Birthing From Within Calgary - Joanna Nightengale

Childbirth & Parenting Preparation. Your resource for Birthing From Within courses and events in Calgary, Alberta. Suitable for first-time, 2nd time, etc. parents, having hospital, birth centre, or home births.

https://www. calgarydoula. ca
https://www. birthingfromwithin.com

Birthing From Within Philosophical Assumptions and Guiding Principles

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.

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.

Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and mentors), 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.

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 and birth.

Parents deserve support for any birth or parenting option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, medical support, cesarean, home birth, or bottle-feeding).

Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.

Coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" and attempted to be used when labour begins.

Fathers and birth partners help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; and they also need and deserve 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.