Answer the Call to Support Mothers
in Their Most Sacred Time

A transformational postpartum care training from Martha Soffer, with
day-to-day instruction by Michelle Wilcox and Rain Gentle.

At Surya, we believe the time surrounding birth—and especially immediately after—is a sacred window. In Ayurveda, the forty days after delivery are considered a vital and powerful period of healing, where intentional rest and nourishment can set the tone for a mother’s long-term health and vitality.

In this intimate, one-of-a-kind training, you’ll learn to support women through the sacred postpartum window—using grounding body therapies, herbal wisdom, nourishing rituals, and energetic holding. You’ll emerge prepared to walk with mothers on their journey—offering skill, presence, and heart.

What You Will Learn

  • Postpartum care for physical and emotional support, nourishment, and healing
  • How to support hormonal balance, digestion, and deep rest—for mother and baby
  • Techniques in baby massage and maternal abhyanga
  • Herbal preparations and recipes for postnatal wellness
  • The energetic and spiritual art of holding mothers—and babies—during transformation

Who This is For

We welcome:

  • Aspiring and practicing doulas
  • Licensed massage therapists
  • Ayurvedic practitioners and students
  • Yoga teachers, midwives, and nurses
  • Mothers and caregivers feeling the call to deepen their work

Whether you are building a new career or adding depth to your existing one, this training will give you the tools, wisdom, and confidence to nurture the mother and baby through postpartum.

Meet your Teachers

  • Martha Soffer

    Surya’s founder and guiding light. For decades, she has supported mothers through every stage of conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. This training is born from her deep love and care for mothers everywhere.

  • Michelle Wilcox

    Director of Mother Baby at Surya. Known for her calm, rooted presence and transformational postpartum work.

  • Rain (Holly) Gentle

    Massage therapist and doula with over 30 years of hands-on experience in compassionate maternal care. Founder of The Gentle Method.

FAQs – What You Might Be Wondering

How long is the training?

The training will be anin-person3 day weekend, running FRI-SUN + a pre-recorded lecture on the fundamentals of Ayurveda(taught by Martha) which will be a required watch prior to in-person training.

Is this a certification program?

Yes. You’ll receive a Surya Wellness Certificate in Ayurvedic Postpartum Caregiving signed by Martha Soffer. This complements—but does not replace—standard doula certifications.

Do I need to be a doula or massage therapist?

No prior certification needed. This is open to birth workers, therapists, caregivers, mothers, and practitioners called to sacred care.

Is this training hands-on?

Yes. Training includes abhyanga, baby massage, herbal prep, and energetic support, all in a supportive and intimate setting.

Will I be hired by Surya after training?

This does not guarantee employment, but prepares you to build or expand your own practice with Ayurvedic postpartum expertise. Surya graduates will also join a private alumni network.

Will I be supported during and after the training?

You’ll receive:

  • A digital course manual
  • Recordings of live sessions     Correction:  pre-recorded lecture on the fundamentals of Ayurveda 
  • Private community group
  • Optional support for business development (TBD)

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition TBD. We will offer flexible payment plans and limited early bird options.