Birthing from Within™
Personal growth for the childbearing year. There is no way to predict
how your birth will be and there is no way to guarantee an exact outcome. My
commitment is to provide you with honest information and proven
practices so that you are prepared to make informed decisions throughout
your birthing experience.
Birthing from Within Childbirth Preparation classes are
unparalleled in their inclusive, comprehensive curriculum. The focus is on understanding how birth
“works.” Not just from a left
brain mental and physical understanding but from a hormonal, emotional and
intuitive right brain understanding. There is no one way to give birth-what do YOU bring to this
experience? What do YOU need to
know to make it through this experience?
The answer is different for every woman and man and these classes ask
the questions and provide creative exercises and discussions to help you find
the answers for yourself.
(Artwork by Pam England)
Philosophical Assumptions &
Guiding Principles of
Birthing from Within Childbirth Classes
- Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event. (even when medical care is part of the birth).
- The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information.
- The purpose of childbirth preparation is to prepare mothers to give birth-in-awareness, not to achieve a specific birth outcome.
- Pregnancy and birth outcome are influenced by a variety of factors, but can't be controlled by planning.
- In order to help parents mobilize their coping resources, it is critical for childbirth classes to acknowledge that unexpected, unwelcome events may happen during labor.
- Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, technology, home birth or bottle-feeding).
- Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.
- Pain coping techniques work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" for labor.
- Fathers work best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need support.
- For parents, pregnancy, birth and postpartum is a time of continuous learning and adjustment; holistic support and education should be available throughout that period.
- Childbirth preparation is also parent preparation.
Overview of topics:
Anatomy and physiology, hormones during pregnancy and labor, stages of labor, signs of labor, pain coping strategies, different breathing techniques for labor, positions for labor, massage techniques for labor, the role of the partner, interventions and complications, pain medication for labor, cesarean births, newborn procedures following birth, newborn care techniques, breastfeeding, hormones during the postpartum time, the postpartum body.
Prices
Private Birthing from Within Childbirth Preparation Classes: $350.00
(2-day weekend intensive or 6-week series available).
Price of class includes all class materials and a copy of "Birthing from Within," by Pam England.
Currently I am just taking private clients. If you have friends who are interested in setting up a group class, please contact me for further information on class options and rates.
