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
• Cooking tutorial for 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
• To all who feel called to be in service to the mother during this sacred window.
Whether you're starting a new career, enhancing your current one, or learning these skills to support a daughter or friend, this training will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to care for mothers and babies during the postpartum period.
Meet your Teachers
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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.
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Michelle Wilcox
Director of Mother Baby at Surya. Known for her calm, rooted presence and transformational postpartum work.
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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 take place over a three-day in-person weekend, from Friday to Sunday, complemented by a pre-recorded lecture on the fundamentals of Ayurveda, taught by Martha. This lecture is required to be watched before attending the 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, cooking tutorial, 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
- Pre-recorded lecture on the fundamentals of Ayurveda
- Private community group
- Optional support for business development (TBD)
Tuition
The course is intimate, hands-on, and taught directly by Martha and Suryas mother baby team - Rain Gentle and Michelle Wilcox.
- $2,500 standard
- $2,750 including a starter kit of oils, etc.
Deposits:
To reserve your spot, we require a 50% deposit. Balance may be paid in installments or in full by the end of September.
Reserve Your Spot Now or Learn More, email michelle@suryaspa.com
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