Sacred Window Postpartum Care Certification + Embodiment Retreat
May 13 - 18, 2027
Montague, Massachusetts
Our summer training and embodiment retreat is absolutely magical.
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Scroll through the images to feel the energy of our Sacred Window Retreat.
"It’s hard to put into words what the Sacred Window Studies retreat meant to me. The experience was ineffable, in the deeply present moments together and especially now.
I had no idea when I signed up, how necessary it would be at this time in my life. I joked with some of the other women that I was the jaded and burnt out doula. I arrived exhausted from overworking myself for the last couple of years. I was feeling disheartened by birth and postpartum work. Having felt disillusioned over and over again, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue in this realm.
After being held in the warm, nurturing, loving, divine filled space that you provided, my spirit feels revived. I find myself making adjustments to my life and my work - nurturing, simplifying, bringing more compassion, and remembering I am the space, I carry intention, I tend to my fire, I allow my waters to flow, and I choose the path of least resistance.
Without the three of you carrying on this legacy in such a beautiful, skillful, and natural way, I don’t know that I would be in the place that I am. The way you carry yourselves and the teachings you share have left an everlasting imprint on me. Your passion and heart for Ayurveda, your students, peers, and each other are contagious. I am inspired by each of you and would love to continue learning from you."
Taylor, 2026 Retreat
Instructors
Our instructing team, Ashlee Sakaishi, Julia Fishman, and Christine Devlin Eck, and some very special guest facilitators host this transformational and deeply integrated Conscious Postpartum Care Training.
Our focus is on the aspects of care that are more difficult to learn from a distance. It is a perfect compliment to our online program and can also be taken by itself for excellent postpartum care skill building.
Montague Retreat Center
This historic property has housed authors, activists, many sacred events, a commune, and seekers of all kinds. It has been lovingly restored over time by devoted caretakers and it's absolutely stunning today. Learn more about the history of the Montague Retreat Center here.
Our learning spaces include the Great Hall, a large lower level treatment room, a roomy and efficient commercial kitchen, many acres of fields and outdoor spaces along the Mill River and a sacred grove with an ancient standing marker stone.
Our sleeping spaces include cabins, single bedrooms and dormitory spaces. In addition, we are offering camping, commuter and day passes to allow for greater accessibility.
Sacred Sound Healing Circle
Each year at the Sacred Window Retreat, we invite Joa Agnello-Traista and Julian Traista to share their sacred mantras with our group. Christine, our Director, joins them to provide a truly integrative and unforgettable musical experience.
Embodiment Retreat
If you’ve trained with us online, you know we strive to embody the Universal Mother Principles of intention, simplicity, flexibility, compassion, intuition, listening, grounding and non-judgement.
This retreat experience is the manifestation of these principles from how we welcome you, how we feed you, how we hear you, how we practice together, how we invite you to open up to this opportunity and how we celebrate the deeply rooted practice of caring for mothers and those who give birth.
AND…when combined with our Online Certification, attendees have the opportunity to receive One on One Business Mentoring as our gift to you.
We are here to support you in strengthening your postpartum caregiving skills while offering you a one of a kind retreat experience that honors your journey and welcomes you as part of our sacred window studies family.
Pre Retreat Classes
All students will receive the opportunity to join 3+ online group classes in advance of the retreat which will focus on preparing you with foundational teachings in Ayurvedic postpartum cooking and bodywork for postpartum care. When you arrive at the retreat, you will feel grounded and ready to fully receive this wisdom.
Ayurvedic Postpartum Cooking
Ayurvedic Postpartum Bodywork
“
It was exactly what I needed to feel held and ready to dive into this work. As soon as I got back I set up a support group I've been wanting to cultivate in town. I'm slowly getting supplies and getting my business up and running. I feel like I learned more in those 5 days than my years of online schooling.
Emily - Massachusetts
“
I just loved this. I hope to join you all again someday to refresh my skills! Thank you so much!! This has been the singular best training experience since I've been in the field, and has really re-jumpstarted my passion for offering this important work within my community!
Andrea - Massachusetts
“
I am so grateful to all of you and the tremendous amount of work you put into it. I came because I have learned so much from all of you not only through the coursework that you teach but by being in your presence and soaking up all your knowledge of how to live in the Ayurvedic way. For me that was really why I came. To learn all the things that you cannot learn from a textbook or in a classroom.
Lauren - Colorado
“
It was a beautifully nourishing retreat for the heart, body, and soul. I loved the intimate setting, the connections with both the facilitators and the other participants, and the beautiful location. One of my favorite parts was how each day was centered around a different element. Even with a full schedule, I felt grounded, balanced, and surprisingly rested. I left feeling refreshed, connected, and grateful for the experience.
Skylar - Nebraska
“
Magical! The love and care you all put into every detail is so apparent. I felt very held, cared for and nourished, but beyond that I also learned a lot. The community of people that came together was truly special. Thank you all so much for this heartfelt offering. I know that how effortless and smooth it all felt for us as participants was due to a TREMENDOUS amount of hard work and effort on the part of all facilitators, teachers and organizers. Fabulous job! I wish I could come do this every year!! Or maybe twice a year ;)
Avani - Maine
“
This retreat continues to reveal more insight as I integrate the teachings. I feel nourished and inspired from my experience. Most importantly, I feel more connected to the CSWS community and feel equipped to share this work with my local community.
I loved the natural setting, and my bunk cabin was so nice. I like how peaceful it was there and that everything was close and within a short walking distance.
Nicole - Massachusetts
I was blown away by the food at the retreat! The food was so delicious and thoughtfully prepared according to the appropriate week and element we were focusing on in the program. It has inspired me to experiement more with recipes I may have not felt comfortable with trying before. I also noticed that both the food and the drinks we were served, including the chai and the electrolyte mixes, helped to balance some of my own imbalances I had been experiencing prior to the retreat. They helped me to feel grounded and present at the retreat as well as returning home.
-Jessica
I was so moved by the way Christine, Ashlee, and Julia were able to create the space for us to learn and process the depths of the wisdom of the teachings with the grace and clarity that they did. It was a truly impressive and successful undertaking. I had such an enlightening experience. Upon leaving, I felt a groundedness and connection to parts of myself that haven't been nurtured or watered in years, really since the birth of my children. The retreat has given me so much inspiration to continue to share the level of care we gave and received with my family and my own daily practices. And of course, eventually with my clients. The friendships and genuine moments and memories forged during the retreat are something I will always keep very close to my heart and use as kindling to keep the light and fire of my purpose in this work alive and well.
Jessica
New York, US
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Integration back into the reality of life was blissful yet so fiery for me! In so many wonderful ways, my heart and soul were nourished so much that I felt a lift from all the blockages that kept my feet from taking the next step into this journey of mine. I felt held. I felt seen. I felt woven with WOMAN. It was the perfect balance between rest & reset, education & knowledge based immersion- to be led and fed by wise women was the most abundant gift. I could not imagine that I can extend my gratitude enough but- the way in which I step back into my practices, my offerings and teaching to the next woman, will be the forever dance of gratitude extended to my sisters and teachers. It will be an evergreen palms extended to every woman I work with type of love and I couldn’t be more at peace. THANK YOU.
Taylor - Massachusetts
“
The Sacred Window Studies retreat felt like arriving home to a family I never knew I had. I do not attend retreats often and have struggled with attending them in the past due to my asthma, kale allergy, and sound sensitivity. Burning sage, playing sound bowls, and eating healthy are all wonderful, supportive practices unless they cause adverse reactions as they do in me. Many places say that they will make accommodations for their guests' needs, but never have I experienced any group so lovingly and supportively doing so. If it was a burden, I was not made to feel so. The love and spirit of inclusivity echoes and cements the basis of the training by Sacred Window Studies. The authenticity and passion of the instructors provided the space for each of us to freely and openly learn, express, and experience. The biggest downside to the retreat is that it had to come to an end, but that is also the greatest benefit since now I can share what I have learned with my clients, friends, and family.
Shayna - Texas
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The food was DIVINITY. Soooo inspiring. I felt SO good, and my digestion was thriving. I had some of the best bowel movements of my life when I was there hahaha. Truly. I do feel like I learned a lot about the qualities of postpartum cooking. It was particularly helpful that the retreat was hosted during summer, because I live in such a hot climate, I am often looking for new ways to balance a postpartum mother during summer, while also making sure pitta doesn't pick up too much. It was great.
Coco - Arizona
My overall feeling about how this retreat experience - absolute and profound magic. Upon arriving many of us had only met a few times virtually yet over the course of less than a full week WE ALL MORPHED INTO FAMILY. This is truly one of the most beautiful sisterhoods I have ever encountered. All of the other caregiving tools and community conversations that were shared during this retreat were the perfect compliment to the amazing curriculum of the Sacred Window Studies training. I would not change anything about this retreat.
Ayana Tuere Muhammad
Maryland, US
Retreat Only + Whole Path Packages
Choose the accommodation level that works best for you!
Students who combine our online certification with our hands on training as part of the Whole Path receive One on One Business Mentoring in the Sacred Window Internship Circle valued at $1200 FREE.
ALL packages include meals, lodging, full training, materials and pre-retreat curriculum.
Individual Payment Plans Available.
single room.
$2880.
Retreat Tuition Breakdown:
$1600. Full onsite training and optional online pre-retreat specialization training.
$200. Nightly rate for single room.
$280. 3 meals per day with all day snacks, tea and refreshments.
Whole Path Tuition (Add Year of Study Conscious Postpartum Care Online Certification)
Includes One on One Business Mentoring valued at $1200 FREE.
$5080
$2480.
Retreat Tuition Breakdown:
$1600. Full onsite training and optional online pre-retreat specialization training.
$120. Nightly rate for shared room.
$280. 3 meals per day with all day snacks, tea and refreshments.
Whole Path Tuition (Add Year of Study Conscious Postpartum Care Online Certification)
Includes One on One Business Mentoring valued at $1200 FREE.
$4680
Shared room with Airbed
$2180.
Retreat Tuition Breakdown:
$1600. Full onsite training and optional online pre-retreat specialization training.
$60. Nightly rate for shared room with airbed. (bed provided)
$280. 3 meals per day with all day snacks, tea and refreshments.
Whole Path Tuition (Add Year of Study Conscious Postpartum Care Online Certification)
Includes One on One Business Mentoring valued at $1200 FREE.
$4380
Retreat Tuition Breakdown:
$1600. Full onsite training and optional online pre-retreat specialization training.
$100. Day use of all facilities for the entire retreat.
$280. 3 meals per day with all day snacks, tea and refreshments.
Whole Path Tuition (Add Year of Study Conscious Postpartum Care Online Certification)
Includes One on One Business Mentoring valued at $1200 FREE.
$4080
Retreat Spaces are Limited
Save Your Space for 2027 Here with a Single, Shared, Airbed or Commuter Rate (payment plans available)
Limited Work Study Scholarships are Available!
Help out at the retreat and receive a $300 credit towards your retreat tuition.
Kitchen Support + Clean Up
Technology | Photography | Content Creation
Set Up + Break Down Spaces
Interested?
Email christine@sacredwindowstudies.com to inquire.
Retreat Goodies!
Full Retreat Attendees receive some extras including:
- a copy of our beautiful retreat cookbook
- an expansive training workbook
- other fun goodies to nourish you during your stay and beyond
- access to our Hands On Training Online Hub with recordings of all the in person trainings
Daily Themes
Each day has a morning practice, a bodywork component, a featured week postpartum which guides the food principles, and an element + universal mother principle that is explored and embodied. There is open space for practice or privacy in the afternoons and a nourishing evening gathering.
1.
DAY ONE: Arrival Day. Week One Postpartum. Ether Element. Listening + Intuition.
2.
DAY TWO: Week Two Postpartum. Marma Therapy for Postpartum. Air Element. Intention.
3.
DAY THREE: Week Three Postpartum. Postpartum Abhyanga. Fire Element. Non-Judgement + Compassion.
4.
DAY FOUR: Week Four Postpartum. Lymphatic Massage + Steam Application. Water Element. Flexibility + Resilience.
5.
DAY FIVE: Week Five Postpartum. Infant Abhyanga. Earth Element. Simplicity + Grounding.
6.
DAY SIX: Departure Day. Week Six Postpartum. Balance. Next Steps.
Retreat Special Features
Daily yoga, meditation, mantra, music and sacred practice to support your learning and integration experience.
Breakout sessions in related caregiving topics from guest instructors and wise women.
Business Skills development and support on important topics such as client generation, services, pricing, marketing and sales.
Receive as much bodywork as you choose! You will have the chance to practice on one another. Leave this retreat glowing and ready to give back to the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Airport Transport: While we cannot pay for airport transport, there are a variety of affordable options including rental car, ride share, private limo, bus or carpool. We will work with our students to align shared rides and will make sure everyone arrives smoothly. The closest airport is Bradley International in Hartford, CT. Logan International Airport in Boston, MA is the second closest. Plan on pitching in or paying for transportation fully from the airport to the Montague Retreat Center. Transportation costs average around $150 each way. We create a communication circle in the weeks leading up to the retreat and students are able to coordinate on ride sharing with great success.
Food: Your food is included in your retreat costs. A beautiful part of our retreat experience is cooking together. Attendees will all get the opportunity to become familiar with amazing postpartum appropriate recipes that we will share together at meal times. Expect to spend some time learning and participating in the kitchen with your fellow attendees and mastering some new cooking skills! Participate as much or as little as you like. We encourage students to sign up for several meals during the retreat as your way of learning the qualities and processes behind these postpartum recipes. The kitchen is a joyous space.
Service: All are encouraged to offer seva, sacred service to the community through taking care of our spaces, offering help during meal clean up and lending a hand where needed. When we take care of one another, and allow others to care for us in return, we are embodying sacred window care and the Universal Mother Principles.
What to bring: We provide a detailed packing list as we get closer to the retreat. Supplies will include one or two sets of massage linens, so checking a bag is great.
Sleeping Arrangements: There are a variety of sleeping arrangements. Every student will have their own bed either in a dormitory style room, double room, private room or shared cabin. Commuter student spaces are available for students who wish to find alternate accommodations in the area or travel with partners and families. Camping options include a rustic Yurt available on the property and space for tents. Participants must bring camping gear. Day Passes are available. There are local Air BnB's, home rentals, Inns and Hotels in the area for commuter students who wish to stay off site.
Hands On Practice: You will be given the opportunity to practice the hands on body work multiple times as well as receive the body work. Our intention is that you leave this retreat feeling confident in core Ayurvedic postpartum abhyanga with various ways of adding to and modifying the practice with other techniques to support the unique needs of your client.
Cancellation: If we need to cancel the retreat for any reason, your retreat costs will be refunded in full. If you decide you are unable to attend, we are unable to refund your costs but are happy to allow you to apply those costs to a future retreat or online study. Tuition is subject to change, and you will be responsible for any price difference on future programs.
Embodiment: Words cannot truly describe the level of transformation experienced by participants of this retreat. We take you through the portal of the sacred window in how you are cared for, held, engaged and supported. This retreat experience is bathed in the Divine Feminine. In addition to gaining lifelong skills you will be ready to immediately practice with others, you will leave with your heart filled and your purpose restored. It's amazing what a group of conscious women can create together in a week of honoring the elements and the sacred within.
Arrival and Departure: Students arrive throughout the day on Arrival Day. Programming begins officially around 5pm with a Welcome Circle. Loosely organized activities are available for those who arrive early. On Departure Day, we offer a morning meditation/movement session and a delicious breakfast. Guests must be out of their rooms by 10am but are welcome to enjoy the property and grounds if they are departing later in the day.
Questions? Let's Chat!
Want more information to help you decide which option is the best for you? Do you have general questions about the retreat or our programs we can answer for you? Schedule an appointment with our director, Christine Eck with the link below.