Rite of Passage
Childbirth Preparation Classes

At the heart of childbirth preparation is your own unique journey of self discovery.  Rite of Passage Birth Support offers Childbirth Preparation Classes that bring together practical information with creative exploration and self-expression.   Time and space is offered to discover individual needs and questions, and to honor birth and parenthood as a profound rite of passage.

"Truly, every birth is a rite of passage.  In her own way, every mother in labor, without exception, lives the mystery of her physical, psychological and spiritual transformation-whether she births by candlelight at home, in an operating room, in the car, or in a birth hut hidden in the jungle." 
~ Pam England

About the Classes:

  • Parent’s individual needs determine class content.  Every class is a continually evolving process that (for parents and mentor) is not a static structure of techniques but a constant journey of discovery.  There is a basic foundation, things that will likely be covered over the course of six weeks, but the needs, anxieties and hopes you bring direct the focus and flavor of our time together.  For this reason classes are kept intentionally small (3-4 couples) in order for you to have time and space for your own process of self-discovery.
  • Through thoughtful discussion and interactive processes, a variety of topics are explored.  For example:  hormones and stages of labor, birthing positions, the work of worry, creating your birth space, comfort measures and coping skills, the wise and compassionate use of epidurals, birth fears, cesarean births, postpartum health, intimacy and sexuality, infant care and feeding. 
  • A pain coping mindset is explored and pain coping practices experienced in every class.  This gives you the opportunity to experience and learn which coping tools work best for you.  You take the ones that work best for you and incorporate them into your daily practice.  Women birth as they live.
  • Classes involve a multi-sensory approach, allowing you to access your own innate knowing.   You will not find in these classes a teacher who claims to be the authority and lectures you on what you should or should not do.  This is your birth, and becoming active participant in the preparation is crucial.  We do, however, all learn differently.  So, many different styles and processes are experienced during the time including art, story-telling, discussion, ritual, good food, music and movement.
  • Because fear is a normal part of entering the unknown, time is given to articulating anxieties, exploring the helpful work of worry and “taming tigers.”  If these nagging fears are not addressed we are more likely to bring them into the birth unconsciously.  By creatively expressing them and finding ways to engage them with compassion, you take back your power. 
  • Partners are encouraged to be an integral part of birth preparation and are invited to enter their own experience and process in connection with the mothers.  Partners have their own questions, needs, and hopes, and deserve to be respected and celebrated as more than just the “birth coach.”  A special class is set aside for just for you to explore the unique experience of supporting a woman in birth while birthing ones self as parent. 
  • The outcome of a birth cannot be predicted or planned.  Classes explore how to birth in awareness with a heroic heart, bringing your full self into each moment, regardless of the events or outcome.  Unplanned or unwanted surprises are considered,.  We learn how to gather information and make informed decisions, opening to the full spectrum of possibility and support available. 
  • Childbirth preparation is also parent preparation.   Time and care are given to the passage as well as the practicalities involved in the transition to life after the birth.  Becoming a parent affects the psyche, body, mind, your relationships, daily life and the way you experience yourself.  You will be offered space to consider what it is like to become a parent, the range of emotions that are often experienced, as well as caring for a newborn baby, sleeping and eating, adjusting to life with a child, and honoring your instincts. 
  • A post-partum reunion is held after the birth to reflect, celebrate, and connect.  Here we gather to share moments from the birth that shaped you and changed you.  Together we welcome the mother’s return, celebrating her as a “birth warrior.”

Class series meet for four weeks, three hours a week. Cost: $250.00 per couple for 12 hour series plus a postpartum gathering. Includes art supplies and materials.

Weekend immersion workshops meet
Saturday and Sunday or two consecutive Saturdays 9-4.
Cost:  $300.00 per couple for the workshop plus a postpartum gathering.  Includes lunch, art supplies and materials.

Rite of Passage Classes are open, and accepting, of ALL birthing families, regardless of age, race, sex or size. 

Workshops:

  • Birthin’ again workshop:
    a refresher class for parents who have given birth before.
    MORE - - >

  • Rite of Passage Postpartum Connections. 
    Parenting in Awareness
    MORE - - >     

  • Birth Story Circle
    A space to come hear and heal your birth story
    MORE - - >

Always we hope someone else has the answer.
Some other place will be better.
Some other time, it will all turn out.
This is it.
No one else has the answer.
No other place will be better.
And it has already turned out. At the center of your being you have theanswer;
you know who you are and you know what you want.
There is no need to run outside for better seeing.
Nor to peer from a window.
Rather abide at the center of your being;
For the more you leave it, the less you learn.

~ Lao-tsu