Mark your calendar!

Please join artist Juniper Drennan for....

Bellly Casting!

Losing Control and Accepting the Pain

by Noriko Utsuzawa

Noriko is the first Inspired Certified Doula. She and her husband have four year old twin boys. Noriko became interested in doula work because without a knowledgeable companion at her side, she felt rather lonely during her labor and delivery and wanted to help other women avoid those same feelings. She believes that a doula helps women feel empowered and makes the birth experience a positive one. Incorporating her massage skills, she hopes to be an active doula and bring her knowledge back to her native Japan where doulas have not yet gained popularity. Congratulations on completing the program, Noriko!

We have control over many things in life. From choosing a career to dieting, we are generally able to set our minds to something and achieve it. Fueled by our willpower, we are generally able to make choices and take control of the situations in our lives.

Birth is not so.

For the first time (with rare exception), you are in an uncontrollable situation. Labor and the work of your hormones are absolutely unpredictable. Thus, you have no idea what is going to happen and neither does anyone else.

Let's face it: Labor is going to hurt and YOU CAN DO IT.

There are numerous comfort measures available to you, but they won't take away the pain completely. The key is accepting the pain. Surrender yourself to the situation. Trying to fight the pain will make things more difficult. But surrendering control over your pain doesn't mean losing the fight. It means you are taking ownership of the pain. Try to think, "This is MY pain." Don't blame your husband, your doctor, your midwife or anyone else. It is your pain alone and you can take it. The more you let down your guard against pain, the more endorphins will be released, making your labor easier. 1

When in labor, I suggest being grounded by staying in the moment. You cannot cry for help and try to escape the pain. Gather up all your confidence and chant, if necessary, "I CAN do it!" When you hear people tell you to relax during labor, think of relaxation as surrendering control. Soften that clenched fist, loosen those shoulders, that mouth. Surrender.

There are numerous stories of how this works. One mom recalled...

Read the entire article here...

New PHB Class Added for Nov/Dec

Practical Hypnosis for Birth Delivering Great Results.

Due to demand, we are adding one more Practical Hypnosis for Birth session for 2009. This series of five classes features activities, hypnosis, discussion, special training for birth partners, 5 practice CDs and a workbook with homework. Homework and practice takes 30-40 minutes/day. Bring your partner, a pillow and water to each class.

Says Inspired Parent Nina from Albuquerque:

"I am excited to let you know that we had our baby... It was a beautiful, fast labor and I am now an advocate of Practical Hypnosis for Birth! I was so calm and relaxed that when I first went in they sent me walking with the option to go home for two hours. I walked for less than an hour and had a feeling I needed a room. While we were waiting for our room my water broke and in less than thirty minutes our newest addition A. was here...

"The team in OB triage called me a stop and drop. The birth was completely natural, not even an IV. The midwife, nurses and doctors were so amazed and asked me so many questions... I am recovering very quickly. Everyone can't stop talking about how calm A. is.

"Using hypnosis was truly an amazing experience."

Sundays, November 22-December 20, 3-5pm, EXCEPT December 6 from noon-2pm.

$325 per couple, $300 for Inspired Parents Members

Both partners MUST be committed to attending ALL sessions. We will need to meet a minimum number of attendees to hold this series.

News and Notes

Updates, additions, changes and more....

• As discussed above, we are adding a new PHB series to our line up. Sundays, Nov. 22 - Dec. 20.
• We have added a NEW BIRTH CLASS SERIES to start Tuesdays, November 10. Our Nov 4 -Dec 16 series is now full.
• We have an updated policies page.
• Save the Date! December 6, 3-6pm: FAIR TRADE AND ALTERNATIVE GIFTS FAIR! Kid crafts and Kid Shopping area, Peace Craft, Baby Bear, Flying Star coffee, free massages, free holiday photos and so much more!
• Save another Date! December 7, 6-8pm: BIRTH, PARENTING and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - book readings and presentations. Watch for details!
• Our FREE 2nd Nine Months Tea on Nov 18 is on traveling with baby. Please join Nicole from Travelin' Tots for lots of tips and hints to make travel easier on you and baby.
  

Next 2009 Parenting Series Class

Your Child's Most Powerful Learning Tool

Thursday, November 19, 6-8pm. Please note this date is different than originally published!

There are many definitions of intelligence. Children learn in a variety of ways. Often it is not the traditional way of classroom instruction. When your child struggles at school, this workshop will be a tool in helping them discover ways that they learn effectively. We will work with the Multiple Intelligence Theory developed by Harvard University professor, Dr. Howard Gardner. Be a positive guide in building your child's confidence as a successful learner. This workshop is designed to assist students of all ages. $25 per person.

See website for pricing and other details. We truly appreciate preregistrations, as there is a minimum attendance requirement to hold this class.

2009/2010 Birth Class Dates

Don't wait til it's too late .

The last series of 2009 starts Tuesday, Nov 10 and runs through Dec 15, 6:30-8:30pm. Please register NOW. We suggest completing your birth class by your 36th week or earlier. Don't wait too long!

The Nov 4-Dec 16 series is now full. Look for these classes in 2010:
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Jan 6-Feb 10
Mar 3-Apr 7
May 5-June 9

We do have a One Day Intensive on Saturday, November 21, 10am-5pm. Please reserve your spot now.

Contact us for information on private classes or classes in Spanish.

In This Issue:

• losing control
• new PHB series scheduled
• news and notes
• your child's most powerful learning tool
• birth class series dates
• upcoming classes

On Our Site:

• Class Calendar
• Membership Program
• About Us