Childbirth Preparation (group classes)
12 hours (4 nights, 3 hours each) - $150 a family
What do you really need to learn to be able to get through birth? Is it a list of medical terminology? Names of anatomical parts and how they work? Maybe…or is it something deeper? Something about yourself? Something within? What is your deepest question about your journey to your baby? My classes are mindfulness-based, meaning that we learn meditation practices as ways of pain coping and emotional coping that comes with the trials of birth and parenting. Many techniques will be taught to build a pain-coping mindset and to develop the ability to do the next best thing no matter what the “birth fairy” throws your way. Classes are experiential, lively, and dialog-based. Mothers and partners will learn ways to be empowered and confident in their roles in the birthing process so the experience can be positive and memorable.
Birthing Refresher – $130
2 nights, 3 hours each – Scheduled by request
This refresher class is for parents experienced in birth and want to reflect and learn from their previous birth and dust off old pain-coping techniques that worked last time and add new ones. We will make the space for you and your partner to communicate on what worked and what didn’t and really listen to each other about your needs and desires for this birth. We will make a conscious effort to set aside time enjoy THIS pregnancy and make room for THIS baby. We’ll talk about sibling preparation you can do at home, too. (Note: if you have never taken an out-of-hospital birth class, it may be most appropriate for you to take the full series, above, instead - feel free to contact me to discuss your needs to help you make this decision.)
Healing From Birth Trauma Workshop – $70
1 night, 3 hours – Scheduled by request
Birthing mothers or those who witness birth can be uplifted by birth’s mystery and power, but at the same time be haunted by profound feelings of confusion, powerlessness or shame about a particular moment. In its many forms, birth trauma is not often apparent. Even when it is, it is often minimized or ignored. Are you having trouble facing memories of a past birth experience? Is this trauma affecting your life, internally or externally? Would you like to take some time to process so you can begin to move through the experience and incorporate it into your self? We will work through our births together through storytelling, art, journaling and ritual in a safe circle of other women.
Facebook – Pregnancy and Childbirth Support in the Tri-Cities
This isn’t a class but just a free, fun way to meet other pregnant mothers. Whether you just found out you are pregnant or if it feels like you’ve been pregnant forever, it is always good to meet other women who will have babies about the same age as yours! This is a great place to ask about providers, commiserate about aches and pains, and share our joys of pregnancy. We’ll try to get together in person now and then, just informally, to enjoy each other, though you are free to pick my educator and doula brain.