Zenko Yoga founder Lauren Verona dies from complications after giving birth to daughter

A beloved member of the Sunshine Coast yoga community has tragically died due to complications associated with childbirth.

A beloved member of the Sunshine Coast yoga community has died due to complications associated with childbirth.

Zenko Yoga founder Lauren Verona – who just days ago posted about her pregnancy, having reached 41 weeks – died after giving birth to her healthy baby girl, a loss that her team described as “unfathomable” in a Facebook statement announcing the tragic news to their “beloved community”.

“We are devastated on behalf of Ryan, Allira, Evie and their families, to let you know that our beloved, inspiring, shining light Lauren passed away due to complications after giving birth to her beautiful, healthy, thriving baby girl – Lucinda Lauren Elizabeth Gaylard,” the post read.

Zenko Yoga founder Lauren Verona has died from complications after giving birth to her third daughter. Picture: Facebook

Lucinda Lauren Elizabeth Gaylard is a ‘beautiful, healthy, thriving baby girl’. Picture: Facebook

“This unfathomable loss is felt deeply by all of us that are part of her teaching team, by her family, her friends and we know it will be by all who came to know her. All who went to her workshops, watched her videos, shared space with her on retreats, trained with her, practised with her or simply met her once know how powerful her presence was, how her energy radiated with light and wisdom towards everyone and everything she touched! Lauren has CHANGED more lives than anyone can comprehend and it is our greatest loss to not get to continue to share her joy, her spirit and her wisdom with this world.”

As of 2018, the maternal mortality rate in Australia was five deaths per 100,000 women giving birth, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Verona had chronicled her pregnancy on social media, writing in a post five days ago that “we are 41 weeks pregnant trusting the higher plan”. Picture: Facebook

Ms Verona – who is survived by her partner Ryan and three daughters – had chronicled her pregnancy on social media, sharing that she’d suffered complications including a low-lying placenta and was “couch-bound at 35 weeks with indescribable pelvic girdle pain”.

“These last few weeks and months if I’m to be honest have been very challenging with the countless pregnancy complications I’ve had,” she wrote in a post five days ago.

“But I hear my own children say ‘divine timing’ when anyone asks when the baby is coming out. I love that they get it.

“So here we are 41 weeks pregnant trusting the higher plan.”

The 42-year-old is survived by her partner Ryan and three daughters. Picture: Facebook

She’d also posted about “wild birth” and “free birth” (when a woman plans a birth unattended by a midwife or medical professional).

Dozens of people took to social media to express their love for the 42-year-old.

“I am heartbroken to have lost to this physical realm a most wonderful woman who taught me how to love and to be fearless,” one friend wrote.

“It has been my utmost honour and privilege to meet, train with, know and support her in her passion which is the physicality and energy of Zenko Yoga.

“So many memories that will be forever etched in the forefront of my mind … My heart aches for her divine two young daughters, her beloved husband and new born baby girl.”