Childbirth Classes and Natural Birth: One Mom's Perspective

Dawn took our natural birth class several years ago and also had a Birth Kalamazoo doula with her at her birth. She wrote us this sweet note today, which we're sharing with her permission. Thank you so much for the kind words, Dawn! We feel so blessed to do this amazing work, and grateful to all the women who teach us by allowing us to be part of their journey.  ~Jessica

Good morning! I just wanted to send a note of thanks.
 
First, for the wonderful birthing class that my husband and I took nearly 3 years ago. I always knew I wanted to have a natural childbirth, but had no idea how much I didn't know until I took your class. I felt so prepared, informed and supported.
 
Second, I could never have imagined how this life experience would be a springboard to a whole new chapter in my life. I would never have imagined I would be drawn to being an advocate of natural childbirth. Though there are times it seems daunting.
 
The saying "ignorance is bliss" is so untrue. I am currently taking a prenatal water class twice a week. I took the same class my first pregnancy and really enjoyed it. This time has been a whole new experience. The class is all first time moms (except myself) and not one has taken a birthing class.
 
Comments made just in the last two weeks:
 
"I am too afraid to take a birthing class. I don't want to get worked up about the whole process."
 
"I'm not taking a birthing class, nothing really fits our schedule. Plus, my best friend told me that they'll just tell you what to do [at the hospital]."
 
"Birth plan? What's a birth plan? That seems silly. I'm just going in and telling them do whatever you gotta do to get it out!"
 
(Due in four days) "I'm going to write my birth plan up tonight. I'm pretty much going to walk in with a sign on my chest that says give me drugs and my birth plan is going to say, no forceps or vacuum, no episiotomy. Not much else I need to include."

I may need tape over my mouth to get through the last five sessions. It's actually gotten me to think about enrolling in a yoga class instead!
 
I wish I was more eloquent in these situations. I actually find it hard to not stand (in the water mind you) on a soapbox and try to passionately and sympathetically let these moms know how much education will help them alleviate their fears, that they have choices about their birth and that birth is such a powerful life experience.
 
I don't mean to ramble on, just really wanted to express appreciation for what you do! I plug Birth Kalamazoo every opportunity that is presented!