Holistic Childbirth Classes

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Class Flyer

Expecting Someone?

Get empowering information to help you envision the birth you want. Classes will offer a safe, supportive environment for discussion of your hopes and concerns with an emphasis on mindful, soulful birthing. Open to all pregnant women and their birthing partners and led by educator and mother Arielle Greenberg Bywater.

Topics include:

setting up the support you need before, during and after birth
your healthy pregnant self—tools for physical and emotional well-being
coping with labor with mantras, movement and other methods
postpartum/newborn issues, including vaccination, nursing, diapers, slings, and sleep
making peace with the unexpected

Plus: Art! Meditation! Films! Stories! Visits by birth professionals!

Sessions are six weekday night 1½ hour classes OR two weekend 4 hour classes. Every session will have a reunion potluck. Classes meet at my home, 79 Cedar Street in Belfast, and cost $150 (bartering for partial fee is available). Women are encouraged to take the class during their second or third trimester. Three or more couples needed to run each session.

Winter 2012: Two Day Intensive in February (dates TK)

Individual, one- or two-day intensives available for mothers due soon or who can’t make these times. To register or for more information, contact Arielle at arielle.greenberg.bywater@gmail.com or at 930-8006.

Former students said:

"Thank you so much for having this class! It was great to have a small intimate forum to hear about and discuss birthing, postpartum and more."

"We had a really wonderful time taking your class. Making art enabled me to explore my hopes and fears more casually, I think, and in a more relaxed way, taping into the subconscious and bringing issues to the table that I might otherwise not talk about."

"Thank you, Arielle! Your birth class was a lifesaver!"

"You could guide any woman on a true path to know and learn how to breastfeed! You radiate...kind light. We are so fortunate to have been graced by your presence during such a moment in our lives."

About Arielle Greenberg Bywater

I'm the mother of three children, all of whom were born at home and in the water with midwives and doulas in attendance. For my own first birth, I took Birthing from Within classes.

Each of my births were unusual in their own way, each with their own challenges and joys. My own birth experiences--and realizing that not every woman has access to or information about birthing in a non-interventive way, supported by practitioners who use the Midwives Model of Care--prompted me to become an advocate on behalf of other birthing mothers. I am on the national board of Citizens for Midwifery, and write frequently about birth for newspapers and journals. I've been researching, reading and writing about birth and motherhood for over five years.

I am also an experienced teacher: I'm a professor of English and creative writing and have taught in various settings, including summer camps, homeless shelters, community centers and colleges. Teaching childbirth classes brings together two of my passions--education and motherhood. My style of teaching is student-centered: I want my students and their needs and ideas to guide any class I teach.

The classes I teach draw from a number of childbirth curriculums, as well as my own ideas about what I wish I'd known and been able to discuss when I was taking childbirth classes, but will always focus on helping mothers birth in a spirit that is mindful, present, and open to the possibility of joy and pleasure.

I believe that even when difficult, challenging or different than expected, birth can still be an experience that helps women and families feel whole and healthy, rather than disconnected or broken.

I see birth as a sacred, thrilling, transformational experience, one that has the ability to empower women and help guide them on those crucial first few steps in mothering their children, no matter where or with whom or how one chooses to birth. I'd be honored to help prepare you for your own birth experience and walk this part of your journey with you.

Holistic Childbirth Classes

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Class Flyer

Former students said:

Links to Some of My Favorite Birth Resources

About Arielle Greenberg Bywater

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