DATES  &  TOPICS
for Phone Classes with Pam England

CLASS 1:  March 11  Nourishing the Life Within      Prenatal nutrition is often overlooked in prenatal care and classes. Yet it is one of the most important things mothers can do! A motivating and informative review of how eating grows a healthy mom and baby and prevents many complications, and a check-in on how well you are eating?
Jump-Start Your Maternal Intuition: Learning to feel and trust your instincts. Everyone tells you to trust yourself, but new mothers need to learn how. What do I already know about becoming a parent, or about birth? What do I need to know? (Most parents report this process is among the most helpful.)

CLASS 2:  March 18    Birth Tiger Safari: DID YOU KNOW? When your mind holds an image of fear, or tries to ignore something you fear about birth or parenting, your body goes into a subtle state of “fight or flight” trying to protect you. When you are in this guarded state for weeks before labor, it may affect your prenatal health and the way your body opens in labor.  When we fear or avoid something, we feel helpless and anxious. That is not a useful attitude in labor or postpartum. During your BIRTH TIGER SAFARI process with Pam, you will find your “Tiger,” and experience, in body and mind, a shift in perception and attitude.

CLASS 3:  March 25    Welcoming Your Baby   This hour will pass quickly as we contemplate the sensual world of intrauterine life, its sacred mystery and relevant research that will deepen your relationship with your baby. Your sweet baby is between two worlds in labor, in the first hours of its birth; consider what your baby needs and responds most to on his or her birth day. Finally, we will talk about what you, as a parent, need to know about routine procedures and tests, making decisions and giving informed consent.

CLASS 4:  April 1  Getting Information and Making Decisions: Parents are often told “just ask questions” or “you can choose.” But you know it is not that easy. This class will invite you to talk about what’s worked and what hasn’t, and what is keeping you from asking questions now. In labor, mothers often can’t think clearly or talk easily. Who will be gathering information for you and helping you make decisions? How are decisions made? What is it you really need to know? We’ll look at assumptions, agreements, emotions and real choices you have while making choices. Bring your birth partner to this class!

CLASS 5:  April 8    Awakening the Wild, Down ‘n’ Dirty, Self-Loving Birth Warrior: Even before labor (even before becoming pregnant), most mothers have heard too many birth stories loaded with judgment and grief. So, their own inner voice is often actively “judging” what they might do in labor, or what they are doing in labor, e.g., “You’re not relaxing enough,” “You’re too tired,” “You’re not strong enough,” and so on. Even when others outside are encouraging her, this inner Voice is often the loudest.  This class is about learning self-talk that will empower you in labor, postpartum and as a parent, too. Come, meet your inner-Love Warrior who will not abandon you in labor no matter what. Come, envision yourself as a Birth Warrior.

CLASS 6:  April 15   Special Class for Fathers &  Partners: Often childbirth classes focus predominantly on the mother's needs and her perspective of labor. Dads are expected to be the “support person” in a situation they are also new to! Unfortunately, in labor, many dads/partners feel lost and ask, "Now what do I do?" This class is designed to prepare you in a very special way, and to share practical information about supporting someone you love through labor and early postpartum. Learn the “secrets” from other dads'/partners' experience.

Register

CLASS 1: March 30
Mindful Mother/Parents in Pregnancy and Birth; Breath Awareness: You will have an opportunity to explore your beliefs and blocks about being able to cope with the unknown, intensity and pain of normal labor. And then you will learn a practice that is useful throughout labor: Breath Awareness, a simple, deeply relaxing practice that brings your mind into a meditative, receptive and calm state.

CLASS 2:  April 6
Circular or Ovarian Breathing: This practice was inspired by an ancient Chinese practice and adapted for parents in labor.  It refreshes and re-energizes the body and mind in labor by moving energy in the body. This practice can be done by the mother alone, or as a couple in labor.

CLASS 3:   April 13
Non-Focused Awareness (NFA): Too often mothers (and fathers/partners) lose their focus with distractions in labor. When mothers in labor lose their focus, they also risk losing their confidence and rhythm. We can’t control every distraction in labor, but this is a technique adapted from the Samurai and Zen that will show you how to use distractions to deepen your internal focus and alert-relaxation. You can continue to use NFA postpartum as an essential parenting tool.

CLASS 4:   April 20
Finding the Center: Many parents strive to "be centered" in labor and parenting. There is tremendous power when we arise from the Center of our body and being. As labor progresses, a mother’s attention is drawn inward and downward. Using what is already happening naturally, this practice cultivates focus, courage, and being present in the body of birth.  When mothers try to stay on top of the pain, or focus outwardly to escape the intensity in the body, they often feel overwhelmed. Learning and using this process, you feel present and powerful in birth.