Now offering Birthing From Within® Prenatal Classes

Happy Thursday everyone,

The sun is finally shining and I have some news to share. I'm happy to announce that I will be offering Birthing From Within® prenatal classes. I am offering the prenatal classes on a pay what you want system.

BIRTHING FROM WITHIN 

 Philosophical Assumptions & Guiding Principles 

 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 teacher (mentor) is "midwife" to the parents' discovery process, not the expert from whom wisdom flows.

 Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and teachers), not a static structure of techniques and knowledge.

Parents' individual needs and differences determine class content.

Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.

 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, cesarean, home birth, or bottle-feeding).

Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.
   
Pain-coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" for labor.

Fathers and birth partners help 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.

It would be my honour to assist you and your partner in preparing for parenthood and the birth of your baby.

Some things we might do together:
- Breath Awareness
- Pain Coping methods
- What birth might sound or look like
- Pushing positions
- Journeying through labour (Labyrinth)
and many more delicious topics.

I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of the Birthing From Within book by Pam England. It's full of wonderful information, stories, tools and much more.  

I wish you well on your journey through labour-land ;)

Blessings,

-Erica