Chicago Birthing Classes offers Birthing From Within, an extra-ordinary path to childbirth preparation.  Frequently, childbirth classes focus on WHAT happens to you rather than the profound experience of childbirth itself. 

Recognizing that childbirth is a multi-dimensional sensory experience that should not be managed, but rather supported is most important. 

Dads are not seen as "coaches" but rather participants in the birth of the baby with their own needs and desires.  In Birthing From Within classes it is recognized that there is no one "right" way to give birth. 

I believe that education is the greatest tool for you to explore your birth options.  Many parents chose "What their friends had" for their births and are profoundly disappointed.  This can be anything from home vs. hospital birth or drug-free labor vs. epidural anesthesia.  No one formula is right for every woman.  Birth is not a linear event, and cannot be "thought" through.  We explore all of these issues and many more in Birthing From Within Classes.

Topics covered in class will vary each class, but some topics from previous classes are:

• Protecting the ecology of the birthplace
• Pain-coping practices
• Building a partnership with the baby
• Worry inventory and how to worry effectively
• Making labor stronger (in a situation where labor slows down or stops)
• Phases of labor and dilation
• Tearing, episiotomy and healing
• Fathers and birth companions roles and concerns
• Role of a doula at birth
• Labor decision role play
• Couple's expectations and adjustment to parenthood
• Home vs. hospital birth