Parenting begins from the moment of conception and childbirth is a milestone: an opportunity to draw on inner resources to experience this time as it is.
This is a prenatal class with a difference. While the basics covered in traditional prenatal classes are the foundation, mind-body tools are central themes in this practical and experiential series.
The 4-week series includes the following components:
- Stress response and its impact on pregnancy; birth and parenting; the nature of the “contraction”
- Stages and phases of labor, pain management options
- Traditional medical options (including C-section birth)
- Postpartum recovery and newborn care
Comfort measures will be practiced each class and will include: breathing for “contractions”, a guided relaxation strategy / labor technique, and mindful movement and labor postures.
This program is offered by Shelley Langmaid, a mother of three children who has been teaching childbirth classes in the Fredericton community since 2000. Since she began obstetrical training as part of her education at the Bathurst School of Nursing (1993-1995), Shelley has had a particular passion for family centered, holistic care. She received a Bachelor of Nursing degree from UNB Fredericton (2001). Shelley was certified in 2003 as a childbirth educator by the Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association (CAPPA) and has been a member of the CAPPA Canada faculty since 2007. Shelley is also a certified Roots of Empathy instructor and goes into schools with parents and their infants to teach school-age children emotional literacy. A long-time yoga practitioner, Shelley has also undergone training in yoga postures for pregnancy. She is currently enrolled in the on-line Mindful Motherhood professional training course offered by the Institute of Noetic Sciences. This research-based course teaches families simple mind-body coping strategies for pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Shelley’s overall education and experience reflect her passion for parenthood and empowerment.
This program will begin Friday May 16th and run weekly for four weeks ending June 6th. Each session is 2.5 hours from 6:30-9:00 and there will be an optional 5th session specifically oriented to parenting.
As with all Iris Center programs and yoga, this program is offered on a dana or generosity basis, the teacher providing the service and teaching out of her own generosity for the benefit of all. This program will have a base registration fee of $120 to cover the core operational costs and there will be opportunity for bursary assistance for those unable to meet the base fee. Your generous gift over the base fee is welcomed at the end of the program.
For more information or to register for the program please email Shelley at or call the Iris Center at 457-4747.