Exploring the Inner work at prenatals

[napualani]

I'm curious to know if anyone has their clients do inner work --- as in addressing their fears, examining their beliefs, ie: using exercises from Birthing from Within or Mother's Intentions.

And if so, how receptive are your clients to do those exercises? Do you explain what your expectations of them as clients are? Do you require that they read particular books or attend childbirth classes that you recommend?

For doulas whose prenatals are 3 hours long and there may be more than two sessions offered, is it mostly a combination of cbe and doula topics?

I'm still trying to figure out my niche. I *want* my clients to be proactive in their preparation for birth, and I don't necessarily want to be the one giving them *all* the facts, iykwim. I want clients to reflect on their beliefs and really understand why they've chosen the caregiver and hospital they've chosen, what fears they may have, and whether they *really* are serious about wanting a natural birth.

My prenatals thus far have consisted mostly with me giving them information, with little discussion other than them briefly answering questions I had of them. When the births came, I didn't feel I really knew them, which I guess is a good reason for having long prenatals.

I'd love to know what tools others use to explore your client's true feelings or how you help them get that "aha" moments of really understanding how they feel. What kind of visual aids? Do you use the Idea Box? Do you have that Pampers flipchart thing that many educators use? Do you use a baby/uterus combo or breast model?

At my interviews, I want to emphasize the mental/emotional/spiritual preparation, maybe even more so than the birth itself, so they have time to really figure out where they stand. It's with that inner peace, I think, that the preparation will give them the strength and increase the probability that they will create the birth they want, or at least fully understand when it's said and done why the outcome was the way it was.

Thanks,

Darlene

[Kim Trower]

I use Creating a JOyful Birth Experience and not with every client but those I feel would benefit or express an interest. SOme think it is funny but do it and then are surprised about how beneficial it was.