“A teacher has to give birth to the teacher within the student.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Registering now for 4 week 2010 classes at the Bodhi Tree Wellness Center! Hurry classes fill quickly.
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When should I take a birth class?
It’s up to you. Some moms and partners like to take their class early so they have plenty of time to practice and to get it taken care of before baby showers and frequent appointments. Others like to plan it much closer so they are more motivated by that impending due date. I suggest planning your class so that it ends at least a few weeks before your due date, and it’s more fun if you have a good sized bump (5-7 months). Classes do fill up and I limit class size (to 5 couples currently). If you plan early you’ll have the best chance of getting into the most convenient class series. I do not cancel classes for low numbers (other area classes are frequently cancelled, AFTER you have registered).
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What is your training and philosophy?
I am trained with the Bradley Method (2002), taking Bradley classes myself and experiencing two all natural births, one at hospital, one at home. Bradley offers an extensive certification program for educators and doulas, involving reading, writing essays, attending a certified teacher’s classes and La Leche League, and a comprehensive training seminar, as well as much follow-up for my first class series and a test. Bradley is known to have the most in-depth and comprehensive training program of all methods of natural birth.
My philosophy is one of empowered and gentle birth, for baby and for mom. I draw on my Bradley experience, as well as the work of Michel Odent, Ina May Gaskin, Birthing from Within, birth hypnosis and others. I believe women birth most easily in calm, safe environments with a minimum of interventions and interruptions. The midwifery model of care has much to teach us about respecting birth. I seek to give you the resources you need to achieve the birth you want. I offer knowledge, reassurance and support in a calm, relaxed environment with plenty of personal attention (something I believe pregnant moms and partners truly deserve). I am an experienced doula and this brings another layer of knowledge to my classes. I’ve learned so much about birth from actively participating as a trained doula.
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Why might I choose a natural birth?
A birth free of unnecessary interventions is safest for most moms and babies and achievable for most women who choose it. A natural birth allows you the utmost awareness of one of the most joyful experiences in human existence. Working with and learning to rely on your partner deepens your love and trust as a couple, building a solid foundation for loving parenting. Joyful birthing empowers you as a woman, allowing a greater self-awareness of the strength which lies within. Scroll down to the bottom if natural birth still sounds scary to you!
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What will we learn in this birthing class?
- how to give birth the way you choose
- many ways partners can help comfort
- excellent nutrition
- how to avoid drugs and unnecessary interventions
- what to do and how to cope when something unexpected happens
- breastfeeding basics
- benefits of breastfeeding
- information about all of the different choices in birth
- making responsible decisions about your care
- developing a positive relationship with your birth attendant
- how to tune in and trust birth
- how to relax to minimize pain
- how to work with your labor for the best experience possible, including effective relaxation and hypnosis techniques
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What will we get from this class?
- a workbook, full of useful and up-to-date information
- relaxation CDs, soothing music, hypnosis and guided birth relaxation
- an experienced doula (8 yrs teaching, 65 + births as doula) as your teacher
- support for birthing your way
- a peer group of like-minded others to learn beside
- a calm, nurturing place to develop a connection with your birth partner
- 24 hour, 7 day a week phone support, pregnancy and post-partum
- an extensive birth, parenting, breastfeeding borrowing library
- excellent fear-releasing birth film in class, and others to borrow
- a chance to practice relaxation together every week
- a class reunion with your little one and the rest of class
- a birth resources night to acquaint you w/ many helpful birth practitioners in our community
- a guided, private hospital tour, geared toward your needs
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What if we don’t want a natural birth, or just aren’t sure yet?
That’s ok. Few people are 100% sure. Because sometimes complications happen and even couples who are very sure about natural birth can end up with a very medical birth, we spend time in class talking about medical technologies, like epidurals and narcotic pain medications. You will leave class with plenty of information about your options, empowered to make your own choices. Most of my students want a natural birth, and I’m fond of it myself, but I’ve had many students who chose otherwise and they felt very comfortable in Bellabirthing classes too. My first goal for you (beyond having a healthy baby and mother), is a happy, satisfying birth experience. That means you have learned what you need to birth your way.
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Why aren’t your friends having natural births?
Orgasmic birth? My student had one and she did it with deep relaxation techniques and positive thinking, at home in the water. One of my own births was painless, using the same methods…..relaxation, releasing fear, and birthing in the water. Birth doesn’t always hurt!