Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler Classes
in Wantage, Oxfordshire

Nurturing Hearts
Growing Minds

Welcome to
Calma Alma

I'm so glad that you are here!

Whether you are pregnant, have a squishy newborn, a curious "boddler" or imaginative toddler, Calma Alma has got courses and workshops for you.

Explore my current offerings below

& book your space today.

Classes

Pregnant woman looking lovingly at her bump

Calma Mamas

A comforting pregnancy relaxation class where you can dedicate time to nourishing yourself and bond with your growing bump.

Learn More

Calma Babies

Learn the ancient art of baby massage & how it can be used to soothe discomforts, aid relaxation and communicate love to your baby.

Learn More

Stretch & Play

Baby Yoga is a great class to follow on from Baby Massage and provides a fun and new experience for you and baby to share together.

Learn More

Toddler Yoga

Fun & energetic themed classes that use stories, song and play to introduce yoga and mindfulness to toddlers & preschool aged children

Learn More

Singing Mamas

A supportive singing circle for women of all ages, with and without children, who are seeking connection and a way to express themselves.

Learn More

A baby with his mum and nan at a baby yoga workshop

Workshops & Events

Seasonal and specialist workshops held throughout the year, so you can celebrate & make special memories with your little ones.

Learn More

Don't just take our word for it...

Kind words from Jade about Baby Massage

"Our first experience of a class and I've felt in such good hands. Vickie is so knowledgeable & provides such a calm environment. I felt so confident to ask questions and respond to my baby's needs individually"

Meet Vickie

Your local Family Wellness Practitioner

I'm a slow living, coffee sipping, tie dye loving mama of two, who is here to support your little ones & you.

About Me

Our Instagram

I’m trying not to get ahead of myself here BUT
my new sensory parachute from @nurture_sounds arrived over the weekend and it is just so gorgeous! ❄️😍

It completely made our Winter Wonderland themed baby yoga classes this morning. We were all mesmerised by it, with and without our Aurora Borealis lights projected, and gentle wintery music playing in the background.

Such a perfect way to finish our last Stretch & Play Baby Yoga classes of 2024!!!
Honestly how has that come round so quickly?
Roll on Christmas specials next week ✨🎄🦌

✨There’s still a few spaces left on these classes in January, so if you’d like to join us from Stretch & Playtime send me a DM.

#babyyoga #developmentalplay #sensoryplay #oxfordshiremums #winterbaby

The difference they made were huge! 🪑🤰
I loved how these movements helped me feel strong, stretched out my achy ribs and helped me to connect with my growing baby.

Here’s how they can help you:

1️⃣ Supported Deep Squat – Opens up your hips, strengthens your pelvic floor, and encourages blood flow to the lower body. It’s also great for prepping your body for the months ahead!

2️⃣ Torso Circles – this is a gentle way to relieve tension in the lower back and pelvis, which a lot of us struggle with in the second and third trimester. These flowing movements also improve circulation and help you connect with your breath.

3️⃣ Seated Spinal Twist – If practised with care this movement can release tension in the back and shoulders and aids digestion. Focus on creating space and be mindful not to overstretch your bump.

These moves are perfect for staying active, easing discomforts, and connecting with your body and baby during this beautiful phase of pregnancy.

Want to learn more pregnancy safe stretches and movements in a small friendly class? Give me a message about my Wednesday evening Pregnancy Relaxation Classes in Grove.

#secondtrimester #mumtobe #duein2025 #pregnancywellness #pregnancyaches #growingbump

It’s important to remember that every one’s body and pregnancy is different, so it is important to check with your midwife or hospital team before starting any new physical activities.

P.s. Yes I’ve shoved a scarf up my top to give me this lovely round bump 😅

🩵What did you get?🩵

It’s sometimes hard to know what it is we need when we are used to putting other people’s needs first.
Hopefully this can prompt you to fill your own cup up this weekend 🤗

#selfcareformums #fillyourcup #mumlife #postpartum

I almost teared up when she said it.

“These are like the warts and all of motherhood classes”

A mum who had been coming to my pregnancy and baby classes for nearly nine months had summed up my groups pretty perfectly.

She totally got it (as I think a lot of mums do) that my classes are a safe space where we can all come as we are- warts and all.

They are a judgment free zone, where we celebrate and embrace all of the gorgeous and gritty sides of pregnancy and parenthood. And it’s through these honest conversations that beautiful friendships, a sense of trust and community grows.

Yes of course, my classes are about supporting babies and toddlers physical, social and emotional wellbeing but I have always strived to make sure that your wellbeing is acknowledged and supported too.

Because you matter too!

I never had a group like this when I was a new mum, so am very proud and grateful to be able to offer this to many families now.

So whether you’re navigating baby bump life, in the newborn haze or treading lightly through the toddlerhood years we are here for YOU and your little one 🫶🏼

Check out my class timetable using the 🔗

#honestmum #mumandbabygroups #mumssupportingmums #pregnant #fourthtrimester #toddlerlife

Yoga can help you preschooler more than you may realise!

Yes, yoga is a great way of getting kids moving and stretching their bodies but did you know that it also has these benefits:

1️⃣ Confidence boosting ⭐️
Our Little Yogis gain so much confidence when they’ve learnt a new pose or remembered a sequence of movements we’ve done previously in class. They learn that they can do tricky things and this something they can carry with them off of the mat and into everyday life.

2️⃣ Improves focus and concentration 🖍️
The stories and songs used in class capture the kids attention and help them to focus. When we encourage them to slow down, take time to notice their breathing and how their body moves they train their brains to concentrate on things, which is great when they start reception.

2️⃣ Emotional Regulation 😊
Yoga helps to regulate the area of the brain in charge of emotions, it also reduce stress and anxiety in children of all ages. When our Little Yogis are less stressed and worried, they are able to face challenges more easily and tell us how situations are making them feel.

4️⃣ Boosts their immune system 🤧
We all know that toddlers and preschoolers pick up A LOT of germs and bugs from one another. Their immune systems aren’t as strong as ours and if they are also experiencing stress or anxiety this can make them even more prone to picking up the latest lurgy. Learning deep breathing and relaxation techniques can again help reduce stress (which improves their immune system) and supports their airways and lungs.

5️⃣ Encourages Creativity 🐈
Preschool yoga is NOT like an adult yoga class. We don’t stay still for very long at all and every session go on story adventures where the children get to imagine they are animals, shapes, trees and aliens. These playful opportunities allow them to express themselves and encourage their creative sides to come out (sometimes more than we expect 😅)

So what do you think? Want to introduce your little one to yoga and start helping them in more ways than you realised?
Book onto my Sunday morning Little Yogis class using the 🔗 in my bio

#toddleryoga #toddlermum #preschooler #preschoolyoga

Do you have a birth plan?

A lot of mums-to-be in my pregnancy relaxation classes have a good idea of how and where they want to give birth, but as this message shows- it doesn’t always go like we thought it would.

Learning (and regularly practising) calming breathing techniques, positive affirmations, gentle stretches and relaxation techniques can really help you to feel in control if your labour & birth does take a different course.

#pregnancyrelaxation #mindfulpregnancy #birthpreparation #positivebirth #homebirth

In case no one has told you yet today…

You are doing enough! You are enough! ✨

I often get messages from new mums asking when they should start coming to groups with their newborn and my answer is always ⬇️

“When YOU are feeling ready”

A lot of us feel the pressure to be “doing something” and can worry that we’re doing something wrong or are hindering our babies development if we’re not jam packing our days with activities.

But the truth is, that after having a baby, you are already doing so much; you’re healing, recovering, learning, bonding and (if you’re anything like i was 🤭) googling every question under the sun about your new bubba.

👶🏼 And trust me, your baby is living their absolute best life with you close by, keeping them full, secure and warm. They are in no rush to leave that cosy nest you’ve made them.

So enjoy these moments, soak them in!
Do not feel guilty if the kitchen isn’t spotless or you’re still wearing you pyjamas at noon 💁🏻‍♀️

Take whatever time you need and when you really feel ready to start getting out and about with your newborn, send me a DM to chat more about groups 💕

#newborn #newmum #newbury #wantage #oxfordshire #mumandbabygroup #oxfordshiremums

I love getting creative and making these themed play areas for parents and babies attending my Stretch & Play classes.

Although the one of the main focuses of these sessions is to support your babies natural development through gentle movement and stretches, it’s also nice to have a break from real life and enjoy a fun theme each week.

Here are some of my top picks from 2024.
Which one is your favourite?
And what theme would you like to see come to classes next year?

#developmentalplay #babysensoryplay #babyyogaclass #parentandbabyclass #maternityleave #oxfordshiremums #wantage

It’s simple- I Love U!

Did you know that this simple baby massage routine can make a world of difference for your little one?

Not only does it help ease tummy troubles like trapped wind and constipation, but it also gives your baby a sense of comfort and connection.

Here’s how it works:
Trace the letters “I”, “L” and “U” on their belly to help soothe digestion and show them all the love! It’s a gentle, calming routine you can add to your day—and babies just love it! 😊

Plus, it’s a sweet bonding moment that’ll make you both feel close to one another. Give it a try next time baby seems fussy, and let me know how you get on in the comments below ✨

#infantmassage #colic #trappedwind #newborn #colicrelief #newmumlife #newmummy #fussybaby

@radiantsoultherapies and I are teaming up again to offer two deeply nourishing and cosy sound events over the cold winter months.

❄️Winter Solstice Cacao, Reiki & Gong Bath❄️
Saturday 21st December • 7:30-9pm
Embrace the magic of the longest night of the year with an evening of connection, renewal, and intention-setting. This special gathering blends the heart-opening properties of cacao, the gentle healing energy of Reiki, and the deep relaxation of a gong bath to welcome the light of the new season.

This event will be open to all.

✨Calma Mum & Baby Workshop✨
Sunday 12th January • 11:15am-12:15pm

Discover a nurturing space designed for both you and your little one to unwind and connect. Our Calma Mum and Baby Workshop combines the relaxing power of baby massage with the calming vibrations of a gentle sound bath, creating a peaceful retreat for relaxation and bonding.

Book events are now live on my booking site
(you know where the link is) 🫶🏼

#soundhealing #gongbath #winterwellness #mumandbaby

And it’s not even over yet!

Everyone loves a theme right?! Well we have all been loving the Halloween toddler and boddler specials over here 🎃
Each workshop has been a fun mix of cute & spooky, with lots of things for the little pumpkins to explore and play with.

And the best thing is that there is more to come tomorrow with the Boo Crew Baby Workshops- Eeeep 👻

Write BOO if you’d like to stay in the loop about my future seasonal specials.

#babyyoga #babysensoryplay #developmentalplay #oxfordshire

The realities of being a one woman birth and baby business owner, who obviously talks about poo a lot 🙈

After quickly editing my reply, i tried to comfort myself with the fact that at least parents who come to my classes know that there are no taboo topics of conversation 😅

Does your phone inappropriately autocorrect any words in your messages?

but Vickie creates such an incredible, welcoming environment to relax and unwind, no matter how my week had been, or how bizarre pregnancy often felt, I always came away feeling lighter and seen. These classes soon became an anchor point to look forward to each week. It was wonderful to hear from other soon-to-be mums too (be it weird cravings or car troubles, it’s nice to know you’re not alone!). I can’t recommend Calma Alma pregnancy relaxation classes enough!

These lovely words were sent to me this evening from a beautiful mama, who is now attending Baby Massage course with her gorgeous baby girl 🥰

If you’d like to find out more about these classes, pop a message below and I’ll get in touch with more info ✨

#pregnancy #pregnant #mumtobe #expectantmum #prenatal #oxfordshire

✨This is a reminder to trust your gut✨

When I told people I was walking away from my nursing career after nearly 17 years (including training), I got lots raised eyebrows, a couple of gasps and a few “but you’re giving up so much!”

It was a big scary leap for sure, but I knew deep down that I was making the right decision for me and my family. Instead of focusing on what I had (have) to lose, I remind myself of what I have gained so far:

✨A new fulfilling career where I can support parents and babies as they grow, learn and navigate their first few years together.

✨Plenty of opportunities to meet many incredible and inspiring women and help support networks to grow.

✨Witnessing the impact of my work has on families every day.

✨Sell out courses with happy parents returning again and again

And most importantly for me

✨Having the time to be more emotionally & physically available for my family.

It didn’t make much sense to anyone else at the time, but I’m so glad that I believed in myself and stepped into this new era.

#believeinyourself #dreamshappen #mumlife #rolemodelling #formydaughters #parentandbabywellness #singingmamas #youvegotthis

Set your alarms because Christmas specials are going on sale this Sunday (13th October) at 9am!

Check out the seasonal schedule below:

Tuesday 10th December • 10:30am
🌟Little Elves Workshop (1-3 year olds)

Wednesday 11th December • 10am
🎄 My First Christmas Workshops (Mobile Babies)

Sunday 15th December • 9:30am & 10:45am
🎅🏼 Santa’s Little Yogis (2-5 year olds)

Wednesday 18th December • 11:30am & 1pm
🎄 My First Christmas Workshops (Non-mobile babies)

All workshops will be held at Stanford in the Vale Village Hall. Twin / Sibling tickets available

Check my stories on Sunday morning for the booking links ✨

#babysfirstchristmas #christmas2024 #toddleryoga #makingmemories #babyyoga

They say “You can’t pour from an empty glass”

But how easy do you feel about taking time to top yourself up?

We were joined by 16 wonderful women at our Cacao & Gong Bath event last week at Stanford in the Vale. Some of whom shared that they felt flashes of guilt as they left their homes earlier that evening but that they all knew it was time to invest in some rest ✨

If you’d like to keep up to date with our wellbeing evening events make sure to follow @radiantsoultherapies and @calmaalmafamily

#oxfordshire #womenswellness #soundbath #restandrelaxation #wiltshire

Baby Massage is wonderful bonding experience between parent and baby and like any new skill you learn in parenthood it can take time to find your groove.

Be gentle with yourself if like me you’ve done any of the above, it’s all part of learning. I promise you the more you practise with your baby, the more confident you’ll become.

If you haven’t already attended one of my in person group courses and want to learn strokes and routines to help soothe, settle and bond with your baby
📧 send me a DM

#infantmassage #parentandbaby #newborn #fourthtrimester #newmum #mumandbaby #colic #reflux #newbornnurture #nurturingbabies

I’ve received an influx of enquiries this week from expectant mums wanting to join my Baby Massage courses in the New Year 🤩

Here’s why ⬇️

These 5 week courses are the perfect “first class” for mum and baby because they offer:
✨a cosy nurturing space where you can come as you are
✨a dedicated time to deepens the bond with your baby
✨an opportunity to learn a pocketful of strokes and techniques to soothe, settle and support your precious little babe.

And with time for tea/coffee to chat included at the end of each session, becoming part of a private WhatsApp group, an e-handbook of all the strokes taught and weekly catch up videos they quickly become parents highlight of the week 🌟

So if you’d like to join me, comment MASSAGE below and I’ll get back to you with all the details 💗

#infantmassage #oxfordshire #newborn #newmum #duein2025 #secondtrimester #thirdtrimester #wiltshire

No matter how big or small- Pop your win of the week in the comments below and let us celebrate with you ✨🥰🙌🏼

Happy Friyay everyone!

#community #mumssupportingmums #winfortheweek #friyay

Pregnancy is beautiful but can be a lot, so don’t forget to carve out some ‘me-time’ to recharge. YOU deserve it! Your body is working hard growing that little miracle, so show yourself some love and allow yourself to slow down.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

My Wednesday evening Pregnancy Relaxation classes have started feeling even cosier now Autumn has arrived. You’ll be welcomed into this nest like space and get the chance to chat about your pregnancy with other expectant mamas, practise calming breathing techniques , gentle stretches and snuggle down for a wonderful guided meditation to finish.

Sounds good, right?!
Comment RELAX if you’d like more information about these soothing classes ✨

#pregnancy #pregnant #pregnancylife #mumtobe #mamatobe #mummyinthemaking #firsttrimester #secondtrimester #thirdtrimester #oxfordshire

Due in the next couple of months?
Here are some #positiveaffirmations you can use daily to calm your mind and feel more confident in your body, about your pregnancy and birth.

#pregnant #secondtrimester #thirdtrimester #pregnancy #mumtobe

I don’t know about you but I used to get so anxious in the 24 hours leading up to an ultrasound or Doppler scan appointment whilst pregnancy (even more so during my 🌈 pregnancy).

As I waited to go into the consultation rooms, my shoulders would make their way further and further up towards my ears (I mean just look at them in this video) my heart would race and my breathing would be so shallow until I’d got the all okay from the sonographer or midwife and heard that heartbeat loud and clear.

So what did I do to start managing these feelings:
✨talk about my experiences with my midwife and family.
✨use mindfulness techniques, like body scanning, so I could identify when and why I was feeling the way I was.
✨practised deep cyclical breathing whilst in the waiting area. Placing my hand on the bottom of my bump and sending my breath to this area.

What was your experience of prenatal scans like?
What did you find helpful for managing your nerves?

#PregnancyJourney #bumplife #mum #muminthemaking #mumtobe #mamatobe #prenatal #oxfordshire #firsttrimester #secondtrimester #thirdtrimester #pregnancywellness #scanxiety

🍁Anyone else go lalalalalaaa for autumn? 🍂

As much as I have been enjoying these summery days, I’m a crunchy leaf, soft knit, autumn lover deep down.
And let’s not even mention Halloween (or shall we?!)👻

There’s lots of exciting things, alongside our regular classes, coming up this Autumn including a soothing Saturday evening sound bath, a women’s wellbeing retreat that I am going to be co-running and some spooky seasonal specials ✨ so make sure you’re following @calmaalmafamily for all the details that’ll be coming soon.

#autumnvibes #autumn #pregnancy #babyclasses #newborn #newparents #soundbath #womenswellbeing #womenswellness #oxfordshire

Here’s our new timetable of classes which will be in effect from the 9th September 🙌🏼

I’m very excited about the addition of a new Singing Mamas group in E. Oxford (check out @vickie.singingmamas for more info) and the come back of Little Yogis on Sunday mornings 😊

All classes are now up on the booking site (you can find the link on this page), although quite a few September courses are fully booked now ✨

#parentandbaby #pregnancy #pregnant #duein2024 #duein2025 #mumtobe #newborn #newmum #newbaby #colic #trappedwind #infantmassage #babyyoga #infantdevelopment #learnbyplay #boddler #crawlingbaby #cruisingbaby #toddler #toddleryoga #oxfordshire #singingmamas #singingforwellbeing

The parents who attend my classes are the best!

There is such a beautiful “we’re all in this together” community feeling, which I know doesn’t necessarily occur in every parent and baby group.

You won’t find any “clickiness” or judging glances in my sessions. That’s just not our vibe at all.

These incredible parents are there to help raise one another up, offer listening ears when they’re needed and a supportive “you’re doing so well” because they understand what it is you’re going through.

These are so much more than just baby groups, this is a beautiful community we are growing together ✨🫶🏼

#parenting #mumlife #mumssupportingmums #oxfordshire #newmum #babyyoga #wiltshire #newborn #mumfriends #newparents #communityfirst #wholesome #postnatal

They say magic happens when you step outside of your comfort zone and oh my goodness, my experience of holding space for families @worldyogafest definitely proved this to be true ✨

Im feeling so grateful for this opportunity, to the beautiful new friends that I have made and all that I have learnt.
I’ve come away feeling even more passionate about my work and clearer in my vision of how I want to continue supporting families in my community 🫶🏼

#lovecreateslove #babyyogateacher #toddleryoga #singingmamas #oxfordshire #wiltshire #selfgrowth #selfbelief #missiondriven #connectionoverperfection #community #maternalmentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth #infantdevelopment

Wow, I know how you feel!

It can be so hard to slow down when you’re trying to juggle looking after a little one, maintaining the house, general adulting and keeping up with friends 🫠

And this is exactly why @radiantsoultherapies and I are going to be collaborating again in September to offer you (and your besties) a relaxing evening of rest, relaxation, connection and sound healing 🧘🏻‍♀️

DM me if you would to like more information, I’d love to chat more with you 🫶🏼

#restandrelaxation #gongbath #soundbath #cacao #selfcare #tiredmumsclub #mumlife #mumssupportingmums #oxfordshire

Rest your mind and body at yet another glorious evening of Connection, Cacao & Sound.

Saturday 28th September • 7:15-9pm • SITV Village Hall
£15 per ticket • Women only event

If life often feels very busy and you find yourself wishing you could just press the pause button- this event is for you!

All you’ve got to do is turn up and tune out.
There’ll be an opportunity for chatting, if you’d like to, before enjoying a heart warming cup of Cacao (or herbal tea). You’ll be guided through a meditation as you drink and then invited to get yourself comfortable for a wonderful hour long sound bath by @radiantsoultherapies

You’re going to go home feeling like your cup is overflowing ✨

Bookings are now open and spaces are limited, so DM me if you’d like to save your space.

#cacao #womenswellness #gongbath #soundbath #soundhealing #restandrelaxation #oxfordshire

The summer holidays have begun over here and I’ve decided that we are going to take things a bit slower this year.

We’ve got our first family festival, a few play dates with our friends and a couple of birthday celebrations in the diary over the next 6 weeks.

But, I’ve also left big gaps in my diary so we can enjoy relaxed mornings at home, snuggled up together watching movies in our pjs or leisurely afternoon strolls to the shops to buy ice lollies.

I’m going to make sure I take some time to fill my cup up and not going to feel guilty if my girls tell me they’re bored or worry if my house is a mess when friends or family come over.

On the days when I feel like I’m losing my mind from listening to baby shark for the 55th time, I’m going to remind myself that these 6 weeks will soon be over and it’s the little moments of connection and every day joy that my girls will remember.

What are your plans for the summer?

#summerholidays #toddlermum #mumoftwo #motherhoodunplugged #mumssupportingmums #babyyogateacher #infantmassageteacher #singingmamas

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@calmaalmafamily

Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler Classes in Wantage, Oxfordshire

Nurturing Hearts Growing Minds

Welcome to Calma Alma

Calma Mamas

Calma Babies

Stretch & Play

Toddler Yoga

Singing Mamas

Workshops & Events

Don't just take our word for it...

Meet Vickie

Our Instagram

​

Follow us on Instagram

Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler Classes
in Wantage, Oxfordshire

Nurturing Hearts
Growing Minds

Welcome to
Calma Alma