood that it was not just the woman that was pregnant. One of the foundations I try to instil in all couples, is the concept of 'we' are pregnant, not 'she' is pregnant. When a man says to his friends and family 'she is pregnant', he is creating separation. 'We are pregnant' is a commitment you make as a couple, to allow this eternal being to translate from that other place, into the world of light, that we live in.
As well as these esoteric though very important concepts, Hapuutanga covers topics such as massage, communicating and comforting and reassuring through touch, the emerging spirit. Also oriori, the ancient art of conveying energy, information and once again reassurance through tone and vibration orally.
A major component of the wananga hapuutange (Maori birthing workshops) is directed straight at us taane (men). Because it is us men who have been sidelined and marginalised within the pregnancy and birthing process. In ancient Tuuhoe tradition it was the husband, father or even brother who was the main kai mahi hapuu (birthing doula). We as men need to re-assert ourselves in supporting, encouraging and empowering our wives through bringing into this world the spirits who have chosen us to be their guardians.
These are traditions that have been practiced by my people for thousands of years. These traditions are also extremely healing for us men. Many of us have been damaged. I can think of no better gift a man can give the emerging child than to be the first human touch upon entry into the world of light. The bond that is created between ourselves as 'Taane' (men) and our child is everlasting; not just for this world, but forever.” Te Kaha
This workshop is a rare and precious opportunity to learn about Hapuutanga, traditional Māori birthing practices, directly from Te Kaha and receive in-person guidance and feedback from Te Kaha himself.
In this unique and intimate workshop you will learn:
How to nurture/feed the Wairua/Spirit of the being transitioning from another dimension to this one
KOOMIRI - a very special massage just for pregnant people. There are many benefits to this massage: tension release, oxytocin production, cortisol eradication, creating a two way communication with the baby…
Traditional foot massage - similar to reflexology but different
Ankle, calf, thigh massage and how to position and apply pressure to relieve pain during contractions
How to create room for the growth of the baby in the early stage of the second trimester
How to move/turn baby in the womb
How to move baby and close the cervix when baby has gone deep too soon and is in the birthing position. This position is very comforting to some babies and gives mama a very sore back
How partners can support the pregnant person on all levels and deepen the level of communication to the emerging spirit. Hapuutanga works with same sex couples as well
The pathway to remembering your own inner strength, to give birth knowing you are enough. To begin to recognize the fear tactics used to disempower both you and your partner. Western medicine, western culture, concerned family all use fear to impose their will onto the expectant couple
Workshop details:
When? From Thursday 13th October - Sunday 16th October (4 full days of deep learning)
Where? In a private home space in North London.
Cost: £650 per person/£650 per pregnant couple
How can I book? You can secure your place by sending us a deposit of £300 HERE (*friends & family option)- You will receive a personal email confirmation upon booking. The remaining £350 will be due by the 30th September 2022. Please make sure to include your email address in the Paypal notes.
Spaces are limited for this intimate event so please book in advance.
The deposit is non-refundable, thank you for your understanding.
We will provide tea and snacks, lunch is not included. We encourage everyone to bring food to share for a communal lunch.
Te Kaha will be offering one-to-one sessions for couples and individuals on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th October. Please get in touch to book in advance.
If you have any questions please email: contact@samaraconcepcion.com
Te Kaha is a master pounamu practitioner, educator and spokesperson who has honed his skillset and craft over three decades. Te Kaha’s pounamu pieces have gained a reputation nationally and internationally for their beautiful finish, balance and mauri. His pounamu are held in private collections in Aotearoa and overseas.
In this time of great transition on Earth, his heart-led mission is to be a guide in the transformation and empowerment of others, in their essential reconnection with themselves and with the natural world, as shown to him by his tīpuna (ancestors).
As well as sharing the knowledge of his tīpuna (ancestors), he guides by telling his personal story of reconnection with his whakapapa (genetic roots), his ohoake (awakening) from addiction, and how he has come to re-focus his life on the perpetual wisdom and freedom from mental slavery.
Te Kaha’s website: https://www.tekahapounamu.com/home