BIRTHING FROM WITHIN

We don't have a perfect class outline. The reason for that is the classes are tailored to the needs of the participants. Each and every time we tweak and adjust based on what is happening in real time for the families we are serving. 

There are some general things that all classes are going to cover:

• stages of labor
• coping practices including but not limited to: breath awareness, non focused awareness, and visualization
• common labor positions 
• asking questions and getting answers/advocacy in the birth room
• compassionate use of medical supports
• exploring the unknown and getting confident walking that path
• reasonable exploration of fears and unwanted events
• looking inward and learning how to harness the skills and resourcefulness that is already within yourself
• how labor actually works and what makes babies come out
• lots of time for Q & A 

And so much more. Birthing From Within is unique because the tone of the class will shift depending on the live elements in the group. I don't always know how this happens, even when it's on Zoom and people's screens are off. But it does. There is something cultivated that is really cool.

FOR SURE! You may or may not know if you want to have pain medication as part of your labor. Either way this workshop will help you feel into to what you really want and understand that sometimes the plans change AND you can still have a positive experience.

The coping practices you will can be helpful in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. There are lots of new emotions and physical sensations to cope with in all variations of labor. 

You and your partner will be able to stay more grounded in the unexpected events of labor having practiced coping techniques together.

Birthing From Within classes can be taken any time during your pregnancy. People often take it between 20-37 weeks. The positive parts of taking the class early on is that you have lots of time to put the skills into practice. This includes partner support and involvement, self-advocacy, connecting with your baby, facing fears, and building community. 

The downside of taking it early is that the pregnant body will be much smaller than in labor and the comfort measure practice may not be as useful. 

Here is a guideline for when to take classes. 

Early Pregnancy Class (0-28 weeks)

Birthing From Within (20-35 weeks)

Nourishing Newborns + Get that Baby Out (30-37 weeks)

Bringing Baby Home (20-35weeks, or after your baby is born between 2-7months postpartum). 

At Thresholds we approach life transitions like engagement, birth and parenting as a rite of passage, a time to learn about and grow closer to yourself and to your partner. With the use of story telling, process art, and mindfulness we help people access their own strength, wisdom, and creativity.  

Thresholds does our best to make sure that every family who wishes to take our classes is able. If finances are the only reason you don't sign up please email about scholarship and payment plan options.  > Learn more...

The instructors are listed on all pages. Depending on our on-call doula schedule, client needs, we do not always know who will be teaching what class. If you have specific questions please be in touch.

Yes! Our class has very little crossover to traditional information based classes. Many parents take both types of classes and value the different needs that each workshop is providing. 

You and your partner/s will dedicate time and space to create an emotionally and physically supportive practice to use in your labor. This practice will be beneficial before, during, and after childbirth. Taking this childbirth class will allow you to spend more time savoring your experience and less time stressing out about what's to come.