Before there was a trace of this world of men,
I carried the memory of a lock of your hair,
A stray end gathered within me, though unknown.
Inside that invisible realm,
Your face like the sun longed to be seen,
Until each separate object was finally flung into light.
From the moment of Time's first-drawn breath,
Love resides in us,
A treasure locked into the heart's hidden vault;
before the first seed broke open the rose bed of Being,
An inner lark soared through your meadows,
Heading toward Home.
What can I do but thank you, one hundred times?
Your face illumines the shrine of Hayati's eyes,
Constantly present and lovely.
Bibi Hayati, Persian, 19th century
About Ursula
EM PORTUGUÊS
Life shows me that to honor the body, its mysteries, rituals, and transformations, is to honor the soul and spirit, for all of our spiritual experiences occur in relation to our bodies. With a life-long interest in women's cycles of life, I have studied and explored birth, sexuality, embodiment, herbs, bodywork and feminine spirituality.
My formal study includes a Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, in English Literature from Ithaca College, Heart & Hands Midwifery class, Swedish-Esalen massage, Sacred Intimacy for Women with the Body Electric School, comprehensive birth and postpartum doula training with Cornerstone Doula trainings, and on-going cranio-sacral study with the Milne Institute.
I believe that the body possesses an innate intelligence. As a provider of healing services it is my role to listen profoundly, offer loving touch and kind, honest words in order to intuitively support the body's natural processes.
Currently, I have the privilege of spending the year with my
Portuguese husband and family in the beautiful area of
Sintra. It is a pleasure to be learning this beautiful
language and I am translating this website page by page.
In the meantime, if you have any questions feel free to
write to me in Portuguese; I can read it much easier than
I can write it.
Obrigado e beijinhos!
Birth & Postpartum
As I sit quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes and grass grows of itself.
from Zenrin Kushu
Like water flowing downstream, birth flows toward new life with an innate intelligence. The role of a doula is to protect the normalcy of birth and to encourage the mother, baby and partner to enter deeply into these transformative waters, knowing that a dedicated support person is present Offering physical and emotional support, unconditional Inurturing and quiet presence, the doula safeguards the sacredness of birth.
During pregnancy, a doula helps the mother and partner prepare for intensity of birth, giving a safe space for fears to be spoken and questions asked. In my own practice I am also able to offer prenatal massage and cranio-sacral work, assistance in creating a blessingway, postpartum planning, and healing work around women's sexuality, embodiment and well-being.
During birth a doula holds the vision you have of your birth, helping you navigate the actual waters of labor so that you feel supported in your decisions and actions. Soothing hands, quiet words of support and attention to the mundane details allow the mother to fall deeply into her primal brain, where birth takes over and a woman rides the waves of intensity. Fathers/partners often wonder if a doula will make their presence superfluous; in fact, a doula provides the chance for partners to be even more present with their woman and the process of becoming a parent themselves, since there is a third person to support the mother.
During the postpartum period, a doula listens to the joys and worries of new mothering, offers physical support such as cooking and organization to ease the day to day responsibilties, helps with breastfeeding and newborn care, and empowers the mother and father to trust their intuition and the inborn wisdom of their baby. At a time when many women live far away from their families, a doula steps into the role of the wise 'aunt' offering love and guidance during a time when many women feel that they have been pushed out to sea on a boat with no paddle. My training as a bodyworker enables me to additionally offer support to the healing of the physical body through touch.
When a baby is born a mother is also born. There is considerable evidence
that at this time, and for months thereafter, her needs for contact
exceed those of the infant. Ashley Montagu
Doula Services
Bodywork
Supporting the innate capacity of the self to heal,
and the body's need for nurturing touch.
Cranio-Sacral Work: Developed out of osteopathy, cranio-sacral utilizes a gentle touch to assist the body in releasing old injuries, patterns and defenses. Integrating intuition with anatomy and physiology, it integrates physical, emotional and spiritual healing, leaving the recipient with a greater sense of aliveness and relaxation. For women and men.
"As the twig is bent so is the tree inclined." Virgil
In addition to adults, I specialize in working with newborns; many commmon challenges can be healed or eased by cranio-sacral work, including colic, breastfeeding issues and complications from forceps/vacuum/caesarean. As mother and baby are a unit, I always treat them together, and treatment is available outcall up to 3 months (longer for twins and caesarean); in-calls are at a lovely private home. 90 min: 45 euros
Pre- & Post-Natal Massage: Growing, delivering and caring for a newborn is hard work. Moms deserve nurturing touch that understands the physical, emotional and demands of this amazing period. Combing Swedish-Esalen massage with cranio-sacral work, I ease the aches and soothe the soul. 75 mins: 45 euros 2 hrs: 65 euros
Women's Embodiment, Sexuality & Well-Being: Naturally sensuous, a woman who feels at ease in her body and able to engage fully with life and love is a happy woman. Weaving bodywork, self-expression and female archetypes, this works supports the flowering of a woman's authentic, beautiful self. Indivdiual sessions & workshops available. 2 hrs: 65 euros
*Please note, for out-calls outside of Sintra, add 10 euros*
Referral Program: Refer a friend; once that friend completes a session,
10 euros off your next session.
Contact Ursula
Name
Email
Subject
Message
Pode escrever emPortugues
Ursula Ferreira
Sintra, Portugal &
San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
Blog: www.bhaktibirth.wordpress.com
PT: 00 351 932 604 707
anahata.bhakti_gmail.com
All of our hearts were beating at once. Ringo Starr
Workshops & Classes
Prenatal Sexuality & Well-Being
Pregnancy and birth are a sexual rite of passage in a woman's life, constituting profound physical, emotional and spiritual changes. This workshop combines self-expression, sacred sexual techniques and community building to deepen your resources and capacity for joy during this time of transformation.
SINTRA: Saturday, 20th March, 9:00 to 18:30
LISBOA: Sunday, 25th April, 9:00 to 18:30
More info
Postnatal Sexuality & Well-Being (for moms & babies)
New motherhood offers deep joys and deep challenges. Even as we may be filled with more love than we have ever experienced, our sense of self, our relationship to our bodies and our capacity to integrate this transformation may have us feeling adrift at sea. This workshop builds community with other like-minded mothers and offers practical and emotional support for your journey.
SINTRA: Tuesdays March 16th, 23rd, 30th, 10:30 to 13:30
LISBOA: Tuesdays April 13th, 20th, 27th, 11:00 to 14:00
Empowering Families Through Touch with Bruno Ferreira
As parents, how do we develop our intuitive resources for caring for our child, as well as understanding the different gifts, and manners of offering those gifts, that we bring to him or her? This workshop incorporates baby massage, breath awareness, cranio-sacral and non-violent communication to enhance the bond between child, mother and father/partner.
SINTRA & LISBOA: Workshop dates TBA
Location
Initial doula meetings can be at my house, your house or a cafe, according to you need, and are always free. Out-calls for bodywork are available in Sintra and beyond; please add 10 euros for out-calls outside of Sintra. In-calls are located at a lovely private home in Varzea de Sintra, surrounded by a large garden and a beautiful view of the Serra (see map below): Quinta Al Bustan: Rua dos Moinhos n43--Casal da Granja, Varzea de Sintra, Sintra, PT
I can be reached at 932 604 707. blessings & beijinhos, Ursula
Pregnancy and birth are a sexual rite of passage in a woman's life, constituting profound physical, emotional and spiritual changes. This workshop will provide an opportunity to:
•Express our personal experiences and ask questions in a safe environment, freeing up the energy of the throat, pelvis and emotions.
•Practice simple techniques from sacred sexual practices which help us to relax into sensation, pleasure and presence.
•Build community with other women to creates positive mirrors to support us on our journey.
•Gather resources to empower your birth as a initiation into deeper womanhood.
•Have fun!
Pre-registration required:
SINTRA: Saturday, March 20th 9:00 to 18:30, private home in Sintra
LISBOA: Sunday, April 25th, 9:00 to 18:30, Casa Semente, Alvalade
In English, with Portuguese translation available.
Fruit, chocolate and spring water included
45 euros (In case of financial need, please contact me)
Back to Workshops
Oh friend, understand: the body is like the ocean rich with hidden treasures.
Open your inmost chambers and light its lamp.
Mirabai
Postnatal Sexuality & Well-Being
New motherhood offers deep joys and deep challenges. Even as we may be filled with more love than we have ever felt, our sense of self, our relationship to our bodies and our capacity to integrate this transformation may feel adrift at sea. This workshop provides an opportunity to:
•Create community with like-minded mothers
•Speak your experience, ask questions and deepen your natural ability to intuitively navigate parenting and relationship (to body, self, partner, society).
•Learn simple techniques from sacred sexual practices to nourish the sensual body and enhance sexual energy and experience, including how to share this information with a partner.
•Gather resources to empower your sense of self as both mother and lover.
**This workshop is expressly designed for mothers to be able to bring their babies.**
SINTRA: Tuesdays, March 16/23/30: 10:30 to 13:30, private home in Varzea de Sintra
LISBOA: Tuesdays, April 13/30/27 11:00 to 14:00, Casa Semente, Alvalade
Light snacks provided feel free to bring personal food
45 euros (In case of financial need please contact me)
Empowering Families Through Touch
taught by Ursula & Bruno Ferreira
A new family is born, and every interaction teaches us about each other. As parents, how do we develop our intuitive resources for caring for our child, as well as understanding the different gifts, and manners of offering those gifts, that we bring to him or her? Touch is a fundamental form of expression; even when we do not have words, we can offer love, compassion and kindness through contact.
This workshop incorporates baby massage, breath awareness, cranio-sacral and non-violent communication to enhance the bond between child, mother and father/partner. No previous experience necessary, only the willingness to go more deeply into the love of your family.
Taught with my husband Bruno Ferreira, a massage therapist, cranio-sacral worker, yoga teacher, astrophysicist. and love of my life.
SINTRA & LISBOA, dates to be announced
In Portuguese & English
Tea and light snacks included.
Resources
Women's Sexual Pasages and The Women's Wheel of Life, Elizabeth Davis (2nd book with Carol Leonard)
Spiritual Midwifery and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Ina May Gaskin
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, Henci Goer and Rhonda Wheeler
Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful (Kundalini yoga & pregnancy), Gurmukh
Women in Praise of the Sacred: 43 Centuries Spiritual Poetry by Women, ed. Jane Hirshfield
The Nursing Mother's Companion, Revised Edition, Kathleen Huggins
Free Play, Stephen Nachmanovitch
The Continuum Concept, Jean Liedloff
Sleeping with Your Baby: A Parent's Guide to Co-Sleeping, James McKenna
The Heart of Listening , Hugh Milne
Care of the Soul and Soul Mates, Thomas Moore
Cunt: A Declaration of Independence, Inga Muscio
Magical Child, Joseph Chilton Pierce
The Natural Pregnancy Book and Naturally Healthy Babies and Children, Aviva Jill Romm
The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide for Dads, Doulas and All Other Birth Companions, Penny Simkin
Tantric Orgasm for Women, Diana Richardson
Tao: The Watercourse Way, Alan Watts
Wise Woman Herbal Series: The Childbearing Year; Healing Wise; Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way; New Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way, Susun Weed
Please share your favorite resources with me:
Articles
Into the Valley: Tantric Orgasm and Childbirth Ursula Ferreira
Technology in Birth: First Do No HarmMarsden Wagner
Why Use a Doula? DONA International
Do You Doula?An exclusive interview with John Kennell
Websites
Associação Doulas de Portugal
Birth Into Being
Birth Psychology/Association for Pre- and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPAH)
Íris: Dançando o Sagrado Femenino
La Leche League International, Portugal
Mothering Magazine and Online Forum
DVDS
Ayurveda: The Art of Being
Birth As We Know It and Birth Into Being
The Business of Being Born
David Deida: Sex,Love, Spirit (parts 1-12 Youtube)
Orgasmic Birth
What Babies Want
BOOKS
Our Bodies, Our Selves, Boston Women's Health Book Collective
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, Sarah J. Buckley
Healing Love Through the Tao: Cultivating Female Sexual Energy and The Multi-Orgasmic Woman/Couple/Man, Mantak Chia (Multi-Orgasmic books with Rachel and Douglas Abrams)
Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience, Elizabeth Davis & Debra Pascali-Bonaro, June 2010 (contains excerpts from my essay,Into the Valley: Tantric Orgasm and Childbirth
If a doula were a drug,
it would be unethical not to use it.
John Kennell, MD.
Birth Doula Services
2 prenatal visits
On-call for birth beginning _ 36 weeks
Birth
1 postpartum visit
Additional Services Can Be Added to Birth Package at a Discount:
Blessingway
Pre- & Post-natal massage
Cranio-Sacral, including postpartum Baby & Mother CS
Postpartum planning
Postpartum doula hours
Postpartum Doula Services
Emotional and physical support of the new mother, assistance with newborn care, healing after caesarean and other complications, support for new fathers, delicious, healthy cooking, grocery shopping/errands, laundry and household organization.
Sliding scale 15-25 euros/hour, available 1-5 days a week, morning through evening
Sintra area: 3 hour minimum/Outside Sintra: 4 hour minimum
*Initial consults for doula services are always free*
Back to Birth
Back to Home
Untitled
Sobre Ursula
A vida mostra-me que honrar o corpo, os seus enigmas, os rituais e as transformaçoes é honrar a alma e o espírito, porque toda a nossa experiência espiritual ocorre em relação a nossos corpos. Com um forte interesse nos ciclos da vida da mulher, tenho estudado e explorado o parto, a sexualidade, embodiment, as ervas medicinais, massagem e a espiritualidade feminina.
As minhas habilitações incluem: Licenciatura em Literatura Inglesa, Magna Cum Laude, de Ithaca College; Heart and Hands: Aula de Parteira; curso de massagem Suiça-Esalen; curso de Intimidade Sagrada para Mulheres da Escola Body Electric; curso de doula abrangendo o parto e o pós-parto através de Cornerstone Doula; e estudo avançado de terapia cranio-sacral através do Milne Institute.
Acredito que o corpo possui uma inteligência inata. Como terapeuta a minha função é escutar profundamente, oferecer um toque carinhoso e palavras honestas de modo a intuitivamente apoiar os processos naturais do corpo.
Presentemente, tenho o privilégio de viver um ano na região linda de Sintra com o meu marido Português e a nossa familia. É um prazer
aprender esta linguagem linda. Estou a trabalhar na
tradução deste website página a página. Entretanto,
se tiver alguma pergunta esteja à vontade para faze-la
em Português.
Workshops
Sexualidade e Bem-Estar Pós-Parto (para mães e bebês)
A maternidade é um processo de integraçao. Unimos juntas en comunidade para oferecer-nos apoio, dar voz à nossa experiência, aprender tecnicas para fortalecer a nossa energia sexual e divertir-nos. Este workshop está desenhado para que as mães possam trazer os seus bebês.
SINTRA: Terças em Março 16, 23, 30, 10:30 to 13:30, casa privada
LISBOA: Terças em Abril 13, 20, 27, 11:00 to 14:00, Casa Semente, Alvalade
Sexualidade e Bem-Estar Pré-Parto
A gravidez e o parto são rituais de iniciação na vida da uma mulher. Estas experiências resultam em fortes mudanças físicas, emocionais e espirituais. A práctica de desenvolver prazer no nosso corpo prepara-nos para melhor navegar a intensidade e as sensações do parto. Por sua vez, a experiência do parto afecta como iremos integrar a nossa sexualidade com a maternidade.
SINTRA: Sabado 20 de Março, 9:00 to 18:30, casa privada
LISBOA: Domingo 25 de Abril, 9:00 to 18:30, Casa Semente, Alvalade
Bhakti Birth & Bodywork
Wisdom tells me
that I am nothing.
Love tells me
that I am everything.
Between these two, my life flows.
Nisargadata
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