What Childbirth Class Should I Take?

Why, after teaching Hypnobirthing for 13 years, do I still get just as excited before each class as I did in the beginning? Because watching families transform huge fears into bite sized, actionable steps never gets old! I love teaching online now because I can serve so many more families from so many more areas around the world. Our cameras are on, everyone is interacting and the community is built.

Parents who find my classes are looking for something different.

A birth like they have seen on Instagram. A birth that only ONE of their friends may have had, compared to the other horrible labor and birth stories that have been shared with them. They are curious, still a little nervous but they know it is up to them to walk towards what they want. This is why teaching childbirth classes has become my lifelong passion. Couples come together in community and help shape each other’s lives as parents. Doing something different than those around you takes curiosity and courage to follow through. I love what shows up each week. Hypnobirthing has a gentle approach to psychological birth and it has allowed me to add in the science that supports what we have always done as mammals. I can also show you how to work with your provider and the staff to keep to your goals as your baby directs the labor. There is so much you can do to get yourself in a better headspace before your baby arrives and Hypnobirthing makes it simple.

Inherently, your baby’s birth experience is meant to transform you, both physically and spiritually. Pregnancy is the letting go of the old you and birth is “pushing” you into the new you. The new you in the role of parent. It’s a soul level “uplevel” and that can feel both intimidating and thrilling!

I say, “baby’s birth experience,” because you have already been physically born.

Traditionally in this country and in modern day, we have not centered birth on the baby and what their experience will be. This IS their birth. Does that perspective make your pregnancy look different?

The reality is: It’s YOUR labor, but it’s their birth. This pregnancy is a joint venture. Your baby’s very existence over these short nine months, transitions you into growth and expansion – watching your old life shift and fall away. Your baby then joins you in labor and THEY call the shots – it is your job to be as prepared as you can be. They know how to come out in physiological birth. As humans, we have been doing it on our own since time began. Once your baby joins you on the outside, the spiritual expansion continues as they will be dependent on you for their life. The two of you will grow together and create something that has never been created before. Childbirth education can help you ease into that life transition because there is a lot to know and understand. As an educator, I am here to remind you that your body is wise – it knows what to do! You can do this…

What kind of birth would your baby want if they could plan things with you?

Part of being able to connect with your baby early is imagining gestation and birth from their point of view. Everything in birth is happening to them – what is it going to be like for them? What is it like for your baby now when you are happy or stressed out? Have you talked about it with them?

• Would they choose to be with a busy practice that doesn’t spend time answering your questions?
• Would they leave all of the labor and birth decisions up to strangers?
• Would they want you just to go along with an induction because it was suggested?

Or would they want you to take an out of hospital childbirth class to understand the choices available between what you want, and what “a policy created for the masses” says?

• Would they want you to hire a doula so you had support to stay home longer in comfort, possibly avoiding unwanted interventions?
• Would your baby want their parents connected to each other and to them during this amazing life transition so fear wouldn’t live in the room?
• Would they want you educated to make decisions in the birth room if things changed from your original goals?

You feel the answers to these questions – it’s your intuition answering you. You are well equipped with the tools to feel what’s best for you and your baby. Pregnancy is the time to practice using that muscle so it is in prime form for parenthood.

Your baby’s birth imprints their beginnings – just like yours did with your mom.

If you want things to be different for your baby, it is you who has to get out of your comfort zone and find the right support. That may feel intimidating or even overwhelming but educators are here to support you finding the best plan for your family. There are many different classes offered with many different teachers. Here is another article to help you find the right fit for your family.

You are more capable than you know.

Your body is designed to work. You have so many more options with your birth experience than the media has led you to believe. You can have a connected, beautiful birth experience with your baby – and guess what? That can be a vaginal birth or a c section! Sometimes we need more medical intervention, even if that’s not what you want. But this is still your baby’s one and only birth. You will learn how to manage a surgical birth in your childbirth class. It can still be connected, calm and emotionally safe. Education is key for all births.

You can go with the flow of what your baby needs in the moment.

Letting go and allowing your baby to have a full voice is an honor. Things will change when you keep your baby centered in every decision. You are the one who advocates for yourself and your baby. In a good out of hospital birth class, you’ll learn what your options are, how to let go of fear and how to look forward to labor starting! Hypnobirthing changed my life and I watch it change other families every day. I would love for you to join us. You can do this… Reserve your spot way ahead of time for best availability!

For more information on Hypnobirthing Classes…