Birthing from Within Birth Preparation Weekend

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2015  In Glastonbury

I am so pleased to be once again running this popular workshop in Glastonbury with my partner Jady Mountjoy. Working with stories, art and practical techniques this 2 day workshop will prepare you for your journey to parenthood.

• Prepare for birth as a Rite of Passage.
• Understand the power and life-long impact that “birthing from within” offers all participants in birth.
• Co-create holistic prenatal care that is informative, transformative, and builds a foundation for birthing in awareness in our birth culture, whatever the birth location or outcome or events of the birth.
• Prevent or minimize emotionally difficult births (for parents and professionals) through compassionate, honest preparation.
• Honour and use the power of Birth Story telling and listening.

Held in studio of the innovative Red Brick Building, Morelands enterprise Park, Glastonbury, BA69FT directions here. 

The cost of our workshop is £70 per person or £130 per couple. There are concessions if unwaged. 

I first learnt about birthing from within when I bought Pam England’s book and was so impressed that I signed up to train as a birthing from with mentor.

• Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth).
• The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information. The teacher (mentor) is “midwife” to the parents’ discovery process, not the expert from whom wisdom flows.
• Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and teachers), not a static structure of techniques and knowledge.
• Parents’ individual needs and differences help determine class content.
• Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.
• The purpose of childbirth preparation is to prepare mothers to give birth-in-awareness, not to achieve a specific birth outcome.
• Pregnancy and birth outcome are influenced by a variety of factors, but can’t be controlled by planning.
• In order to help parents mobilize their coping resources, it is critical for childbirth classes to acknowledge that unexpected, unwelcome events may happen during labour.
• Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, caesarean, home birth, or bottle-feeding).
• Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.
• Pain-coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than “dusted off” for labour.
• Fathers and birth partners help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need support.
• For parents, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a time of continuous learning and adjustment; holistic support and education should be available throughout that period.
• Childbirth preparation is also parent preparation.

To book your place please contact me on 07939247462 or email joy@birthjoy.co.uk.