Birthing From Within Childbirth Classes
My daughter, partner and I moments after we completed our epic birth journey!
Birth is a big deal.
There are few experiences more transformative, intense or joyful than bringing a new life into the world. Birth is a journey into the unknown that we can’t fully plan or predict, but we can prepare. Whether you are planning a home, birth center or hospital birth, having your first or subsequent child, hoping for an unmedicated birth, or still exploring your options, this class is for you.
You will learn how to remain present and connected no matter how labor unfolds; connected to yourself, your strength, your values, your partner and your baby.
Through a mix of insightful lessons, evidence-based information, mindfulness practice, movement and hands-on coping techniques, you will gain the skills, wisdom, and confidence needed to surrender in birth.
Classes are taught by Shannon Padlog, a seasoned birth doula, childbirth educator and mama.
Upcoming Classes
January 2025
Saturday 1/11, 10 am to 6 pm
** Just In Case Class - Saturday 1/18, 10 am to 6 pm
March 2025
Saturday 3/15, 10 am to 6 pm
** Just In Case Class - Saturday 3/22, 10 am to 6 pm
May 2025
Saturday 5/3, 10 am to 6 pm
** Just In Case Class - Saturday 5/10, 10 am to 6 pm
Class Info
Cost: $375 per family*
Format: In-person 1 day class, 8 hrs total
Location: Community Well (78 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco)
*I aim to serve as many families as possible and do not want cost to be the only barrier to attending a class! Please do not hesitate to inquire if you would like to sign up but the cost is prohibitive. Please fill out this sliding scale request form and I will follow up shortly via email.
**Since Shannon is on-call as a birth doula, the Just In Case Class is reserved in advance in case your teacher gets called to attend a birth and needs to postpone an originally scheduled class time. The chances of this happening are very low!
COVID POLICY FOR IN-PERSON CLASS: Masks are optional.
If you are experiencing, any cold/flu/COVID symptoms, please test prior to attending class. If you are sick or positive for COVID, you can attend the class virtually, or receive a recording.
When to Sign Up
Ideally, your class will start between 20 and 32 weeks and end before 38 weeks. Many parents prefer to finish their class around 34-37 weeks to allow time to incorporate what you gain into your birth and postpartum preparations, reduce anxiety, and positively influence your hormones and birthing mindset at the end of pregnancy.
Class Content
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Learn and practice breathing techniques and create helpful affirmations
Build confidence and trust in you and your baby’s innate birthing wisdom
Tools, tips, and props for creating a supportive birth environment
How to stay grounded and connected when labor looks different than you hoped
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Understand the signs that labor has begun and normal variation in how it unfolds
How the 3 Ps of birth work together - Passenger (baby), Passage (pelvis), Power (contractions)
Tips for each phase of labor - Early to active labor, transition, pushing and the immediate postpartum
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Prenatal practices for optimal fetal positioning
Positions, relaxation, rhythmic movement and mindset that help labor progress
Tried and true comfort measures for each phase of labor
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Understand current birth practices and protocols
How to ask questions, advocate for your wishes and make decisions in labor
Understand when interventions can be helpful
Review pain medication options
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Physical, mental, and emotional support for the laboring person
Practice labor massage and comforting touch techniques
Offering encouragement and staying present
Advocating for your preferences
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Helpful articles, videos, and practices to expand and deepen your preparation
Local resources and referrals
Preparing for postpartum
Template for creating your birth preferences (aka Birth Plan)
Access to a recording of each class
What Parents Are Saying
“Honestly, this was one of the best zoom activities I've done! I think utilizing all the mentioned tools in different activities was helpful in keeping it engaging throughout the whole session.”
"After taking this class I feel so resourced and ready to face this huge life transition to becoming a parent. It checked all the boxes of addressing fears, giving helpful information, and giving my partner and I guidance for how to work together."
“The connectedness the class brought my partner and I was a highlight. We are a close couple in general, but this was different. We have found a new part of ourselves with being more open about labor, parenthood and feeling more empowered for the journey ahead.”
“This was beautiful and helpful preparation for the birth of our second child and for our transition to parenting a newborn again. I felt so connected to my partner through this class, and also processed a lot of feelings I didn't even realize I was holding. It was nice to connect with other parents and feel the energy of community. I also really appreciate that the class was financially accessible to me. Thank you, Shannon!”
“I loved going from tentative to confident, and watching other students seem to experience a similar transformation. It was also great to get to meet other families and we were sad when the five weeks were over. Thank you for helping us feel so much more prepared!”
“I feel empowered and confident going into birth after taking Shannon’s class. It was enjoyable, comical and gave a sense of community with the other families present. Shannon is a gem and this class was well worth the time and money spent.”