Why so many people are re-thinking the hospital class and picking something else instead. There are lots of great options!

Online Prenatal Class for Couples is taught by an experienced RN. Includes a free version, reviews, great for dads, and is always near you!

“I don’t know how women do it without the epidural. They must have super-powers.” “I don’t think I could do it without one. My pain-tolerance is super low.” I'm sure you've heard this before. Maybe you've even said this yourself. But having a baby unmedicated has much less to do with your pain-tolerance and much more to do with your preparation. Mothers who *purposefully* birth their babies unmedicated spend time reading books, taking classes, listening to podcasts, following birth education instagram accounts, and often-times hire a doula because research shows that women who hire a one are 10% more likely to successfully birth unmedicated. Reference So what exactly are these mothers and fathers looking at? What are they doing to prepare? Here are some of my suggestions: Shift your Paradigm - Contractions are not painful, they are powerful. Fear Clearing - Meditation, repeating positive affirmations to yourself over and over, creating a boundary for positive birth stories only, prayer, scripture study, etc. Fear clearing is something that you especially learn about and focus on in Hypnobirthing which is a course I highly recommend. Birth Education - The more you understand physiological childbirth, and your options, the more control you will have over your birth experience. You will no longer be a bystander, but an empowered, and well-informed woman of strength and purpose. Here are some birth education classes, books, podcasts, videos, and instagram accounts that you may be interested in exploring: Books: Birthing from Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz, The Birth Partner by Penny Simkins | Film: "The Business of Being Born" | Instagram Accounts: @mamastefit, @theautonomymommy | Childbirth Classes: Hypnobirthing, Hypnobabies, Pain Free Birth | Podcasts: Birthing Instincts, Doing it at Home Hire me - Doulas can help you know where to start in your preparation as well as fill in the gaps that you may have missed. We spend time getting to know you and your family so that we can help you have the kind of birth experience that you’re wanting. It is my job to give you the tools, then support your decisions by remembering them and doing everything I can to make sure that they are honored. Choose your Health Provider carefully - Physiological birth-educated/supportive providers understand that introducing interventions is often the gateway to an epidural. It’s a good idea to ask healthcare providers what their positions are on various intervention subjects such as when they typically suggest induction to their clients and how they approach induction. Be selective of your birth team and your place of birth - Who is present at your birth plays a major role in how your body progresses during labor. A good rule of thumb when deciding who to invite to your birth is to ask yourself “would I feel comfortable pooping in front of this person?” If the answer is no, then they should not be at your birth. Being embarrassed or nervous about someone seeing you in this way will only stress you out, which leads to tension, which leads to longer labors. The same applies to your place of birth. If you are uncomfortable, you will tense up, and that is not productive for birth. Practice - Practice the different breathing techniques, hypnosis, positions, etc. that you’ve learned about through your research and education. Be Confident - You never know what you’re capable of until you do it. Why not you? Every other woman in the history of forever before epidurals birthed without one. So can you, regardless of what others may have said to you. All it really takes to birth unmedicated is to say to yourself over and over again, “I CAN.” Teach your husband how to help you - One of my biggest jobs as a doula is teaching husbands how to support their wives in labor. Men are willing, and want to help, but they’ve never experienced childbirth before and don’t know what to do. That is why we invite them to childbirth education classes. We have them read affirmation cards, and teach them the different counter-pressure points. He is your biggest cheerleader and having him whisper in your ear “just one more,” or “you can do this,” can make all the difference. I often hear mothers say they want an unmedicated birth, but they’re not sure if they can handle the pain, or if their pain-tolerance is high enough, but you don’t know what you’re capable of until you do it. Tara Martinsen, my friend and fellow doula once said, “This power is coming from you. It’s not an outside force, it’s something that you are creating… which means you are equipped to meet it.” I know you can do this. Trust in yourself. Trust in God. He will not fail you. _____________________________________________________________________________________ *Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*

What do professionals and studies show is better -- an online class or an in-person class? You want to get prepared -- that's MOST important!

Why so many people are re-thinking the hospital class and picking something else instead. There are lots of great options!

Use these 5 tips to prepare for a natural birth and have the labor and delivery that you want! You will be surprised by tip #5!

Yes. You read that right. I had a 24 hour labor with no epidural. In fact, I didn't use any form of drug or medicine for pain relief. But I did use quite a few natural labor coping techniques to survive labor with no epidural. I'll share my 10 secrets to an easier labor, so you know how to prepare for an unmedicated birth of your own. These unmedicated birth techniques helped me to have a healthy pregnancy, an autonomous birth, and the confidence necessary for surviving labor.

This colorful, educational DIGITAL poster is an illustrated guide to the process of childbirth. The DIGITAL poster features the stages of birth (including what is happening in the body and women can expect to experience at each stage), tips and tools for managing the sensations of birth and measurements for dilation, and illustrated examples of fetal presentation, the placenta, and fetal engagement. The Journey of Birth poster is best printed at 18" x 24" or similar dimensions. *PLEASE NOTE* You will not receive any physical item--only a digital JPEG file delivered to you electronically. If you would like to purchase a physical printed poster that will be shipped to you, please click here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/519194444/the-journey-of-birth-poster-18-x-24?ref=shop_home_active_2 Ways this poster may be used: -Printed at home, at a local print shop, or through an online printer-- *one printed poster per purchase please. Ways this printer may NOT be used: - Distributed in any form (including, but not limited to printed handouts, pages of books, workbooks or manuals, etc.) - Shared digitally/online or included as part of any paid program/class/workshop/course/etc. PLEASE READ: Lots of time and energy has been poured into these images and I share them with love-- asking, with gratitude, that you use them respectfully and under the conditions outlined above. I have chosen not to include a watermark on these images in order to avoid distraction for the viewer and to keep the artistic nature of the pieces, however I ask that you please include a credit slide with my name and website (Catie Atkinson www.spiritysol.com ) as part of your program/presentation. If you are interested in including these images in a printed book or workbook, printed handouts or cards, or as part of an online course or program, please email me at catieatkinson [!at] hotmail.com to discuss further use and collaboration. All files are high resolution JPEGs in 18" x 24" format. After purchase, you will be given a link to download the file. Please message me if you have any trouble with your purchase or download. If you prefer PDF images, please email me at catieatkinson [!at] hotmail.com. Looking for art prints? Head over to www.spiritysol.com And don't forget to join me on Instagram and Facebook (@spiritysol) for shop updates, new releases, sales, and more!

As a childbirth educator, you want to make your classes your own. However, there is no reason to completely re-invent the wheel. Here are 13 websites whose owners have generously published downloadable childbirth education handouts for your use. Be sure to read through each site to find out whether you need to contact any of the site owners prior to using the materials. Also read through all articles that you plan to use thoroughly to ensure that all the information being shared is based on current research and evidence. (And if you're a birth doula, a lot of this information

Online childbirth classes help you work through your fears about birth and help you make evidence-based decisions along the way. Find the right class today!

One of the challenges that childbirth educators who teach outside the hospital face is answering the question – “Why should I pay more for childbirth classes outside the hospital?” Birth professionals understand why, but first-time parents usually don’t question doing anything other than the hospital classes, particularly if they’re planning on having their baby there. In today’s guest blog post, Donyale Abe, Program Director of Childbirth Professionals International, shares six selling points to help instructors communicate the value of out-of-the-hospital childbirth classes. I’ve taught childbirth classes in my home successfully for 16 years. I will share my tips on how

Amazing Lamaze educator Mallory Emerson is back again this month with a creative and fun

Just found an absolutely COOL website – especially for any of your birth/symbol/art junkies! This is just perfect. The site is called Visualizing Birth. It’s a collection of art and …

Learn how to enhance your website's visibility with doula SEO and attract more clients with practical strategies. Fast-track your digital success today!

Getting an epidural during labor is a very common form of pain mangement in the US. Today I want to talk to you about what it will do for you, how it is placed and what to expect throughout the process. Remember, the epidural is just ONE of the forms of pain management — I …

A Facebook group that I am an Admin for has ‘Lives’ on pregnancy and birth topics every Monday evening (click HERE for details of the group!). Last Monday, Amelia Parkinson from Wonder Birthing and I spoke about the benefits of being active in labour and the best positions for birth. Th

Birth is wholesome, raw, powerful, peaceful - and that’s exactly what this home birth was like back in June 2022. I wondered at first glance if I needed to crop this in to focus on mother and baby, to get rid of all the distractions around them, when I realised that each piece made up the story.

Digital PDF to educate clients on Informed Consent using the acronym BRAIN. This is resource is designed for professionals - Childbirth Educators, Midwives and Doulas to have on hand for classes and to give their clients. The file is available for Instant Download. 8.5 x 11 PDF files are provided, but please contact me if you need a different file format - I'm happy to help. This listing is for printable digital files for you to print at home, through an online printer, or at a local print shop. No physical copy will be mailed. Instructions for Instant Downloads: Once payment is confirmed, you will be taken to the download page. Click “Download” to save the files in your computer. You will also receive an email with your download link for future reference. Print the files, and give them to clients! Please do not share the Digital Files. Results will be best if you print on good quality, bright white paper. Please keep in mind that colors can vary across computer monitors and the printer and/or printing service used. This is a great companion piece to the Birth Affirmation Cards, and Labor Position Materials available in my shop. While the material has been reviewed by a PA and a Certified Doula, the content presented on these handouts is for information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. __________________________________________________________________ © Copyright Holm Creative 2019 PLEASE NOTE: I’d love to hear about how you use these handouts for your clients or use them as a teaching tool in childbirth classes! However, I'm an artist at heart, and these are the product of many hours working in my studio – I respectful request that you do not share or distribute the digital files in any form (email, website, online course, social media, etc).

Are you passionate about birth work & interested in learning how to start a doula business? Discover how you can launch and grow your very own doula practice.

These two hired a doula, practiced natural birthing techniques, and had an active birth plan. They were ready for a positive natural birth experience!

Prenatal classes can be an important step in your parenting journey. They are known by lots of names, birth class, hospital classes or childbirth education. Today we’re going to talk about what a birthing class is is and what to expect during your class. Hi, I’m Hilary — The Pregnancy Nurse 👩‍⚕️. I have been …

What is Vitamin K? Is it safe? What are the risks if we don't do the vitamin K shot?

Maternity Newborn and Home Birth Photography, Spokane Home Birth, Natural Birth, Spokane Doula, Spokane Water birth

This set of 5 childbirth education slides (in PDF form) demonstrating a variety of labor and birth positions is a great addition to your birth education class and client counseling. This listing includes an integrated/automatic licensing fee which allows you to share/distribute the images with your clients/students. This set includes: 6- squatting and kneeling positions 7- partner supported positions 8- prop supported positions 9- standing partner supported positions 10- all positions Ways these slides may be used: -As visual slides or posters used as part of a childbirth education classes , lactation class, or midwife/doula/childbirth educator/lactation consultant counseling sessions - Distributed to clients/students as printed or digital handouts - Printed posters for display -As flyers, cards, or postcards PLEASE READ: Lots of time and energy has been poured into these images and I share them with love-- asking, with gratitude, that you use them respectfully and under the conditions outlined above. I have chosen not to include a watermark on these images in order to avoid distraction for the viewer and to keep the artistic nature of the pieces, however I ask that you please include a credit slide with my name and website (Catie Atkinson www.spiritysol.com ) as part of your program/presentation. If you are interested in including these images in a published book or workbook, please email me at catieatkinson [!at] hotmail.com to discuss further use and collaboration. All files are high resolution PDFs in 8.5" x 11" format. After purchase, you will be given a link to download the files. Please message me if you have any trouble with your purchase or download. If you prefer JPEG images, please email me at catieatkinson [!at] hotmail.com.

Are you looking for ways on how to give birth naturally without pain? Here's 17 painless normal delivery tips from a mom who's been there!

Don't know how to get started creating your Birth Plan as a first time mom? Here is a how to guide on creating your birth plan + Template!

There are a variety of ways to become a midwife. Learn more about the prerequisites, education, and certification requirements.

The most incredible birth photography contest ever. Here is my selection from the entries and I love the raw and natural view on this ...

Want to feel ready and confident for your birth? Here's a list of 20 of the best online birthing classes available out there.

This birth was one of my favorites. The mom was a beautiful example of how primal and amazing a natural birth at a birth center can be.

2024 birth conferences for birth and postpartum professionals including information on topics, dates, and locations.

Online vs live childbirth classes: which is right for you? We offer both in-person and online childbirth education. Both have amazing benefits!

This month's Brilliant Activities for Birth Educators' ideas are courtesy of contributor Stacie Bingham, LCCE, CD(DONA), CBS(LER). I consider Stacie to be an absolute genius with teaching...

Want a real life birth story by a first time mom that had no clue what to expect for the birth of her baby girl? Here is a real birth story by a real first time mom!

Watching birth documentaries may not be what you think of when preparing for birth, but they may be surprising. Check out these beautiful and amazing ones.

How to become a doula? It is actually pretty simple, enroll and get started. Here's everything you need to know about how to become a doula.

Last night, I had my second parenting class. We learned about the different stages of Labor and birth. I hope I am not the only pregnant mommy that didn't know them at 33 weeks! Here is a quick rundown:The First StageIn the first stage of labor, the

Learn how to be a doula and support women during childbirth & beyond with this comprehensive guide. Discover tips for starting & growing your doula practice.

This colorful, educational DIGITAL poster is an illustrated guide to the process of childbirth. The DIGITAL poster features the stages of birth (including what is happening in the body and women can expect to experience at each stage), tips and tools for managing the sensations of birth and measurements for dilation, and illustrated examples of fetal presentation, the placenta, and fetal engagement. The Journey of Birth poster is best printed at 18" x 24" or similar dimensions. *PLEASE NOTE* You will not receive any physical item--only a digital JPEG file delivered to you electronically. If you would like to purchase a physical printed poster that will be shipped to you, please click here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/519194444/the-journey-of-birth-poster-18-x-24?ref=shop_home_active_2 Ways this poster may be used: -Printed at home, at a local print shop, or through an online printer-- *one printed poster per purchase please. Ways this printer may NOT be used: - Distributed in any form (including, but not limited to printed handouts, pages of books, workbooks or manuals, etc.) - Shared digitally/online or included as part of any paid program/class/workshop/course/etc. PLEASE READ: Lots of time and energy has been poured into these images and I share them with love-- asking, with gratitude, that you use them respectfully and under the conditions outlined above. I have chosen not to include a watermark on these images in order to avoid distraction for the viewer and to keep the artistic nature of the pieces, however I ask that you please include a credit slide with my name and website (Catie Atkinson www.spiritysol.com ) as part of your program/presentation. If you are interested in including these images in a printed book or workbook, printed handouts or cards, or as part of an online course or program, please email me at catieatkinson [!at] hotmail.com to discuss further use and collaboration. All files are high resolution JPEGs in 18" x 24" format. After purchase, you will be given a link to download the file. Please message me if you have any trouble with your purchase or download. If you prefer PDF images, please email me at catieatkinson [!at] hotmail.com. Looking for art prints? Head over to www.spiritysol.com And don't forget to join me on Instagram and Facebook (@spiritysol) for shop updates, new releases, sales, and more!