This is a prenatal online series comprised of 8 classes. Coming from our collective doula perspective, with much first hand experience, we bring a unique slant to this childbirth preparation series. Classes are comprised of interactive exercises, brainstorming sessions, explorations of topics in small groups/pairs, as well as incorporating relaxation/breath awareness, meditation, body sensing practices and dance!

This series prepares expectant parents to be strong advocates, have agency during their birthing journey and understand how to navigate decision making, fully aware of what informed consent means. 

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Topics covered:

• Physiologic Birth: choosing to birth naturally; birth as a rite of passage; birthing hormones; 'Evolutionary Regression'; birth & sex connection

• Our Birth Culture: medicalized model and our culture's social messages of childbirth; 'labour bypass era', disarm fears that can impact your experience; working with 'life giving' pain

• Preparation for your journey: anatomy & physiology of birth; practical comfort measures, breathing and relaxation techniques, positions and massage, use of TENS/rebozo 

• Ecstatic Birth: alternative to the 'pain relief' paradigm, use of pleasure to enhance your experience 

• Disrupting Flow: routine medical procedures/interventions, pain medications, Cesarean birth, communication with care provider/informed consent, creating your birth vision, Dancing with the Unexpected

• The First Hour(s): birth of placenta/cord clamping, immediate care of newborn/mother, newborn procedures/tests, newborn appearance/characteristics; Hydrotherapy & Waterbirth: research and benefits

• Breastfeeding - getting off to a great start, common challenges

• Postpartum - Life with Baby: recovery, realities, priorities, adjustments, sleep