Stork and Cradle
Empowering Childbirth and Parenting Preparation
Empowering Childbirth and Parenting Preparation
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
1. How is this class different from those given in the hospitals and those given by independent
instructors?
2. Why is it so important to take a childbirth preparation class?
3. Will my insurance pay for this?
4. When do I need to register?
5. Still have questions?
1. What is the difference between your class and one given in a hospital and those given by
other independent instructors?
A. Parents learn through interactive, creative participation, in a spirit of fun and curiosity.
B. We believe women already "know" a lot (whether they believe it or not). So, we use processes
to help them discover and validate their own knowledge, rather than directing a stream of
information at them.
C. Too many classes and books teach new mothers about birth from the "outside", in other words,
how it is perceived and managed by professionals. But no mother in the heat of labor is
experiencing "stages" or depending on her knowledge of anatomy and physiology to guide
her. This kind of knowledge is fascinating, but irrelevant to a mother white-knuckling
through a contraction. The Birthing From Within approach helps mothers to gain insight
about labor and birth will be like from her perspective, and preparation to be in labor and
give birth as a mother, not as a trained para-professional.
D. We want parents to understand that not only is labor hard work, but it isn't something you
should do lying down, therefore we don't use pillows to lie comfortably on the floor and
practice typical
relaxation techniques. We specifically want to avoid strengthening cultural images of laboring
women lying in a hospital bed practicing stylized relaxation techniques and feeling like a
patient.
E. We explore personal and cultural beliefs about labor pain. Parents learn how theses beliefs
affect their experience of and ability to cope with pain.
F. We devote significant time to practicing mindful pain coping techniques. At the same time,
there remains an open-mindedness to the compassionate use of pain medications.
G. The infusion of making birth art allows parents to take a deeper look into their wants, needs,
and fear and allows them to make realistic plan based upon what they discovered about
themselves. Talking about their art initiates lively discussions and prompts important
questions.
H. Last but not least. Classes given in hospitals can't help but send the message "You are on our
turf. Listen, and we'll tell you how we'll deliver your baby when you come here". The
indirect hypnotic messages sent by both the ambiance and content in an institutional
classroom suggest what your role in birth is likely to be (i.e., that of a passive patient).
2. Why is it so important to take a childbirth preparation class?
"The profound mystery and spirituality of birth can never be understood with the mind; they are
known through the heart. It is this knowing from the heart which is critical for women preparing for
their rite of passage. In one way you have been in childbirth classes you whole life: listening to stories
from family and friends"- Pamela England
Don't forget your favorite programs like "E.R.", "The Baby Story", "Maternity Ward", or your
favorite news anchor dishing out some juicy story about birth.
The learning we've done from books, T.V., and horror stories limited our ability to
trust-ourselves. In birth preparation, your first task is to empty your mind of expectations and
judgments that narrow the possibilities of working with labor pain, surprises, and the hard work
of labor. Taking our classes will enable you with tools to navigate through options and alternatives
to your care. The approach we use help women discover and validate their own knowledge and
inherent ability to give birth.
3. Will my insurance pay for this?
Often yes, you may try to get some reimbursement by submitting our receipt to your insurance
company with a claims form. Some people can use their flex dollars for the cost of the class.
4. When do I need to register?
You should register when you are about 22-25 weeks pregnant and plan to take a class that
finishes 2-4 weeks before your due date. Don't worry if you've waited until the last minute.
Contact us, we may be able to accommodate you.
5. Still have questions?
Call us at 646-334-3830 or email us info@storkandcradle.com
instructors?
2. Why is it so important to take a childbirth preparation class?
3. Will my insurance pay for this?
4. When do I need to register?
5. Still have questions?
1. What is the difference between your class and one given in a hospital and those given by
other independent instructors?
A. Parents learn through interactive, creative participation, in a spirit of fun and curiosity.
B. We believe women already "know" a lot (whether they believe it or not). So, we use processes
to help them discover and validate their own knowledge, rather than directing a stream of
information at them.
C. Too many classes and books teach new mothers about birth from the "outside", in other words,
how it is perceived and managed by professionals. But no mother in the heat of labor is
experiencing "stages" or depending on her knowledge of anatomy and physiology to guide
her. This kind of knowledge is fascinating, but irrelevant to a mother white-knuckling
through a contraction. The Birthing From Within approach helps mothers to gain insight
about labor and birth will be like from her perspective, and preparation to be in labor and
give birth as a mother, not as a trained para-professional.
D. We want parents to understand that not only is labor hard work, but it isn't something you
should do lying down, therefore we don't use pillows to lie comfortably on the floor and
practice typical
relaxation techniques. We specifically want to avoid strengthening cultural images of laboring
women lying in a hospital bed practicing stylized relaxation techniques and feeling like a
patient.
E. We explore personal and cultural beliefs about labor pain. Parents learn how theses beliefs
affect their experience of and ability to cope with pain.
F. We devote significant time to practicing mindful pain coping techniques. At the same time,
there remains an open-mindedness to the compassionate use of pain medications.
G. The infusion of making birth art allows parents to take a deeper look into their wants, needs,
and fear and allows them to make realistic plan based upon what they discovered about
themselves. Talking about their art initiates lively discussions and prompts important
questions.
H. Last but not least. Classes given in hospitals can't help but send the message "You are on our
turf. Listen, and we'll tell you how we'll deliver your baby when you come here". The
indirect hypnotic messages sent by both the ambiance and content in an institutional
classroom suggest what your role in birth is likely to be (i.e., that of a passive patient).
2. Why is it so important to take a childbirth preparation class?
"The profound mystery and spirituality of birth can never be understood with the mind; they are
known through the heart. It is this knowing from the heart which is critical for women preparing for
their rite of passage. In one way you have been in childbirth classes you whole life: listening to stories
from family and friends"- Pamela England
Don't forget your favorite programs like "E.R.", "The Baby Story", "Maternity Ward", or your
favorite news anchor dishing out some juicy story about birth.
The learning we've done from books, T.V., and horror stories limited our ability to
trust-ourselves. In birth preparation, your first task is to empty your mind of expectations and
judgments that narrow the possibilities of working with labor pain, surprises, and the hard work
of labor. Taking our classes will enable you with tools to navigate through options and alternatives
to your care. The approach we use help women discover and validate their own knowledge and
inherent ability to give birth.
3. Will my insurance pay for this?
Often yes, you may try to get some reimbursement by submitting our receipt to your insurance
company with a claims form. Some people can use their flex dollars for the cost of the class.
4. When do I need to register?
You should register when you are about 22-25 weeks pregnant and plan to take a class that
finishes 2-4 weeks before your due date. Don't worry if you've waited until the last minute.
Contact us, we may be able to accommodate you.
5. Still have questions?
Call us at 646-334-3830 or email us info@storkandcradle.com
Copyright Stork and Cradle, 2008