Birthing from Within^® classes are dynamic, interactive preparation for childbirth as well as parenthood. During a six-week series, pregnant women and their partners practice being in labor; they acquire pain-coping techniques and tap into the intuitive knowing they already have about giving birth and parenting. Both mother and partner are prepared as whole people through education and initiation.

The next 6-week series begins December 5th. Space is limited. Classes are with Birthing from Within^® Mentor Maya Hawthorn and meet Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30p.m., at Shine.

Fee: $155/couple

For more information or to register, visit www.milkandhoneybirth.com

Birthing from Within^® Philosophical Assumptions and Guiding Principles include the following:

• 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.
• Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, cesarean, home birth, or bottle-feeding).
• Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.
• 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.

What determines whether a mother experiences her birth as a hero's journey? Hint: It is neither about achieving a desired outcome in birth, nor surviving a harrowing ordeal in labor. -PAM ENGLAND, "Birth as a Heros' Journey"