Do babies come with instruction manuals? My contention is that they do!
Does a mother bear know to protect her cubs? Does a mother dolphin know to help her newborn to the surface to breathe? Do you know what is best for your baby?
Of course you do! Your instincts and intuition are every bit as clear as wild mothers. You have a built-in program for excellence. An instruction manual! You just need to re-learn how to read the manual in order to use the information.
Has our culture forgotten about this ancient wisdom? Have we, as a species capable of thought, many times discarded our instincts to the detriment of our young? I believe it's time to respect all ways of knowing.
As parents, we have an enormous responsibility. We need to return to common sense parenting. We need to think like parents from the moment of conception, because from that point on, all of our decisions affect our children. Childbirth classes are a great place to start. A class where the only 'special interest' is you and your baby.
There are many fine independant childbirth classes available. Some of the links you will find in this personal home page will probably eventually lead to them. I can only give an example of what I feel is important in the structure an average class.
My classes are divided into three parts. There are two prenatal classes, four HypnoBirthing® classes and two postpartum classes. One non-pregnant support person is allowed in addition to the father of the baby.
Creative expression through art is also utilized for a wholistic approach to this transition in your life. I'm also a firm belieiver in visual aids and handouts for future reference!
While the series are split up in order that they may be taken separately at any time, I offer discounts for parents who choose to take them concurrently.
Class One
This is a class dispelling myths and introducing the concept of parental empowerment through consumerism. Relaxation and visualization is introduced as a tool for maximum enjoyment of this pregnancy. Expectations are explored. A frank look at routine interventions. What are all those tests? How accurate are they? Learn about what questions to ask your caregiver to open the lines of communication so that your pregnancy and birth can be the most positive experience possible, absent of interventions meant for sick women.
Class Two
Growing Together. How to increase the odds for the optimal birth experience through proper nutrition and a healthy emotional balance. Physiological changes experienced by Mom will be discussed, as well as prenatal care and how your baby grows. The Empathy Belly will be introduced for the first time so that partners can get an idea of how mother feels (or will feel)!
Class One
Understanding normal labor and delivery. The basics and why self-hypnosis may be your tool of choice. See ypnosis work for others. The importance of prenatal bonding is stressed. Being healthy for your task at hand.
Class Two
The unexpected. Here we explore normal birth and some variations of normal that have come to be seen as "situations". Knowledge is key to overcoming fear...this class attempts to make a step in that direction. At this point, more visual aids come into play, as well as games and tactile stimulation. Partners learn how to help mothers to enter hypnosis.
Class Three
What birth can and should be. How do we take what we have been conditioned to believe and what we are now learning to be true and work with the results? The information from the previous classes is applied to role playing situations. Deepening your relaxation and learning how to use the tools you have been introduced to thus far in unexpected situations.
Class Four
Putting it all together. The last class devoted totally to birth alone. More tools are introduced for practice at home. Breath. Movement. Hydrotherapy. Learn about 'glove anesthesia' and 'anchors' during hypnosis. What is your baby's experience of birth?
Class One
Welcoming a New Life. What is the baby's point of view in the first hours in this new world? Moving into the first five minutes following birth. What is normal newborn behavior? How do babies really look? What to they do all day? How will Mom feel? How has Nature equipped us to adjust and what are the ways this bonding process can be interupted? More comfort measures for birth, adding to the repertoire.
Class Two
Mothering the Mother...six weeks and counting. Does life really return to "normal" after that first six weeks? What is involved in effective postpartum planning? Sexuality and birth control are included here, as well as what to expect as your baby undergoes changes.
kmidwife@lakeshore.net
Childbirth.org
Gently Borne Midwifery
Birth Plan from a former client
Y2Kid Considerations...my musings on parenting in the new millenium
Women's Mysteries...menarche and other rites of passage. Includes another exerpt from Born of Water.
Maternity Matters...Enjoying the journey and growing a healthy baby
Preparing for Birth
Discomforts of Pregnancy & Helpful Hints
Nutrition in Pregnancy
But What If...? Questions often asked of homebirth-ers