read about our courses
 
 

The Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program (MBCP)

The Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program (MBCP) is an adaptation of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) founded in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. In the MBCP program, expectant parents practice mindfulness meditation, yoga and mindfulness in daily life. Classes include the physiology of childbirth, ways to use the mind to work with pain during labor, positions for birthing, breastfeeding and parenting a newborn. As we actively cultivate mindfulness together we may find that we are able to more fully live the joys and more gracefully navigate the inevitable challenges of this life transforming time while building a foundation and a lifelong resource for healthy living and wise parenting.

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In this class we can:

 

  • Access deep physical and mental relaxation

  • Learn to engage the mind to work with pain during labor

  • Increase confidence and courage for the experience of labor and delivery

  • Practice prenatal yoga for strength and flexibility

  • Develop skills for managing stress in pregnancy, parenting and daily life

  • Enhance partner communication skills

  • Become more aware of our own approach to parenting

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Course includes: 9 weekly classes before birth, an All-Day practice session, a Reunion class after birth, and course materials.

 

The Mind in Labor Workshop

Often pain and anxiety are our greatest challenges in childbirth. Learning to use the mind to work with these challenges can make a huge difference in our labor and delivery experiences. The Mind in Labor workshop is a time to look deeply at pain and fear in childbirth and to cultivate present moment awareness for meeting whatever childbirth experience might unfold. The workshop is an excellent complement to any childbirth education class, including refresher classes. It can also be helpful for those who anticipate a birth experience requiring special medical attention or for those who have had a previous difficult birth experience.

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In this workshop we will:

 

  • Practice mindfulness and its applications for working with pain and fear during labor

  • Understand the mind/body connection in childbirth and how mindful awareness can be a critical element in facilitating the birth process

  • Experience using the breath as an anchor to the present moment for maintaining the optimal physiology for childbirth

  • Tap into inner reservoirs of strength, confidence and courage

  • Learn how to be fully present to give comfort and support as a birth partner

  • Begin or deepen an understanding of the power of mindfulness—moment-to-moment awareness—for the challenges of birthing, parenting, and life.

 

Mindful Parenting Workshop

As parents we can often feel overwhelmed by the stresses of parenting and the challenges of juggling family and work schedules, whether we work within or outside of the home. We may find ourselves reacting to our children with frustration or irritation, then judge ourselves harshly, wishing we were a “better parent.” Through practicing mindfulness, we strengthen our ability to respond, rather than simply react to our children. As we develop mindfulness we may find we are able to bring greater wisdom, open-heartedness, joy, and balance to parenting and to all aspects of our daily lives.

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Practicing mindfulness can help us:

 

  • Become more aware of our own approach to parenting

  • Increase our ability to manage stress in family life and the workplace

  • Develop tools that foster caring and interconnectedness

  • Tap into inner reservoirs of patience, calm and joy

  • Cultivate the capacity to be fully present with ourselves and our children