Do I have to read the Birthing From Within book to take the class?
Reading
the book is definitely recommended, but not required. Reading the book
will give you a familiarity with the Birthing From Within philosophy;
even simply flipping through it should be enough to prepare you for the
classes. Birthing From Within is a dynamic, changing process. The
companion Keepsake Journal is included in your class registration, and
will be a part of class.
I have read the book Birthing From Within. How is this different?
Reading
Birthing From Within, by Pam England, is wonderful preparation for
birth, and an excellent complement to the classes. While the classes
are based on the book, they are much more than just the book in
live form. The activities and ideas presented in class go
far beyond what any book could offer.
What will we do in class?
What
do you want to do in class? Birthing From Within classes are
oriented towards dynamic group discussion and individual exploration,
which means they are customized to suit your needs. Not sure what
you need? You’re not alone! To get things rolling, you'll
start with a few core basics like pain-coping practices, support tips
for partners, birth art projects, baby care basics, and help making
decisions like what feeding method best suits your
family. We explore how to create a supportive birth environment
in the hospital or home, fears about birth and parenting, and dig below
the surface to discover what it is we really need to know to give
birth. Sound like a lot? It’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Art? I can't draw!
Using
art, in several mediums, to explore your perceptions and feelings about
birth can be a great way to help you understand how you approach your
upcoming birth. You don't need to be Picasso to benefit from the
process of art, just like you don’t need to be an obstetrician to give
birth! The creative activities are designed to help you explore birth
from the intuitive side of your brain, put you out of your comfort zone
(just like birth), and see things with a new perspective — it’s a tool
for self-exploration in a safe, friendly environment. And if you really don’t want to, you don’t have to!
You can still benefit from the other aspects of class even if you don’t
participate in the art projects. (You may even find that they are so
fun and intriguing that you change your mind!)
I don't have a partner - what do I do?
You
are welcome to come on your own, or bring a family member or friend who
will be joining you at the birth as a support person. Birthing From
Within classes are not dependent on having a partner or 'coach,’ and
all kinds of families are included in group discussions. If you will be
attending on your own, I do encourage you to consider inviting a friend
to join you through the series, even if they won’t necessarily be
attending your birth — anyone who wishes to share your class experience
is
welcome, be they mother, sister, friend, doula, or the guy next door!
I’m getting an epidural – why do I need pain-coping practices?
To
quote Pam England: “Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much
can be done to ease suffering.” Even epidurals are not inserted
painlessly, and most women will experience at least a few hours of
contractions until their labor is “established.” Few women
experience a pain-free postpartum period, as well. Pain is part
of life, and the coping techniques you will learn in class can be
applied to all of it.
Why
should I take a class about something my body already knows how to do,
unless I'm just going to learn about how you want me to give birth?
This
is exactly what Birthing From Within is all about. Birthing From
Within acknowledges that you already know everything you need in
order to give birth - it is certainly going to happen with or without
any childbirth class! Like most women in our culture, however, you probably do not
realize how much you already know. Birthing From Within classes
help you and your partner dig deeper, to go beyond the mask of
technical information and pop-culture dramatizations and discover your
own deepest question, face your fears or doubts, learn to cope with
unexpected outcomes, and remain connected to your experience, your partner, and your baby as you give birth.
How can I tell if this is the right class for me?
Birthing
From Within classes have something for everyone. Because of the
unique class format, each class is able to address the needs of the
individuals. If you are seeking a class that will meet both your need for practical knowledge
about birth and babies, and support you in exploration of the
emotional aspects of birth and parenting, Birthing From Within is the right class for you!
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