Often, the anatomy and logistics of birth are known to the prospective parents only vaguely. You will get clarity about the woman’s body, the baby’s position and movement, and the typical and sometimes not-so-typical stages of labor. You will learn about the physical and concrete details of pregnancy, birth, and the first postpartum weeks. You will also receive valuable information about choices in birthing and your rights as a patient or client. Having information will help you make informed decisions in your birth and can help alleviate the stress and tension that can come with uncertainty.
While the concept of community is sometimes lost or diluted in our society, having a community of people entering the same stage in life is valuable for your family. Emotionally, being able to commiserate with other expectant parents and/or new parents is so valuable. And after your baby arrives, you will have that support for you and your baby for years to come. A birthing class is a wonderful starting place for creating this community for yourself.
No matter what the process, the outcome will be a baby, and you will be a parent. My goal is to prepare you for the twists and turns that arise during the process of pregnancy, birth, and the first postpartum weeks, and to give you tools to deal with the unexpected. Pain coping strategies, physical and emotional support, information, and knowledge are all necessary tools to have in your birthing toolbox. Learning to expect the unexpected is good. Even better is the ability to experience the unexpected as what “should” happen and to be open to finding the beauty in it. This is true in pregnancy, in birth, and ultimately in parenting. Birthing From Within offers a path to finding this contentment early in your journey as a parent.
Birthing classes can and should be informational. Hopefully, they will also be a place to find strength, wisdom, friendship and support.
