- How is this class different from those given in the hospitals and those given by independent instructors?
- Why is it so important to take a childbirth preparation class?
- Will my insurance pay for this?
- When do I need to register?
- Still have questions?
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 typicalrelaxation 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?
Look above to see our contact information and we will be happy to answer any further questions.
