- Are you interested in learning more about mindful birthing? Claire Zawa, of Mindful Birthing Chicago, offers an introduction to mindful-based birthing in five questions.
Preparing for birth, especially your first (as with all things parenting), can feel daunting.
Birthing education classes are a common recommendation, but has mindful-based birthing been on your or your loved ones’ radar?
We spoke with Certified Mindful Birthing and Parenting Teacher, Claire Zawa, about the basics of mindful birthing, and how the skills gained in this practice can translate more broadly into mindful parenting and living.
1. What is mindful-based birthing?
Mindfulness as the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, moment by moment, with kindness and curiosity.
We are all born mindful. As we grow and move through the world, we often forget that we can do one thing at a time, that we can be fully present, with ourselves and others. So, we can make choices to remember, to grow, to deepen our capacity to be here now.
Mindfulness-Based Childbirth & Parenting (MBCP) or Mindful Birthing, is an evidence-based, comprehensive childbirth education class, a parenting preparation class, AND training in the life skills of mindfulness—all-in-one!
2. How do expectant parents know if mindful birthing is right for them? Or is it a fit for anyone?
Mindful Birthing is supportive of all birth preferences, options, and outcomes. Classes are non-judgmental, compassionate spaces that honor the unique experiences of family-making process.
Whether or not you have prior experience with mindfulness, meditation, yoga, pregnancy, parenting—you are welcome here.
3. What are the core areas of focus in mindful birthing classes/the skills parents can expect to work on?
In Mindful Birthing we will:
Learn about the anatomy and physiology of labor, delivery and breast/chest-feeding.
Practice individual and partner comfort measures.
Access physical and mental relaxation.
Engage the mind to work with physical discomfort and pain.
Increase confidence and courage for the experiences of birth and parenting.
Practice prenatal yoga for strength and flexibility.
Develop skills for managing stress in pregnancy, parenting and life as it is right now.
Build a toolbox of skills to support experiences in birth and parenting.
Enhance communication with partner and health care providers.
Become more aware of your own approach, priorities and preferences around birth and parenting.
4. How does mindful-based birthing translate to mindful parenting?
In class, we talk about “the contractions of life:” [in] labor, of a crying baby, a tantruming toddler, a stressful work situation, a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.”
The practices we share in class are tools for life.
Your baby can be your greatest mindfulness teacher, if you are paying attention.
5. If you could give one piece of advice or encouragement to expectant parents about mentally/emotionally preparing for birth and new parenting, what would it be?
Change is the only constant. What if it’s not about good or bad, but instead it’s transformational?
Claire Zawa (she/her) is a Certified Mindful Birthing & Parenting teacher, and leads 4 and 9-week classes for expectant people as an Associate Faculty at the Mindful Birthing & Parenting Foundation.
She also offers 1:1 private sessions incorporating mindfulness, self-compassion, and habit-change coaching skills to support the entire parenting journey. Mindfulness has been integral in her own experiences of parenting an almost 4-year old.
Learn more at www.mindfulbirthingchicago.com
Image credit: Muhamad Harun Rabiyudin / Unsplash