Our Story & Philosophy
A gentler approach to pregnancy and birth, shaped by over four decades of experience, compassion and a belief in preparing both body and mind.
1987
Dr. Gowri conducted the first documented water birth in a London NHS hospital,
A Pioneering Moment
01 / Our beginnings
How It All Began
The Gentle Birth Method was founded by Dr Marie Gowri Motha, a London-based childbirth pioneer who helped introduce water births into the NHS during the 1980s. In 1987, she conducted what GBM records as the first documented water birth in a London NHS hospital.
Through her years of experience supporting mothers, Dr Gowri came to realise that a gentle birth was about more than the environment in which a baby was born. She believed that preparing the body and mind throughout pregnancy was equally important.
This inspired her to develop the Gentle Birth Method, bringing together Eastern and Western approaches to pregnancy care, physical preparation and emotional wellbeing.
What began as her personal vision has continued to grow and evolve, supporting mothers and families around the world.
02 / Our philosophy
Our Philosophy:
Becoming ‘Birth Fit’
At the heart of the Gentle Birth Method is a simple belief: every pregnancy is unique, and every mother deserves care that reflects her individual needs.
Our 360-degree mind-body programme brings together hands-on treatments, dietary and nutritional guidance, pregnancy yoga, hypnobirth, visualisation and emotional support.
We call this becoming ‘birth fit’, helping mothers prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for birth, whatever their individual birth plans may be.
Our approach is not about one particular way of giving birth. It is about helping mothers feel informed, confident, comfortable and supported throughout their journey.
Every mother deserves care that reflects her individual needs.
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From Creative Healing pregnancy massage to reflexology and other complementary therapies, our practitioners provide personalised treatments adapted to each mother's needs and stage of pregnancy.
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We believe that looking after yourself from within is an important part of pregnancy. Our programme includes dietary guidance, nutritional support and traditional Ayurvedic approaches to general wellbeing.
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Through GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’, self-hypnosis, visualisation and pregnancy yoga with micromovements, we help mothers develop confidence, relaxation techniques and a positive approach to birth.
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From preparing for conception during ‘Trimester Zero’ to pregnancy, birth support and postnatal recovery, our practitioners offer care tailored to each stage of your journey.
03 / The method
The Gentle Birth Method
in Practice
Our method combines several approaches to support mothers throughout pregnancy, birth & beyond.
04 / A legacy of care
Among those associated with the Gentle Birth Method over the years
Elle Macpherson · Stella McCartney · Kate Moss · Charlotte Tilbury · Lady Helen Windsor · Sienna Miller · Emily Blunt · Sophie Hunter Cumberbatch · Jessie J · Meghan, Duchess of Sussex · Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
Every mother’s journey is different. Every mother deserves the same personal care and attention.
A Legacy of Care and Trust
Across the years, Dr Gowri has been privileged to care for mothers from many different backgrounds. Her work has reached families around the world, with the same attention to each mother’s individual journey.
Regardless of a mother’s background or circumstances, the Gentle Birth Method is guided by the same belief: everyone deserves to feel listened to, cared for and supported.
Dr Gowri has also shared her knowledge through her books, The Gentle Birth Method and Gentle First Year, helping families explore her approach to pregnancy, birth and early motherhood.
Her work continues to inspire mothers, practitioners and birth professionals around the world.
05 / Our journey continues
Continuing the Journey
Today, the Gentle Birth Method continues to grow through our dedicated practitioners and partner centres in London, Dubai and India, alongside online consultations and worldwide support.
While the method has evolved over the years, Dr Gowri's philosophy remains at its heart: every mother deserves to feel cared for, listened to, and supported throughout her journey.
Whether you are preparing for pregnancy, expecting a baby, or navigating the early days of motherhood, we are here to support you.
London · Dubai · India · Worldwide