Birthing From Within created by Pam England, author of the book Birthing From Within, is a unique and interactive multi-sensory approach to childbirth preparation. Some of the guiding philosophies of Birthing From Within are:

  • 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.
  • Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and teachers), not a static structure of techniques and knowledge.
  • Parents' individual needs and differences determine class content.
  • Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.
  • 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.
  • In order to help parents mobilize their coping resources, it is critical for childbirth classes to acknowledge that unexpected, unwelcome events may happen during labor.
  • Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, cesarean, home birth, or bottle-feeding)
  • Pain-coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" for labor.
  • Fathers and birth partners help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need 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.
In These Classes We Will Explore:

Personal and Cultural perceptions of pain

Process verses outcome focused mindset

Birth as a Rite of Passage

Doing the Next Best Thing

What it is YOU need to know to give birth

Using Birth Art to Teach


You Will Learn:

Five Proven Pain Coping Practices

How Labor Works, What Labor Looks Like

Positions and Comfort Measures for Labor

How to Cope with Unexpected Surprises

How to Give Birth In-Awareness

Postpartum Procedures and Recovery


Classes are offered in 6 week group or private series, each session runs two hours. Weekend immersion classes are also available. Please contact me for more information if you are interested.

"Birthing Again Classes"


For parents who have birthed before, where we will:

Reflect and learn from your previous birth

Revisit old pain-coping practices that worked and learn new ones

Prepare siblings for birth and sharing parents postpartum

Connect with this baby through interesting and enjoyable art and journaling

Take time to enjoy this pregnancy


Classes are offered in 4 week group or private series, each session runs two hours. Weekend immersion classes are also available. Please contact me for more information if you are interested.